Germany

Basics

There are now only three network operators left in Germany:

• Deutsche Telekom (formerly known as T-Mobile),

• Vodafone
• O2 (owned by Telefónica) now merging with E-plus (acquired by Telefónica) - see below:

Update 2015/6: E-plus was acquired by Telefónica in 2014. E-plus and O2 have been joining forces to become one single network. So far Telefónica opened free national roaming on 2G and 3G between their two networks E-plus and O2. In July 2016 common 4G/LTE roaming is scheduled to start. Both networks are planned to be fully merged in 2017.

All other offers mentioned below are MVNOs of one of the 3 or 4 network operators above. MVNOs are particularly popular for prepaid in Germany and are mostly cheaper than the MNOs. They have a market share of more than 40% which is amongst the highest in the world.

Coverage and speed

2G and 3G: GSM up to EDGE speed is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G is on 2100 MHz like in most of Europe. Almost the entire country is covered by 2G. 3G/UMTS up to DC-HSDPA+ speed is available in most of the populated areas with some blank patches left in the countryside. Deutsche Telekom still has the best coverage nationwide, followed by Vodafone. Eplus and O2 are joining forces in 2015 to challenge the others.

• Telekom coverage
• Vodafone coverage
• O2 coverage and E-plus coverage

4G/LTE: LTE has been rolled out on most common 4G frequencies in Europe: 800 MHz (band 20), 1800 MHz (band 3) and 2600 MHz (band 7).

• Telekom: on 800 MHz band in the countryside and 1800/2600 MHz in cities, given out for prepaid on its own brand, not on its MVNOs.
• Vodafone: on 800 and 2600 MHz, given out for prepaid on its own brand, not on its MVNOs.
• O2: on 800 and 2600 MHz, given out for prepaid on its own brand only, not MVNOs.
• E-plus: on 1800 MHz in towns only, given out for prepaid on all tariffs including all of its MVNOs.

Make a network scan, if you want to use it at one particular place and choose the network accordingly. O2 and Eplus 4G/LTE networks stay separate for now.

Availability

The most convenient way to purchase a SIM card for a tourist is to go to one of the big supermarket, drugstore, gas station or electronic market chains and look for the providers described below. MVNOs are generally cheaper than the MNOs:

• on Telekom: congstar, Lebara mobile, ja!mobil, Penny Mobil and more

• on Vodafone: Otelo, Fyve, klarmobil, EDEKA mobil, Lycamobile, LIDL Connect and more

• on E-plus: ALDI Talk, Blauworld, NettKOM, Ortel mobile, WhatsApp SIM, AyYildiz and more

• on O2: FONIC, NetzClub and more

Most SIM cards can also be used for phone calls and text messages. Data-only SIMs are rare in Germany. The standard rate is around 9 ct per minute for a domestic call (to mobile or landline) and about 9 ct for a domestic SMS.

Survey of MVNOs

To obtain a good deal, data packages must be booked on the SIM card after activation. As weekly rates are hard to find, there is basically the choice of:

• daily packages for short-time heavy users (available from 500 MB to 1 GB per day)
• monthly packages for other users (available from 100 MB to 10 GB per month)

Take care that the default rate is often charged very high at around 20-50ct/MB while data in packages are between 0.3 and 2ct/MB. So buy packages right from the start, shut off data before and enable only when the purchase has been confirmed (see here).

Activation and registration

By law, all SIM cards need to be registered first to be activated. Registration is often not done in shops but online or by phone.

But this may pose a problem: Remember, you don't have a working phone or internet access yet! Additionally, there are still few open WiFis in the country. Phone activation can be tricky too, because of the language. Online registration is usually in German only, but possible with the help of an online translator. Look for the words registrieren or freischalten on their website and keep phone and SIM numbers ready.

Foreign addresses are usually not accepted, so use any German address instead, as your personal data will normally not be verified. Only Fonic sometimes sends out letters for verification. But you need to give a valid German street address: name + street name + house number + postal code + city. If you do not have a German address, use your name with c/o name and address of someone else, e.g. the hotel you'll stay. Registration can take some minutes up to a few hours, until your SIM card finally connects with the network. You may need to switch off and on your device to connect.

