Regardless of where you buy your German SIM, you will need to bring the following documents:
Choose where to buy
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Do your ID check in person: Buy your SIM at a phone shop or official provider shop like Telekom, Vodafone, O2, etc.
or -
Do your ID check from home or in a post office: Buy your SIM at a Späti (corner shop), supermarket, or electronics store.
Bring the right documents
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German address – proof of address
- Passport - required
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Payment method – cash or card. Many Spätis only take card payments over a certain amount, so bring cash as a back-up.
Buy a pre-paid SIM
- Buy a pre-paid physical SIM card, or eSIM.
- We recommend using a physical SIM card. If you choose to purchase an eSIM, make sure it comes with a German phone number. Many eSIMs do not come with their own number.
- We recommend using a physical SIM card. If you choose to purchase an eSIM, make sure it comes with a German phone number. Many eSIMs do not come with their own number.
- If you are using your phone from your home country, make sure it is unlocked so you can use your SIM or eSIM.
Verify your identity
- In a provider shop like Vodafone, Telekom, the staff will check your passport and register your SIM while you are there.
- From a Späti (corner shop)/supermarket, go to the provider’s activation page, enter your details, and complete a short video call ID check or verify in a post office.
Activate your SIM
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Insert the physical SIM into your phone, or load your eSIM profile, then restart your phone.
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Activation is usually completed on the same day.
Top up or pick a plan
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You can add credit when needed (Guthaben aufladen) via voucher, app, or website. Check the provider's website to find out your options.
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Alternatively, you can choose a monthly data package that requires a certain top-up amount every month.
 Smartmobil* |
 Freenet* |
 Telekom* |
 1&1* |
|---|---|---|---|
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From €4.99 /month
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From €9.99 /month
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From €4.95 /month
|
From €19.99 /month
|
|
5GB internet data
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7GB internet data
|
1GB internet data
|
5GB internet data
|
|
Unlimited calls and SMS to all German networks
|
Unlimited calls and SMS to all German networks
|
Unlimited calls and SMS to Telekom users
|
Unlimited calls and SMS to all German networks
|
|
€0 set-up fee (with contract)
|
€9.99 set-up fee (with contract)
|
€9.95 set-up fee
|
€19.90 set-up fee
|
 |
 |
 |
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