Step 10: Buying a SIM Card in Germany #
Just landed in Germany and need to get connected fast? Whether you’re here to study, work, or start a new life — getting a German SIM card is one of the first things you’ll need.
This guide shows you where to buy, what you need, and how to pick the best SIM card for your needs.
Why You Need a German SIM Card #
Here’s why getting a local SIM is important:
- Open a bank account or register with services
- Receive SMS from German authorities or health insurance
- Stay connected with landlords, employers, or universities
- Use cheap mobile data (vs. expensive roaming)
What Are Your Options? #
Germany has two main types of SIM cards:
| Prepaid SIM (Prepaid Karte) | Postpaid SIM (Vertrag) |
|---|---|
| No contract | Monthly billing plan |
| Pay-as-you-go (top up anytime) | Often cheaper per GB/minute |
| Ideal for short stays or until you get settled | Requires German bank account & credit check (Schufa) |
| Great for: Students, tourists, or expats starting fresh | Great for: Long-term residents, professionals with Anmeldung & bank account |
Where to Buy a SIM Card #
You can buy a SIM card almost anywhere. Here’s where to go:
| Location | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Electronics stores (MediaMarkt, Saturn) | Big brand options like Vodafone, Telekom, O2 |
| Supermarkets (ALDI, Lidl, REWE, Edeka) | Affordable prepaid SIMs (e.g., ALDI Talk, Lidl Connect) |
| Online (Check24) | Convenient ordering, sometimes better deals |
| Mobile phone shops (Vodafone, Telekom, O2 stores) | Personalized help, postpaid plans |
What You Need to Buy a SIM Card #
In Germany, you must verify your identity before using a SIM card.
Bring:
- Valid Passport or EU ID
- Proof of address (Anmeldung) – for postpaid plans
- German bank account – for contracts
For prepaid SIMs, you’ll verify via:
- Video call with your passport
- In-store (at a post office or provider shop)
The activation process usually takes a few minutes to 24 hours.
Best SIM Card Options for Newcomers #
| Provider | Type | Network | Monthly Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALDI Talk | Prepaid | Telefónica (O2) | from €7.99 | Cheap, easy to buy in-store, 5–12GB plans |
| Lidl Connect | Prepaid | Vodafone | from €7.99 | Good coverage, reliable network |
| O2 Prepaid | Prepaid | O2 | from €9.99 | Data-heavy options, international packs |
| Lebara / Lycamobile | Prepaid | Telekom / Vodafone | from €4.99 | Cheap international calls |
| Telekom Magenta | Contract | Telekom | from €30 | Premium coverage, high-speed 5G |
| Vodafone GigaMobil | Contract | Vodafone | from €25 | Fast internet, good for families |
Tip: #
Avoid long contracts if you’re new. Start with a prepaid SIM — you can always upgrade later.
eSIM Options (No Physical SIM) #
Modern phones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel) support eSIM. Providers like Simyo, Airalo, or O2 let you activate online without going to a store.
Good for: Digital nomads, short stays, fast setup
Things to Watch Out For: #
- Contracts (Verträge) can be 18–24 months long – read the fine print
- Some SIMs only work in Germany — check EU roaming if you travel
- Not all providers speak English — try supermarkets or online providers for easier setup
- You might need Anmeldung (proof of address) for contracts and bank account
SIM Card Buying Tips for Newcomers #
- Start with prepaid if you just arrived
- Choose based on where you live (urban = O2 ok, rural = Vodafone/Telekom better)
- Check for international call plans if needed
- Use comparison websites like check24 or verivox
- Keep your passport ready for video verification
Ready to Get Connected? #
Buying a SIM card is one of the easiest things to do as a newcomer — and one of the most helpful! Whether you grab one at ALDI or order it online, you’ll be connected and ready to settle in Germany in no time.
Still have questions? Check out our Newcomer Communication Starter Pack or chat with us for personalized advice.
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