Tethering and VoIP

Tethering is usually allowed with all the shown offers below, except the free ad-sponsored SIM of Netzclub and Lycamobile. Some providers don't supply a profile for the iPhone but don't block it otherwise. VoIP calls are officially allowed only by E-Plus and O2 and some of its MVNOs. Other operators like Vodafone still ban them in their T&Cs without any consequences. Only Telekom (and thus its MVNOs) has actively blocked VoIP in the past.

Topping up

German SIM cards can be topped up in many ways, but only few of them are suitable for visitors as the others require German bank accounts or German-issued credit cards.

When you are in Germany only:

• You can buy top-up vouchers locally called Ladebons in many stores with a PIN to enter. The vouchers of the 4 network operators are most widely available. You can use Telekom vouchers for Congstar and ja!/Penny mobil, Vodafone vouchers for Otelo, Fyve, Edeka and new LIDL Connect; Eplus vouchers for Aldi/Medion, Ortel, Whatsapp, ay yildiz, Blauworld and NettoKOM and O2 vouchers for Netzclub. For Fonic, Klarmobil, Lycamobile and Lebara, you need special vouchers which are less widely distributed.
• You can go to one of the three drugstore chains (Rossmann, Müller, dm) or to a "real" cash and carry market to top up most brands and pay at the cash register with Mastercard, VISA and even AmEx.

When you are in or out of Germany (trying to keep an existing SIM card alive or topping up before arrival from abroad):

• You can top-up with most international credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) on the websites of most providers. But some credit cards especially from overseas are declined or a small surcharge will be added. Some operators accept PayPal and Paysafecards for top-ups on their websites too.
• These and all other mobile network operators can also be topped up without any surcharge using the third-party website www.prelado.de which can be switched to English. Prelado offers quick and safe top-ups for more than 50 German network operators. This loophole is the most convenient way to recharge from abroad to keep a SIM card alive of most brands. As a non-German customer, using PayPal is the easiest way to top-up at prelado, even though lot of other methods of payment are supported. Be aware that non-German issued credit cards are often not accepted.
• There are many more national and international top-up agencies that will do the transaction for a variable surcharge.

EU Roaming

For roaming in other EU countries the operators charge very different rates. From April 2016 Vodafone and most of its MVNOs let you use your included bundle volumes without surcharges abroad, Telekom charges you 5ct/MB while Eplus and O2 still excessive 23ct/MB. So for roaming abroad in another EU country, better use a Vodafone, otelo, Fyve, Edeka or Lidl Connect SIM card.

More information

The following list shows only the most important players on the German prepaid market. Many other providers compete for special segments and audiences. The German prepaid-WIKI has an updated extended survey (in German only, use Google Translate): www.prepaid-wiki.de. The following operators are sorted according to network.

Deutsche Telekom network (formerly T-Mobile)

According to tests, Deutsche Telekom has still the best coverage and speeds in the country. It used to be market leader until Telefónica bought E-plus. Telekom is still the most expensive provider and the most restrictive network what 4G/LTE and VoIP calls are concerned: 4G/LTE is available for prepaid on few tariffs and VoIP used to be actively blocked.

Deutsche Telekom (formely T-Mobile)

Deutsche Telekom is the previously state-owned, incumbent provider. It's still the biggest telecommunication company in Germany with the best network. In the meantime it was called T-Mobile like in the US, but has reverted to its old name in Germany. While it caters mostly for postpaid, it still offers prepaid that used to be called Xtra Cards. Note that their rates are the highest in the country and are sold often cheaper by its subsidiary Congstar and MVNOs, not to mention its competitors. In 2015 they opened their prepaid products to 4G/LTE.

