Getting a prepaid card in Munich or Germany was not as easy as I thought it would be, even though I read up on the experiences other people had. I thought of getting the sim card at the airport. However, after the research it seems like buying the Sim card outside will be better. Prior arriving into Germany, I went through the hassle exchanging email with the Mobile company indicating our interest to get the Tourist sim card and to find out more information. To our dismay, upon arrival not all outlets have the regulations standardise.
Why getting Sim Card in Germany is difficult?
The German government made a law to tighten the security in July 2017, which led to a new registration requirement for the purchase of prepaid SIM cards. This is the most confusing regulations for both tourists and locals alike. Currently, if you don’t meet certain requirements from the major telecommunication brands, you are unable to get your sim card.
What is required?
- A Passport
- Germany Home address/ Certificate to show that you stay in Germany (certain brand shop)
- Online by video identification on camera showing a valid ID document through a video connection on a smartphone, tablet, laptop etc.
To note:
Registration might take days to activate and while some others will only need a few hour or less.
Some stores will be picky about the required document if you are from overseas.
T-mobile
The largest telecom service provider in Germany.
Where to buy?
T-mobile retail shop, DM Shop *Not Recommended*
Cost?
| Internet Flat Products | Magenta Mobile Start S | Magenta Mobile Start M | Magenta Mobile Start L | Magenta Mobile Start XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data | 25MB | 1GB | 1.5GB | 1.5GB |
| Available | – Calls are charge accordingly to the credit. -Date usage within EU+Switzerland – Hot spot Flats | – Calling to a personal landline number even without credit even from the EU-foreign countries -Date usage within EU+Switzerland – Hot spot Flats | – 100 minutes in all German network -Date usage within EU+Switzerland – Hot spot Flats | – Allnet Flat (Min and SMS) -Date usage within EU+Switzerland – Hot spot Flats |
| Validity | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Cost (EUR) | $2.95 | $9.95 | $14.95 | $24.95 |
**Additional service charge 10 EUR per card**
Side story:
Bought the T- MOBILE prepaid sim card at DM store to try out and it is cheaper than the mobile store, it cost 8.95 EUR. But it turns out that even though I have registered online I still have to go to the store to verify my identity or video call them? By then, I was quite disappointed with their service already after spending 2 hours trying to figure out why it was like this. Decided to give up and buy another sim card, thinking of it as a lesson learned.
Little tips:
T-mobile near the outlet at HBF Munich Station centre does not sell tourist sim card and the staff was really impolite.
After we got our sim card from another brand, we went shopping and saw another t-mobile outlet which is just a station away from Munich station at Marienplatz. We went in and checked with the staff, they said they do offer Tourist sim card with an additional service charge of 10 EUR. That’s when we realised that different outlets have the different process. Hence, if you are hardworking enough to walk over or staying near Marienplatz you can try your luck there.
Ortel
A subsidiary of O2 Telecom, Ortel mobile is the only SIM card in Germany, that is easily available and heavily marketed at major airports.
Where to buy?
At the Airport, electronic store, Mobile store or what they call a handy store.
Cost?
| Internet Flat Products | INTERNET FLAT S | INTERNET FLAT M | INTERNET FLAT L | INTERNET FLAT XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data | 1.25GB | 3.5GB | 5.5GB | 11GB |
| Available | -Internet telephony -Surfing internet within EU | -Internet telephony -Surfing internet within EU | -Internet telephony -Surfing internet within EU | -Internet telephony -Surfing internet within EU |
| Validity | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Cost (EUR) | $9.99 | $14.99 | $19.99 | $29.99 |
Where I finally get my sim card?
At a mobile/handy store near our hotel, where they helped us to register and activate the sim card. We got to pay more for the service which is 10 EUR per card.
2-cents opinion:
Ortel is good enough if you are not going to certain mountaineers area. Do note that most of the places are covered by T-mobile, therefore when you are in certain city, restaurant or shops, you will not have any service signal or the signal will be low. On the whole, I am very happy with the sim card during my 16 days trip.
Little tips:
Get a 3.5gb data plan instead of the 1.25gb for more than 2 weeks trip, as 1.25gb might not be sufficient.
Other service providers?
- Vodafone
- O2
- Lycamobile
Overall:
As this new law and rules are causing more confusion to the tourists and the service providers. To save yourself the trouble and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Why not pay a little more at your home country by getting a wifi-router or activate overseas usage from your telecom provider. One of our friends is using SingTel roaming data and the service provider in Germany is T-mobile, to be honest their connection is better at the mountaineer or secluded area.
Get your sim card or wifi router here or here do note of the Download speed and Data limit per day.
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Any idea if the sim card size is limited to the regular size or nano sim also available?
Hello Mich,
Thank you for your message.
It is available in all 3 sizes, 3-in 1 simcard.
Hope this information helps.
Thank you very much for the information!! I was just wondering how Long will the registration take for a SIM card bought at ortel mobile at the airport!
Hello, Mel.
Thank you for your message.
Your welcome, I am glad that I could help.
I did not bought my Simcard at the airport. I am not sure how long the registration would take for you. As I think it depends on the staff but for us from the registration to activation, it took us around 10mins per person.
Do note that you are to check that you are able to connect to the internet before you step out of the shop or the airport just to be safe.
Hope this information helps.