Staying connected while exploring charming Czech cities and countryside is essential for both navigation assistance and keeping in touch with plans. With comprehensive 4G coverage throughout most of the country, fast download speeds in urban centers and convenient prepaid SIM options without contracts, O2 is an ideal mobile provider for travelers. This guide will provide everything you need to know about using O2 Czech SIM card.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about O2 Czech
O2 Czech Republic is a leading mobile operator in the country.
- Established: Founded in 2006 after the merger of Eurotel Praha and Český Telecom
- Full name: O2 Czech Republic a.s.
- Brand name: O2
- Services provided: Launched 2G services in 1991, 3G in 2005, 4G in 2012, and 5G in 2020
- Subscribers: Over 6 million mobile subscribers as of 2022
- Stores: Over 300 O2 branded stores and other retail partners across Czech
- Awards: Received “Operator of the Year” award multiple times
II. Why O2 When You’re Exploring Czech – Coverage and Speed
2.1 O2 Coverage in Czech
As seen on the coverage map above, O2 has strong statewide 4G LTE coverage across Czech. Their 4G signal reaches even remote and rural areas like the Krkonoše Mountains near the Polish border. O2’s 4G footprint covers over 99% of the population.
In cities like Prague, Brno, Ostrava and Plzeň, O2’s 4G coverage is excellent, providing fast and reliable service around most tourist sights and areas. Their network also extends along highways and rail lines connecting major cities and towns.
While 5G rollout is still in early stages, O2 does have 5G coverage in parts of Prague, Brno, Olomouc, České Budějovice and Ostrava. This makes O2 a good future-proof choice as 5G expands.
2.2 O2 Speed in Czech
In terms of 4G download speeds, O2 Czech offers a respectable experience. Broadband’s latest report shows O2 users seeing average LTE downloads of 60.95 Mbps. So, O2 is very nice for most travel usage like web browsing, video streaming, social media, and sending photos.
O2’s 4G upload speed of 19.89 Mbps is also competent and will handle sharing videos and photos without issue.
III. O2 Connectivity Options for Travelers to Czech
There are a few different options while visiting Czech:
O2 Connectivity Options
SIM Card | Pocket Wifi | Roaming | |
Pros | Affordable price | No need to swap SIMs | Use your home SIM |
Easy to swap between devices | |||
Cons | Only works on one device | Need to carry around | Very expensive |
Some setup required | Limited range | ||
Pickup/ drop-off required |
In most cases, getting an O2 Czech SIM card is the most convenient and cost-effective option when visiting the country.
IV. Best O2 Czech SIM Card for Tourists Cost
O2 Czech offers several prepaid SIM card plans aimed at tourists and visitors:
Plan Name | Data | Calls | SMS | Price (USD) |
GO Unlimited calls | 300 MB/day | Unlimited calls to CZ networks | - | $1.03/day |
GO 1 GB | 1 GB/30 days | 50 minutes to CZ networks | $0.08 each | $7.20/30 days |
GO 3 GB | 3 GB/30 days | 100 minutes and 25 SMS to CZ networks | $0.08 each additional SMS | $12.02/30 days |
GO 7 GB | 7 GB/30 days (also in EU zone) | - | - | $12.02/30 days |
For extensive travel around Czech lasting a week or longer, O2 SIM card is likely the top choice.
V. Does O2 Support eSIM in Czech?
Yes, O2 Czech Republic does offer eSIM support as of 2022. eSIM allows your device to connect to mobile networks without needing to insert a plastic SIM card. eSIM has several benefits:
- No need to get a nano-SIM
- Remote activation without visiting a store
- Ability to store multiple profiles for different countries
- Quickly switch between networks and plans
These O2 eSIM plans provide convenient short-term data you can activate before departing. With data eSIM plans starting at 249 CZK/month ($10.77) include unlimited data in the EU/EEA. or for short-term eSIM data bundles from 90 CZK ($3.89) for 5GB provide a pay-as-you-go option.
VI. Where can You Buy a O2 Czech SIM card and eSIM?
If you decide to get an O2 Czech physical SIM card during your trip, here are some options:
6.1 Where to Buy O2 Czech SIM card?
Upon Arrival O2 has SIM card vending machines at Vaclav Havel Airport Prague where you can conveniently purchase a tourist SIM after landing. These machines accept cash and credit cards 24/7. Prices start around 190 CZK ($8 USD).
O2 Stores You can also visit one of over 300 official O2 stores and resellers across Czech. Find a store location here. Bring your passport as ID to get a prepaid SIM card.
Other Retailers Major supermarkets like Albert and Globus stock O2 SIM cards. You may also find them at newsstands, petrol stations and phone shops like The Phone Store. Ask for a “O2 předplacená karta”.
6.2 Where to Buy O2 eSIM in Czech?
As O2 eSIM plans are aimed at Czech residents, visitors cannot directly purchase from O2’s website. Instead, the easiest way to get an O2 Czech eSIM as a tourist is through third-party eSIM providers like Czech eSIM.
