For those of you planning a trip to Germany! Guten Tag ! Have you decided how you will connect to the Internet while you are there? Your smartphone is your most important travel companion, whether you are gathering information after your trip, updating your SNS , live streaming, or using map apps. Once you arrive, you want to be able to communicate quickly, easily, and comfortably. So, this time we will introduce how to choose the best SIM card for your trip to Germany and how to use it.

1. Communication quality, area coverage rate, and charges

Check the area where it can be used

When choosing a SIM card for Germany, it is important to first check whether it is compatible with the areas you plan to visit. Local SIM cards can be used widely throughout Germany, so you can expect stable communications not only in urban areas but also in rural areas and tourist destinations. In addition, if you are traveling to multiple countries in Europe, a SIM card that can be used in multiple countries is also convenient.

Data capacity and communication speed

5G is becoming more widespread in Germany, and high-speed internet is available in urban areas. Think about the data capacity and communication speed you will need while traveling and imagine the usage scenarios you will be using at your destination. If you plan to watch videos or download large amounts of data, a large-capacity data plan is recommended. On the other hand, if you plan to only browse the web or check emails, a plan with a smaller amount of data may be sufficient.

Pricing Plans

Choose the plan that best suits you based on the length of your stay in Germany and the amount of data you need. For short-term visitors, we recommend the daily plan, while for long-term visitors or those with high data usage, the monthly plan is recommended. Compare the plans and choose the one that best suits your needs.

2. Choosing a SIM card in Germany

SIM card types and compatibility

When you go to Germany, it is essential to choose a SIM card that matches your device. In addition to traditional physical SIM cards (standard SIM , micro SIM , nano SIM ), digital eSIMs are now also available. Don't forget to check the SIM card type that your smartphone supports before traveling.

3. How do I get a SIM card in Germany?

Where to buy SIM cards

In Germany, SIM cards can be purchased at major international airports such as Frankfurt International Airport, the country's largest global hub airport, Munich International Airport, and Dusseldorf International Airport, as well as mobile phone shops in the city, some supermarkets, and drugstores. You can also purchase them online in advance, but you may be asked to verify your identity via video chat, so this may not be suitable for those who are unsure of their language skills. When purchasing, you will often be asked to present identification such as a passport or visa, so we recommend that you prepare in advance.

Recommended SIM cards for Germany

■ Telecom SIM

Telekom is Germany's largest telecommunications operator and is highly rated for its reliability and quality of service. Its extensive network coverage covers almost all of Germany and offers high-speed Internet connections, including 5G , especially in urban areas. Telekom 's " Prepaid Travel " plans offer flexible data and call times, allowing users to choose the plan that best suits their needs, whether they are staying for a short stay or traveling for a long time.

■ Vodafone SIM

Vodafone is a world-renowned telecommunications company, known in Germany for its strong network and quality of service. Vodafone 's network provides stable communication quality in urban areas as well as rural and rural areas, making it a very reliable option for travelers who travel frequently within Germany. Vodafone offers a variety of plans to suit individual usage styles, from data-only plans to complete plans that include calls and messages.

■ O2 SIM

O2 is a popular carrier, especially among young people and those who value value for money. O2 's prepaid SIM card, O2 Prepaid , is rated highly for its ease and flexibility. The plan has a low upfront cost and allows you to purchase additional data and talk time as needed. O2 also boasts extensive coverage across Germany, offering fast 4G connections in urban areas and 5G connections in some areas.

If you are looking for an eSIM , click the banner below to purchase one now! 

Important points when using SIM cards in Germany

Purchasing a SIM card and preparations

If you are planning a trip to Germany, it is important to research in advance where you can buy a SIM card, whether your smartphone is compatible with local SIM cards, and what documents you need to purchase one. In Germany, SIM cards can be purchased at major international airports, mobile phone shops, and some supermarkets and drugstores, but it may take some time from purchase to start using, so plan well in advance. You may also need to have cash ready when purchasing, so it will be smoother if you prepare euros in advance.

Select data capacity

When using data communications in Germany, roaming from outside the country can be expensive. The trick to getting a SIM card at a reasonable price is to choose a plan that suits your needs, such as data capacity, speed limits, and conditions.

Check the SIM card size

Make sure to check in advance whether your smartphone is a nano- SIM , which is the type commonly used in smartphones today, or a different size SIM . Don't forget to prepare the pin to open and close the tray, which is needed when replacing the SIM card, and how to store the SIM card you are currently using in Japan.

The smartphone cannot be used if it is SIM- locked.

If your smartphone is SIM -locked by a specific carrier, you may not be able to use a German SIM card. Before traveling, check whether your smartphone's SIM lock is unlocked or can be unlocked, and prepare for your trip to Germany.

The most recommended communication method for traveling to Germany is " eSIM "!

■ Benefits of eSIM in Germany

If you are traveling to Germany, we recommend using " eSIM" as a means of communication. Unlike conventional physical SIM cards, eSIM ( Embedded SIM ) is a digital SIM that is already built into your smartphone or tablet. This innovative technology eliminates the need for troublesome SIM card replacement; you can immediately start communicating with the internet after just a few steps of setting up online. It eliminates the hassle of renting, carrying, charging, and returning a Wi-Fi router, which has been inconvenient until now, and you can enjoy your precious travel time more comfortably!

■ Recommended for traveling to Germany! eSIM " VOYAGEESIM "

VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE

Supported countries are here

Click here for a list of products

You can choose from four plans: 5G for 10 days, 10GB for 15 days, 20GB for 30 days, and 50GB for 60 days .

With " VOYAGEE SIM ", you can keep the SIM card you use in Japan! There's no need to wait in line to purchase a SIM card or wait for a representative to assist you! Just set it up in the airport's Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will instantly be able to use data in 42 countries and regions in Europe.

*The communications service provided by this product is Vodafone Roaming Services S.à rl.

■VOYAGEESIM FOR Europe review

"This is my first time using this comfortable internet environment. I used the 5GB, 10-day plan on an 8-day tour of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. I downloaded the plan to my iPhone in advance in Japan as instructed, and when I arrived at Munich Airport, I switched to the eSIM and was able to use it immediately. I was able to connect to 5G and 4G lines almost without any problems in every country, and had a comfortable internet environment. The signal was weak near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and I was unable to connect, including to other service users, but otherwise there were no problems. Compared to renting Wi-Fi, it is very convenient that you don't need to charge your device or carry the Wi-Fi itself, and you can easily check the remaining charge at any time. It is also good value for money, and I would like to use it when traveling abroad in the future." - March 19, 2024 -

"It was very good. I don't know the cause, but the screen that came up was different from the instructions, so I contacted them via chat and they replied immediately. There were no actual problems. This time I used it to travel to eight European countries, and with some exceptions, I was able to stay there without losing signal." - February 17, 2024 -

" I was able to use it without any problems as soon as I arrived at the destination. I set it up as soon as I landed at the local airport and it was activated. I'm very satisfied that I was able to communicate without any problems during my trip. " - February 16, 2024 -

Source: VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 10 days/5GB

VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 30 days/20GB

summary

For communications when traveling in Germany, the best option is an " eSIM" - simple, convenient and comfortable. In this article, we've introduced the recommended SIMs for traveling in Germany, the benefits of eSIMs , how to obtain one, and some important points to note when using them. Preparing an easy, convenient and comfortable communications environment is absolutely essential for an enjoyable trip. Thank you for reading this guide blog ! Danke schön! We hope you enjoy your stay in Germany.