Mobile Phone Rates in Germany (2023)
Contents
Whether you’re moving to Germany to study or work, chances are you will need a mobile phone contract or prepaid SIM. Mobile rates in Germany are competitively priced and it’s easy to make savings by doing some research. The right option depends on the length of time you plan on living in Germany for and how much you are likely to use your phone for calls, texting, or mobile data (Internet).
This article will introduce the contract/SIM options, rates, and contract providers and will give you some tips for choosing the ideal option for you and saving money on your mobile phone use in Germany.
Supplements
There are three basic options for using a mobile phone in Germany
The main two are:
A less common option in Germany is a SIM-only deal, whereby customers pay a monthly amount for a set number of calls, texts and data but the contract doesn’t include a mobile phone. It’s important to note that unlike many European countries, standard mobile phone contracts are 24 or 48 months in Germany.
What if I only want a SIM card in Germany?
All the major network providers, and many smaller ones, sell prepaid SIM cards. You will need to buy your own mobile phone and make sure it is ‘unlocked’ so that you can put a SIM from any network provider into the phone.
Unlike most countries where a prepaid SIM can be purchased and used by anyone, in Germany, you need to provide your city registration certificate (Anmeldungsbestätigung) and verify your identity with an identity card or passport to buy a prepaid SIM card. You will also be asked to sign a contract (Vertrag) when you purchase your first prepaid SIM card in Germany.
How much data do I need?
The answer to this question depends on how you use your phone. If you prefer to be connected to the internet at all times, you will need a mobile contract with a large data allowance.
You can get away with a smaller data allowance if you only use your phone for calls and texts and the odd bit of mobile internet browsing.
Postpaid mobile phone contract in Germany
If you want a mobile phone contract with a new mobile phone, you have two choices: with or without a mobile phone. The latter is called SIM-only. In both cases, your monthly mobile phone bill will be automatically deducted from your bank.
Is prepaid or contract best?
A contract usually works out cheaper if you’re likely to be in Germany for more than two years, as the best rates are found on the longer contracts.
The longer contracts usually offer the latest phone models as part of the deal and more data allowances. However, those who are not going to be in Germany for as long as two years may be better suited to a prepaid SIM or SIM-only deal.
SIM-only contracts
Although these are much rarer in Germany than in other countries, there are now a few SIM-only monthly deals around too, where customers pay a monthly amount for data/texting/calls but use their own phone. This can be a very low-cost option, especially if you already own an unlocked phone and don’t intend on using huge amounts of data.
Can I use my cell phone in Germany?
You may well be able to use your existing cell phone and use it with a new SIM, provided the phone is unlocked. You can do this with a SIM-only deal or by buying a prepaid SIM card.
It is not advisable to use your existing home country contract as your call rates are likely to be very high for both you and people trying to contact you (unless you are from another EU country which allows for EU roaming rates).
Rates overview
How much is a mobile phone rate in Germany?
The mobile phone market in Germany is competitive, which means it’s easy to get low rates if you shop around. Average mobile phone rates in Germany for 24 month contracts range from 15 € to 30 €. You can reduce this cost to around €10 to €15 if you have a phone already or buy a second hand one and sign up to a SIM-only contract. The amount a prepaid SIM will cost you will depend on how much you use your phone and whether you make use of WiFi to send web based messages and make Skype calls.
Affordable Tariffs with Contracts:
(Disclaimer: Current prices as of September 2023. These prices may change over time)
Vodafone:
If you are under 28 (GigaMobil Young S with 15 GB data volume): 15 GB for €23.99 per month in a 24-month contract plus a connection price of €39.99. Includes unlimited calls to all German networks.
If you are above 28 (GigaMobil S with 24 GB data volume): 24GB for €31.99 per month in a 24-month contract and no connection price. Includes call to all German networks.
O2 (Telefonica):
If you are under 29 (Mobile S Boost with 8GB data volume): 8GB for €17.99 per month in a 24-month contract plus a connection price of €39.99. Includes unlimited calls to all German networks.
If you are above 29 (Mobile S Boost with 8GB data volume): 8GB for €27.99 per month in a 24-month contract plus a connection price of €39.99. Includes unlimited calls to all German networks.
Deutsche Telekom:
If you are under 28 (MagentaMobileS with 20GB ): 20GB for €24.95 per month plus in a 24-month contract plus connection price €39.95.
If you are above 28 (MagentaMobileS with 5GB ): 5GB for €34.95 per month plus a 24-month warranty plus connection price €39.95.
Prepaid- Affordable Tariffs without Contracts:
Vodafone:
- 4GB (CallYa Allnet Flat S)): €9.99 for four weeks
- 8GB (CallYa Allnet Flat M): €14.99 for four weeks
O2:
- 6GB (O2 Prepaid S): €9.99 for four weeks
- 12GB ( O2 Prepaid M): €14.99 for four weeks
Deutsche Telekom:
- 3GB (Magenta Mobile Prepaid M): €9.95 per month
- 7GB (Magenta Mobile Prepaid XL): €24.95 per month
SIM-only contracts:
Prepaid SIM pay as you go phone plans:
- ALDI Talk - 3c per minute, 0.24 €/MB
What is the best mobile network in Germany?
Although there are many companies that you can sign up to or buy a SIM from, there are only a few that actually provide the network services. The smaller companies rent the airspace from one of the main network providers, either Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom or Telefonica O2.
The best for coverage and quality is considered to be Deutsche Telekom, especially for those moving to small towns or rural areas. However, the most competitively priced deals and fastest speeds are offered by Vodafone.
Conclusion and Tips
How to get a mobile phone contract in Germany?
The process of getting a mobile phone contract in Germany is fairly straightforward, but have your residents permit, visa, and ID ready as you may need to provide some or all of these. You can easily organize a mobile contract online, too.
A mobile network provider may want to run a credit check on you, which may be a problem if you have just moved. One solution is to buy a cheap phone with a prepaid sim until you have built up a credit score, but this may not be necessary.
Some further tips include:
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