Their eSIMs can be purchased online and digitally delivered with fast activation. Czech eSIM offers O2 Czech eSIMs starting from just 1GB if you only need data for a short trip. For longer stays, plans like 20GB for 30 days give you enough data at an affordable price.
Purchasing O2 Czech eSIM before departure eliminates the need to find and install a physical SIM card when you land. With digital delivery, you’ll have data connectivity available as soon as you touch down.
VII. How to Activate O2 Czech SIM card/eSIM in Czech?
7.1 How to Use O2 SIM Card in Czech?
Activating an O2 Czech SIM card is straightforward:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone
- Power on your device and wait for it to detect the new SIM card.
- The O2 SIM card should automatically configure and activate. A “Welcome” text message may come through to confirm activation.
- If you cannot connect right away, you may need to manually enter O2’s APN settings. The APN should be set up.
- Try loading a web page or running a speed test to verify your O2 service is correctly working.
Once setup, you can recharge credit and purchase a Czech data package directly from the O2 SIM card.
7.2 How to Activate O2 eSIM?
For O2 Czech eSIMs from providers like Czech eSIM, activation is very quick:
- Install eSIM
- Activate eSIM
- Set up the eSIM
- Strart using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up you can start using to make calls, send texts and access mobile data.
Please check the detaile instructions below:
Their chat support can assist if you run into any activation issues.
VIII. O2 Call SMS Rates
O2 Czech prepaid SIM cards have the following domestic call and text rates when adding credit:
Call & SMS Rates
Call Type | Czech Rate (CZK) | Approx. USD Rate |
Calls to Other O2 Numbers in Czech Republic | Free | Free |
Calls to Czech Landlines | 1-2 CZK/min | $0.04-0.08/min |
Calls to Other Czech Mobile Networks | 2-3 CZK/min | $0.08-0.12/min |
SMS Messages to Czech Numbers | 1 CZK/SMS | $0.04/SMS |
Calls Within EU/EEA (Roaming) | No extra charge | No extra charge |
Calls to International Numbers | 3-7 CZK/min | $0.12-0.28/min |
Rates are for prepaid SIMs without a data/talk/text package. Rates in CZK per minute/message. Convert to USD at approx. exchange rate of 1 CZK = $0.042 USD.
👉Tips: To reduce costs, use free messaging apps like WhatsApp when possible. For domestic calls, try apps like Skype or Google Voice which offer low international calling rates.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for O2 Czech SIM card/eSIM
Here are some useful USSD codes for checking your O2 Czech SIM status:
USSD Codes
USSD Code | Description |
*100# | Check account balance and validity |
*111# | Check data balance |
1261# | Check contract expiry date |
*144# | Check minutes/SMS balance |
*136# | Check network locking status |
*161# | Check handset IMEI number |
*163# | Check handset ICCID number |
*140# | Check call forwarding settings |
USSD codes are entered directly on your phone’s dial pad and activate network functions. They provide a quick way to monitor your prepaid credit and data without installing the O2 app.
X. How to Top-up O2 Czech SIM card/eSIM
There are a few easy ways to add more credit or high-speed data to your O2 Czech SIM/eSIM:
- Via Website Log into O2’s website using details from your SIM pack. You can recharge credit or purchase a data add-on with a credit card.
- Prepaid Top-Up Card Purchase O2 prepaid top-up voucher cards at supermarkets, petrol stations, newsstands and other retailers. Values range from 100 CZK to 1000 CZK. Scratch off the code and enter it on O2’s portal or dial *103*14DIGITCODE#.
- O2 Stores Visit any O2 shop and the staff can directly recharge or extend your SIM card’s credit and data allowance. Recharging regularly allows you to stay connected with data throughout your Czech trip. Avoid running out of high-speed allowance by topping up more as needed.
XI. FAQs about O2 in Czech
What is O2’s tourist SIM validity?
O2’s dedicated tourist SIMs like Travel Data XL are valid for 30 days. But you can also find prepaid SIMs with shorter 7 or 14 day validity periods.
Does O2 Czech SIM card have good rates for calls and texts?
O2’s primary tourist SIM cards focus on providing data rather than calling/texting. But their call rates start around CZK 1.90 per minute, and SMS texts are CZK 1.70 when adding credit.
Can I use mobile data throughout Czech with O2?
Yes, O2 has strong nationwide 4G coverage so you can stay connected with mobile data when traveling between major cities and rural areas. An O2 SIM card or eSIM provides reliable connectivity.
Is customer support available in English?
Yes, O2 has English-speaking customer support. You can use their online chat, call +420 840 040 040, or visit O2 stores. Help is available 24/7.
Can I use O2’s network across Europe?
O2 Czech prepaid SIMs and plans come with EU roaming. This allows you to use your data, calls and texts when traveling across most of Europe at no extra cost. Check O2’s roaming terms.
XII. Final Words
O2 makes for an excellent choice of mobile operator when exploring the Czech Republic as a visitor. Signing up for their prepaid service upon arrival or ordering an Czech eSIM online will keep you conveniently connected during your visit.