Planning your trip to Germany and wondering what is the best way to stay connected? Don't get fooled by slow overseas data roaming plans or let high roaming charges ruin your trip. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Germany in 2025.
Find out where to buy a sim card for Germany, a comparison of the prepaid sim cards, the latest prices as per January 2025, the best eSIMs for Germany, the best 4G/5G network, my recommendation, info about international sim cards and much more.
Traveltomtom also wrote arrival guides for Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Frankfurt Airport with everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card on arrival at the airport.
If you are all about eSIMs then Traveltomtom has the ultimate guide for you with a comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Germany in 2025.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Why buying a sim card for traveling in Germany
- Germany prepaid sim cards and EU data roaming
- Where to buy a sim card in Germany?
- Mobile internet providers Germany
- Prepaid sim card registration in Germany
- Best 4G/5G network in Germany in 2025
- Prices prepaid sim cards Germany in 2025
- Best prepaid sim card in Germany in 2025
- What about eSIMs for Germany?
- Best eSIMs for Germany
Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to Germany are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link in this article I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a T-Mobile prepaid sim card for Germany. For around $21 USD you get 14 GB data plus unlimited calling and texting in Germany. T-Mobile has the best 4G/5G network in Germany.
However, what if I tell you that eSIMs on the internet are even cheaper?
A Jetpac eSIM for Germany with 20 GB data is only $18 USD! Other recommended eSIM providers for Germany are Airalo and SimOptions.
Find more detailed info in my comparison of the best eSIMs for Germany in 2025.
Traveltomtom also recommends international sim cards for world travelers that are visiting multiple countries. Have a look at my article with a comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2025 if you are visiting more countries on your journey.
On a trip to Europe? Then let me help you out Traveltomtom's list of the best European prepaid and eSIMs in 2025.
Always make sure your phone is unlocked otherwise and eSIM, an international sim or a prepaid sim card from Germany will not work in your phone. If you are not sure about it contact your provider in your home country.
Why buying a sim card for traveling in Germany
The answer is very simple don't rely on other people! Yes, your hotel has WiFi and most other public places will have, but you will be surprised how many bars and restaurants in Germany do NOT provide free WiFi even in 2025. Germany is big on privacy and local people don't like to connect to public WiFi networks.
But if you want to order a taxi through an app, quickly look up the train schedule or find a nearby restaurant with good reviews it is necessary to have a working data connection on your phone. There are so many reasons for you to get a local prepaid sim card or an eSIM when traveling to Germany. Think about emergency situations or checking your banking apps.
Overseas data roaming plans? Did you know that most of them limit the internet speed and you will end up with 3G data speed? With a local prepaid sim card or an eSIM you get the best network coverage and even 5G if it is available.
Don't feel like swapping sim cards? Get yourself an eSIM! Wanna go old school? Getting a portable WiFi for when traveling is still possible too. But we are not a fan anymore, because now there are eSIMs for Germany.
Providing travelers with resourceful information about sim cards became a passion and combine that with Traveltomtom's journey to travel to every country in the world and you know why there are already more than 200 sim cards guides for tourists on Traveltomtom.
Through research I aim to give you the latest information for you to stay connected when traveling abroad. Find sim card guides for: USA, South Africa, Thailand, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, UK, France, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Qatar, Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil 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 next holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!
Germany prepaid sim cards and EU data roaming
Although Germany prepaid sim cards are not the best value for money for traveling in Europe, they at least all offer free EU data roaming. That means with the prepaid sim card you buy in Germany you can use your data, voice and text allowance in every other European country. So if you travel onwards to Rome for example you can keep using the your German prepaid sim card at NO extra costs.
Once you cross borders in Europe you will get an automated text message explaining that there won't be any extra costs. For more info and tips about buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Europe click on the link to read Traveltomtom's complete guide.
Or make it yourself easy and arrived prepared in Europe and order a European sim card from my list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2025.
Where to buy a sim card in Germany?
Buying a tourist sim card at airports in Europe is mostly a tourist trap. In places like Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb they sell the same packages as they do in phone stores in the city center but then for 3 times as much.
Although it is the most convenient place to by a prepaid sim card on arrival it is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation.
Frankfurt Airport
Yes, there are phone stores in the arrival hall selling prepaid sim cards for tourists. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card at Frankfurt Airport in 2025. Expect tourist sim cards for tourists prices.
Berlin Airport
At Belin Brandenburg Airport there are very few options for tourists looking to buy a prepaid sim card for Germany. Check out my guide to show you where you can buy a sim card at Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
Phone stores
If you want to buy a local prepaid sim card in Germany Traveltomtom recommends going to a mobile phone stores of one of the mobile internet providers: Vodafone, O2 or T-Mobile. Here you will get the best service and the staff will help you activate your prepaid sim card.
MediaMarkt
Another popular place to buy a prepaid sim card in Germany is at MediaMarkt, a huge electronic shop. They sell a wide range of Germany prepaid sim cards. To check this out for you I went to the MediaMarkt, but service here was definitely not what it was like in a phone store.
