Looking to get a German phone number? As with most countries in the world, expats in Germany who want to communicate with friends and family have the choice between taking out a mobile phone contract (Handyvertrag) or simply getting a prepaid SIM card. But which is the best mobile network in Germany, and what do you need to get a SIM card? This guide explains it all.
Do I need a German SIM card?
If you already have a mobile phone and your provider doesn’t charge you extra to use it in Germany, you may be wondering whether you need a German SIM card at all. It is, of course, perfectly possible to continue using your foreign phone in Germany, but there are some things you should bear in mind.
First, check whether your existing mobile phone provider places a limit on international roaming. Most providers cap roaming at a certain limit, and beyond that charge big fees for extra calls, texts and data. Getting a German SIM card might work out cheaper in the long run.
Additionally, you may find that having a foreign phone number makes dealing with German authorities and businesses tricky - for instance, it will most likely cost you extra to call German numbers from your foreign phone. It’s also not unheard of for German websites to not recognise foreign numbers, making everything from opening a bank account to setting up your utilities difficult. Having a local phone number can make your life a lot easier.
Mobile networks in Germany
There are three main mobile networks in Germany, which each cover about a third of the market:
Mobile telephony providers in Germany
On top of this, there are a growing number of phone companies that use the networks of these three main providers, often offering cheaper prices. These mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are:
- Congstar, Edeka Smart, Penny Mobil, fraenk and others use the Telekom network
- 1&1, otelo, Lidl Connect, Lycamobile and others use the Vodafone network
- Blau, Smartmobil.de, Aldi Talk, Lebara, ortel mobile and others use the O2 network
What is the best mobile network in Germany?
The three different mobile networks offer different pros and cons:
- Telekom has the best coverage of all mobile networks, according to Connect.de, and good reliability, but this comes at a cost, with prices typically above average.
- Vodafone is the second-largest network and offers good coverage and fast mobile internet speeds. It also offers customer support in English.
- O2 (Telefónica) is generally the cheapest of the three major mobile networks, with low tariffs and generous data allowances, but its coverage is not as comprehensive as Telekom or Vodafone’s. Inside major German cities, O2 is actually just as good as Vodafone, but in more rural areas mobile signal can be patchy.
You can check network coverage in your area via the following websites:
Mobile phone providers comparison sites
If you're not sure where to start, try using a comparison site to compare deals from different companies:
Getting a German SIM card & phone number
Since 2017, anyone wishing to take out a phone contract or purchase a prepaid SIM card in Germany has to provide a valid ID and proof of address. This is the result of the German government attempting to crack down on anonymous communication between criminals. In order to get a German SIM card, therefore, you will need:
Should I take out a mobile phone contract or get a prepaid SIM?
The choice between a mobile phone contract and a prepaid SIM will depend on how long you are staying in Germany. Once taken out, phone contracts are relatively uncomplicated and offer peace of mind - you don’t have to worry about topping up, for instance - and generally offer the best value for money when it comes to data and call allowances. You will also be able to get your hands on newer models of mobile phones, if that is important to you.
However, if you are at all unsure about how long you will stay in Germany (as many expats are) it might be wise to get a prepaid SIM card to avoid additional expenses in the future. The major advantage of prepaid SIMs is flexibility: you are not tied to a contract and are free to leave whenever you wish. The tariffs are generally slightly higher than for phone contracts, however, so over a period of years it may work out more expensive.
Mobile phone contracts in Germany
Taking out a mobile phone contract might make sense if you plan on staying in Germany long-term. Some of the pros of a mobile phone contract include:
- You generally get a cheaper overall rate than with a prepaid SIM card.
- You get the choice between a SIM-only or SIM-plus-handset contract, which means you have a good range of prices, and can get a new phone, if you need one.
- You can combine your phone contract with your home phone, internet and TV connections for discounts.
However, it is worth noting that mobile phone contracts in Germany normally run for a minimum of 24 months. If you wish to cancel your contract early, you will be charged a hefty fee. You can also expect to pay a small one-off activation fee at the start of your contract.
As of 2021, customers can no longer be locked into lengthy contracts after their original contract is renewed. This means that, after the initial contract term, if you fail to cancel your contract within the minimum notice period (which is usually three months), you will be put on a one-month rolling contract that can be cancelled with one month's notice.
To set up a mobile phone contract, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and address (as above). You’ll also need a German bank account to set up the direct debit payments, and you may also need a SCHUFA credit report. It is possible to take out a German phone contract online, but you will need to verify your identity, either on a video call or via Postident.
Prepaid SIM cards in Germany
Getting a prepaid SIM card is the quickest and easiest way to get yourself a German phone number. Prepaid SIM cards in Germany offer more freedom and flexibility than phone contracts, but they typically are more expensive in terms of data, calls and messages.
You have two choices for using your prepaid SIM:
- You can top up and spend your balance (Pay As You Go) on data, texts and calls.
- You can make use of prepaid tariffs.
An increasing number of mobile operators in Germany are offering prepaid tariffs, which function as pay-as-you-go plans, where customers who regularly top up their prepaid SIM cards receive an allowance of texts, calls and data (including 5G) to use within a four-week period. As there is no contract, you can cancel your tariff on a monthly basis.
To get a prepaid SIM card in Germany, you can either order one online or buy one in person from a shop. As there is so much choice, it’s worth shopping around before selecting a provider. Again, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and proof of address before you can buy a SIM card in Germany.
Once you have your SIM card, you can insert it into your phone to start using it. Bear in mind that your phone needs to be unlocked for this. You can top up your credit online, via app, or by buying top-up vouchers from a range of shops in Germany.
Best prepaid SIM cards in Germany
Looking for a prepaid SIM card in Germany? Telekom, Blau, Lebara and O2 all offer prepaid bundles, meaning you get a set amout of data, calls and texts for a fixed price per month, with no contract. Prices start as low as 4.99 euros per month.
Best mobile contracts in Germany
Taking out a mobile phone contract in Germany is the most expensive option, as you are not only playing for your data, minutes and texts, but also for the use of a brand-new device. However, in terms of the data and minutes/texts they include, they are generally better value overall. You can also reduce your monthly payment by paying a lump sum up front.
All of the providers listed on this page also offer SIM-only contracts, at lower prices. Which contract is best for you will depend on what kind of phone you want to have, and on your usage.
Unlimited internet SIM cards in Germany
If you don’t want any limits on your data usage, several mobile networks in Germany offer unlimited internet SIM cards, including 1&1, O2, Vodafone and Telekom, from as little as 10 euros per month.
eSIM cards in Germany
If your mobile phone supports eSIM, you can also request an eSIM from some of the above providers. Telekom, Vodafone and O2 all offer eSIM cards in Germany. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is embedded into your device. It replaces a physical SIM card.
Note, however, that normal SIM card rules still apply to eSIM cards in Germany: to activate it, you’ll need proof of identity and a German address. If you’re coming to Germany as a tourist, therefore, and you need a local phone number, you’d be better off getting an eSIM data plan from an international provider.
Roaming in the EU
The good news is that, as of 2017, if you have a German mobile phone you can also use your minutes, texts and data anywhere in the EU without incurring additional roaming charges.