Prepaid SIM - Czech Republic
Jun 4, 2013 | 5:41 pm
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2010
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Prepaid SIM - Czech Republic
Since I can't find a definite answer on here for the Czech Republic, Prague specifically, I decided to start a new thread.
Does anyone have info on a data sim card for Prague? I'll be there next week for a few days and have an iPhone 4s (micro sim) that I'm hoping to use while I'm there for data specific reasons. Unfortunately wifi wont be of much help so a sim card would be best. Specifically I was hoping to find the cheapest option I can pick up at the airport upon arrival with fast activation time (hopefully something under 50$?) I was hoping for at least 1 gig of data.
Thanks guys!
Does anyone have info on a data sim card for Prague? I'll be there next week for a few days and have an iPhone 4s (micro sim) that I'm hoping to use while I'm there for data specific reasons. Unfortunately wifi wont be of much help so a sim card would be best. Specifically I was hoping to find the cheapest option I can pick up at the airport upon arrival with fast activation time (hopefully something under 50$?) I was hoping for at least 1 gig of data.
Thanks guys!
Jul 17, 2013 | 10:48 am
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,408
Sorry that I am too late to help the OP, but I found the data SIM card offered by T-Mobile worked great in my Android unlocked smart phone (Verizon Samsung Note II). Cost the equivalent of $10 for 250 MB of data, and activation was a snap with the help of the T-Mobile store employee. The same can't be said for Vodaphone, who sold me a card that could not be activated; they refused to refund my money, so I need to take that up with Visa.
Unless you speak good Czech, I'd stay away from Vodaphone. Few of their staff spoke competent English (in a major Prague mall), and the text messages you receive directing the activation process are all in Czech.
I don't know whether a combo data/voice card is available in the Czech Republlic, since I didn't ask. But the A1 card I bought in Vienna for 10 euros gave me both 1 GB of data and something like 1000 minutes of voice. Unbelievable value there.
Unless you speak good Czech, I'd stay away from Vodaphone. Few of their staff spoke competent English (in a major Prague mall), and the text messages you receive directing the activation process are all in Czech.
I don't know whether a combo data/voice card is available in the Czech Republlic, since I didn't ask. But the A1 card I bought in Vienna for 10 euros gave me both 1 GB of data and something like 1000 minutes of voice. Unbelievable value there.
Jan 5, 2014 | 8:46 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 80
Vodafone as a shop right in the Schengen terminal just after you leave baggage control where obviously the people speak English so they'd be able to sell you the SIM and get it activated.
Otherwise in the CR you can buy a SIM or top up credit at any "Tabac", their word for mini-convience store that sells magazines, cigarettes, drinks. Plus of course all around the city center are shops for the major carriers, Vodafone, T-Mobile and a couple of others.
Unlike some countries, the reason you can get them in any shop is you don't need to have your personal data entered. One of the easiest places to get a SIM.
Otherwise in the CR you can buy a SIM or top up credit at any "Tabac", their word for mini-convience store that sells magazines, cigarettes, drinks. Plus of course all around the city center are shops for the major carriers, Vodafone, T-Mobile and a couple of others.
Unlike some countries, the reason you can get them in any shop is you don't need to have your personal data entered. One of the easiest places to get a SIM.
Sep 21, 2014 | 10:28 am
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 198
Data point:
I recently used O2 for several days in czech republic. I purchased the sim card on ebay in advance, as I was arriving in a smaller town (cesky krumlov) and wasn't sure I'd be able to easily find a card when I got there. Worked well, refilled from both a top-up card purchased in a convenience store, and also via an ATM machine. No issues using it in my huawei e586 mifi, coverage and speed were pretty good. All the text messages confirming the top-ups and plan selection where in czech, so it's helpful to have some other hotel/public wifi available to translate those when setting it up.
