Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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If your mobile phone is unlocked, a cheaper and often better option is to buy
a prepaid SIM card, available from any mobile-phone shop for around 450Kč
(including 300Kč of calling credit). Prepaid SIMs allow you to make local calls
at cheaper local rates. In this case, of course, you can't use your existing mo-
bile number.
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The situation is more complicated if you plan on using a 'smartphone' like
an iPhone, Android or Blackberry that may not be easily unlocked to accom-
modate a local SIM card. With these phones, it's best to contact your home
provider to consider short-term international calling and data plans appropri-
ate to what you might need.
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Smartphones can still be used as handy wi-fi devices, even without a spe-
cial plan. Be sure to switch your phone to 'airplane' mode on arrival, which
blocks out calls and text messages, but still allows wi-fi. Also remember to
turn off your phone's 'data roaming' setting on arrival to avoid unwanted roam-
ing fees.
Phonecards
- you can buy them from hotels, newspaper kiosks and tourist information of-
fices for 300Kč to 1000Kč. To use one, follow the instructions on the card -
dial the access number, then the PIN code beneath the scratch-away panel,
then the number you want to call (including any international code). Rates
from Prague to the UK, USA and Australia with Smartcall are around 6.6Kč to
10Kč a minute; the more expensive the card, the better the rate.
Time
The Czech Republic lies within the same time zone, GMT/UTC+1, as most of
continental Europe. Czech local time is one hour ahead of London and six
hours ahead of New York. The Czech Republic observes Daylight Saving
Time (DST), and puts the clock forward one hour at 2am on the last Sunday in
March, and back again at 3am on the last Sunday in October. The 24-hour
clock is used for official purposes, including all transport schedules. In every-
day conversation people commonly use the 12-hour clock.
