Best eSIM for Traveling to Germany in 2025

Are you planning to travel to Germany and looking to stay connected with an eSIM? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM for traveling to Germany including a comparison of the best Germany eSIMs for 2025.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and order an eSIM for Germany on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes.

Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2025, including all specifications per eSIM and info about EU data roaming.

This guide shows you where and when to order an eSIM, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, FAQ about using eSIMs and links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Germany online.

Table of Contents

Since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. Since I travel to a different country pretty much every week I am always looking for a new sim card to stay connected.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.

I also wrote a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Germany in 2025.

Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Germany are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Before giving you my Germany eSIM recommendation read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

Traveltomtom rates the following two eSIMs as the best eSIMs for traveling to Germany in 2025:

1. 70 GB Orange Holiday Europe eSIM

• 70 GB data in all of Europe
• 5G ready
• Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
• 120 international minutes
• 1,000 international sms
• Valid for 28 days
• $0.8 USD per Gigabyte

You can order the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM for $55.90 USD via SimOptions or for $53.50 USD via Sim Local.

Sim Local gives all Traveltomtom readers 15 % discount on all eSIMs when using the coupon code TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!

This eSIM comes with a phone number from France starting with +33 and is valid in 39 countries in Europe. Unlimited calls and sms within Europe are included.

Since the Orange Holiday eSIM comes with free EU data roaming and is valid in all countries in Europe it is therefore also listed as on of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe.

2. 15 GB Jetpac eSIM for Germany for $15 USD

• 15 GB data-only eSIM
• Valid in Germany only
• 5G ready
• Valid for 30 days
• Only $1 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Germany.

The Jetpac eSIM for Germany is data-only and does not support calling and texting and it does not come with a phone number. But the rate of only $1 USD per Gigabyte makes Jetpac an excellent eSIM for Germany.

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Comparison of the best eSIMs for Germany

On arrival in Germany you can get an eSIM in phone stores of O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile, but there are also multiple website on the internet that sell eSIMs for Germany.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Germany from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators. The Traveltomtom Team tested and reviewed multiple eSIM operators: SimOptions, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac, Sim Local, Ubigi, GigSky, Airhub, Roamless, Yesim, Firsty, Saily, aloSIM, etc.

The competition is fierce... so before you buy an eSIM first read all my tips below.

Jetpac

A fairly new kid on the block is is Jetpac, but they quickly earned its strips in the eSIM business. Offering more than just eSIMs, they also give away free VPPN subscriptions, airport lounge passes and more. Read all about it on our complete Jetpac review.

But the reason why Jetpac is listed as one of the best eSIMs for Germany are its excellent eSIM deals with great prices.

Here are the Jetpac eSIM plans for traveling to Germany in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Germany via Jetpac.

The Jetpac eSIMs for Germany goes as low as $0.9 USD per Gigabyte. Which makes Jetpac among the best value eSIMs for Germany in 2025.

Jetpac eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and they do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. The Jetpac eSIMs operate on the O2 and Vodafone network in Germany and 5G is supported.

Jetpac offers an additional service to its eSIM users. What about a free VPN subscription? On top of that you can also get free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you have to register your flight before your trip on the Jetpac platform.

The eSIMs can be installed before traveling to Germany and from the first moment it connects to a supported network the eSIM validity of 30 days starts counting. For more info check out the Jetpac website.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Germany eSIM.

Read more about SimOptions in our full SimOptions eSIM provider review.

Why using SimOptions? They offer international eSIMs including calling and texting as well as data-only eSIMs.

Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM plans for Germany for 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
• 50 GB data for 60 days = $49.90 USD

These SimOptions eSIMs for Germany do not come with a phone number and they do not support incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. SimOptions doesn't specify which network operator they use in Germany and they are only valid in Germany. 5G is supported.

Far more interesting are the international eSIMs from Bouygues Telecom and Orange, which are regarded as the best eSIMs for traveling to Germany in 2025.

These international eSIMs include free EU data roaming and unlimited calls and sms in all of Europe:

Bouygues Telecom

• 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
• 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $32.90 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $39.90 USD

Orange Holiday Europe

• 12 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 30 minutes international for 14 days = $28.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 70 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 28 days = $55.90 USD

Click here to order an international eSIM for Germany via SimOptions.

These international eSIMs for Germany are also valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet. The credit validity only starts upon arrival in Germany.

Airalo

Airalo is another very reputable eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Traveltomtom has used Airalo eSIMs for almost 5 years and in more than 50 countries around the world.

Why using Airalo?

Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals. Ordering your eSIM for Germany through Airalo is done fast and easy.

