Expats have a variety of options for keeping in touch in the Czech Republic thanks to the country’s well-developed telecommunications infrastructure.
Internet, mobile, landline and postal services are widely available and affordable, making it easy for expats to communicate with friends and family back home. While there is a distinct lack of local English language print publications, there are many online resources to keep expats in touch with both local and international news.
Internet in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has fast, reliable internet, and connectivity shouldn’t be a problem for expats. Wireless connections are more common than fixed lines in residential households and businesses alike. In public places, expats will not struggle to find free Wi Fi connections, especially in big cities such as Prague.
While there are many reliable Czech internet service providers to choose from, some of the most popular are T-Mobile, Vodafone and O2. These are also the main mobile providers.
English support among all three of these providers can be spotty, with limited support available. O2 does not currently have a working English version of their website, although they do have dedicated branches with English support in Prague.
T-Mobile has been noted for having good signal and wide coverage, and has an English version of its website, as does Vodafone. Both providers claim to have good English support, while in practice, expats say it can be difficult to get hold of an English-speaking operator when contacting customer service.
Useful links
Mobile phones in the Czech Republic
Expats looking to set up a mobile phone in the Czech Republic will find a variety of affordable packages available that can be tailored to suit individual needs.
The most prominent mobile operators in the Czech Republic are T-Mobile, O2 and Vodafone. Both prepaid and contract options are available, and it’s easy to check the available packages on the English versions of the mobile provider’s websites.
To get a contract phone, expats will need to sign up for a 24-month contract. EU expats can get a phone contract with their passport, bank statement and a notarised letter from their landlord, while non-EU expats will only qualify if they have permanent residency. Generally, proof of address and identity documents are required as part of the application process.
Postal service in the Czech Republic
While the Czech Postal System offers affordable prices, it has a poor reputation. Locals usually recommended sending important documents and packages via private couriers instead, despite the extra cost.
There are post offices all around the country, but expats should be aware that they still might encounter language difficulties. People working in post offices don’t always speak English, and most documents are in Czech. Ideally, bring someone to act as a translator, whether a professional or a Czech-speaking friend.
English media in the Czech Republic
Unfortunately, there are no printed English-language newspapers in the Czech Republic. While it’s possible to read local news in English, this will have to be done online.
The Prague Post, formerly a printed English-language newspaper, is one of the most popular online sources for Czech news in English, along with The Prague Monitor. Radio Prague broadcasts in several languages, including English, and publishes English-language news online.