Germany Telekom SIM Cards and eSIM: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

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.

I. Overview about Telekom – What You Need to Know

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.

• Full company name: Deutsche Telekom AG
• Founded year: Telekom was founded in 1995.
• Types of services provided: Mobile network, fixed-line network, internet service provider (ISP) and television.
• Number of subscribers: With around 43 million mobile customers in Germany, it’s safe to say they’re a pretty popular choice.
• Coverage: Primarily Germany and through subsidiaries all over Europe.
• Estimated number of network of stores, agents: Over 2,000 Telekom Shops and partner points of sale in Germany (as of 2023).
• Customer support: Telekom customer support team is on call 24/7, ready to assist you in German.

II. Telekom coverage 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.

III. Telekom speed in Germany

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. 

IV. Does Telekom Germany Have eSIM?

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

V. Top Telekom SIM cards for tourists

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)

VI. Where to buy Telekom SIM for Germany?

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.

1. Airport Convenience Upon Arrival

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.

2. Telekom store

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: 

• Telekom Shop in Berlin: Kurfürstendamm 146, 10709 Berlin, Germany
• Telekom Shop in Frankfurt: Schweizer Str. 40, 60594 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Telekom Shop in Munich: Marienplatz 22, 80331 München, Germany

3. Other authorized retail stores

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. 

VII. A Better Alternatives to Telekom – Germany eSIM

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 . 

IX. FAQs about Telekom in Germany

X. Final words

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.