A German prepaid SIM will not work until you have proved your identity in person or on a video call - this is the law, not a formality. For a short trip an international eSIM from about EUR 10 skips the whole process.
- A German prepaid SIM will not activate until you have proved your identity - in person at a carrier store, at a Deutsche Post branch, or by video call where an agent inspects your passport. This is the law, not a formality.
- An international eSIM bypasses all of it. Saily is USD 12.99 for 5 GB over 30 days, installed by QR code before departure - the correct answer for almost any trip under two weeks.
- EU and EEA visitors need nothing - roam-like-at-home means your domestic bundle works at domestic prices.
- Deutsche Telekom has the best coverage and rural reach; Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, congstar and Fraenk resell the same networks more cheaply.
- Carrier stores are the only places that can verify you on the spot. Supermarket and airport starter kits still leave you to complete the video check yourself.
Buy an eSIM before you fly, or budget an hour for a video identity check.
- Section 111 of the Telecommunications Act (TKG) requires every prepaid SIM to be registered to a verified identity before it will activate. You cannot buy a SIM at a kiosk, put it in and use it. Verification is done one of three ways: in person at a carrier store, by PostIdent at a Deutsche Post branch, or by VideoIdent, a live video call where an agent inspects your passport.
- An international eSIM bypasses all of it. Saily sells a profile you install by QR code before departure and that works on landing: USD 12.99 for 5 GB or USD 19.99 for 10 GB over 30 days. For a trip under two weeks this is the correct answer for almost everyone.
- EU and EEA visitors need nothing. Roam-like-at-home means your domestic bundle works at domestic prices.
The networks
- Deutsche Telekom has the best overall coverage and rural reach, and the highest speeds. Its MagentaMobil Prepaid with 5 GB for 30 days is EUR 19.99.
- Vodafone Germany is a close second on the main corridors and in cities. CallYa Allnet with 5 GB for 30 days is EUR 14.99.
- Telefonica (O2) is the cheapest and strong in cities, weaker in the countryside.
- MVNOs resell the same networks more cheaply: Aldi Talk (on O2, 5 GB for 30 days at EUR 14.99, sold in ALDI stores), Lidl Connect (on Vodafone), congstar and Fraenk (both on Telekom).
Where to buy
- Carrier stores - Telekom Shop, Vodafone Shop, O2 Shop - are the only places that can verify you on the spot.
- Supermarkets (REWE, ALDI, Lidl), airport newsagents such as Relay, and petrol stations sell starter kits, but you still have to complete VideoIdent yourself afterwards.
- A local prepaid eSIM is awkward for visitors. Telekom prepaid eSIMs are generally not available without a German address or tax ID. Vodafone, congstar and Fraenk do support them, but still require the video check.
A German prepaid SIM does roam across the EU at no surcharge, which is worth something if Germany is one stop of several.
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