It was searching for a needle in a haystack. Also when buying a sim card at Media Markt you will need to set up everything yourself.
Gas stations and convenience stores
Even a gas station they sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. So if you are entering Germany overland this could be an option for you. But when buying a prepaid sim card at a gas station in Germany you will need to register the sim card yourself.
And when I tell you that you have to download an app and then set up a video call and this all takes more than 30 - 40 minutes then you know why Traveltomtom simply recommends people to order an eSIM for Germany on the internet.
But this is what I lately found at the some gas stations in Germany.
Look at this Vodafone Germany prepaid sim card with 2.5 GB in Europe + 200 minutes OR sms = €10 EUR ($11 USD).
Online
The easiest place to buy a sim card for Germany is of course on the internet. No more visiting a sim card shop. If you order a prepaid sim card or an eSIM for Germany on the internet you are online as soon as the plane lands. That means on arrival in Germany you are not wasting time finding a place to buy a sim card.
Find more detailed info in Traveltomtom's guide for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Germany in 2025.
If your phone is not eSIM compatible then you can order a physical prepaid sim card for Germany via SimOptions. That will be send to your home address before your trip to Germany.
Mobile internet providers Germany
There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Germany: T-Mobile, Vodafone and O2. All of them sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.
There are a bunch a smaller brands that sell sim cards in gas stations and supermarkets, like: Aldi, Freenet Mobile, etc. So called MVNO's that use the mobile network of one of the 3 main internet providers.
They don't have phone stores, service is very limited and often in German only. Therefore I don't recommend these Germany sim cards for tourists.
Prepaid sim card registration in Germany
In Germany you will have to bring an official photo ID when buying a prepaid sim card, but that is not the only thing you need...
Since 2017 every prepaid sim card must be registered on a German address as well. Every shop will handle this differently but tourists can still easily buy a local prepaid sim card in store in Germany. Most stores will use the address of your hotel. No need to bring this, they will Google it in the shop.
Don't worry about the above rule too much, phone stores will help you to register your prepaid sim card. If this sounds too much hassle then order an eSIM for Germany on the internet.
If you try to be smart and order an eSIM for Germany directly from the website of one of the mobile internet providers (T-Mobile, Vodafone or O2) then be prepared for a long and time consuming registration and verification process. It took me in total about 30 minutes to get my eSIM activated. You need to download an app, make a video call appointment, then hold your passport next to your face and move your camera around it. Absolutely madness and ridiculous!
When ordering an eSIM for Germany then do it through one of the eSIM providers recommended by Traveltomtom: SimOptions, Airalo, Jetpac, Sim Local, etc. and then you only need an email address, no identification, etc. needed!
Best 4G/5G network in Germany in 2025
From experience I can tell you that the mobile data network in Germany is not as good as you may expect. On long train rides there are lots of places where there is no signal or a very weak signal. Germany is among the biggest countries in Europe but their mobile network doesn't live up to the country's status.
Is there 5G in Germany?
Yes, as of 2025 there is actually a decent 5G data network in Germany. Some operators have a better 5G network than others. T-Mobile has by far the best 4G/LTE network in Germany in 2025 and also the best 5G network in Germany.
Check the comparison below of the 4G/5G coverage maps in Germany for Vodafone, T-Mobile and O2.
Vodafone 4G/5G network coverage map
O2 4G/5G network coverage map
T-Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2025 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Germany in 2025.
From the above 4G/5G coverage maps for Germany we can clearly see that O2 and Vodafone have a much smaller 4G/5G network in Germany. It is an easy conclusion that T-Mobile has the best 4G/5G network in Germany in 2025.
Prices prepaid sim cards Germany in 2025
Buying a prepaid sim card in Germany is relatively expensive: small data packs and high prices.
All prices and info has been update as per January 2025 and prices are in Euros: $1 USD = €0.98 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.02 USD.
T-Mobile
A T-Mobile prepaid sim card is free when you choose any of the prepaid sim card plans from 4 GB data or bigger. All T-Mobile prepaid sim card plans are 5G ready and valid for 4 weeks.
- 1 GB data + 50 minutes = €9.95 EUR and you get €10 EUR credit.
- 4 GB data + unlimited calls and sms = €9.95 EUR - $10 USD
- 8 GB data + unlimited calls and sms = €14.95 EUR - $15 USD
- 14 GB data + unlimited calls and sms = €19.95 EUR - $21 USD
- Unlimited data + unlimited calls and sms = €99.95 EUR - $103 USD
The unlimited data prepaid sim card from T-Mobile Germany is probably the most expensive unlimited data sim card in Germany. The plans from 4 GB data onwards have unlimited calling and texting in Germany. All plans include free EU data roaming.
T-Mobile does provide eSIMs for tourists as well as physical prepaid sim cards. For more info check out the T-Mobile Germany website.