Availability

The magenta-colored Xtra Cards used to be sold all over the country. In September 2015 they changed name and portfolio. They can be ordered online and sent to a German postal address, in their stores called 'Telekom shop' (locator) and many other kiosks, service stations, electronic chains, post offices and other outlets. Basically, they now offer two product lines for prepaid

• the MagentaMobil Start for voice, text and data
• the Data Start for data-only

While the new voice & data card is available all over from September 2015, you may have to look for their data-only card either online or at Telekom shops. Both starter packs are for 9.95 € including 10 € credit and come in all three sizes. SIM cards can be activated in Telekom Shops or online on their website.

Recharges called "Xtra Cash" are sold in most supermarkets, kiosks, service stations and even at ticket machines all over the country. Minimum amount for top-up is 15 €. SIM cards and their credit stay active for 2 years after the last top-up which gives them the longest validity in the market.

MagentaMobil Start

Their new voice and data SIM card has been opened for 4G/LTE. It comes with a monthly base rate of 2.95 € and includes free unlimited voice and text within the same network and to one domestic landline number. For data you can change among these tariffs below, but you can't change to the Xtra Data card.

• Xtra Handy DayFlat: this is their pre-enabled default rate. 0.99 € for only 25 MB within 24 hours in up to 50 Mbit/s on 4G/LTE. Then speed will be throttled to 64 Kbit/s or you can buy another package for the same price.
• Data Start S: 100 MB for 30 days: 2 € - speeds on 4G/LTE in up to 50 Mbit/s
• Data Start M: 500 MB for 30 days: 7 € - speeds on 4G/LTE in up to 50 Mbit/s

Packages renew themselves and can be booked online on http://pass.telekom.de or by calling customer service at 2202 (for free). They can be booked several times within a month, but only when used up. Beyond the included data volume, your speed will be throttled to 64 kBits/s.

Data Start

Their new data-only product is aimed at modems, tablets and routers. It doesn't contain text or voice and can't be switched from a voice SIM card. It has been opened to 4G/LTE up to 50 Mbit/s. When you insert the SIM in your device, http://pass.telekom.de appears and you can choose one of their three data options:

• S: 500 MB in 24 hours: 2.95 €
• M: 750 MB in 7 days: 9.95 €
• L: 1 GB in 30 days: 14.95 €

Packages don't auto-renew. Data will be cut off, when having used all volume. But you can anytime buy a new package on their website. That's where you can check your data consumption too.

Technical info

• Tethering is allowed and supported
• VoIP used to be banned and actively blocked - we have first reports, that this is now possible
• EU roaming needs to be enabled by calling customer support

More info

• APN: internet.t-mobile
• To check credit, type *100# <call>
• Website: http://www.t-mobile.de (in German only)

congstar

Congstar is a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom and a cheaper alternative for an access to the Telekom network, but still more expensive than its competitors. In summer 2015 they changed their portfolio, but stay on 2G and 3G only so far.

Availability

The new starters are labeled with "prepaid wie ich will" = prepaid the way I want it. Try to get a starter pack with no plan pre-enabled. The ones with a plan require a Germany bank account and are called Surf Mix or Smart Mix. Mini, micro and nano SIMs are available

They can be ordered online to be sent to a German postal address. Offline, starters are available at the shops of Deutsche Telekom, some outlets of the drugstore chains of Rossmann, dm and Müller, the supermarkets of extra, real, Kaufland, Netto, Penny and many service stations and kiosks. Be aware that some of these stores may not have Congstar products in stock.

The starter pack costs 9.99 € with mini/micro or nano SIM and 10 € preloaded (= 5 € from the start, another 5 € after activation). For registration, you need to go online and use Google Translate.

Congstar prepaid cards can be topped up with their own vouchers bought in the shops named above or any prepaid voucher of Deutsche Telekom for Xtra Cards even more widely available. To check your balance dial *100#.

Default Data Rate

There is no data from the start. The first time you connect to the net, you will be directed to http://datapass.de, where you can set your plan. Two default rates are offered:

• messaging option for free: Max. 32 Kbit/s (both downstream and upstream), up to 1 GB per month, then further throttled to 2 Kbit/s.
• Surf Tagesflat = day "flat" for 0.99 €: for 24 hrs at 7.2/1.4 Mbit/s, throttled beyond already 25 MB to 64/16 Kbit/s, but no charge if you don't use data on any given day.

