cookie-law-info domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/livewo9/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”|10vw||10vw|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|5vw||5vw|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|2vw||2vw|false|true” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” module_id=”intro” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
This is a constantly changing marketplace, and there are always new deals and products on the horizon.<\/p>\n
We do our best to keep this article up-to-date! For complete transparency, check the date at the top for when we last updated the article.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/german-mobile-phone-title.jpg” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ width=”50%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” z_index_tablet=”500″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”10px” box_shadow_vertical=”10px” box_shadow_blur=”12px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What is the right German mobile phone package for expats?” module_id=”rightpackage” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We recommend that expats in Germany\u00a0don’t sign up for minimum term contracts with a cellular provider.\u00a0These contracts for\u00a0German mobile plans are notoriously inflexible and can’t be cancelled at will.<\/strong>\u00a0It’s therefore best to\u00a0opt for a SIM-only rolling monthly plan<\/strong> (sometimes called postpaid). You’ll pay via direct debit, but can cancel with just one month’s notice. This affords much more convenience than pay-as-you-go, while at the same time offering greater flexibility than a fixed contract.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What we cover in this article” module_id=”index” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_line_height=”0.6em” text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our recommendations for the best providers<\/a><\/p>\n Why we recommend winSIM and freenet Mobile<\/a><\/p>\n Summary of winSIM’s product offers<\/a><\/p>\n Summary of freenet Mobile’s product offers<\/a><\/p>\n What you need to buy a German SIM card<\/a><\/p>\n How do the terms for German mobile phone networks differ?<\/a><\/p>\n Which mobile networks have the best coverage<\/a><\/p>\n How to check network coverage on O2,\u00a0Vodafone and Telekom’s websites<\/a><\/p>\n Can I take my existing number with me if I switch provider?<\/a><\/p>\n How can I save money on my German cellphone plan?<\/a><\/p>\n No more roaming charges within the EU<\/a><\/p>\n Conclusion: The best German SIM for you<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Recommendations for the best German cellular packages” module_id=”recommendations” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We’d recommend the following two providers as the best mobile phone plans in Germany:<\/p>\n These offer the best deals in the vast majority of cases for their respective networks, depending what you’re looking for.<\/p>\n Whether you’re a light or heavy user, they both offer a small number of easy-to-understand monthly packages.<\/p>\n Both providers are constantly offering weekly deals or special offers.<\/p>\n Even though their websites are in German, you’ll be able to follow pretty easily!<\/p>\n Link to freenet Mobile<\/a> website<\/p>\n Link to winSIM<\/a> website<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why do we recommend winSIM and freenet?” module_id=”whyrec” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We’ve chosen these two providers because they keep things simple and offer great value for money.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”winSIM” module_id=”winsim” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Below are a couple of screenshots from winSIM’s product page<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screenshot-2021-09-02-at-16.31.35.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2021-09-02 at 16.31.35″ align=”center” admin_label=”winSIM image” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”500px” custom_margin=”2vw|0px|2vw|0px|true|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” alt=”winSIM website” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To be sure you’re not viewing options for a 24 month contract, make sure you have the switch as displayed below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/winsim-switch.png” title_text=”winsim switch” align=”center” admin_label=”winSIM switch” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”500px” custom_margin=”2vw|0px|2vw|0px|true|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Freenet” module_id=”freenet” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Below are a couple of screenshots from freenet Mobile’s homepage.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screenshot-2021-09-02-at-16.34.05.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2021-09-02 at 16.34.05″ align=”center” admin_label=”Freenet image” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”500px” custom_margin=”2vw|0px|2vw|0px|true|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” alt=”freenet mobile” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To be sure you’re not viewing options for a 24 month contract, make sure you have the switch as displayed below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/freenet-switch.png” title_text=”freenet switch” align=”center” admin_label=”freenet switch” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What you need to buy a German SIM” module_id=”needsim” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can’t just walk into a shop and buy a SIM for your mobile phone, like you can in many countries.<\/p>\n You must be able to give a valid address in Germany in order to buy a prepaid SIM card for your cellphone.<\/p>\n There are ways round this, even if you’ve not found a permanent address yet, or you’ve not yet registered i.e. done your Anmeldung<\/em><\/a>\u00a0with city hall. You could use a PO box, the address of your empoyer, or a friend who can act as a care-of address for the SIM’s delivery, for example.<\/p>\n If you’re not signing up to a prepaid plan, you’ll also be subjected to a credit check on top of this.<\/p>\n A smarter move if you’re coming to Germany from another EU country could be to buy a SIM card there before you travel to Germany. This could tide you over for a few weeks while you get your other paperwork in order.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How are the terms different?” module_id=”termsdiff” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Their websites to sign up are in German.<\/p>\n We walk you through signing up on winSIM’s website<\/a> in the video below.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get the bad news out of the way first:<\/p>\n Contracts.\u00a0A standard German cellular plan comes with a 24 month contract. Worse still, you have virtually no opportunity to cancel at your convenience.<\/p>\n And it gets worse.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t cancel before this 24 month period is up, most contracts have an automatic renewal clause which immediately ties you in to another 12 months!<\/p>\n We therefore STRONGLY<\/strong> recommend not to sign a long-term contract.<\/p>\n Go with pay monthly options instead<\/strong>.<\/p>\n They are automatically debited (so you don’t have to keep buying prepaid cards or top up online). But, importantly, they allow you to cancel with 1 month’s notice.<\/p>\n In the past, German mobile data plans were pretty poor compared to neighbouring countries. In the 3 years since we first published an article on SIM cards and cellular packages in Germany, the gap has narrowed substantially.<\/p>\n You’ll DEFINITELY pay a lot less than you would on a similar plan in the US and Canada.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” module_alignment=”center” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/tttj3bhPxGs” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” _builder_version=”4.10.5″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”95%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”12px” box_shadow_vertical=”12px” box_shadow_blur=”10px” box_shadow_spread=”2px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Which providers have the best coverage?” module_id=”providersbest” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are 3 main German cellular networks:<\/p>\n All of the other third party providers of German SIM cards and call \/ data plans are renting airtime from one of the above three providers.