This guide helps travelers learn about their internet choices, covering how roaming works, its costs, and alternatives like eSIM, so you can pick the best option without overspending.
Buying O2 SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists: Guide to Get and Activate 2024
O2 is one of Czech Republic’s leading cellular networks due to its reliable coverage across the country. With O2 SIM cards and eSIM, travelers to the Czech Republic will have a wonderful option for mobile services to make phone calls, send texts, and use cell data for social media, navigation, and travel apps. This guide will uncover the best SIM plans, prices, how to buy and use O2 SIM cards and eSIM options for the best travel experience in Czech.
In this article
I. Overview about O2 – What you need to know
O2 is the second-largest mobile network operator in Czech that tourists can purchase a Czech sim card. (led by T-Mobile and followed by Vodafone).
- Founded: in 2006, in Prague through a merger of two companies called Český Telecom and Eurotel.
- Full company name: O2 Czech Republic
- Types of services: mobile service, home internet, cable TV, business solutions, and phone lines. It is currently operating over 6 million lines (both fixed and mobile)
- Coverage: widespread 4G/5G coverage across Czech, scoring 9.6 out of 10 (OpenSignal, 2024)
- Distribution: There are estimated to be hundreds of O2 stores nationwide for help
- Customer support: 24/7 via phone call or online chat in Czech and English
II. O2 Coverage in Czech
- O2 ranks second for cellular network coverage (1st-T-Mobile and 3rd-Vodafone)
- O2’s robust 4G/5G networks cover most major cities like Prague and Brno
- Coverage may be less reliable in poorly populated rural regions far from urban centers.
III. O2 Speed in Czech
- Average download speed: 37.2Mbps, the second-fastest, led by T-Mobile (49.4Mbps) and followed by Vodafone (30.1Mbps)
- Average upload speed: 16.0Mbps, the second-fastest, led by T-Mobile (17.8Mbps) and followed by Vodafone(12.7Mbps)
- Consistent quality: 74.1%
► Generally, O2 offers reliable and broad network coverage across Czech and decent data speeds. Travelers visiting Czech may make good use of O2’s cellular networks during their vacations.
IV. Does O2 have eSIM in Czech?
Yes. O2 offers eSIM (digital SIM/ embedded SIM) built into eSIM-supported cell devices. eSIM allows tourists to use a data plan without a regular plastic SIM.
- Convenience: eSIMs allow you to set up a local plan digitally before your trip. No need to find a store to purchase a physical SIM card.
- Flexibility: You can easily switch between multiple eSIM profiles right from your device settings. It is helpful if you travel between countries.
- Reliability: Large carriers like O2 have nationwide coverage across the Czech Republic ensuring seamless connectivity anywhere.
- Security: There is no physical SIM card to lose or get damaged. Profiles are securely stored on your device’s embedded chip.
V. Top O2 SIM Cards for Travelers & Cost
Here are some of the best O2 SIM cards for tourists to the Czech Republic:
Data | Validity | Cost |
1 GB of data | 30 days | CZK 179 – USD 7.53 |
3 GB of data | 30 days | CZK 299 – USD 12.59 |
15 GB of data + 50 CZK calling credit | 30 days | CZK 299 – USD 12.59 |
Note: For the most updated details on O2 SIM cards, please check the O2’s official website.
VI. Where to Buy O2 SIM cards for Czech
1. Upon arrival at Prague Airport
Visitors can get O2 SIM cards at Prague Airport – Relay convenience store in Terminal 1 & 2, near departure gates.
- Pros: convenient, immediate Internet when you arrive in Czech
- Cons: airport prices are more expensive than online or in the cities
2. O2 stores
O2 has a range of stores offering SIM card plans so it is very easy for visitors to get a suitable SIM plan. These shops provide many O2 SIM cards with reasonable pricing.
- Pros: widely available across cities in Czech, competitive rates, a wide range of O2 SIM plans to choose from
- Cons: need to locate and then commute to the locations
Pro Tips:
- Only unlocked devices accept O2’s network, make sure that your smartphone is unlocked.
- Prepare your passport/ ID card and CZK cash/ debit card for O2 SIM purchase and registration.
VII. Where to Get O2 eSIM for Czech?
1. Directly from O2
Tourists to Czech can purchase O2 eSIM via:
- Online service on O2’s official website
- Use My O2 app
- Visit the nearest O2 store
2. GIGAGO – Trusted third-party eSIM provider
Gigago is a prestigious worldwide eSIM reseller that offers convenient eSIM plans from O2. With Gigago’s eSIM services, tourists can access O2’s broad 4G/5G network without an identity check.
Gigago eSIM plans for Czech are very competitive, starting at only $3.00 for 1GB in 3 days and vary between $3.00 – $95.90 , much more affordable than international roaming services. No matter how long your Czech trip is and how much GB of data you need, Gigago always has an option that works well for you.
Pro Tips:
- Before signing up for an O2 eSIM for Czech, confirm if your device supports eSIM.
- Select a data-only package if you use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram for texting and calling.
VIII. How to Top-up O2 SIM/eSIM
Tourists can top up their O2 SIM cards/ eSIM via these two channels:
Online Top-up
- Choose the “Top-up” section on the O2 website/ My O2 app to top up your O2 SIM
- Make payment (debit/ credit card)
Physical Top-up
- Get to the O2 store/ authorized dealers to top-up your account
- Select an amount and show your phone number to top up
- Make payment (CZK cash/credit card)
IX. FAQs about O2 SIM Cards and eSIM in Czech
Can I use my O2 SIM card outside of the Czech Republic?
O2 SIM cards only include data allowance for use within the Czech Republic. However, international roaming can be enabled to use the SIM card abroad for an additional fee.
Is it easy to purchase an O2 eSIM before arriving?
Yes, O2 eSIMs can be conveniently purchased online before traveling. This eliminates the need to find an O2 store and allows digital activation simply by scanning a QR code.
What languages does O2 customer support provide?
O2 customer support is available 24/7 in both Czech and English languages via their call center and online channels.
X. Conclusion
In summary, O2 SIM cards and eSIM provide convenient and affordable options for travelers visiting the Czech Republic to stay connected. Whether getting a physical O2 SIM card upon arrival or downloading an eSIM beforehand, both allow for reliable cellular service via O2’s extensive nationwide networks. Remember to choose the O2 SIM plan that best aligns your travel needs and trip duration.