Staying connected during your trip to the Czech Republic is easy if you know your options. From free city Wi-Fi and SIM cards to eSIM apps and portable hotspots, there’s a solution for every travel style. Below is a comprehensive guide to internet access in Prague and beyond.
Hotel and Accommodation Wi-Fi
Most hotels, apartments, and hostels in Prague provide free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and common areas. Mid-range and higher-end hotels often have strong connections in all rooms, while some budget hostels may limit coverage to common spaces.
Traditional pensions or rural guesthouses may have slower speeds or limited coverage, though common areas such as dining rooms typically have better reception.
💡 Tip: In older historical buildings, thick walls can block signals. If you’re staying in the city centre, ask in advance whether the signal reaches your room.
Wireless (Wi-Fi) Hotspots
Public Wi-Fi is widely available in Prague, especially in areas frequented by tourists:
- Václav Havel Airport Prague – free unlimited Wi-Fi with simple web-based login.
- Major railway stations – free Wi-Fi at Praha hlavní nádraží, Praha-Smíchov, and Brno hlavní nádraží.
- Shopping malls – Palladium, Westfield Chodov, Nový Smíchov all have free high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Cafés and fast food chains – Starbucks, Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, KFC offer stable connections.
- Museums and attractions – Many, including the National Museum and DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, have visitor Wi-Fi.
Free Public Wi-Fi
The city of Prague and private providers maintain numerous open networks:
- Prague.eu_Free – Operated by Prague City Tourism; available at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and selected parks.
- ČD Wi-Fi – Free Wi-Fi on Czech Railways trains and in many stations.
- PID Wi-Fi – Available on selected trams and buses.
These networks may require a one-time login via a web browser. Connection speeds vary depending on user load.
Paid Wi-Fi Hotspots
While less common than free options, paid hotspots can be found at:
- Conference and exhibition centres (e.g., Prague Congress Centre)
- Co-working spaces (Impact Hub, Opero, WeWork)
- Long-distance buses (RegioJet, FlixBus) offering premium, higher-speed tiers
Expect to pay 50–100 Kč/day for premium access in paid zones.
Mobile Internet: SIM and eSIM Cards
For constant connectivity without relying on public networks, a local SIM or eSIM is the most flexible option.
Local Czech Providers
T-Mobile Czech Republic
- Tourist SIM with 10 GB for ~800 Kč
- Valid for 30 days
- eSIM available in stores and online
O2 Czech Republic
- Data SIMs from ~150 Kč per GB
- Tourist packages with 3–10 GB
- eSIM supported, activation in shops or online
Vodafone Czech Republic
- Unlimited data packages for set periods (e.g., 7 days)
- eSIM available via retail stores
Where to buy:
- Airport kiosks (most expensive)
- Official brand stores in Prague
- Electronics shops (Datart, Alza, Electro World)
- Selected Relay and Trafika newsstands
💡 Example: O2’s 10 GB tourist SIM valid for 30 days costs ~800 Kč and includes local call/SMS credit.
SIM & eSIM Options for the Czech Republic (Prague)
| Provider / Service | Type | Data Allowance | Validity | Price Range (CZK) | Where to Buy / Activate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile CZ | Local SIM / eSIM | 10 GB | 30 days | ~800 Kč | T-Mobile stores, airport kiosks | Includes local call/SMS credit |
| O2 CZ | Local SIM / eSIM | 3–10 GB | 30 days | 350–800 Kč | O2 stores, electronics shops | Good nationwide coverage |
| Vodafone CZ | Local SIM / eSIM | Unlimited (fair use) | 7–30 days | 500–1,000 Kč | Vodafone stores, select newsstands | Fast speeds in major cities |
| Saily | International eSIM | 1 GB–Unlimited | 3–30 days | ~100–1,200 Kč | Online (Saily app) | Europe-wide coverage |
| Airalo (“Czecha” plan) | International eSIM | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | ~90–900 Kč | Online (Airalo app) | Instant setup, tethering allowed |
| Nomad | International eSIM | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | ~100–850 Kč | Online (Nomad app) | EU roaming included |
| Holafly | International eSIM | Unlimited | 5–30 days | ~700–1,500 Kč | Online (Holafly website/app) | Unlimited data, hotspot restrictions may apply |
💡 Tip for choosing:
- Short trips (<1 week) → International eSIM for instant setup.
- Longer stays (>2 weeks) → Local SIM for better value per GB.
- Group travel → Pocket Wi-Fi rental to share data between devices.
International eSIM Services
If you prefer to set up your connection before arrival, these eSIM services offer instant activation and no physical card:
- Saily – Europe-wide eSIM plans with Czech coverage; 1 GB to unlimited, 3–30 days.
- Airalo – “Czecha” plan from 1 GB to 20 GB, valid 7–30 days; instant setup via app.
- Nomad – EU-focused plans with competitive rates; supports tethering.
- Holafly – Unlimited data plans for 5–30 days; Czech Republic coverage.
💡 Tip: Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-compatible (iPhone XS or newer, most modern Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices).
Pocket Wi-Fi (Mobile Hotspots)
Portable Wi-Fi routers create your own wireless network for multiple devices. They connect to local 4G/LTE and are ideal for groups or travellers with multiple devices.
Where to rent:
- Václav Havel Airport pick-up points
- Hotel delivery
- Services like Tep Wireless and Rent ’n Connect
Average rental: 150–250 Kč/day with unlimited data.
💡 Tip: Carry a USB power bank if you use a hotspot for long days — battery life is usually 6–10 hours.
International Roaming
- EU/EEA residents: Use your home plan in the Czech Republic without extra roaming charges under the EU “Roam Like at Home” rules (fair use policy applies).
- Non-EU visitors: Roaming fees vary; check with your carrier. Some global plans (e.g., T-Mobile US Magenta) include limited EU roaming.
Internet Cafés and Co-working Spaces
Internet cafés are rare in Prague, but co-working spaces are popular and offer reliable high-speed internet, desks, and amenities.
Day pass prices: 200–500 Kč
Popular options:
- Impact Hub (multiple locations)
- Locus Workspace
- Work Lounge (several locations, stylish interiors)
- Opero (premium central workspace)
Tips for Staying Connected
- Always use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to protect your data.
- Carry small change if buying transport tickets from vending machines — some older ones don’t take cards.
- Many Prague trams and buses have USB charging ports.
- If you rely heavily on maps/navigation, ensure your SIM/eSIM plan includes enough high-speed data.