How to Get and Activate O2 SIM card & eSIM: Guide for Tourists

Harper Thomas

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Latest update: October 2024

One of the top mobile network providers in Germany is O2. Travelers visiting Germany will find Germany SIM cards to be a wonderful option because of their coverage, quick speeds, and inexpensive prices. Important details regarding obtaining and utilizing an O2 SIM card & eSIM are included in this extensive tutorial.

I. Overview about O2 – What you need to know

The international brand name O2 (typeset as O2) is owned by Telefónica, a telecommunications firm based in Spain. The company’s subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom operate under the O2 name.

• Founded: 29 November 1995
• Company name: Telefónica Germany
• Headquarters : Munich, Germany
• Product: Telefónica Germany provides access to second, third, and fourth generation mobile networks that support data connections via GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, up to HSPA+, and LTE. The majority of O2 plans, including the all-in-one flat rates known as O2 o and O2 on for business clients, are offered in both prepaid and postpaid versions.
• Customer support: O2 provides 24/7 call center support available in English and other language.
• Telefonica have 343 million customers, including 272 million mobile customers, nearly 11 million fiber and cable customers and more than 8 million pay TV customers.

II. O2 Coverage in Germany

O2 has great coverage in major cities like Berlin, Dortmund and Munich. According to a recent report by Opensignal, O2 is the winner in Germany for mobile network coverage experience. With O2 wide network, you can expect a reliable connection for calls, data, and more throughout your trip in Germany.

III. O2 Speed in Germany

O2’s got you covered with their super-fast mobile internet. It uses both 4G LTE and 5G, reaching speeds of up to 300 Mbits/s for Prepaid packages. O2 network in Germany has downloads speed average 69.3 MBit/s and uploads reaching up to 50 MBit/s (averaging 28.5 MBit/s). With this mobile network, you can stream in the highest quality, and download music and apps super fast.  

► Our Recommendation: Overall, with the extensive coverage and fast speeds, O2 is a great option for tourists visiting Germany who need a reliable mobile network connection.

IV. Does O2 Support eSIM in Germany?

Yes. There are two ways to buy eSIM from O2: buy directly from the operator or buy through eSIM resellers. Buying directly from the network operator usually requires you to present your passport (usually, but the specific network policy may differ). Buying from resellers is simpler, you don’t have to present anything.

V. Top O2 SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

O2 offers a variety of prepaid data packages to suit your needs. Choose a package that provides enough data for your entire trip, you can refer to the following table:

O2 plans include EU roaming, so you can use your phone with all conditions as usual without any additional charges when traveling to other European Union countries. This is a big advantage compared to having to purchase separate SIM cards or data plans for each country you visit.

VI. Where to Buy an O2 SIM Card for Germany?

Before buying an O2 SIM card in Germany, remember to bring your passport with you. The operator needs to verify your identity for registration. Most modern phones come unlocked by default, working with various networks. But to ensure, check your phone if it is specifically unlocked for use on the O2 network in Germany.

Here are some convenient options to buy an O2 SIM card in Germany:

1. Upon Arrival

Major airports like Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, and Munich in Germany can have O2 SIM cards at convenient kiosks. This lets you get connected right after you land. However, keep in mind that airport prices for O2 SIM cards tend to be higher compared to what you’ll find in O2 official stores or retailers in city centers.

2. Vodafone store

You can easily find O2 stores throughout Germany. These official shops offer a convenient option to purchase your O2 prepaid SIM card. Their friendly staff can assist you in choosing the perfect plan based on your data needs and complete the registration process for you. 

• Frankfurt Store: Frankfurter Str. 4, 63065 Offenbach am Main, Germany
• Berlin Store: Floor 0 – Alexanderplatz, Alexanderpl. 3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
• Munich Store: Lindwurmstraße 113, 80337 München, Germany
• Dortmund Store: Limbecker Platz, Limbecker Pl. 1a, 45127 Essen, Germany

3. Other authorized retail stores

You can look for O2 SIM cards at reseller stores. These are commonly found at kiosks, gas stations, and even grocery stores. Be aware that these resellers might have fewer O2 SIM plans compared to official O2 stores.

VII. Where to Buy O2 eSIM for Germany?

There are two options for getting an O2 eSIM for your Germany trip:

• Option 1 – Direct from O2: This is the most reliable option for tourists. O2 offers prepaid eSIM plans that can be conveniently purchased online through their official website. This ensures you get the latest plans and secure activation directly from the source.
• Option 2 – eSIM Resellers: Several online retailers sell Germany O2 travel eSIM. Gigago, for example, offers budget-friendly eSIM options that run on the Telefonica (O2) network. This Gigago Germany eSIM offers tourist prices ranging from $3.00 – $95.90 .

VIII. How to Top-up O2 SIM card & eSIM

This is how to top up your O2 SIM card & eSIM if applicable. In order to make use of the service, customers must register at O2 website or with prepaid customer support. They will then have four different top-up options: 

• Online at O2 website, by texting “Aufladen” to 73737, via prepaid customer support, or via the spoken menu on 73737. 
• The consumer can also choose to set up a repeat automatic top-up, in which case they choose a specific amount to be deposited to the prepaid account on a predetermined day of the week or month. 

IX. FAQs about O2 SIM card & eSIM in Germany

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, O2 SIM card & eSIM offers tourists visiting Germany an inexpensive and practical connectivity alternative because of its strong coverage, quick speeds, and simple activation process. Remember to think about getting a Germany eSIM if you want a dependable, fast internet connection across Germany.