Czech Republic Country Code +420: Complete Calling Guide 2026
Complete guide to Czech Republic country code +420. Learn how to call Prague, Brno, mobile carriers (O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone), and the cheapest ways to call Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic country code is +420. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about calling Czech Republic (Czechia) in 2026, including how to dial Prague, Brno, and other cities, mobile carrier prefixes (O2, T-Mobile, Vodafone), and the cheapest ways to call Czech Republic from abroad. The Czech Republic switched to a closed dialing plan in 2002, meaning all 9 digits must always be dialed -- there are no separate area codes to add or remove.
Quick Reference: Czech Republic +420
Country Code: +420
Exit Code: 00
Phone Format: 9 digits (closed plan)
Capital: Prague
Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
How to Call Czech Republic
International Dialing Format
To call Czech Republic from abroad:
+ 420 + 9-digit numberNote: The Czech Republic uses a closed dialing plan adopted in September 2002. All 9 digits must be dialed for every call -- there is no trunk prefix and no area codes to strip. The first digit indicates the type of number: 2 for Prague landlines, 3-5 for other regional landlines, 6-7 for mobile phones.
Dialing Examples
Czech Republic Geographic Prefixes
Although the Czech Republic uses a closed dialing plan (no traditional area codes), landline numbers retain geographic prefixes that indicate the region. These prefixes are part of the 9-digit number and are always dialed in full. The number cannot be shortened for local calls.
| City/Region | Administrative Region | Prefix | International Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prague | Capital City | 2XX | +420 2XX XXX XXX |
| Central Bohemia | Stredocesky Region | 31X-32X | +420 31X XXX XXX |
| South Bohemia (Ceske Budejovice) | Jihocesky Region | 38X | +420 38X XXX XXX |
| Plzen (Pilsen) | Plzensky Region | 37X | +420 37X XXX XXX |
| Karlovy Vary | Karlovarsky Region | 35X | +420 35X XXX XXX |
| Usti nad Labem | Ustecky Region | 47X | +420 47X XXX XXX |
| Liberec | Liberecky Region | 48X | +420 48X XXX XXX |
| Hradec Kralove | Kralovehradecky Region | 49X | +420 49X XXX XXX |
| Pardubice | Pardubicky Region | 46X | +420 46X XXX XXX |
| Brno (South Moravia) | Jihomoravsky Region | 5XX | +420 5XX XXX XXX |
| Olomouc | Olomoucky Region | 58X | +420 58X XXX XXX |
| Ostrava (Moravia-Silesia) | Moravskoslezsky Region | 59X | +420 59X XXX XXX |
Mobile Carriers in Czech Republic
| Carrier | Prefix | Market Share | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| O2 Czech Republic | 601-608, 72X | ~37% | 4G LTE / 5G |
| T-Mobile Czech Republic | 603, 604, 605, 73X | ~34% | 4G LTE / 5G |
| Vodafone Czech Republic | 606, 607, 608, 77X | ~25% | 4G LTE / 5G |
| MVNOs (various) | varies | ~4% | Uses host network |
The Czech mobile market is dominated by three network operators. O2 Czech Republic, the incumbent fixed-line operator turned convergent provider, has the largest subscriber base. T-Mobile and Vodafone are close competitors. Czech mobile prices have historically been among the highest in the EU, though increased competition from MVNOs and regulatory pressure has been pushing prices down. All three operators have launched 5G services in Prague and other major cities, with wider rollout continuing through 2026.
Special & Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| European Emergency | 112 | Universal EU emergency number |
| Police | 158 | Czech Police (Policie CR) |
| Fire Department | 150 | Hasicsky zachranny sbor |
| Ambulance | 155 | Zdravotnicka zachranna sluzba |
| Municipal Police | 156 | Mestska policie (local police) |
| Directory Enquiries | 1180 | National directory assistance |
Cheapest Ways to Call Czech Republic
Free app-to-app calls when both parties have WhatsApp installed.
Best Times to Call Czech Republic
Czech Republic uses Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 in winter, and switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2, from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October. Business hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
From US East (EST): Czech Republic is +6 hours (winter) or +6 hours (summer, since US also shifts). Call between 2 AM and 11 AM EST.
From US West (PST): Czech Republic is +9 hours. Call between 11 PM and 8 AM PST.
From UK (GMT): Czech Republic is +1 hour (winter) or +1 hour (summer). Call between 7 AM and 4 PM GMT.
From Germany/Austria: Same time zone. Call during normal business hours.
Tip: Czech offices typically have a lunch break around 12:00-12:30 PM. Government offices often close to the public by 3:00 PM. For personal calls, evenings (6-9 PM CET) work well as most people are home from work.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Trying to add or remove an area code
A common mistake when calling Czech Republic is treating the first digits as a removable area code. Since 2002, the Czech Republic uses a closed dialing plan -- all 9 digits are always required. Do not add a "0" trunk prefix or try to remove geographic prefix digits. Simply dial +420 followed by all 9 digits exactly as given to you.
Confusing +420 (Czech Republic) with +421 (Slovakia)
The Czech Republic (+420) and Slovakia (+421) were once a single country (Czechoslovakia) with shared code +42, which was split in 1997. Double-check the country code carefully -- dialing +421 instead of +420 will route your call to Slovakia. The phone number formats are also different between the two countries.
Old-format numbers with fewer than 9 digits
Before the 2002 numbering reform, Czech numbers had varying lengths. If you have a number from before 2002 with fewer than 9 digits, it will no longer work. You will need to obtain the updated 9-digit version. Most numbers were updated by prepending the old area code to create the new format.
High calling rates to Czech mobiles
International calls to Czech mobile numbers are typically more expensive than calls to landlines. If you are calling frequently, consider using a VoIP service like BubblyPhone which offers competitive per-minute rates to both Czech landlines and mobiles. EU roaming rules do not apply to calls from outside the EU.
Cannot reach a Czech landline number
Many Czech households and businesses have dropped landline service in favor of mobile-only. If a landline number does not connect, the subscriber may have discontinued the line. Ask for a mobile number instead -- Czech mobile coverage is excellent across the entire country.