Data Feature Packs

Online on your personal account or the datapass.de site, you can customize with a monthly data package:

• 100 MB: 2 €
• 300 MB: 4 €
• 500 MB: 8 €

These bundles have a max speed of 7.2 Mbit/s. All three bundles can be doubled in volume to 200, 600 or 1000 MB and in speed from to 14.2 Mbit/s by adding a Datenturbo add-on for 5 € per month.

After depleting the data quota, speeds are reduced to 64 Kbit/s downlink and 16 Kbits/s uplink. But you can upsize even several times per month: the 100/200 MB bundle with another 100 MB, the 300/600 MB bundle with another 200 MB and the 500/1000 MB bundle with another 300 MB for 4.90 € each with the Speed on add-on.

All regular packages auto-renew if not cancelled or changed before in your personal account.

Internet Stick / Surf Card

Alternatively, congstar sells USB dongles (= internet sticks) with an own tariff line and the same tariff without hardware as Surf Card. It can be used in phones too and also has voice. It's sold online or at the stores named above, but is often hard to find, especially without a modem.

The USB stick is a SIM-locked ZTE MF190 and sold with the SIM for 29.90 € including 10 € credit. The SIM-only "Surf Card" for 9.90 € with 5 € included. This tariff can not be changed to a regular line.

Default rate is a 24 hour daily rate for 2.49 € and 500 MB included. Beyond this quota, speed will be throttled form 7.2 Mbit/s to 16 kbit/s. You can add two monthly packages:

• 1 GB: 12.90 €
• 3 GB: 19.90 €

VoIP, Blackberry use and Peer to peer are not allowed, Tethering is allowed.

Settings

APN: internet.t-mobile

Restrictions (VoIP, Messaging)

Congstar actively blocks communications with Facetime / Facetime voice or Skype. If you plan to use VoIP services, stay away from Congstar.

More Information

• Website (in German only): http://www.congstar.de
• for online purchase, payment must be made by direct debit to a German bank account. Credit cards and non-EU accounts are not accepted; not having one of these, buy in stores by cash

• Telekom actively blocks VoIP, but tethering is allowed

ja! mobil and Penny Mobil

The REWE group, one of the biggest retailers in the country, sells ja! mobil and Penny Mobil with a very similar portfolio. Both are operating on the good Telekom network in 2G and 3G only and are managed by Congstar which is their official MVNO provider.

Availability

ja! mobil is exclusively sold by Rewe supermarkets and Toom hardware stores while Penny Mobil can be only found in the discounter store chain of Rewe called Penny. Like in other discounter markets, the SIM cards are not on display but have to be asked for at the check out cash register. Both starter packs are for 10 EUR with 5 EUR credit preloaded in the tariff line shown below.

Top-up vouchers can be found in every Penny, Rewe or Toom store or just use any Telekom vouchers like cash & carry cards available everywhere.

Registration

Starter packs can be registered online or by phone:

• for Penny: http://www.pennymobil.de/aktivierung.html, 0180 5 588656
• for ja! mobil: http://www.jamobil.de/aktivierung.html, 0180 6 010257

Both sites are only in German, so you may use Google Translate. Phone lines for activation are only open Mon-Sat 7am-9pm and cost 0.20-0.60 € per call.

During activation you have to choose a tariff line. For data choose "ja! mobil data" or "Penny Mobil data". All the options below are only for this line. It can't be changed later anymore but it has voice and text too.

Data Feature Packs

Default rate is the daily rate: 1.95 € for 500 MB on a calendar day (0-24 hrs). Speed is up to 7.2/1.4 Mbps, using more data, speed will be reduced to 64/16 kbps. There is no charge when you don't connect to the web. This is the cheapest daily "flatrate" on the Telekom network available in Germany right now. Furthermore, a monthly rate is available:

• Monats Daten Flat: 3 GB, 14.95 €
• Speed-on: 500 MB add-on for Monats Daten Flat, 4.90 €, can be booked several times

Speed is up to 7.2 Mbps, then throttled to 64/16 kbps. Packages and add-ons can be booked online in your "service world" (= personal account) or by calling customer support at 6250. Monthly packages will renew if there is enough credit and not deactivated as shown above.

