Best eSIM Czech Republic: compare, buy, and travel

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If you’re reading this, then you’re definitely looking for the easiest way to travel to the Czech Republic with a good internet connection and without extra roaming costs. Well, guess what? Today’s your lucky day! You might already be thinking of buying a Pocket WiFi or a traditional SIM card, but before you decide, we want to present eSIMs, a new way of traveling connected.

In this article, we will tell you everything about eSIMs, how they work, how to get them, and their benefits. We will also provide a list of the providers on the market and a comparison of their plans and prices because your trip to the Czech Republic should be as pleasant and satisfying as possible.

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Contents

What you should know about the eSIM  Czech Republic

The first thing you should know before purchasing an eSIM are the requirements, which are just a few. However, since eSIM technology is relatively new, some cell phones are incompatible.

  • Check that your cell phone is compatible with an eSIM and if your device is supported by the eSIM carriers. Currently, the iPhone XR or more recent models are preferred by the companies that provide the virtual SIM.
  • You must have an email to register and receive your eSIM.
  • To activate your eSIM you must have an internet connection because your eSIM profile will be downloaded from the operator’s servers, and then you’ll be able to scan the QR code or installation code.
  • Some providers will ask you to install their official app to download the eSIM.

In case your cell phone is incompatible with eSIMs, don’t worry, you can always purchase a cellular data plan through other traditional means, such as a SIM card with 10 GB or 12 GB for 30 days at $40.51 USD and $52.42, respectively, so that nothing stops your travel plans!

Cellphone providers of eSIM cards to travel to the Czech Republic

When you are certain that your cell phone is compatible, the next step is to get to know the providers that sell eSIM cards in the Czech Republic. You must consider that these companies sell international eSIMs to people who visit the country for business trips or leisure.

  • Holafly
  • TravelSIM
  • GigSky

Prices and data plans of eSIM providers to travel to the Czech Republic

The next thing is to check the plans and prices offered by these companies. Remember that the price variation can occur for different reasons like coverage, plans, or the payment methods available. Choose the best option according to your needs.

Holafly plans and prices

  • 3 GB for 7 days at $27
  • 5 GB for 15 days at $34
  • 8 GB for 20 days at $44
  • 10 GB for 30 days at $49

TravelSIM plans and prices

  • 5 GB for 14 days at $29.00
  • 10 GB for 14 days at $59.00

GigSky plans and prices

  • 1 GB for 15 days at $8.99
  • 1 GB for 30 days at $39.99
  • 5 GB for 30 days at $59.99

Comparison of eSIM providers for the Czech Republic

ProviderDataDaysPrice (USD)LanguageSales channels
Holafly3 GB7$27Spanish, English, German, and FrenchWeb
Holafly5 GB15$34Spanish, English, German, and FrenchWeb
Holafly8 GB20$44Spanish, English, German, and FrenchWeb
Holafly10GB30$49Spanish, English, German, and FrenchWeb
TravelSIM5 GB14$29.00Spanish, English, and FrenchWeb
TravelSIM10 GB14$59.00Spanish, English, and FrenchWeb
GigSky 1GB15$8.99EnglishWeb, App Store, Play Store
GigSky 5GB30$39.99EnglishWeb, App Store, Play Store
GigSky 5GB30$59.99EnglishWeb, App Store, Play Store
Table 1. Comparison of eSIM providers to connect to the internet in the Czech Republic

Features of the eSIM to travel to the Czech Republic

To get the most out of your virtual card, you must know the features of the eSIM cards to travel to the Czech Republic, since traditional physical SIM cards are very different, and therefore it’s important to know them.

  • Most eSIM cards don’t offer analog or voice calls, only data, but you can call others by voice using apps like Skype or WhatsApp.
  • They can be installed only once, so, if you are having problems with your eSIM card, don’t delete it from your cell phone, instead, contact your eSIM provider.
  • You will have a dual-SIM iPhone, as you will be able to keep your domestic SIM when you travel to the Czech Republic. Remember to set up your iPhone to avoid surprise invoices later!
  • Some eSIMs configure the APN automatically.
  • You can add multiple data plans on your iPhone, but this depends on the available memory, although it’s only possible to use one at a time.
  • Some eSIMs allow you to share data.

Coverage of the eSIM to travel to the Czech Republic

It’s important to know domestic provider coverage because the best eSIMs are those that have the largest number of roaming agreements with these companies. To help you, we include the maps of the main operators.

  • O2 Mobile
  • T-Mobile
  • Vodafone

O2 Mobile 4G coverage map in the Czech Republic

O2 Mobile coverage map in the Czech Republic
O2 Mobile coverage map in the Czech Republic. Source: O2

T-Mobile 4G coverage map in the Czech Republic

T-Mobile coverage map in the Czech Republic
T-Mobile coverage map in the Czech Republic. Source: T-Mobile

Vodafone 4G coverage map in the Czech Republic

Vodafone coverage map in the Czech Republic
Vodafone coverage map in the Czech Republic. Source: Vodafone

Local cellular operators offering eSIM in the Czech Republic

For people living in the Czech Republic who want an eSIM card or to change their traditional physical SIM card, we list below the cellular operators in the country that already have eSIM technology-enabled for their users. Keep in mind that these operators offer these eSIMs only to residents and not to travelers, although there are exceptions.

  • O2
  • T-Mobile
  • Vodafone

FAQ about eSIM in the Czech Republic

We hope that the information in this article has been useful to you. However, we have listed some common questions that travelers often have when planning their visit to the Czech Republic. 

What’s the difference between an international data eSIM and a local eSIM from the Czech Republic?

The local eSIM from O2 or Vodafone is mainly intended for people living in the Czech Republic. The Holafly or GigSky international eSIM for the Czech Republic is used to connect to the internet during your trips to the Czech Republic.

Do I need a passport to buy the Czech Republic eSIM card?

It’s not necessary to present a passport, but some providers do require your address. This applies only to the eSIM for tourists, and not to the eSIM offered by O2 or Vodafone, who will ask for your information.

Can I share data or do tethering with the eSIM in the Czech Republic?

Yes, eSIMs for the Czech Republic will allow you to share your data with other devices. However, we recommend confirming with the provider’s customer service.

How to activate the eSIM for the Czech Republic?

After installing the virtual SIM profile, you must select it as the default means of cellular data, activate data, and roaming and your virtual SIM will now work.

Do international prepaid eSIM cards expire?

Yes, like physical cards, virtual SIMs also have an expiration date.

When does the eSIM data plan start?

From the moment you activate your eSIM, by scanning the QR code on your phone.

What cell phones are compatible with the eSIM for the Czech Republic?

Cell phones compatible with the eSIM for the Czech Republic are increasing every day. Remember that if you live in a European or Latin American country and plan to travel to the Czech Republic, you must have a cell phone that is compatible with both eSIM and its bands. If you don’t, you will be left without service in this country, and you will be forced to rent or buy a new cell phone.

These are the cell phones in which you can install and activate an eSIM for the Czech Republic. Make sure the eSIM provider supports it: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20+ Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, and the Google Pixel 4a XL.

What is an eSIM or digital SIM?

The eSIM is the evolution of traditional SIM cards. It works due to a chip inserted inside the cell phone, which allows the profile to be stored and configured. To learn more, we encourage you to read: what is an eSIM and how it works.

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