For many international professionals, getting a German SIM card is one of the first important steps after arriving in Germany. It allows them to get in touch with family and friends right away and to use essential apps such as Google Maps, public transport apps, or housing portals. Those who settle in Germany long-term can later also set up a home connection with internet and a landline. This article gives an overview of the different options – from prepaid cards to combined landline and internet contracts.

Mobile contracts

A mobile contract provides fixed services over a set period, for example one month, twelve months, or two years, in exchange for a monthly fee based on the chosen plan. These contracts are generally only available once officially registered in Germany or once a residence permit has been obtained. Before signing a contract, it is essential to check the contract duration and cancellation terms.

German mobile contract providers

• T-Mobile
• Vodafone
• O2
• 1&1
• Blau
• Congstar
• Lebara

Prepaid card

A prepaid card is a good option to start with, as it requires no long-term commitment and is easy to obtain. It can be bought at mobile phone shops, electronics stores, supermarkets such as Aldi or Lidl, kiosks, or online. A valid passport with visa is generally sufficient for activation. No address registration is required. Prepaid cards can usually be canceled without complications or simply expire once the balance runs out. It is still worth checking the exact terms before purchasing.

Prepaid card providers

• OrtelMobile
• Vodafone Prepaid
• Telekom Prepaid
• Lebara
• Lycamobile
• Aldi Talk
• Lidl Connect
• PremiumSIM

eSIM

In addition to conventional SIM cards, many providers in Germany now also offer eSIMs. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is activated directly on the smartphone without the need to insert a physical card. It is particularly common with mobile contracts, while prepaid plans only partially support eSIM. One advantage of the eSIM is that it can in some cases be set up before arriving in Germany, meaning the phone is ready to use on the German network from the moment of arrival.

Landline and internet

Those who have moved into a permanent apartment in Germany can set up a landline connection in addition to their mobile SIM card. Today this is almost always booked together with a DSL or fiber internet connection, meaning both phone and home Wi-Fi are covered under a single contract.
A registered address in Germany is generally required for a landline contract. The minimum contract duration is often 24 months, so it is worth checking whether a longer stay at the same address is planned before signing up. Those who are still unsure can start with a flexible mobile plan and add a landline connection at a later point.

Landline and internet providers

• Telekom
• Vodafone
• O2
• 1&1

Costs and tips

Mobile plan prices in Germany are relatively affordable – basic prepaid plans are available from around 5 to 10 euros per month. Landline plans tend to be more expensive and vary more depending on the provider, region, and available infrastructure. Comparison portals and dedicated apps make it easy to compare plans and find the best option for one's budget.
For getting started, a prepaid SIM card is the best first step: it is quick to get, requires no lengthy contract process, and comes with no fixed terms or cancellation periods. A landline connection is generally not needed at the beginning. It only becomes worthwhile once the living situation is settled and a longer stay at the same address is confirmed. Those who then take that step benefit from stable Wi-Fi and a reliable phone connection at home.