Tethering

is allowed, but VoIP, peer to peer and Blackberry use are officially banned

SIM sizes

mini, micro and nano SIM are available

Settings

APN: internet.t-mobile

More information

• Telekom actively blocks VoIP

• on ja! mobil: http://www.jamobil.de/
• on Penny Mobil: http://www.pennymobil.de/

Lebara mobile

Lebara mobile from Britain is the main competitor of Lycamobile on the ethno market. In Germany it is operating a MVNO on the good Telekom network in 2G and 3G.

Their SIM card is sold online to be sent to a German postal address or offline at many outlets (store locator) for free. Registration can be made online switch to English or by calling 5588 from Lebara.

Data feature packs

Internet use is only possible by subscribing to a data bundle. These monthly data bundles are available:

Data	Price	Activation
500 MB	7.99 EUR	text DATA500 to 55255
1 GB	9.99 EUR	text DATA1000 to 55255
3 GB	14.99 EUR	text DATA3000 to 55255
5 GB	19.99 EUR	text DATA5000 to 55255

After sending the activating code, confirm by sending JA to 55255. Speed is up to 7.2 Mbit/s, throttled after the quota to 64 kbit/s. Package will renew itself after one month if there is credit. To unsubscribe text HALTDATA<size in MB> to 55255 at least 24 hours before expiration. All packages can only be booked once per month.

Settings

• APN: internet.t-d1.de (on iOS it can be set only via installing an app which sets up a profile)

More information

• On their website in English

Tethering

• Allowed according to this site, but VoIP is blocked (see Telekom above).

Vodafone network

Vodafone used to be the no.2 network in Germany competing with Telekom before Telefónica merged E-Plus and O2. It still has a good coverage and speed throughout the country at slightly lower rates than Telekom. Coverage and speeds don't match Telekom's, but are still better than the combined Telefónica networks in the countryside. Vodafone gives out 4G/LTE only for its own brand so far and not for its resellers up to now.

EU roaming offer

In May 2016 Vodafone opened most of its prepaid plans for EU roaming without surcharges. This means that you can take a Vodafone plan or these of its MVNOs and use the included or added allowances for roaming at domestic German rates. This is by far the cheapest roaming solution for Europe in Germany right now. Note that Vodafone's Websessions, Otelo's surf plans and all offers of Lycamobile and Klarmobil are not included.

Vodafone

Vodafone has now opened LTE on its own prepaid offers (not MVNOs) with speeds up to 50 Mbit/s. They now cover 80% by 4G/LTE in 2015. As with all MNOs in Germany, their offers are higher priced than their MVNOs, but they may give you a better service, 4G/LTE and have more service and top-up points. Vodafone's "free" roaming in the EU applies only to CallYa Smartphone Special and Allnet Flat plans and not to Websession.

Availability

Their prepaid card is called "CallYa" and is available at their stores (store locator) and many more outlets for free without credit, 9.95 € with 10 € credit pr 14.95 € with 15 € credit. Some stores try to sell the CallYa cards for 50 €. Stay away, startup price should be equal to the credit preloaded.

Recharge vouchers are for sale all over the country in supermarkets, service stations and kiosks amongst others starting at 15 €. To check balance, dial *100#.

Data feature packs

Voice plans with data for 4 weeks (= 28 days):

• CallYa Talk&SMS: no included volumes, data must be added (see below) - free
• CallYa Smartphone Special: 750 MB LTE data, 200 mins or SMS in all domestic networks - 9.99 EUR
• CallYa Allnet-Flat: 1 GB LTE data, unlimited flatrate for texts and voice in all domestic networks - 22.50 EUR

Speed is a max. of 50 Mbit/s on LTE, when volume is used up, it will be reduced to 32 kbps. To all plans these LTE data add-ons valid for 4 weeks can be booked:

• 250 MB: 4.99 EUR, auto-renews every 28 days. For activation text '250 MB' to 70888

• 750 MB: 9.99 EUR, auto-renews every 28 days. For activation text '750 MB' to 70888

• 2 GB: 19.99 EUR, auto-renews every 28 days. For activation text '2 GB' to 70888 

To cancel any of the data packages, visit wap.meincallya.de before the renewal date.

