WORLD PAYPHONES- CZECH REP.

www.worldpayphones.com		Europe
	The Czech Republic

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	(French Schlumberger payphone)


	Telephone options in the Czech Republic include public pay phones, private phones and cellular phones. Pay phones are all under the auspices of one company; there is only one kind of phone card to buy. Phone cards come with either 200 or 500 units, and are sold at the post office, tobacco stores (which also sell stamps, gum, and bus tickets) and newspaper kiosks. To operate a pay phone, place the phone card in the slot, check number of units left on the card (this number is displayed on a screen on the phone), then make the call. At the end of the call, hang up and retrieve the phone card from the slot. Most pay phones have instructions available in several languages that can be accessed by pressing the button located next to the flag of the desired language. In private homes, it is always polite to ask the host's permission before using the phone. Keep in mind that even local calls are billed by the minute, and because a host probably would not accept money for a call, one should keep calls brief. Lengthy calls can be made from the post office where booths are available. When the call is complete the bill will be tallied then paid in cash to a cashier. Emergency numbers (150 / Fire, 155 / Medical Emergency, 158 / Police) are free from any phone, but the respondent will probably not speak English. Acquiring a cellular phone is the most economical solution for a lengthy stay in the country, but one must take care to buy the appropriate phone card for the particular cell phone. There are many companies and plans available. Number of payphones At present CESKY TELECOM operates 18,563 card-operated and 11,420 coin-operated public payphones. Location of payphones Public payphones are not only located in the capital of our republic but also in regional and district towns and municipalities with more than 100 inhabitants. Types of payphones at present, two types of payphone are used: card-operated and coin-operated. Card-operated: Schlumberger PF 08T and L&G BTC 6511. Coin-operated: Telkor TSA 4 and L&G BTE 6011.