The Czech phone system doesn’t use area codes, so in order to make a call inside the Czech Republic; you only need to dial the 9-digit local number. Calling abroad requires dialing the international access code (00), the country code (for instance, 44 for UK, 31 for Netherlands, 1 for USA or Canada), and then the number.

Ways of making a call in the Czech Republic, including Prague

Phone calls inside the Czech Republic and abroad can be made using one of the following ways:

1. Pay phone. Most public pay phones in Czech Republic can be activated by insertable telephone cards, as part of them are activated by coins. Both types of payphones can be found easily in any location in Prague or outside of it. To activate the phone, one needs to take the earpiece off the hook, insert a card or a suitable coin, wait for a dial tone and then dial the phone number. Insertable telephone cards can be purchased at newsstands, at the post office, in department stores, hotels, money exchange offices, etc.

2. International phone cards. These cards are not inserted into the phone. The code that appears on the card should be dialed to receive an automatic voice message, and then you will have to scratch to reveal a number you’ll have to dial followed by the target number. International telephone cards can be purchased at newsstands as well, at the post office, in department stores, hotels, money exchange offices, etc. Their major upside compared to the insertable telephone cards is the tariff – in the overseas calls they are supposed to be much cheaper.

3. Xcall – a budget 24-hour service provided by SPT Telecom for international calls is made using a fixed telephone line or a pay phone (but not mobile phone). To use this service, one should dial 970 before the 00 access code. Using Xcall service in the Czech Republic, one can access Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the USA.

4. Hotel room phones. Keep in mind that the overseas calls using hotel room phones can be surprisingly expensive, so checking phone tariffs prior to making overseas calls from your hotel is highly recommended. To lower the costs of a call abroad from your hotel, one can use the international phone cards mentioned above.

5. Mobile phone from outside of Europe. Every tri band or quad band mobile phone that operates on the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequency can be used in the Czech Republic, unless the call plan in the country of origin prevents it. The main downside of using the non-European phone is the high price (notice that the international cell phone owner is required to pay for incoming calls as well). However, the cost can be lowered using a prepaid Czech SIM Card.

6. European mobile phone, is supposed to be a more convenient way to make phone calls in the Czech Republic. If you’re coming from outside of Europe and don’t have a European phone, you can purchase it for approx. 130$. This type of phone can be operated in most European countries once you buy a local chip for approx. 30$ per country. If you plan to visit only the Czech Republic, you can buy a cheaper phone that can’t be operated outside the country. The main three companies that operate in the Czech Republic are:

a. Eurotel (the first three digits of the phone number are: 601, 602, 606, 607, 720-729).

b. T-Mobile (the first three digits of the phone number are: 603, 604, 605, 730-739).

c. Vodafone (the first three digits of the phone number are: 608, 770-779).

Czech SIM card (available in the Czech Republic) can be used efficiently with an international cell phone (SIM unlocked GSM 900 or GSM 1800). SIM card is a chip that is physically inserted into the phone. The card should be inserted with its metal part facing down to make a connection between it and the phone’s SIM tray, which is located under the cell phone battery. After inserting the card, one should enter the 4 digits PIN code that appears on the SIM Card holder.

Czech SIM Card: Advantages

Czech SIM card is prepaid; in other words, its owner pays for the calls ahead and doesn’t receive a phone bill. Once the talk time is used up, one can continue to receive incoming calls, and/or add more talk time. More talk time can be added to the SIM card by purchasing recharge card and entering the scratch to reveal PIN number.

Using the Czech SIM prepaid card, you are not required to pay for the incoming calls, regardless of their origin. In addition to that, all the local calls are made for local rates.

While calling inside the Czech Republic, the SIM card user should dial the regular 9-digit number. To call abroad, one should to dial a 00 access code, then the country code, the area code and the target number.

Using abroad I-call service is supposed to be less expensive. To use this service, one should dial 1042, then the country code, the area code and the target number.