Every plan can be booked once and combined with other plans. If you run out of data within a period, you can activate another plan as long as it has not been booked in that period. Another solution is to book additional 250 MB for one-time usage, valid for 7 days. You can book this option multiple times, it's non-repeating and it can be added at any time, even if you still have enough data volume:

• 250 MB: 2.99 EUR, one-time, non-repeating. To book follow this link to the Vodafone Center website.

The included allowances of CallYa Smartphone Special and All Net plans can be used without surcharges in all over the EU/EEA for roaming, mostly on 4G/LTE Vodafone and partner networks.

Data-only SIM - WebSessions

Aimed at tablets, routers and modems, Vodafone sells data-only SIM cards called WebSessions without voice. In March 2016 4G/LTE was opened with speeds up to 50 Mbps. You need to buy a special SIM card "WebSessions Freikarte" either online for free. Or get it in an Vodafone store (locator see above). They may be harder to find than regular Call ya SIM cards. These data SIM cards can be topped up online by credit card or using regular Vodafone top up vouchers available everywhere. The vouchers can be redeemed through a link on the WebSessions start page.

If you use a non-Vodafone USB dongle, you need to download Vodafone's Mobile Broadband Software to your computer and choose WebSessions as tariff. The first time you connect to the internet, you will be circumvented to the WebSession start-up page where you can choose a package:

• WebSessions Basic: 200 MB: 4.99 €
• WebSessions S: 1 GB: 14.99 €
• WebSessions M: 3 GB: 24.99 €
• WebSessions L: 5 GB: 34.99 €

All packages are valid for up to 30 days or until used up. Then you can book another bundle. There are no data outside of these bundles.

SIM sizes

• mini, micro, nano SIM

Restrictions (VoIP, Messaging)

There are no restrictions using VoIP services like Facetime or Skype (Effective Aug 2015). Vodafone does not officially allow them, but they do not block them either (like Deutsche Telekom/Congstar)

Settings and more info

• APN for CallYa talk & data SIM: web.vodafone.de
• APN for WebSessions data-only SIM: event.vodafone.de

• Website in German only: http://www.vodafone.de/

otelo

Otelo is a subsidiary of Vodafone and uses its network on 2G and 3G only so far (see Vodafone for coverage). The included allowances of talk&data SIMs, not the Surf SIM, can be used for roaming in the EU/EEA without surcharges.

Availability

Their starter packs are available online on their website to be sent to a German postal adress or offline in the electronic stores of EP: Electronic Parter, Euronics, Saturn, Media Markt. Furthermore at the check out of some supermarkets, Rossmann and some service stations. They sell three different prepaid starter packages:

• Handy-Karte: 4.95 € with 5 € credit and another 5 € bonus for the first top-up.
• Surf SIM: 4.95 € with 3 € credit for data-only
• Surf Stick: 29.90 € including the Surf SIM and a USB 3G dongle, currently a locked Huawei E303

Registration is made online here (in German only, use Google Translate). Top-ups can be made with cash cards sold at the shops mentioned above or Vodafone CallNow vouchers, even more widely available.

Handy Karte

Handy Karte is their tariff for phones including voice, text and data. For data you need to book a package. They offer these bundles:

• Internet Flat 750 for 9.99 € per month including 750 MB
• Internet Flat 150 for 3.99 € per month including 150 MB

Data is up to 21 Mbit/s and will be throttled for overuse to 64 kbit/s. You can upsize this bundle by weekly add-ons called Extra Data:

• 150 MB: 1.99 €
• 500 MB: 5.99 €
• 1 GB: 9.99 €

Take care: add-ons are for a week only and don't renew, while the base monthly "Flat" auto-renews. To purchase or cancel call 12430 from otelo for free or do it online on your personal account called Mein otelo.

