You need a German phone number on your first day in Germany — for opening a bank account, registering for services, and more. German mobile plans fall into two categories: three major network operators and a range of budget virtual operators (MVNOs) that use their networks. Choosing wisely can save you €10-20 per month.
Network Coverage of the Big Three
- Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile): Best coverage, including remote villages, high-speed rail lines, and underground tunnels. Most expensive — plans typically start at €30-60/month. Ideal if you travel frequently or need reliable connectivity.
- Vodafone: Excellent coverage in cities and along major transport routes. Mid-range pricing, with many options between €20-40/month.
- O2 (Telefónica): Lowest prices. Signal is fine in cities, but often drops on trains and in rural areas. Works well if you live exclusively in urban areas.
Budget MVNOs — The Most Cost-Effective Route
MVNOs rent network access from the major carriers and cut prices by half, while offering the same signal quality. Here are a few reliable ones:
- congstar (Telekom network): Telekom coverage with plans like 10-15GB for €10-20/month. The best value for students.
- Aldi Talk (O2 network): Cheapest option — basic plans from €8-10. Suitable if you only stay in cities.
- freenet (choose Telekom or Vodafone network): Flexible pricing; pick the network you need.
If you mainly live in big cities like Berlin or Munich, congstar (Telekom network) offers the best value. If you frequently take long train rides or visit remote areas, go directly with a Telekom main network plan.
Purchase and ID Verification
You can buy SIM cards at Saturn, MediaMarkt, or supermarket checkout counters (prepaid cards). Monthly contract plans (Vertrag) can be ordered online from each operator's website. After purchase, you need to complete online ID verification (via PostIdent at the post office or IDnow video verification) using your passport — it takes about 15 minutes.
Roaming within the EU is free of extra charges. Using your plan in France, Spain, Italy, and other eurozone countries works the same as in Germany (check your plan's terms — some have roaming data caps).
Emergency Need for a German Number
If you've just arrived and haven't completed your Anmeldung (address registration) yet, you can use a prepaid SIM as a temporary number. After Anmeldung, you can switch or upgrade your plan. Aldi Talk prepaid cards start at around €10 — enough to receive verification SMS messages.
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