The +420 country code is for the Czech Republic (also called Czechia), a Central European country of 10.5 million people. The code was assigned after Czechoslovakia split into two countries in 1993, with Slovakia taking +421.
Czech phone numbers changed significantly in 2002 when the country eliminated area codes and trunk prefixes. All numbers became 9 digits, and what were once area codes became part of the number itself. This makes dialing simpler than many European countries, but can confuse people expecting the old format.
Quick answer: Dial +420 followed by the 9-digit local number. Mobile numbers start with 6 or 7. Landlines start with 2 (Prague) or 3-5 (other regions). There's no trunk prefix to drop.
How to call Czech Republic: quick reference
The Czech diaspora is spread across Europe and North America, with many Czechs living in neighboring Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. The UK also hosts a significant community that grew after Czech EU membership in 2004.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| Germany | 00-420-[local number] |
| Austria | 00-420-[local number] |
| Slovakia | 00-420-[local number] |
| UK | 00-420-[local number] |
| US/Canada mobile | +420 [local number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-420-[local number] |
| Poland | 00-420-[local number] |
Understanding Czech Republic phone numbers
All Czech phone numbers are 9 digits. Since 2002, there are no separate area codes or trunk prefixes. The first digit tells you whether it's a mobile or landline, and for landlines, roughly which region.
Mobile numbers
Mobile numbers start with 6 or 7:
- 601-608 - O2 Czech Republic
- 720-729 - O2 Czech Republic
- 702-703, 730-739 - T-Mobile Czech Republic
- 770-779 - Vodafone Czech Republic
- 790-799 - Various virtual operators
Example: +420 601 234 567
Landline numbers
Landlines start with 2, 3, 4, or 5. The first digit indicates the region:
| Region | First digit(s) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prague | 2 | +420 2XX XXX XXX |
| Central Bohemia | 31-32 | +420 31X XXX XXX |
| South Bohemia | 38-39 | +420 38X XXX XXX |
| West Bohemia (Plzeň) | 37 | +420 37X XXX XXX |
| North Bohemia | 41-48 | +420 4XX XXX XXX |
| East Bohemia | 49, 46-47 | +420 49X XXX XXX |
| Moravia (Brno, Ostrava) | 5 | +420 5XX XXX XXX |
No trunk prefix
Unlike most European countries, Czech Republic has no trunk prefix. When someone gives you a number like "601 234 567," dial it exactly as +420 601 234 567. The same number works for domestic and international calls.
Mobile carriers in Czech Republic
Three main carriers dominate the Czech mobile market, with several virtual operators using their networks.
O2 Czech Republic
O2 is the largest carrier and the former state telecom monopoly (previously Eurotel, then Telefónica). It operates both the mobile network and most landline infrastructure. Mobile numbers start with 601-608 or 720-729. O2 has strong coverage nationwide, including in Prague metro stations.
T-Mobile Czech Republic
T-Mobile entered the market in 1996 as Paegas before rebranding. Numbers start with 702-703 or 730-739. The network has good urban coverage and has invested in 5G rollout in major cities.
Vodafone Czech Republic
Vodafone launched in 2000 and has grown to be a strong third competitor. Numbers start with 77X. The company is known for aggressive pricing and has expanded its coverage to match the older carriers.
Virtual operators
Several virtual operators (MVNOs) use the big three networks, including Kaktus, Tesco Mobile, and Blesk Mobil. These often have numbers in the 79X range.
Don't confuse +420 with nearby codes
The +420/+421 split from former Czechoslovakia is the main source of confusion:
| Code | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| +420 | Czech Republic | Western half of former Czechoslovakia |
| +421 | Slovakia | Eastern half of former Czechoslovakia |
| +43 | Austria | Southern neighbor |
| +48 | Poland | Northern neighbor |
| +49 | Germany | Western neighbor |
The +420/+421 mix-up happens frequently, especially for people who remember unified Czechoslovakia or aren't sure which country a contact lives in. Prague is +420, Bratislava is +421. If your call connects to someone speaking Slovak instead of Czech, check the country code.
Time zone considerations
Czech Republic uses Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. During summer (late March to late October), clocks move to Central European Summer Time (CEST) at UTC+2.
| Your location | Czech time difference | Best calling window (UTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany/Austria | Same timezone | 07:00-21:00 UTC |
| UK (GMT/BST) | +1 hour | 08:00-20:00 UTC |
| US East Coast (EST/EDT) | +6 hours | 13:00-02:00 UTC |
| US West Coast (PST/PDT) | +9 hours | 16:00-05:00 UTC |
| Australia (Sydney) | -9 hours (winter) | 22:00-11:00 UTC |
Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 or 9:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 PM. Government offices often have limited public hours, typically mornings only on certain days.