Czech SIM Card: How to Recharge The Card

The Czech SIM card can be recharged in four ways:

1. Twist Recharge Coupons. These coupons are available in numerous mobile phones shops and department stores and cost from 400 CZK to 800 CZK and up to 2000 CZK. To use this coupon, one should dial 102 from the cell phone, enter the scratch to reveal a 12 or 14 digit code, press # and the send key and check incoming SMS confirmation.

2. SAZKA terminal. To recharge the phone at SAZKA terminal, one should fill a recharging ticket (to choose the option “Twist Recharging”, fill in the phone number and the amount of money to be recharged) and return the ticket to the clerk.

3. CCS Terminal. Recharging can be made using a CCS card or cash at selected gas stations, and can cost from 200 CZK to 9999 CZK.

4.Remote recharge. To recharge from a remote location, one should dial 603124602 from the Czech Republic or +420603124602 from abroad, enter the phone number that needs to be recharged plus the # key and check incoming SMS confirmation.

To check the credit, one should enter *101# and hit the “send” key. The remaining credit will show on the display.

Getting to Prague by Flight

Prague Ruzyne (Ruzyně) International Airport is situated about 12 miles northwest of the city. Ruzyne Airport serves dozens of international air companies from more than 100 destinations around the world, including most major cities in Europe, and also from some North American, African and Asian destinations.

There are many ways to get to Prague from the airport:

1. Regular shuttle. Shuttle minibuses leave from Ruzyne Airport to Prague (V Celnici street) every half an hour from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. The price tariffs are as follows:

a. 90 CZK for one-way ticket to V Celnici Street or back.

b. 60 CZK for one-way ticket to Dejvická metro station or back.

c. Free of charge for children under the age of 10 accompanied by adults.

The trip takes about 30 minutes. Tickets are available on board.

2. Taxi. Taxicabs can be found across following arrival halls: Terminal North 1 (exit D) and Terminal North 2 (exit E). The price tariffs are as follows: 34 CZK as a starting rate, 25 CZK per 1 kilometer and 5 CZK for 1 minute waiting.

3. Special Minibus 24-hour Service – private minibus to any destination in Prague and outside of Prague. The basic price tariffs are as follows:

a. 480 CZK for group up to 4 people to one destination in Prague’s center.

b. 960 CZK for group up to 8 people to one destination in Prague’s center.

c. 960 CZK for group of 1-8 people to one destination outside Prague’s center.

4. Public Transportation. Routes 100 and 119 are the quickest way to get to Prague’s center. Bus № 100 leaves from Terminal North 1 and Terminal North 2 and arrives at Zličín (metro line B) within approx. 15-25 minutes. Bus № 119 leaves from Terminal North 1 and Terminal North 2 and arrives at Dejvická (metro line A) within approx. 20-30 minutes. The buses depart every 10 minutes from 4:30 am to 11:30 pm. The tickets cost 12 CZK and are available at the newsstand or at the yellow apparatus at the bus stop.

5. Night bus. If you arrive in the airport at night, you can use the Bus 510, which can be changed to night tram 51 at Divoká Šárka stop. The night tram 51 will take you to various spots in the city, including Staroměstská, Národní třída(M) etc.

Getting to Prague by Train

Trains operate on a daily basis between Prague and most major European cities, including Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, Moscow and more. Trains from outside the country arrive and depart from the main railway and metro station in Prague (Hlavní nádraží), next to the Museum metro station on the Wenceslas Square.

The trains arrive at 3rd level of Hlavní nádraží station, whereas Prague’s tourist information (PIS) booth is situated at level 2 and left-luggage area and showers are situated at level 1. Other services, including exchange office, accommodation agency, day-use lockers and fast food stands are available as well.

Some of the international trains stop at Praha Smíchov (connected to Prague’s metro system via Smíchovské nádraží metro station) or Praha Holešovice (connected to Prague’s metro system via Nádraží Holešovice metro station).

