Phones, Internet and Post Office

Phones

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Maintaining communication with friends and family at home is no doubt a top priority of everyone living abroad. So it is no surprise that many students purchase mobile phones within the first few weeks that they arrive in Prague. Prague is host to numerable new and used phone stores where students can choose from a variety of phone models. Many people opt for a used phone because it is the cheapest option and easier to use for the short term, because it does not involve a contract.

A used phone can cost between 700- 1500 Kc. A new phone can cost between 2000-4000 kc. The major phone service providers in the Czech Republic are Eurotel, T-mobile, Vodaphone and Oscar. These companies offer pre paid phone cards that are simple to purchase and use to recharge phone credit. Eurotel offers the pre paid 'go' card, Tmobile a pre-paid 'twist' card and Vodaphone a pre-paid 'Vodaphone karta.' (Visit www.xe.com/ucc for currrent exchange rates.)

Upon purchasing a phone, the buyer will make a one time SIM card payment which is already charged with phone credit. When credit runs out, a card can be bought for the amount of 200kc, 500kc or more, to recharge that amount of credit to the phone. Every tobacco shop and newspaper stand in Prague sells pre- paid phone cards.

Internet

There are many internet options available in Prague. Internet cafes can be found throughout the city and their prices vary depending on location. Some internet cafes in ex-pat and tourist hang outs have more expensive internet than those outside of the center. On average, internet cafes charge 1kc per minute for use, but can be found for as low as .44 kc per minute. The student housing does not have internet access.

Several pubs and cafes in Prague offer free wireless internet. These are great places to enjoy Czech beer and great food and to use the internet in a relaxed atmosphere. We also have free wireless internet here at TEFL Worldwide and our students can be found relaxing, eating lunch together with their lap tops set up in the study room.

Some of our graduates have set up wireless internet in their apartments in town and split the cost between them. The total payment for internet starts from 500 kc per month.

Post

There are post offices throughout Prague which are easily accessible. The main post offices in the city center are open during the weekend. If you receive a package from abroad, a slip will be delivered to your apartment informing you which post office to pick it up from, and during what hours. The post office for pick ups will always be the one within closest proximity to your apartment. While on the course, our students often have their mail delivered to TEFL Worldwide. When picking up a package, you must bring your passport with you to the post office as identification.