O2
All O2 prepaid sim card plans are 5G ready, valid for 4 weeks and include free EU data roaming.
- 6 GB data + unlimited calling/sms = €9.99 EUR - $10 USD
- 18 GB data + unlimited calling/sms = €14.99 EUR - $15 USD
- 24 GB data + unlimited calling/sms = €19.99 EUR - $20 USD
- 999 GB data + unlimited calling/sms = €74.99 EUR - $76 USD
All O2 prepaid sim cards for tourists are valid for 4 weeks and can be topped up online after that. O2 gives you much more value for money/ data for the same price as T-Mobile prepaid sim cards. However, the mobile data network of T-Mobile is much more advanced.
eSIMs are now also available for prepaid users. For more info check the O2 website.
Vodafone
The Vodafone Germany prepaid sim card packages are called CallYa and they offer the following 5G ready data packages valid for 4 weeks, including EU data roaming:
- 1 GB data + 100 minutes or sms = €4.99 EUR - $5 USD
- 6 GB data + 200 minutes or sms = €9.99 EUR - $10 USD
- 10 GB data + 500 minutes or sms = €14.99 EUR - $15 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calling/sms = €20 EUR - $20 USD
However, Vodafone does now offer eSIMs for tourists as well as physical prepaid sim cards. For more info check the Vodafone Germany website.
Best prepaid sim card in Germany in 2025
After comparing the prepaid sim cards in Germany it is easy to determine that T-Mobile is the best prepaid sim card in Germany in 2025.
T-Mobile has the most advanced 4G/5G network in Germany and their prepaid sim card deals are great compared to O2 and Vodafone.
For €20 EUR ($21 USD) you get 14 GB data + 2 GB extra + unlimited calling and texting in all of Europe. A Vodafone and O2 prepaid sim card is slightly cheaper but the Vodafone and O2 network coverage is much weaker.
What about eSIMs for Germany?
If we compare the prepaid sim cards with eSIM then we can only conclude that ordering an eSIM on the internet is cheaper than buying a prepaid sim card in Germany.
A Jetpac eSIM for Germany with 20 GB data is only $18 USD, another reason why Traveltomtom recommends eSIMs for Germany.
Find more detailed info in my comparison of the best eSIM for Germany in 2025.
If you are traveling all around Europe then click on the link to read my complete guide for buying a sim card for traveling in Europe in 2025.
Best eSIMs for Germany
The easiest way to get a data connection on your phone when traveling to Germany in 2025 is an eSIM. You arrange everything directly online. No more swapping physical sim cards and visiting a phone store.
You order an eSIM for Germany on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Germany eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Germany it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Traveltomtom wrote a complete guide for using eSIMs when traveling to Germany, including a comparison of the best eSIMs, all FAQ's answered and everything else you need to know about eSIMs.
There are a couple trusted eSIM providers for Germany eSIMs.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. Read more about it on our complete SimOptions review.
The Bouygues Telecom an Orange eSIMs for Europe are the most complete and recommended eSIMs for Germany.
Here are the SimOptions international eSIM plans for Germany for 2025:
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 for more info or to order an eSIM for Germany via SimOptions.
The Bouygues Telecom and Orange eSIMs for Europe come with free EU data roaming and are valid in all of Europe. Unlimited calling/texting is included and these eSIMs come with a phone number.
Airalo
Airalo is another reliable eSIM provider that sells eSIMs from pretty much every country in the world.
Airalo offers the following eSIM deals for Germany in 2025:
- 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
Click here to order a Germany eSIM from Airalo.
The Hallo! Mobil eSIMs for Germany are data-only and only valid in Germany. They operate on the 4G/LTE network of Vodafone Germany. 5G is not supported.
Before you order an eSIM for Germany make sure your phone is eSIM compatible.
For much more detailed information about using eSIMs for traveling to Germany, FAQ about eSIMs, more eSIM offers, plans and the best deals can be found in my detailed guide about the best eSIMs for traveling to Germany in 2025.
Order a prepaid sim card for Germany online
If your phone is not eSIM compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Germany online before your trip then check out the following.
Arrive prepared in Germany with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Germany, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Germany:
- 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
- 10 GB data + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
Click here to order a prepaid sim card for Germany via SimOptions.
Personally Traveltomtom recommends the Bouygues Telecom or the Orange sim cards. I have used these sim cards a lot in the past and never had an issue.
But nowadays when traveling to Europe or Germany I always use an eSIM. It is just so easy and as soon as the plane lands you are online.
For more detailed info check out my complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for traveling to Germany in 2025.
I am sure some of the info in this article about the best Germany prepaid sim cards for tourists was helpful for your upcoming trip to Germany. If you have any questions please leave me a comment below. I am more than happy to help you out with sim card and travel related questions.
Like to be fuelled by wanderlust? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and join me on my journey to visit every country in the world. As per January 2025 I visited more than 155 countries.
Enjoy your trip to Germany!