Getting to Prague by train is usually cheaper than getting by plane, although a good advice is to conduct a thorough research of air companies prices just to be sure. In case your departure location is relatively close to Prague, such as Berlin, Vienna or Bratislava – the time of journey could be almost the same, considering the fact that the airport arrangements tend to be time consuming. For example, reaching Prague by train from Berlin and Munich takes 5 hours, and from Vienna and Bratislava it supposed to be about 4.5 hours. The estimated one-way ticket’s price is about $50. Getting to Prague from Paris takes about 10 hours. The estimated round trip price is about $300 (first class) or 200$ (second class).

It is important to know that during the high season it is highly recommended that international train tickets be booked a couple of weeks ahead since the trains could be full.

Getting to Prague by Bus

The bus is probably the cheapest way to get Prague from inside of Europe. The two most frequently used Prague bus stations are Florenc and Roztyly, while most international buses arrive to Florenc (Main Station). Both stations have metro stops and are easily accessible.

Useful Information

Praha 1

Pravda is a very fashionable, hip fusion restaurant. Its cuisine absorbed influences from many world cuisines; allows you to enjoy a culinary trip around the world. Beside every course in the menu one can notice its “ethnic origin”. The interior is minimalist but diversified and sophisticated, inspired by the prestige and modern ambience of the surrounding Pařížská street.

Praha 1

Reykjavik is one of the first private restaurants in Prague, founded in 1991. It is named after the capital city of Iceland, its owner’s origin. The cuisine is partly Scandinavian and partly fusion, although my favorite dishes in this restaurant are still salmon and seafood. The excellent variety of meat dishes (beef, pork, lamb and chicken); and light meals such as sandwiches, hamburgers, pastas and salads create a real culinary experience, which is never boring to the eye or tongue. The Reykjavik’s is located on Karlova Street right on the way to Charles Bridge and is just perfect for tourists. A marvelous lunch for two will cost you about 1,600 CZK.

Cases of selling Asian and African children to local pedophiles in Western Europe were reported as well.

The “must-be-visited” sites of the city are as follows:

In the Old Town (Staré Mesto):

Old Town Square (Staroměstská Náměstí) – the main Square featuring the famous Astronomical Clock, the Tyn (Týn) Church, Jan Hus’ monument and many coffeehouses and restaurants.

Josefov - the Jewish Quarter, featuring many historical synagogues (one of them is assosiated with the Golem legend) and old cemetery.

Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – the famous medieval bridge connecting the two opposite banks of Vltala and enjoying the reputation of most romantic site of Prague.

Ungelt - Tyn Yard (Týnský dvur) – The medieval marketplace, probably established in the 11th century.

Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple) – the church in which Jan Hus preached his sermons in Czech instead of Latin.

In the New Town (Nové Mìsto):

Wenceslas Square (Václavské námestí) - the famous Czech history and social life modern center.

Na Příkopě – the lively pedestrian mall.

Obecný dum – the beautiful art nouveau building that had featured Prague’s municipality in the past.

In the Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana):

Petrin (Petřín) Hill – The hill features a huge park with the most beautiful Prague’s views, and Petrin Tower - a small imitation of the Eiffel Tower.

Kampa Island - features beautiful serene park, where you can walk or feed the ducks. Kampa is full of pubs and cafes.

The Wallenstein Palace and Garden – Renaissance palace that was build in the 17th century for General Albrecht Vaclav Eusebius of Wallenstein, the powerful and wealthiest Czech nobleman.

In Hradčany:

Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) - the official residence of the Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of the modern Czech and Czechoslovak Republic, first established in the 9th century and renovated by the architect J. Plecnik after the WWI.

In Vyshehrad (Vyšehrad):

Vyšehrad (Castle on the Heights) - an ancient Czech castle built on a hill over the Vltava River in the 10th century.

Vyšehrad cemetery – the cemetery contains the remains of many famous Czech.