The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive in Germany is to text your loved ones “I’ve arrived” and check on the map where the nearest supermarket is. And here’s your first quest: mobile communication. The German market is a jungle with expensive tariffs and tricky contracts. But don’t worry, we have a map.
Contract or prepaid? The main choice for a newcomer
Imagine that communication is like renting an apartment. There are two options:
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Contract (Handyvertrag): This is like a long-term lease for 2 years with strict rules. You get more gigabytes for less money, but you are “enslaved” by the operator for 24 months. Terminating the contract early is almost impossible. Plus, you need a German bank account and a good credit history (SCHUFA), which a newcomer simply doesn’t have. Conclusion: a bad option for starters.
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Prepaid: This is like renting an apartment by the day. Complete freedom! You buy a SIM card, put money on it, and use the service for a month. Don’t like the operator? Just don’t top up your account and buy another SIM card. No obligations, no risk of going into debt. Conclusion: the ideal choice for everyone who has just arrived.
| Prepaid | Handyvertrag (Contract) | |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom | ✅ Absolute | ❌ You’re trapped for 1-2 years |
| Risks | ❌ None | ✅ Huge (fines, debts) |
| Requirements | Passport | Bank account, credit history |
| Verdict | 👍 Your choice for the first year | 👎 Don’t even think about it at first |
Where to buy your first German SIM card?
Forget about mobile phone stores. Your path lies to a regular supermarket.
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Aldi Talk (in Aldi stores)
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Lidl Connect (in Lidl stores)
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ja! Mobil (in Rewe) / Penny Mobil (in Penny)
These are the most popular, cheapest, and reliable Prepaid operators. A starter pack costs about 10 euros, and this money will already be on your account.
Quest “Activate SIM card”: how to do it right
In Germany, you can’t just insert a SIM card and make calls. By law, you must confirm your identity. Don’t be alarmed, it’s not difficult.
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Purchase: At the supermarket checkout, take the “Starter-Set” box.
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Activation at home: Inside, there will be instructions. You need to go to the operator’s website and start the activation process. You will need your international passport and an address in Germany (the address of your temporary accommodation will suffice).
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Video call (Video-Ident): The fastest way. An employee will call you, and you will show them your face and passport on camera. They will ask you to rotate the document to see the holograms. The whole process takes 5 minutes. You can speak in English.
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Done! Your SIM card will work in an hour. Go to the operator’s app (e.g., Mein Aldi Talk) and choose a tariff for a month (usually 10-15 GB for 10-15 euros).
Home internet: the German “wait”
If you need Wi-Fi in your apartment, prepare for the main German trial – waiting. Connecting a landline internet here can take from two weeks to two months. Seriously.
What to do all this time?
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Mobile router: Buy a small 4G router and a second Prepaid card. This will be your temporary home internet.
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“Internet from the socket”: Look for tariffs like “GigaCube” from Vodafone or “O2 my Home Sofort”. These are special routers that work from the mobile network and start broadcasting Wi-Fi immediately after being turned on.
Traps that everyone falls into (and you won’t)
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Datenautomatik: A cunning feature in some contracts. When your gigabytes run out, it automatically buys you more traffic at an exorbitant price. Always disable it in your personal account.
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“Free” subscriptions: You’ll be “gifted” a month of antivirus or Apple Music. And then they’ll start charging you. Immediately set a reminder in your calendar to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends.
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Contract termination (Kündigung): If you do get involved in a contract, remember: it must be terminated in writing one month before its expiration. Otherwise, it will automatically renew.
Quick guide for newcomers
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Your first step is Prepaid. Go to Aldi or Lidl.
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For calls to Ukraine – check Lebara tariffs.
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Need home internet urgently? Your savior is a mobile router.
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The word “Vertrag” (contract) is your enemy for the first year. Avoid it.
Staying connected in Germany is easy if you know the rules of the game. We hope this guide will save you a lot of money, nerves, and time. Good luck!