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How to buy a prepaid German SIM card
Learn where to get a German SIM card, and what you’ll need for checkout. We also cover the cheapest options and average prices.
You can buy a prepaid German SIM card as a foreign tourist, expat, or student. How you do it, and what you need, will depend on where you buy your German SIM.
We cover where to buy a SIM card for Germany, what to bring to checkout, and which are the best and cheapest options in this quick guide. We also highlight Holafly, an unlimited data eSIM that comes without the hassle of physical SIMs.
SIM swapping is the past
Your Holafly eSIM is always on your phone, simply activate it whenever you need mobile data.
Where can I get a German SIM card?
You can buy a SIM card in Germany at airports, supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as dedicated mobile operator outlets.
If you’d rather have your prepaid Germany SIM card ready before you travel, you can also buy a German SIM card online.
How to buy a German SIM card
There are slightly different requirements for getting your German SIM card in Germany or online.
How to get a prepaid SIM card in Germany
You can buy a prepaid SIM card in Germany in two ways; at an official store or a convenience outlet. For both options, you need a valid ID to get your SIM in Germany.
To buy your German SIM card at an official telecom store:
- Visit the store of an official German mobile network, like Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Germany, and Telefónica Germany (O2).
- Choose any prepaid SIM plan that suits your needs.
- Go through the ID verification process in-person.
To buy your German SIM card from an unofficial store:
- Visit any local store, including supermarkets, drugstores, or gas stations.
- Pick any prepaid SIM card that suits your needs.
- Visit the chosen provider’s website to verify your identity online; for this, you will need an internet connection and device with a camera.
How to buy a Germany SIM card online
There are several ways to buy German SIMs with prepaid plans online before you travel. While some require a valid ID, others do not; it is always worth checking the details of your chosen provider.
- Buy a travel SIM card for international delivery: International travel SIM providers like SimCorner sell prepaid SIM cards for Germany. Enter your home address as the delivery option, register your SIM before you travel, and insert it in your cell phone as you arrive.
- Buy a local SIM card for German delivery: Some companies, such as LycaMobile, sell German SIM cards with local delivery only. Buy your SIM online, choose your hotel as the delivery address, and go through the required verification process as you check out.
Getting a German SIM card online before you travel is the easiest way to avoid queues and ID checks during your trip. But with online verification steps and delivery waiting times, it’s not always a simple process.
With an eSIM, you can get set up before you travel, without waiting times or ID registrations.
Holafly’s eSIM for Germany: Unlimited data, no ID needed
Holafly’s eSIM for Germany gives you unlimited data for as long as you need it. Choose the length of your trip, sit back, and relax.
There’s no contracts and no registration requirements. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone, and five minutes to scan your QR code and activate your eSIM.
Prices start at $6.90 and reach as low as $1.55 per day. What you see is what you get – no need to monitor your data usage or worry about hidden roaming charges.
Skip the sign-ups
Pick your plan and make your purchase. No need to create an account for your German eSIM.
Which is the best SIM card for Germany?
Germany’s biggest telecom companies, Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile), Vodafone Germany, and Telefónica (O2), all offer reliable tourist SIM cards for Germany. These often come with add-ons, like a local phone number to make calls in Germany and EU roaming.
If you’re looking for a cheap SIM card for Germany, consider other options like Aldi Talk and Lidl Connect.
But what if you’re staying longer than a short visit? One of the best (e)SIM cards in Germany for students and expats is Holafly Plans. The monthly rolling eSIM subscription can be cancelled anytime and doesn’t require local German information. Choose your plan (10 GB, 25 GB, Unlimited) and use the same eSIM to travel in 170+ destinations worldwide – at no extra cost.
How much is a SIM card in Germany?
German SIM cards can cost anywhere between €5 and €100 (~$5.75 and $115). To get enough data as a short-term tourist, expect to pay around €10 (~$11.50) for a basic plan.
Don't miss out on a discount
Use the code MYESIMNOW5 to get a discount of 5% off your next order.
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in the UK, I discovered content creation as a journalist while studying at the University of Manchester. I've since covered a range of roles, both editorial and SEO, across the travel, hospitality, and professional services industries. I spend my weeks ensuring Holafly's content is relevant, insightful, and helpful, and my weekends exploring new destinations to satisfy my ever-growing travel bug.
