Complete Guide for Travelers 路 Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Germany. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $11 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$11
Providers
3
Network
Currency
EUR
ALDI, Lidl, or REWE supermarket, or carrier stores at Frankfurt/Munich airports
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Germany. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Telekom (T-Mobile) Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $16USD 6 GB / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreSupermarket |
Vodafone Germany | Major | Good | Good | $11USD 4.5 GB / 28 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreSupermarketOnline |
ALDI Talk | MVNO | Good | Fair | $14USD 10 GB / 28 days | 1plan | Supermarket |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$16
6 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 6GB | 6 GB | 14.95 EUR | $16 | 28 days | Unlimited Germany |
| Prepaid 12GB | 12 GB | 19.95 EUR | $22 | 28 days | Unlimited Germany |
From
$11
4.5 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CallYa 4.5GB | 4.5 GB | 9.99 EUR | $11 | 28 days | Unlimited Germany |
| CallYa 15GB | 15 GB | 14.99 EUR | $16 | 28 days | Unlimited Germany |
From
$14
10 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Set 10GB | 10 GB | 12.99 EUR | $14 | 28 days | Unlimited Germany |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
Vodafone Germany
CallYa 4.5GB
9.99 EUR EUR
ALDI Talk
Starter Set 10GB
12.99 EUR EUR
Telekom (T-Mobile)
Prepaid 6GB
14.95 EUR EUR
Vodafone Germany
CallYa 15GB
14.99 EUR EUR
Telekom (T-Mobile)
Prepaid 12GB
19.95 EUR EUR
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Germany
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$11
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Germany, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Germany.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
European supermarkets (Carrefour, Tesco, ALDI) sell house-brand SIM cards at the best prices.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Bring your passport when buying a SIM card in Germany. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
Germany uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Germany
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
mvno carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Germany requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in Germany
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportRequired
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Video identification call (takes 10-15 min)
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Video identification call
mvno carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Video identification call or in-store verification
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Germany.