Stay connected throughout your German travel with Telekom, a leading mobile provider in this country. Let’s walk through this guide about how to get and activate Telekom SIM cards & eSIM Germany. Ensuring you can stay connected during your trip and making your trip unforgettable with easy sharing, navigation, and communication.
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Deutsche Telekom is a major German telecom provider offering a wide range of services. They’re particularly known for their reliable and extensive mobile network, keeping you connected wherever you travel in Germany and even Europe. So it is considered as a traditional SIM card in Germany.
As you can see, through nPerf, Telekom offers coverage across various technologies including 2G, 3G, 4G, and the latest 5G in Germany. While Telekom covers 95% of the German population with their 5G network, O2 wins in overall coverage experience. If extensive 5G coverage and reliable connection are your top priorities, Telekom might be the best choice.
Advice for tourists: In major cities like Berlin or Munich, O2 and Vodafone might be tempting due to their lower costs. However, for reliable connectivity throughout Germany, especially in rural areas, you may choose Telekom.
OpenSignal reports Deutsche Telekom leads the competition in Germany, with cellular download speeds averaging around 58.9 Mbps, which is greater than the national average of approximately 50 Mbps. If you primarily use 4G and plan to stay in major cities, Vodafone might be a good alternative. Telekom has better speed overall but in 4G networks, Vodafone stays the best.
Yes, Telekom fully supports eSIM in Germany. Telekom offers eSIM options for both prepaid and postpaid plans, allowing flexibility for different needs, including travel reasons. eSIM has several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards, here is why:
| Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM |
| Convenience | Easier to activate and switch plans | Requires physical handling and swapping |
| Security | More secure as it’s embedded | Can be lost or stolen |
| Durability | Less prone to damage (water, dust) | Can be damaged or break |
| Multiple lines | Can store and switch between plans | Limited to one plan per SIM |
| Device compatibility | Works with newer eSIM-compatible devices | Universally compatible with most phones |
| Space-saving | Allows for slimmer phone designs | Takes up physical space in the phone |
Deutsche Telekom offers various prepaid Telekom SIM cards and eSIM options for tourists visiting Germany. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best fit based on cost and data needs:
| Telekom Plan | Data | Calls and Texts (on-net) | Price |
| Mobile Prepaid S | 500 MB | Unlimited | €4.95 ($5.30) |
| Mobile Prepaid M | 3GB | Unlimited | €9.95 ($10.65) |
| Mobile Prepaid L | 5GB | Unlimited | €14.95 ($16.01) |
| Mobile Prepaid XL | 7GB | Unlimited | €24.95 ($26.72) |
| Mobile Prepaid Max | Unlimited | Unlimited | €99.95 ($107.02) |
Note: These plans are all valid for 1 month and come with EU roaming included.
It’s crucial to show your passport for purchasing Telekom SIM cards in Germany. The retailer will need to verify your identity for registration purposes. Moreover, most modern phones are unlocked by default, but better ensure your phone is unlocked to work with the Telekom network.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on where to purchase a Telekom SIM card, ensuring you stay online in Germany with ease.
Many major German airports such as Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport have designated booths selling prepaid SIM cards from various carriers, including Telekom. This is a convenient option for quick connectivity upon landing. However, airport prices might be slightly higher compared to other locations.
Telekom shops are located throughout Germany. They offer the widest selection of Telekom SIM cards plans, catering to various data needs and budget preferences. The store staff can assist you with choosing the perfect plan and guide you through the activation process. Here are some Telekom stores in Germany:
Some retailers like convenience stores, gas stations, and some electronics stores might also sell Telekom SIM cards. The selection here might be limited compared to Telekom stores, but it can be a handy option if you’re wandering major city centers.
Remember: Check compatibility and research Telekom SIM cards plans and price beforehand.
eSIM is the best option for travelers in Germany when it comes to internet connection. If you need the absolute best and most reliable coverage, especially in rural areas, then a Telekom eSIM is ideal. However, it comes at a higher cost. For budget-minded travelers staying mostly in tourism cities, Gigago offers a better alternative. Gigago Germany eSIM options for O2 and Vodafone providers come at a more affordable price from $3.00 – $95.90 .
You should know: While Deutsche Telekom boasts the most extensive coverage, O2 and Vodafone shouldn't be overlooked. O2 or Vodafone could be the perfect travel companions for exploring Germany's major cities.
Telekom offers good network coverage in Germany, making it a viable option. However, O2 or Vodafone might be a better choice when it comes to price and 4G coverage.
Both SIM cards and eSIMs provide internet access in Germany for tourists.
Telekom eSIMs are typically purchased online from authorized retailers or directly from the Telekom website (online registration required).
When it comes to mobile phone service in Germany, Telekom is one of the big players. Germany Telekom SIM cards and eSIM have strong network coverage and fast internet speeds across Germany, making them a reliable choice for travelers. When traveling in Germany, you can choose a physical SIM or an eSIM for convenience if your phone supports it.
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