When you arrive at Prague Airport (Vaclav Havel Airport), one of the first things you’ll want to do is get connected so you can use your phone for navigation, looking up information, and staying in contact. Read on this guide to know where and how to buy SIM card at Prague Airport.

I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Prague Airport

There are a couple spots to buy a SIM card right after you land at Prague Airport:

1. Operator Stores

  • Opening hours: Daily 6:00am – 10:00pm
  • Location: Terminal 1 & 2 – arrival halls, after passing customs
  • Language Support: English, Czech
Operators Stores at Prague Airport
Operators Stores at Prague Airport

The Vodafone and O2 store have the widest selection of SIM card plans at Prague Airport. They offer prepaid SIMs with lots of data, unlimited Czech plans, and EU roaming packages. This is a good spot to compare all your options.

The staff speaks English and can help you choose the right SIM card and get it set up. Keep in mind their airport location is pricier than buying a SIM in the city.

Recommendation: We recommend stopping here if you want to get connected right away when you land.

2. Convenience Stores

  • Opening hours: Daily 6:30am – 10pm
  • Location: Throughout the terminals near departure gates
  • Language Support: English, Czech
Buying SIM card in Convenience Store at Prague Airport
Buying SIM card in Convenience Store

3. Automated Kiosks

  • Opening hours: 24/7
  • Location: Near baggage claim areas and some transit areas
  • Language Support: English, Czech
Automated Kiosks at Prague Airport
Automated Kiosks at Prague Airport

There are also several smaller SIM card providers like Mobil.cz located in the arrivals area. But for the best selection, we recommend sticking to the main Vodafone or O2 stores when you first land.

While purchasing a SIM card at Prague Airport offers tourists the convenience of getting connected as soon as they arrive, waiting until reaching the city center is often a better option in terms of value. Please check our guide about How to get a SIM card in Prague for more.

II. SIM Card at Prague Airport Options and Costs

Here are the major Czech SIM card options available and roughly how much you can expect to pay for SIM card at Prague Airport:

SIM Card Options

Operator Product Included Data Validity Price in CZK Price in USD
O2 Starter SIM 2GB 30 days 99Kč $4
O2 Travel SIM 5GB 30 days 249Kč $10
Vodafone Starter SIM 300MB, 50Kč credit - 149Kč $6
Vodafone Travel SIM 5GB 30 days 299Kč $12
T-Mobile Welcome SIM 5GB 30 days 249Kč $10
T-Mobile Travel SIM 15GB 30 days 399Kč $16

A few things to keep in mind when buying your Czech SIM:

  • Airport prices are higher than buying in the city – expect to pay 20-30% more at the airport stores.
  • You may need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card.
  • Not all providers may offer the ability to call internationally. Check if this is important for your trip.
  • You can top-up or purchase add-ons for most SIMs during your trip.
  • SIM card and data packages above are for the Czech Republic only. EU roaming packages cost extra.

For the shortest stay, the O2 1.5GB SIM card is a good option. For longer trips where you’ll use lots of data, go for a Vodafone 5GB or Unlimited Data SIM.

III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Prague Airport

To make the process smooth, be sure you have the below ready when purchasing your Czech SIM:

  • Passport – Often the stores will ask to see your passport to match with the SIM registration.
  • Unlocked Phone – Your phone cannot be locked to a specific network back home. It needs to accept different SIMs.
  • Czech Currency – Have some Czech crowns (CZK) on hand for paying for your SIM card and credits right away. Alternatively, most stores accept credit cards.

With those items ready, buying a SIM card after you land in Prague will be quick and easy!

IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Prague Airport

Another option instead of a physical SIM card is using an eSIM for your Czech data. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is installed directly on your phone. With an eSIM you can avoid finding and swapping SIM cards in each country.

The top benefits of using an eSIM for international data include:

  • Convenience – eSIMs are ready to use instantly. No need to go find a SIM card provider.
  • Multiple Plans – You can have plans for different countries simultaneously with an eSIM.
  • Flexibility – Change or cancel plans through an app without swapping SIMs.

One of the top Czech eSIM providers is czechesim.com from GIGAGO. Their Czech eSIM plans start around $5 USD for 1GB of data for 3 days. Let’s see some their plans: 

Czech eSIM plans
Czech eSIM plans

V. FAQs

Can I buy a SIM card late at night at Prague Airport?

Yes, the Vodafone store is open from 6am – 10pm daily. So you can purchase a late night SIM if you arrive on a late flight.

What are the operating hours for SIM card stores at Prague airport?

The Vodafone and O2 stores are open daily from very early morning (around 6am) until 10pm at night. Smaller providers may have more limited hours.

Can I pay with credit card for the SIM card?

Yes, major credit cards are widely accepted. Some smaller shops may only take cash. The main Vodafone and O2 stores accept all major cards.

How long does it take to set up the SIM card?

The activation process is generally pretty quick, within 10-15 minutes in most cases. Occasionally it can take longer during busy periods in the store.

VI. Final Tips

In summary, purchasing a local SIM card at Prague Airport for your phone is the best way to get affordable cell service during your visit to the Czech Republic. Alternatively, you should consider using CzecheSIM for international data coverage. Though eSIMs currently don’t support calls or texts to local numbers.