I recently used O2 for several days in czech republic. I purchased the sim card on ebay in advance, as I was arriving in a smaller town (cesky krumlov) and wasn't sure I'd be able to easily find a card when I got there. Worked well, refilled from both a top-up card purchased in a convenience store, and also via an ATM machine. No issues using it in my huawei e586 mifi, coverage and speed were pretty good. All the text messages confirming the top-ups and plan selection where in czech, so it's helpful to have some other hotel/public wifi available to translate those when setting it up.
Sep 21, 2014 | 3:02 pm
#5
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Off to Prague Saturday - used Vodafone last time IIRC, and found the cell coverage not so good. Will probably try T-Mobile this time.
More importantly, probably go for data plan as well.
Also, any info on using same SIM card / plan in Slovakia?
Sep 27, 2014 | 9:33 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 553
I'm going on a trip to Europe soon. I'll be starting in Prague but will also go to France and Germany.
Are there any prepaid SIM cards I can get with cheap talk/data roaming plans for Europe? I've done a lot of searching on the internet but can't get clear information -- seems like everyone has a different experience.
I'm mainly looking for data but would be great to have cheap calling just in case, though I don't anticipate making a ton of calls.
Are there any prepaid SIM cards I can get with cheap talk/data roaming plans for Europe? I've done a lot of searching on the internet but can't get clear information -- seems like everyone has a different experience.
I'm mainly looking for data but would be great to have cheap calling just in case, though I don't anticipate making a ton of calls.
Sep 27, 2014 | 8:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: EWR
Programs: UA 1k, AA EXP
Posts: 183
This is true. Data in prague is cheap. I think it's like $25 or 250 czech koruna for a sim which includes a ton of data. More than I can use in a 2 week trip.
Sep 29, 2014 | 7:48 am
#9
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O2 still has the best coverage in the country giving you good speed and coverage. 4G/LTE on 1800 Mhz is available for prepaid coverage map
Startup costsEdit
O2 stores will sell you a SIM card for around 300kr: O2 Store Locator with the same credit preloaded.These are all PIN protected and the PIN is printed on the frame you press the SIM out. To get your phone settings, text "IVMNASTAV" to 999555. You will receive an SMS shortly afterwards with details. If asked for a PIN code, use 12345 or 1234. Top up vouchers can be found at o2 stores, kiosks, petrol stations and supermarkets for CZK 200, 300 and 500.
Data packsEdit
All tarifs can add the same data packages, so the product lines only differ for calls and texts. You can add the following packages.
Internet on your mobile S: 50 MB in 7 days for CZK 50, activation code: IVMS
Internet on your mobile M: 375 MB in 7 days for CZK 90, activation code: IVMM
Internet on your mobile L: 3 GB in 30 days for CZK 550, activation code: IVML
internet on your mobile XL: 10 GB in 30 days for CZK 800, activation code: IVMXL
For activation text the code to 999111. The package will renew every week/month if there is enough credit. To disenable text DIV# (# = package size) to 999111.
The default rate outside of package is CZK 30 for 24 hours and 30 MB with the first hour charged a maximum of CZK 15. After reaching this or the package limit, speed will be reduced to 16 kbps.
Technical informationEdit
APN: "internet"
Check balance with *104*#
Generally standard SIM cards are available which can be cut to mini or nano SIM.
O2 doesn't allow tethering and disenable it on iOs. On Android phones it is possible. Other providers don't restrict.
Website (partly in english): o2 mobile internet
Startup costsEdit
O2 stores will sell you a SIM card for around 300kr: O2 Store Locator with the same credit preloaded.These are all PIN protected and the PIN is printed on the frame you press the SIM out. To get your phone settings, text "IVMNASTAV" to 999555. You will receive an SMS shortly afterwards with details. If asked for a PIN code, use 12345 or 1234. Top up vouchers can be found at o2 stores, kiosks, petrol stations and supermarkets for CZK 200, 300 and 500.
Data packsEdit
All tarifs can add the same data packages, so the product lines only differ for calls and texts. You can add the following packages.
