Ausbildung Programme Germany

Getting Connected: SIM Cards, Mobile Plans and Internet in Germany

The first thing you'll want after landing

Once you're through the airport, one small thing suddenly matters enormously: getting online. You'll want to message home that you've arrived, find your way to your accommodation, and start sorting out appointments - and almost all of that needs a working phone. The good news is that getting connected in Germany is quick and cheap if you know the system. Here's how it works, without the confusion.

Step one: a prepaid SIM, on day one

Your simplest first move is a prepaid SIM card (a Prepaid-SIM). You can buy one easily - at the airport, at supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl (whose Aldi Talk and similar deals are popular and cheap), or at any phone shop - and top it up as you go, with no long commitment. It gets you a German number and mobile data immediately, which is exactly what you need in week one before your bank account and registration are sorted.

One practical note: buying a SIM in Germany requires identity verification (your passport), often done with a quick video or in-store check. It's a legal requirement, so keep your passport handy when you go to buy one.

Prepaid vs contract: which and when

There are two worlds here, and the right answer changes over time:

The sensible path is simple: start on prepaid the day you land, then switch to a monthly contract once you have your German bank account and know you're staying put. Don't rush into a long contract in your first week - you can't easily set one up without a bank account anyway.

What things cost, roughly

Mobile in Germany is affordable. A basic prepaid plan with enough data for everyday use commonly runs somewhere around €10–€20 a month, and contract plans can be similar or cheaper per gigabyte once you're eligible. Coverage from the main networks is strong in cities; if you'll be in a smaller town, it's worth a quick check of which network covers your area best before committing to anything long-term.

Home internet

If you're in a WG (shared flat), internet is often already included - ask before you arrange your own, as you may not need to. If you do need to set up home internet yourself, be aware that German broadband contracts typically run for a minimum term (often around two years) and can take a couple of weeks to activate, so arrange it early. For many trainees, a generous mobile data plan covers most needs and avoids a long broadband contract altogether, especially in the first year.

Staying in touch with home - cheaply

This is the part families care about most, and it's genuinely easy. You don't need expensive international calling: apps like WhatsApp, and video calls over the internet, let you speak to and see your family for the cost of your data alone. A good data plan or home Wi-Fi means daily video calls home cost you effectively nothing extra. The distance is real, but staying in close contact has never been cheaper or simpler.

Your questions, answered

Can I get a German number before my bank account is set up?

Yes - that's exactly what a prepaid SIM is for. It needs only your passport for identity verification, not a bank account, so you can get a German number and data on day one. Save the contract plan for later, once your bank account is running.

How much should I budget for my phone each month?

Not much - mobile is cheap in Germany. An everyday prepaid plan is often around €10–€20 a month, and contracts can be similar or better value per gigabyte once you qualify. It's a small, predictable line in your budget.

Will calling home be expensive?

No - you'll rarely make a traditional international call. WhatsApp and video calls run over the internet, so with a decent data plan or home Wi-Fi, speaking to and seeing your family costs essentially nothing beyond your normal plan. Daily contact is easy and cheap.

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