How to Get and Activate Vodafone SIM Card & eSIM: Guide for Tourists

Harper Thomas

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Latest update: July 2024

Vodafone is one of the major network carriers in Germany. This mobile operator offers connectivity options, allowing users to stay online during their travels through reliable mobile data and calling. Many tourists visiting Germany always have difficulty about how to get and activate a Vodafone SIM card & eSIM. In this article, you will find detailed instructions on how to use SIM cards by this network carrier.

I. Overview about Vodafone – What You Need to Know

Vodafone is a mobile telecommunications operator in Germany headquartered in Düsseldorf. LTE, 5G, landlines, cable TV, IPTV, mobile phones, and internet are all offered. Vodafone is Germany’s third-largest mobile phone service provider with over 31 million users in 2021.   

• Founded: 1990; 34 years ago (as Mannesmann Mobilfunk GmbH). 
• Company name: Vodafone Group Plc, but most people just call them Vodafone.
• Products: Prepaid and postpaid Vodafone SIM card & eSIM, DSL, IPTV, cable internet, cable television
• Network: Vodafone Germany’s network serves both prepaid and postpaid customers on GSM and LTE 
• Awarded: the second digital GSM-900 (also known as D-Netz (de; D-Network in Germany) network in Germany to Mannesmann, as the first private company in Germany to break the monopoly of the telecommunications services operated by Deutsche Bundespost (now Deutsche Telekom)

II. Vodafone Coverage in Germany

nPerf shows Vodafone offers good overall coverage in Germany, making it a strong contender for travelers. While not the absolute fastest, Vodafone comes in a close second in 5G coverage, ensuring a smooth internet experience for most travelers. 

III. Vodafone Speed in Germany

While Vodafone might not hold the top spot for download speeds, the brand follows closely behind as a very strong second place. This makes them a great option for travelers to access the internet in Germany. When it comes to upload speeds in Germany, Vodafone stands the 3rd among major operators with the fastest upload speed in Germany.

► Our Recommendation: For travelers who want a reliable and good internet connection in Germany, Vodafone is definitely a provider to consider.

IV. Does Vodafone Have eSIM in Germany?

Yes. In Germany, Vodafone offers eSIM support. For travelers who require an internet connection, this is a reasonably priced option. When compared with data roaming or pocket Wi-fi, eSIM offers a wide range of service packages at more affordable costs.

After payment, you will receive the eSIM via email and activate it with a QR code, connecting right away upon landing, through an easy 100% online process.

eSIM for Germany offers talk and texting capabilities through applications like Facetime, Telegram, and WhatsApp, helping users save on connection expenses. It is completely free of data roaming fees.

V. Top Vodafone SIM Cards for Tourists

Vodafone has prepaid plans that are a good option for visitors to Germany. Here’s some Vodafone SIM card & eSIM packages you can refer to:

VI. Where to Buy Vodafone SIM Card for Germany?

When buying a Vodafone SIM card in Germany, be prepared to show your passport. This is because the operator needs to verify your identity for registration. Most modern phones come unlocked by default, allowing them to work with different networks. But to be clear, double-check that your phone is unlocked specifically for the Vodafone network in Germany. 

To get the Vodafone SIM card, here is where to buy: 

1. Upon Arrival

Major international German airports like Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, and Munich have booths selling Vodafone prepaid SIM cards. It’s an easy way to get the internet right after you land.

Consider the cost: While convenient, airport prices for SIM cards can be a bit higher compared to what you might find in other places, like phone stores or retailers in the city center.

2. Vodafone stores

You can buy a prepaid SIM card directly in Germany from a Vodafone store. They’ll have staff to help you choose the right plan and complete the registration process. Here are some suggested locations: 

• Frankfurt Store: Leipziger Str. 34, 60487 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Berlin Store: Mall of Berlin, Leipziger Pl. 12-13, 10117 Berlin, Germany
• Munich Store: Marienplatz 25, 80331 München, Germany

3. Other authorized retail stores

Various retailers sell travel SIM cards in Germany, including options for Vodafone. This is a convenient option, especially if you arrive at a touristy place. Resellers are often found at kiosks, gas stations, and even grocery stores. However,  be aware that travel SIM cards sold by resellers might be a bit more expensive than those purchased directly from Vodafone official stores.

VII. Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM for Germany?

To purchase a Vodafone eSIM for your Germany trip, tourists have 2 options: Buy from Vodafone website or eSIM resellers.

• Buy at Vodafone official website: This is the most reliable option for tourists in Germany. Vodafone offers prepaid eSIM plans, which can be purchased online at Vodafone website.
• eSIM retailers: You can explore online retailers who sell eSIMs for travel. These might be international companies like Gigago. Gigago Germany eSIM offers eSIM options with Vodafone networks, and the prices are known to be budget-friendly from $3.00 – $95.90 .

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

This is how to top up your Vodafone SIM card & eSIM if applicable:

1. My Vodafone App

This is the easiest and most recommended method.

• Download the My Vodafone app for your phone (App Store: for iPhones or Google Play: for Android phones).
• Log in to your Vodafone account.
• Look for a section called “Top Up” or “Recharge.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a top-up amount and complete the payment.

2. Online Top-up

• Visit the Vodafone website for Germany.
• Look for a section on “Top Up” or “Recharge.”
• You’ll likely need your mobile number and possibly your account details to log in.
• Choose a top-up amount and complete the payment online.

3. Retail Stores

• Find a Vodafone store near you (store locator available on their website).
• Visit the store and tell the staff you want to top up your phone.
• Provide your mobile number and choose a top-up amount.
• The staff will process the top-up and you should receive confirmation shortly.

IX. FAQs about Vodafone SIM card & eSIM in Germany

X. Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to get and activate Vodafone SIM card & eSIM Germany. I hope this information was helpful to you. For your next trip, please check Gigago to see if they have a new SIM card for Germany at a lower cost.