You need mobile data from the moment you land: for maps, ride apps and messages to family. Soon after that you need a German phone number, because banks and some government services send verification codes by SMS.
Data on arrival: an eSIM
An eSIM is a SIM profile you install on your phone before you travel. Once you land, it connects without a shop visit. Check that your phone supports eSIM and isn't locked to your home carrier.
Track eSIM in HomeSettled
Order a HomeSettled eSIM before you fly. It's installed from a QR code and works from the moment you land.
A German number: prepaid or contract
| Prepaid | Contract (Vertrag) | |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | None. Top up when you need to. | Minimum term, often 24 months, then cancellable monthly. |
| What you need | A passport and an identity check, often by video. | ID, a German bank account (IBAN), and usually a credit check. |
| Good for | Your first weeks, or if you're unsure how long you'll stay. | Lower prices per GB once you're settled. |
Three networks run their own infrastructure: Telekom, Vodafone and O2 (Telefónica). 1&1 is building a fourth. Many cheaper brands resell capacity on these networks.
Compare plans
Compare all providers
Check24 compares contracts and prepaid plans across networks.
Go to Check24Contract rules that protect you
- A first contract term can be at most 24 months.
- After that it runs month to month, and you can cancel with one month's notice.
- You can keep your number when you switch provider.
Common questions
Will my home number keep working?
Usually, but roaming outside the EU is expensive. Keep your home SIM for bank codes from home and use a German SIM or eSIM for data.
Can I get a contract without a SCHUFA history?
Some providers refuse. Prepaid, or a contract with a provider that doesn't check, is the way round it until you have a history. See SCHUFA.
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Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.