Communication in Czech Republic
Network quality
Mobile coverage in Czech Republic reaches most of the country. 4G is available in all cities and towns, and 5G is rolling out in Prague, Brno, and other major cities. Rural areas and hiking trails in national parks generally have signal too.
Internet calling
WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are popular for international calls. Younger Czechs also use Viber and Telegram. Business communication often happens through Microsoft Teams or standard phone calls. Internet infrastructure is solid, so video calls work well from most locations.
Communication style
Czechs tend to be reserved initially and value directness once a relationship is established. Phone calls for business matters get to the point quickly. Personal calls can run longer, especially with older relatives who may prefer voice calls to messaging apps. Czechs generally answer unknown numbers, unlike some countries where screening is common.
The Czech Republic diaspora
Czech emigration has happened in waves: after 1948 (communist takeover), 1968 (Soviet invasion), and again after 1989 (seeking economic opportunities in the West). EU membership in 2004 made moving within Europe much easier.
Where Czechs settled
Germany hosts the largest Czech community abroad, with an estimated 50,000-100,000 Czechs. Proximity makes weekend visits home common, so phone calls often coordinate travel plans.
United Kingdom saw significant Czech immigration after 2004. Many work in services, healthcare, and tech. Brexit has complicated this, but established communities remain in London, Manchester, and other cities.
Austria and Slovakia are natural destinations given shared borders and, with Slovakia, a shared language heritage. Vienna is closer to the Czech border than Prague in some cases.
United States has historic Czech communities in Texas (settlers in the 1800s), Chicago, and Nebraska. More recent immigrants are often in tech and finance in major cities.
Why they call home
Family connections drive most calls, particularly around holidays like Christmas (celebrated on December 24th in Czech tradition) and Easter. Many Czechs abroad maintain property in the country and call to coordinate with caretakers or family using the homes. Parents calling children studying or working abroad is also common.
Dialing examples
Here's how to dial Czech phone numbers from abroad:
Calling an O2 mobile
To call an O2 mobile number 601 234 567 from Germany:
- Dial: 00-420-601-234-567 or +420 601 234 567
Calling a T-Mobile number
To call a T-Mobile number 730 987 654 from the US:
- From a mobile: +420 730 987 654
- From a landline: 011-420-730-987-654
Calling a Prague landline
To call a Prague office at 224 123 456 from the UK:
- Dial: 00-420-224-123-456 or +420 224 123 456
- Note: Prague numbers start with 2
Calling a Brno landline
To call a Brno number 541 234 567 from Austria:
- Dial: 00-420-541-234-567 or +420 541 234 567
- Note: Moravian numbers (Brno, Ostrava) start with 5
Common mistakes to avoid
Confusing +420 with +421
Czech Republic is +420, Slovakia is +421. These were one country until 1993. If you're unsure which country your contact is in, ask. Prague is in Czech Republic (+420), Bratislava is in Slovakia (+421).
Adding a trunk prefix that doesn't exist
Unlike Germany, UK, or France, Czech Republic has no trunk prefix. Don't add a 0 before the number. If someone gives you 601 234 567, dial +420 601 234 567 exactly. There's no "0601" format.
Expecting old area codes to work
Before 2002, Czech numbers had area codes with trunk prefixes. Old phone books or outdated contacts might show numbers like "02/24 12 34 56" for Prague. Convert this to the modern format: +420 224 123 456. The 02 became 2, and all numbers are now 9 digits.
Misdialing mobile vs landline
Mobiles start with 6 or 7, landlines with 2-5. If you're getting a "number not in service" error, check whether you have the right type of number. A Prague landline starting with 2 won't work if you dial it as a mobile starting with 6.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What country code is 420?
+420 is the country code for the Czech Republic (Czechia), a Central European country with Prague as its capital.
How many digits are Czech phone numbers?
All Czech phone numbers are 9 digits after the +420 country code. There are no separate area codes or trunk prefixes.
What's the difference between +420 and +421?
+420 is Czech Republic, +421 is Slovakia. They were one country (Czechoslovakia) until 1993 and split the +42 code between them.
Do Czech numbers have area codes?
Not anymore. Since 2002, the former area codes became part of the 9-digit number. Prague numbers start with 2, other regions with 3-5. You always dial all 9 digits.
What time zone is Czech Republic?
Czech Republic uses Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer (CEST). It's the same as Germany, Austria, and most of Western Europe.
How do I call Prague from abroad?
Dial +420 followed by the 9-digit number. Prague landlines start with 2 (e.g., +420 2XX XXX XXX). There's no trunk prefix to drop.
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