<\/p>\n Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile network and Vodafone both run off the network with the best coverage, known as “D-Netz”.<\/p>\n O2 (which is owned by Spanish telecoms giant Telef\u00f3nica) offers less comprehensive coverage on the network known as “E-Netz”.<\/p>\n Usually, providers who use the O2 network tend to be the cheapest, with those using the Vodafone network slightly more expensive. There are fewer providers renting airtime from Telekom, and they tend to be more expensive than the other two.<\/p>\n Of our recommended providers, winSIM<\/a> uses the O2 network<\/strong> and freenet Mobile<\/a> uses the Vodafone network<\/strong>.<\/p>\n As long as you don’t sign up for a long-term contract, then there aren’t really any watch-outs to consider.<\/p>\n If you have issues with one provider, just switch with a month’s notice.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”o2″ module_id=”o2″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”o2″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The app on O2’s website<\/a> is really easy to use and distinguishes between coverage indoors (blue) vs. coverage outdoors (tan).<\/p>\n Just use the arrows to zoom in and out to find your desired location.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/o2_2.png” alt=”o2 network coverage Germany” title_text=”o2_2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”500px” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Vodafone” module_id=”vodafone” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Vodafone” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Navigate to the Vodafone network coverage widget<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/voda1.png” alt=”telekom mobile network coverage” title_text=”voda1″ _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Vodafone” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Type in your address of postcode into the white box at the top of the graphic.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/voda2.png” alt=”telekom mobile network coverage” title_text=”voda2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”400px” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Vodafone” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Zoom in, zoom out and select which types of network (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G) you want to overlay.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/voda3.png” alt=”vodafone network coverage Germany” title_text=”voda3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”400px” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Telekom” module_id=”telekom” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Telekom” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Navigate to Telekom’s network coverage widget<\/a>.<\/p>\n Enter your address or postcode into the box.<\/p>\n Then select which types of networks you wish to check for (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/telekom1.png” alt=”telekom mobile network coverage” title_text=”telekom1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”400px” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Telekom” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0Zoom in and out as required.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/liveworkgermany.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/telekom2.png” alt=”telekom mobile network coverage Germany” title_text=”telekom2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” height=”1000px” max_height=”450px” custom_margin=”2vw||2vw||true|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.3.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Can I take my existing number with me?” module_id=”existingnumber” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, you can.<\/p>\n As long as you’re switching from an existing German cellphone provider, you have the legal right to port your current German mobile number to your new plan.<\/p>\n This can often take a few days to administer though, so is best to do this while you still have a couple of weeks left on your old plan, otherwise you could end up high and dry if you don’t allow enough time.<\/p>\n When you sign up, they will ask you whether you want to carry over your existing number, and who the provider is.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.3.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How can I save money?” module_id=”savemoney” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They might seem like a good deal now, but trust me, they won’t be in 24 months time. German contracts in general are extremely hard to get out of. Think very hard before signing up to a contract.<\/p>\n It’s usually cheaper to buy the handset separately and to find the best German SIM card depending on your call \/ data volume requirements.<\/p>\n Prepaid and postpaid plans give you the flexibility to switch to a different deal with one month’s notice. You can upgrade or downgrade as you wish.<\/p>\n It’s usually just a few clicks within your personal account section on their website to do this.<\/p>\n You also get to keep your existing number if you remain with the same provider but just change tariffs.<\/p>\n Use services such as Skype or WhatsApp to make international calls, especially video calls.<\/p>\n Using your phone minutes for these can be extremely expensive, especially if you’re dialling international numbers outside of the EU.<\/p>\n Don’t sign a contract that you don’t understand.<\/p>\n This is especially important if a salesperson is pushing you to sign up for a “special deal”.<\/p>\n If you’re not confident speaking German to question some of the aspects of the deal, they probably see you as an easy target.<\/p>\n Buyer beware.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”No more roaming” module_id=”roaming” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Since June 2017, roaming charges have been abolished between different providers within the EU.<\/p>\n However, some of the cheaper SIM only cellphone plans in Germany specifically exclude roaming. Study the small print if you\u2019re not sure.<\/p>\n The packages from winSIM<\/a> and freenet Mobile<\/a> (as shown in the screenshots above) all include EU roaming within the monthly flat fees.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.3.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” module_id=”bestgermansim” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ text_orientation=”justify” z_index_tablet=”500″ text_text_align=”justify” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The packages we’ve listed above represent the best prices on each network for the different levels of usage.<\/p>\n For most people based in larger urban areas, winSIM’s packages will be the best value option<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat we cover in this article<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Our recommendations for the best German cellular packages<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Why do we recommend winSIM and freenet Mobile?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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winSIM: Summary of their\u00a0offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
freenet Mobile: Summary of their\u00a0offers<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What you need to buy a German SIM card<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How are the terms for German mobile phone networks different?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Which German mobile networks have the best coverage<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How to check available network coverage on O2’s website<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to check network coverage on Vodafone’s website<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How to check available network coverage on Telekom’s website<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Can I take my existing number with me if I switch provider?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How can I save money on my German cellphone plan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Avoid fixed term contracts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2. Easily upgrade or downgrade to a different plan with your provider<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3. Make use of free video call apps<\/strong><\/h4>\n
4. Read the small print<\/strong><\/h4>\n
No more roaming charges within the EU<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Conclusion: The best German SIM for you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n