Internet on your mobile S: 50 MB in 7 days for CZK 50, activation code: IVMS
Internet on your mobile M: 375 MB in 7 days for CZK 90, activation code: IVMM
Internet on your mobile L: 3 GB in 30 days for CZK 550, activation code: IVML
internet on your mobile XL: 10 GB in 30 days for CZK 800, activation code: IVMXL
For activation text the code to 999111. The package will renew every week/month if there is enough credit. To disenable text DIV# (# = package size) to 999111.
The default rate outside of package is CZK 30 for 24 hours and 30 MB with the first hour charged a maximum of CZK 15. After reaching this or the package limit, speed will be reduced to 16 kbps.
Technical informationEdit
APN: "internet"
Check balance with *104*#
Generally standard SIM cards are available which can be cut to mini or nano SIM.
O2 doesn't allow tethering and disenable it on iOs. On Android phones it is possible. Other providers don't restrict.
Website (partly in english): o2 mobile internet
Anyone try O2?
Sep 29, 2014 | 2:34 pm
#10
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Went to an O2 store to inquire about why only 34 Kcs for talk while lots of data available, and despite my fluent Czech didn't get a very good answer.
Oh well, haven't needed to make any calls, so all's well.
BTW, a little OT, but weather in Prague is PERFECT
Jan 6, 2015 | 3:35 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Posts: 17
Vodafone are now offering a Pre Paid Visitors SIM from any of their Czech stores
http://www.vodafone.cz/en/prepaid-ca...-for-visitors/
800CZK for 10GB of data valid for 30 days and unlimited calls within the Czech Republic
If you are a heavy data user, this is worth a look
http://www.vodafone.cz/en/prepaid-ca...-for-visitors/
800CZK for 10GB of data valid for 30 days and unlimited calls within the Czech Republic
If you are a heavy data user, this is worth a look
Feb 23, 2015 | 1:52 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1
Currently at Vodafone
According to independent speed measuring company, Vodafone has on average the fastest 3G and 4G network in Czech. http://www.dsl.cz/clanek/3237-namere...z-v-lednu-2015
It also has a dedicated foreigners website with offers just for them: http://www.vodafone.cz/visitors/. I can recommend to visit Vodafone's Prague airport store. Right at Terminal 2, a 3-minute walk from Terminal 1. The level of English has also enhanced at many other stores downtown and in other towns. http://www.vodafone.cz/en/about-vodafone/shops/
No experience with other providers. Enjoy Czech!
It also has a dedicated foreigners website with offers just for them: http://www.vodafone.cz/visitors/. I can recommend to visit Vodafone's Prague airport store. Right at Terminal 2, a 3-minute walk from Terminal 1. The level of English has also enhanced at many other stores downtown and in other towns. http://www.vodafone.cz/en/about-vodafone/shops/
No experience with other providers. Enjoy Czech!
Jul 28, 2015 | 3:41 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Online
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 23
Czech Republic Prepaid SIM
Was there in mid-July and visited the three carrier shops to evaluate the plans. O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone were in the Mall close to the Square in Prague so it was easy. All three carriers had "data only" SIMs for my iPhone 6. The Verizon iPhone is unlocked and so all I have to do is swap SIMs and I'm set.
I used O2 and was very pleased with the service at the shop and using it around Prague for a week.
O2's offer is 299 kc for 1.5 gb of 4G data. Coverage in Prague was great and it rarely switched to 3G. Maybe that happened twice in a week. It worked as well and although I forgot to check Speedtest, I never felt I was holding the phone long to pull up Google Maps. Only annoyance was that the prompts and messages they send you are in Czech and you can't change it to English.
TMo's offer is 300 kc for 500 mb of 4G data.
Vodafone was 400 kc for 1.5 mb of 4G data.
The exchange rate is about 25 kc per USD. No identification data was required to purchase the SIM.