Here are the Germany eSIM plans for 2025 from Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $22.50 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
• Unlimited data* for 10 days = $35 USD

*3 GB high speed data per day, then reduced speed at 1 Mbps.

Click here to order an eSIM for Germany from Airalo.

The Hallo! Mobil eSIMs from Airalo operate on the Vodafone 4G/LTE network in Germany. 5G is not supported.

The Airalo eSIM plan with 20 GB data for just $26 USD is one of the best-buy eSIMs for Germany as it goes down to a rate of only $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.

The Airalo eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network.

Saily

Saily is a no-frills eSIM provider. Nothing special apart from that they are a product of NordVPN. They are a fairly new service and the Traveltomtom Team tested Saily extensively before adding to this Germany eSIM comparison.

Here are the Saily eSIM plans for Germany in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.49 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.99 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $12.99 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19.99 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $25.99 USD

Clcik here to order a Saily eSIM for Germany.

Saily doesn't provide much info about their eSIM plans. It is unclear if the Saily eSIMs are 5G ready and neither on which network they operate in Germany.

The Saily eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported. Saily is very similar to Airalo but then a dollar or so cheaper.

Nomad

Another trusted and reviewed eSIM provider is Nomad and Traveltomtom has used Nomad in more than 10 countries. Nomad sometimes has very competitive eSIM plans with cheap prices, but their Germany eSIMs are more expensive compared to SimOptions and Jetpac.

Nomad has two different types of eSIMs for France: Regular Plans and Daily Plans.

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Germany in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Germany from Nomad.

The Nomad eSIMs for Germany are 5G ready and they operate on the O2 and Vodafone network in Germany.

The Nomad Germany eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Germany. Basically when the plane lands.

Nomad also has daily plans. These eSIMs could perfect for those going on a short trip to Germany. You basically get 1 GB high speed data per 24 hours. Then after you use 1 GB data your data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which is actually useless, basically like an E signal.

Nomad also has daily plans that give you 1 GB data per day. After you have used 1 GB data your data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which is actually useless, basically like an E signal.

• 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $5 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $7 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $10 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $13 USD

It looks like an interesting option, but keep in mind that an eSIM with 10 GB data is just $12 USD and 10 days x 1 GB is $13 USD.

Personally, 1 GB data per day is not enough. Watching TikTok videos for about 60 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 45 minutes is also already 1 GB data. It depends how many gigabytes you use per day, but it could be a great eSIM for traveling to Spain.

Holafly

Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.

Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Germany:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
• 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
• 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
• 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
• 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
• 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD

As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIMs for Germany are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.

According to the Holafly website these Holafly Germany eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Orange. However, Orange is NOT a mobile internet operator in Germany, so I am sure Holafly is making a mistake on their website.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.

If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Germany.

Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around me constantly had a data connection I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even when we were in big cities I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIMs? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly. On average I use about 40 to 50 prepaid and eSIMs per year, making me a trustworthy source for all your sim card questions.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Germany?

No other eSIM provider can compete with the Jetpac eSIM plan for Germany for just $1 USD 1 GB data for 4 days.

SimOptions has an eSIM with 1 GB data for $4.5 USD, but then comes Jetpac again with 3 GB data for just $5 USD.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Germany

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Germany in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Germany without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Germany with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Germany, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Germany so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE in every tourist destination in Germany.

Actually even 5G, but most eSIMs do not offer 5G, only 4G/LTE network is supported. Only the O2 Go Card eSIM and the Orange 50 GB eSIM from SimOptions support 5G in every country in Europe.

Uncountable times my travel friends asked me: "can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!" Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Germany. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom: USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Europe, Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, international eSIMs and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling.

Where to buy an eSIM for Germany?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for Germany on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are lots of eSIM providers for Germany. Traveltomtom compared multiple of them and concluded that the ones mentioned in this guide are the best eSIM providers for traveling to Germany in 2025.

Some of the German mobile internet operators sell eSIMs through their own website. But read the following carefully...

When ordering an eSIM via a German mobile internet provider a long and tiring registration process is needed.

A copy of your passport is required as well as an address in Germany. The eSIM is not ready to use after ordering, you will first need to confirm your identity with a video call!

You will need to download an app and during the video call you will need to hold your passport next to your head as identification.

I tried it out for you and it was a nightmare. All in all it took about 30 minutes to get my eSIM ready to use after purchasing it from the Vodafone Germany website. This would be the last thing I recommend!

When buying an eSIM for Germany through one of the eSIM operators recommended in this guide you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Germany

When you arrive in Germany and you want to buy an eSIM for tourists then you will have to go to an official phone store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to your hotel? Use Google Maps.

