Prague SIM Card & eSIM Guide | Stay Connected 2026

Having mobile data in Prague changes your trip. Real-time navigation through the winding streets of Malá Strana, checking tram arrivals on the DPP app, translating a Czech menu, or simply sharing photos without hunting for cafe Wi-Fi. The good news: getting connected in Prague is straightforward and affordable, whether you buy a physical SIM at the airport or activate an eSIM before you land.

This guide covers every option — from airport SIM kiosks to eSIM providers to free Wi-Fi — so you can choose based on your trip length, phone type and budget.

Airport SIM Options

Prague Vaclav Havel Airport (Terminal 1 and 2) has SIM card kiosks and shops in the arrivals halls. The main providers with airport presence are:

Vodafone operates a dedicated shop in Terminal 2 arrivals. Tourist SIM cards include data, calls and texts for a fixed period. A typical tourist plan offers 10 to 20 GB of data for 7 to 30 days, priced at 300 to 600 CZK (roughly €12 to €24, as of 2026). Activation is handled by staff — you'll need your passport.

T-Mobile and O2 SIMs are available at airport convenience stores and newsagents. Pre-loaded tourist SIMs with data are common. Prices and data amounts are comparable to Vodafone.

Insider detail: Airport SIM prices carry a premium over city-centre shops. If your phone works on Wi-Fi and you're comfortable navigating to a city-centre store, you can save 20 to 30 percent by buying a SIM at a provider's regular shop. T-Mobile and O2 both have stores on Na Prikope street, a 5-minute walk from Mustek metro.

T-Mobile vs O2 vs Vodafone — Tourist Plans

All three Czech operators cover Prague comprehensively with 4G/LTE, and 5G is expanding in central areas. For a tourist visit, the differences are minor. Here's what matters:

T-Mobile Czech Republic typically offers the most flexible tourist SIM options with clear pricing. Their tourist packs range from 7-day to 30-day validity. Data speeds are reliable throughout central Prague and on trains to major destinations.

O2 Czech Republic has strong coverage and competitive pricing. Their pre-paid SIMs are widely available at supermarkets (Albert, Billa) and electronics stores, not just O2 shops.

Vodafone Czech Republic has the strongest airport presence and English-speaking staff at their airport shop. This matters if you want to be connected immediately upon landing.

Practical comparison: For a 3 to 5 day visit, a 7-day tourist SIM with 5 to 10 GB costs roughly 200 to 400 CZK across all three providers. For a week or more, look at 30-day plans with 10 to 20 GB for 400 to 600 CZK. These prices are approximate and change — check provider websites before travel.

Insider detail: Czech prepaid SIMs require identity registration by law. You'll need to show your passport when purchasing. Airport shops handle this routinely. City shops may have staff with limited English — pointing at the tourist SIM display and presenting your passport usually works.

eSIM — The No-Queue Option

If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XR and later, most Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3a+), you can be connected before your plane lands. No shop visit, no queue, no passport scan.

Holafly offers European eSIM plans with unlimited data in the Czech Republic and 30+ other EU countries. Plans range from 5-day to 30-day validity. Pricing starts around €6 for 5 days. Data is unlimited but speed may be throttled after heavy usage. Setup takes 5 minutes — scan a QR code, download the profile, activate.

Airalo offers Czech Republic-specific eSIMs with set data amounts (1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB) at lower prices than Holafly — starting around €4.50 for 1 GB, 7-day validity. Good for short trips with moderate data needs.

Nomad eSIM provides similar Czech and European options with straightforward pricing.

Insider detail: eSIM data plans typically provide data only — no Czech phone number for calls or texts. For most visitors this is fine (WhatsApp, Messenger and email work on data). If you need a local Czech number for restaurant reservations or taxi services, a physical SIM is better.

Which Option for Your Trip Length

Weekend trip (2 to 3 days): eSIM with 1 to 3 GB from Airalo. Cheapest, fastest setup, no queue. Use hotel Wi-Fi for heavy downloads.

One week: eSIM with 5 to 10 GB from Holafly or Airalo. Or a physical tourist SIM from the airport. Either works — eSIM saves the airport stop.

Two weeks or more: Physical SIM from T-Mobile or O2 with a 30-day plan (10 to 20 GB). The per-gigabyte cost is lower than eSIM for extended stays. Or Holafly unlimited for EU-wide coverage if travelling to other countries.

EU roaming note: If you have a mobile plan from an EU country, your existing plan includes roaming in the Czech Republic at domestic rates (EU roaming regulation). UK visitors lost this after Brexit — check with your provider for Czech roaming charges.

Free Wi-Fi in Prague

Prague has decent free Wi-Fi coverage, though quality varies:

Hotels and hostels: Nearly universal. Quality ranges from excellent (modern hotels) to barely functional (some older properties). Check reviews if Wi-Fi matters to you.

Cafes and restaurants: Most cafes in central Prague offer free Wi-Fi. Speed is usually adequate for messaging and browsing. Video calls may struggle during busy hours. Ask staff for the password — it's almost always available.

Prague Metro: Free Wi-Fi is available on some metro stations and in newer metro cars. Coverage is inconsistent and speeds are moderate.

Public spaces: Some squares and parks have municipal Wi-Fi (look for "Praha Wi-Fi Free" network). Signal strength varies.

Insider detail: For reliable, fast Wi-Fi in a comfortable setting, Prague's specialty coffee shops generally have the best connections. Places that cater to laptop workers (like Cafe Jedna in Holesovice or the Library cafe on Malostranske namesti) invest in proper broadband.

A Connected Trip

With mobile data sorted, Prague's digital infrastructure works for you. The Litacka app handles all public transport tickets — buy, validate and ride without touching a ticket machine. Mapy.cz (Czech-made mapping app) has the most accurate maps of Prague, including walking routes through parks and passages that Google Maps misses. Google Translate with the Czech language pack downloaded works offline for menus and signs.

For a deeper Prague experience beyond your phone screen, our All Prague in One Day tour pairs you with a private guide who knows the stories behind every street. And our Medieval Dinner Show is an evening where phones go away voluntarily — fire dancers and unlimited mead have that effect.

Browse all our private tours. Just your group, no strangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a SIM card in Prague?

Not strictly, but having mobile data makes navigation, transport and communication significantly easier. Free Wi-Fi exists but is unreliable for real-time needs. A SIM or eSIM is a small investment that improves the trip considerably.

Can I use my phone in Prague without a local SIM?

EU residents can roam on their home plan. US, UK, Canadian and Australian visitors should check roaming rates — they can be expensive. A local SIM or eSIM is almost always cheaper than international roaming for non-EU visitors.

How much does a tourist SIM cost in Prague?

Expect 200 to 600 CZK (roughly 8 to 24 EUR) depending on data amount and validity period. eSIMs start from about 4.50 EUR for 1 GB. All options are affordable relative to the convenience they provide.

Does Prague have good mobile coverage?

Excellent. 4G/LTE covers virtually all of Prague and major transport routes. 5G is expanding in central areas. Coverage on trains to popular day-trip destinations (Karlstejn, Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov) is generally strong, with occasional gaps in rural tunnels.

Prague SIM Card and eSIM — Staying Connected as a Visitor