Google Maps includes transit information for public transportation in Prague which was an added bonus. Loved being able to tram or subway all around the city. And we used Uber a few times, too! Not as many Ubers around in Prague so far but hoping it will continue to increase as they were much more affordable compared to the taxis.
I used O2 and was very pleased with the service at the shop and using it around Prague for a week.
O2's offer is 299 kc for 1.5 gb of 4G data. Coverage in Prague was great and it rarely switched to 3G. Maybe that happened twice in a week. It worked as well and although I forgot to check Speedtest, I never felt I was holding the phone long to pull up Google Maps. Only annoyance was that the prompts and messages they send you are in Czech and you can't change it to English.
TMo's offer is 300 kc for 500 mb of 4G data.
Vodafone was 400 kc for 1.5 mb of 4G data.
The exchange rate is about 25 kc per USD. No identification data was required to purchase the SIM.
Google Maps includes transit information for public transportation in Prague which was an added bonus. Loved being able to tram or subway all around the city. And we used Uber a few times, too! Not as many Ubers around in Prague so far but hoping it will continue to increase as they were much more affordable compared to the taxis.
Jul 29, 2015 | 1:11 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Posts: 17
Was there in mid-July and visited the three carrier shops to evaluate the plans. O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone were in the Mall close to the Square in Prague so it was easy. All three carriers had "data only" SIMs for my iPhone 6. The Verizon iPhone is unlocked and so all I have to do is swap SIMs and I'm set.
I used O2 and was very pleased with the service at the shop and using it around Prague for a week.
O2's offer is 299 kc for 1.5 gb of 4G data. Coverage in Prague was great and it rarely switched to 3G. Maybe that happened twice in a week. It worked as well and although I forgot to check Speedtest, I never felt I was holding the phone long to pull up Google Maps. Only annoyance was that the prompts and messages they send you are in Czech and you can't change it to English.
TMo's offer is 300 kc for 500 mb of 4G data.
Vodafone was 400 kc for 1.5 mb of 4G data.
The exchange rate is about 25 kc per USD. No identification data was required to purchase the SIM.
Google Maps includes transit information for public transportation in Prague which was an added bonus. Loved being able to tram or subway all around the city. And we used Uber a few times, too! Not as many Ubers around in Prague so far but hoping it will continue to increase as they were much more affordable compared to the taxis.
I used O2 and was very pleased with the service at the shop and using it around Prague for a week.
O2's offer is 299 kc for 1.5 gb of 4G data. Coverage in Prague was great and it rarely switched to 3G. Maybe that happened twice in a week. It worked as well and although I forgot to check Speedtest, I never felt I was holding the phone long to pull up Google Maps. Only annoyance was that the prompts and messages they send you are in Czech and you can't change it to English.
TMo's offer is 300 kc for 500 mb of 4G data.
Vodafone was 400 kc for 1.5 mb of 4G data.
The exchange rate is about 25 kc per USD. No identification data was required to purchase the SIM.
Google Maps includes transit information for public transportation in Prague which was an added bonus. Loved being able to tram or subway all around the city. And we used Uber a few times, too! Not as many Ubers around in Prague so far but hoping it will continue to increase as they were much more affordable compared to the taxis.
Everything AmynM said (including about the Trams and Uber) is the same as I found it.
On my last visit at Easter I visited Prague and Pilsen.
My work phone had my UK Vodafone SIM in it with roaming activated and my personal phone had an O2 CZ SIM that I bought off eBay in advance.
On both cases, coverage and speed was great regardless of where I was.
What I have found however is that for eurpoean countries, try visiting the country website of Vodafone or T-Mobile before you get there. Often they detect you from being from outside the country and take you to a tourist page with full details of PAYG deals you can buy on arrival.
It's good to see that the carriers are now realising that people visiting a country will buy local SIMs so are trying to make it easy
For example, here is the Vodafone CZ PAYG page, all in english and nice and clear
http://www.vodafone.cz/en/prepaid-cards/