As of 2025 most of the phone stores in Germany offer eSIMs for tourists, but not all of them. Often they can only sell you a physical prepaid tourist sim card.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card in Germany read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network in Germany.

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Flying into Germany and landing in Frankfurt or Berlin then you can also buy a sim card for Germany on arrival at the airport. However, there are NO eSIMs sold at airports in Germany, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists and expect to pay tourist prices when buying a sim card at the airport. The eSIMs mentioned in this article are much cheaper.

Check out my complete guide on how to buy a sim card at Frankfurt Airport in 2025 or my guide on how to buy a sim card at Berlin Airport in 2025.

When to order an eSIM for Germany?

You can order an eSIM for Germany pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Germany. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Germany eSIM on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Germany. All international airports in Germany have free public WiFi.

How do I know? Traveltomtom also wrote an arrival guide for Frankfurt Airport and Berlin Airport.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for Germany you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Germany eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Germany eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Germany

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Germany eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Germany. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi device for staying connected when traveling to Germany or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Germany and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIMs?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Germany.

However, you can still order a sim card for Germany on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card for Germany in 2025 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers recommended in this guide are reputed eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Germany.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our full review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Germany.

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Germany eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Germany. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Germany eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

If your Germany eSIM also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Germany, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Germany eSIM.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with a Germany eSIM?

Only the international eSIMs from SimOptions support incoming and outgoing calls/sms. If you would like to make local calls then go for a Bouygues Telecom or Orange eSIM. You can order them via SimOptions.

The Orange and Bouygues Telecom eSIMs include unlimited calls in all of Germany. Orange even includes international calls.

All other eSIM operators only offer data-only eSIMs for Germany.

Does a Germany eSIM come with a phone number?

Only the eSIMs that support incoming and outgoing calls come with a phone number. So the Orange and Bouygues Telecom eSIMs from SimOptions come with a phone number.

None of the data-only eSIMs come with a phone number and are not able to receive calls or sms.

Can I use 5G on a Germany eSIM?

Yes, as of 2025 pretty much all the eSIMs for Germany are 5G ready. Only the Airalo eSIMs do not support 5G in Germany.

Are there eSIMs for Germany with unlimited data?

Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Germany include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.

Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.

A great example are the Nomad eSIMs with a daily plan. These plans give you 1, 2 or 3 GB high speed data per day and then after you can use unlimited data up to a speed of 512 Kbps. That data speed is useless, only good for WhatsApp or email.

Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Germany and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Germany eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!

Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Germany with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM.

However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?

For $59.90 USD you get 100 GB data on a Germany eSIM you can order via SimOptions or 20 GB data for $26 USD on a Germany eSIM via Airalo or just $15 USD for 15 GB data via Jetpac.

These eSIMs offer a lot of data and there is no real need for an eSIM with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.

But even then... remember that after 2 GB per day your internet speed is reduced similar to an E signal. Useless!

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Germany?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Germany, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Germany?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Germany:

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIMs

Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than eSIMs. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Germany in a phone store and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best Germany sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Germany in 2025.

For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Germany you will find that for €20 EUR you can buy a local prepaid sim card with 15 GB data in Germany and all of Europe + unlimited calling/texting in Europe.

If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Germany you will need to find a sim card shop nearby your hotel.

They also sell Vodafone sim cards at Frankfurt Airport, but at tourist prices, no way near €12 EUR ($12 USD).

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, (unlimited) local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed.

Be aware that the local prepaid sim cards for tourists you buy in Germany are in general NOT 5G ready. All of the mobile internet operators in Germany (Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile) do NOT allow prepaid users to use the 5G network, 4G/LTE is the max data speed on prepaid sim cards.

The only exception is the most expensive prepaid sim card plan from Vodafone Germany.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Germany. Some of them are great for using in Germany as well as in all other countries in Europe and you can easily order them online.

Traveltomtom also put together a list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2025.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Germany directly online.

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is they all included calling and texting. Most eSIMs are data-only sim cards.

eSIMs

There are two different eSIMs:

• eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIMs that you buy in Germany in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that eSIMs provided by the local internet operators in Germany: O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Germany.

However, even as of January 2025 it is sometimes difficult to get an eSIM in phone shops in Germany. Often they only sell physical prepaid sim cards and for eSIMs they refer to buy one online.

This also counts for buying a sim card on arrival at the airport in Germany. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Frankfurt Airport and Berlin Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Germany, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Germany. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Germany eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Germany Traveltomtom comes to the simple conclusion that eSIMs for Germany that you buy on the internet are cheaper than local prepaid sim cards for tourists that they sell in Germany in stores.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. On top of that there are much better deals online and as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Germany.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Germany. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Germany were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Germany right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Germany!