When you move to Germany, one of the first things you’ll need is a local mobile phone number. Whether it’s for opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, or just staying in touch with new friends — having a working SIM card is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of getting a mobile phone plan in Germany, the types of SIM cards available, and what you need to get started.
Prepaid vs. Contract: What’s the Difference?
Germany offers two main types of mobile plans: prepaid (Prepaid-Karte) and contract (Vertrag).
Prepaid:
- No long-term commitment
- You top up your balance as needed
- Ideal for short-term stays, students, or people without Anmeldung
- Often available at supermarkets like ALDI or Lidl
Contract:
- Monthly billing (usually direct debit)
- Often cheaper per gigabyte of data
- Better phone bundles and long-term deals
- Typically requires a 12- to 24-month commitment
Major Mobile Providers in Germany
Germany has three main mobile networks:
- Telekom (formerly T-Mobile) – excellent coverage, premium prices
- Vodafone – good coverage and balanced pricing
- O2 (Telefónica) – lower prices, decent in urban areas but weaker in rural regions
In addition, many discount brands use these networks:
- ALDI Talk, Lidl Connect, ja! mobil (O2 or Vodafone)
- Congstar (Telekom)
- Blau, WinSIM, Fonic (O2)
What You Need to Buy a SIM Card
Due to German anti-terror regulations, all SIM cards must be registered to a person.
You’ll need:
- A valid passport or national ID
- A German address (especially for contract plans)
- In many cases: proof of registration (Anmeldung)
- A payment method: SEPA bank account or credit/debit card
Some providers allow registration without Anmeldung for prepaid options.
Where to Buy a SIM Card
You can find SIM cards at:
- Supermarkets: ALDI, Lidl, REWE — prepaid only
- Electronics stores: MediaMarkt, Saturn
- Mobile provider shops: Telekom, Vodafone, O2
- Online: order directly from provider websites and verify your identity later
Tip: Prepaid SIMs from supermarkets are very popular due to low costs and easy setup.
How to Activate Your SIM Card
After purchase, most prepaid SIMs need to be activated with identity verification. This can be done in two ways:
- Online via video chat (with passport/ID)
- PostIdent at a Deutsche Post branch using your activation code
Once verified, your SIM is usually activated within 15–60 minutes.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
Before you choose, consider:
- How much mobile data you need per month
- Whether you plan to travel in the EU (roaming inclusion)
- Contract length — is it 24 months or flexible monthly?
- English-language customer support availability
- Options to bundle with home internet or landline
There are many comparison websites (e.g., Check24, Verivox) to help you find the best deal.
Using Your Foreign Phone in Germany
Most phones from abroad will work fine in Germany, but make sure:
- Your phone is unlocked (not tied to a foreign carrier)
- It supports GSM/LTE networks (common in EU)
- If your phone supports dual SIM, you can use your home number and German SIM together
Cancelling or Changing Providers
German contracts usually require a notice period (e.g., 1 month before the end of the term).
- After the initial contract period, you can switch easily
- You can transfer your phone number (Rufnummernmitnahme) to your new provider
- Prepaid plans are much easier to cancel — just stop using them
Conclusion
Getting a mobile phone plan in Germany is one of the first practical steps toward settling in. Whether you choose a prepaid SIM or a contract, make sure you understand the requirements, costs, and coverage.
Need help comparing options or signing up?
Onboard Germany is here to assist you with setting up your mobile phone and navigating the small but important steps of starting life in Germany.