Guide
Germany eSIM for visitors: networks, coverage on trains, and how much data you need
Germany is a rich country with surprisingly patchy mobile coverage. Big cities are fine. Trains, small villages and some motorways still have gaps. Knowing that helps you pick the right plan and avoid frustration.
Why not buy a German prepaid SIM?
You can, but it takes time. German law requires an ID check for every prepaid SIM, usually by video call or in a shop with your passport. Until the check is done, the SIM doesn't work. With an eSIM you buy before you travel, there is no ID check and no waiting. You are online when you land.
Which networks does a Germany eSIM use?
Germany has three networks: Telekom, Vodafone and O2. Telekom is usually rated the best for coverage, Vodafone is close behind, and O2 has improved a lot in recent years, especially in cities.
Our Germany plan connects to O2 and Vodafone, with 5G where it is available. Your phone picks the stronger of the two wherever you are. In cities, airports and along the main motorways, both work well.
Where coverage drops
Expect gaps on long-distance trains between cities, in forests and hills, and in small villages, mostly in the east and in Bavaria. This happens on every network and every plan, including German contracts. Download maps and playlists before a long train ride, and use the train's Wi-Fi where it works.
How much data do you need?
| Trip | Plan we'd pick |
|---|---|
| A long weekend or a business trip | 1 GB for 7 days |
| A week visiting family | 3 GB for 15 days |
| Two weeks, with maps and video calls | 5 GB for 30 days |
| A month, or working from a laptop | 10 or 20 GB for 30 days |
When we last updated this guide (October 2026), 3 GB for 15 days costs €4.45 and 10 GB for 30 days costs €11.79. The live prices are at the end of this article.
Germany plan or Europe plan?
If Germany is your only stop, the Germany plan is a little cheaper. If you also visit Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands or anywhere else on the way, the Europe plan costs about the same at 10 GB and covers 34 countries. For a big plan of 50 GB, the Germany plan costs far less.
Visiting family in Germany
Many people visiting relatives use the family's Wi-Fi at home and only need data for getting around. A small plan is usually enough. If your relatives live in a village with weak coverage, ask them which network works best there, and remember our plan uses O2 and Vodafone.
Hotspot is allowed, so you can share your data with a laptop or another phone, with no daily limit.
Frequently asked questions
Does the eSIM work in Austria and Switzerland as well?
The Germany plan works only in Germany. For a trip across borders, choose the Europe plan, which covers Austria, Switzerland and 32 other countries.
Can I make calls with a Germany eSIM?
The plan is data only, with no German phone number. Calls work over WhatsApp, FaceTime and other apps.
When does the plan start?
When the eSIM first connects to a network in Germany. Install it at home on Wi-Fi before you travel.