Surf SIM (and stick)

This tariff line can't be switched to a Handy Karte and is data-only without voice nor text. A bundle needs to be booked for connection. At the first data connection, you will be redirected to their main page to choose a bundle:

• 500 MB in 9 minutes: 0.19 €
• 500 MB in 99 minutes: 1.99 €
• 1 GB in 30 days: 9.99 €
• 3 GB in 30 days: 19.99 €

Data is a max. 7.2 Mbit/s and will be cut off after having reached the quota. You will be then redirected to the selection page again.

Settings and more info

• APN for Handy Karte talk & data SIM: data.otelo.de
• APN for Surf SIM data-only SIM: event.otelo.de

• Website in German only: http://www.otelo.de

LIDL Connect

Effective October 2015 LIDL changed partners: Now LIDL exclusively sells their starter packs under the new label LIDL Connect as a MVNO on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G (up to 21.6 Mbit/s, see coverage above). Rates are pretty similar to the old Lidl mobile tariff. For SIM cards purchased before October 2015 at Lidl's, see FONIC Mobile in the FONIC section below.

The included allowances of new Lidl Connect SIMs can be used on roaming in the EU/EEA without surcharges. This doesn't apply to their Surf Stick plan.

Availability

Since October 2015 their new starter packs are available exclusively in all Lidl discounter stores (store locator). They are not on display, but have to be asked for at the checkout desk. They are sold at 9.95 € starter price containing a 10 € credit. A triple-size SIM card is given out. Try to get the "Classic" line that is their default rate that can later be switched to any other line (but the "Internet stick" tariff). You need to register you SIM card online here to have it activated within an hour.

Top up by credit card (but foreign cards may not be accepted) or vouchers sold at Lidl's starting from 5 € or any Vodafone "CallNow" voucher. To top up, type *100*<voucher PIN>#. To check credit, type *100#.

Data feature packages

There is no data outside of packages. So get one of their monthly bundles, either as combined pack or a data-only bundle:

• Combined Packages (valid for 30 days):
  • Smart XS: 100 domestic units (= voice mins and SMS) and 100 MB data: 4.99 €
  • Smart S: 300 domestic units (= voice mins and SMS) and 400 MB data: 7.99 €
  • Smart L: 600 domesitc units (= voice mins and SMS) and 600 MB data: 12.99 €
  • "All-Net-Flat": unlimited domestic voice and SMS and 1 GB data: 19.99 €
• Data-only Packages (valid for 30 days, bookable on base rate or combined packs):
  • 150 MB: 3.99 €
  • 500 MB: 6.99 €
• Data Add-ons called "Speed Buckets" (valid for max. 14 days, bookable on all running data packs):
  • 150 MB: 1.49 €
  • 300 MB: 3.49 €
  • 500 MB: 4.99 €

To activate a package, go to your personal account called "Mein Kundenkonto", use their app or call customer service at 0172 22220 (at 0.49 € per call). The combined and data-only packages auto-renew after 30 days, if you have enough credit. Add-ons stop when depleted or base pack has run out and won't auto-renew. When having reached the included data volume, speed will be throttled to 64 kbit/s otherwise.

Internet-Stick

Lidl offers two more good data packages, but with a catch: You need to have a special SIM card that is currently only available with a 3G USB dongle called "Internet Stick". It's an unlocked Huawei E3531 sold for 29.99 € including 10 € starter credit. These SIM cards can't be purchased without the dongle, have voice and text too and can be used in other devices as well. These two data rates are only offered for this special SIM:

• daily rate: 24 hours, 1 GB, 1.99 €
• monthly rate: 30 days: 5 GB, 14.99 €

When data quota is reached, speed will be throttled to 64 kbit/s. The daily rate is not charged, on days when no data used, the monthly rate won't auto-renew.

More information

• APN: web.vodafone.de
• Tethering is banned, but works anyway (may be not on iOS devices)
• VoIP is banned, but works anyway on all devices
• Website: http://www.lidl-connect.de

EDEKA mobil

EDEKA mobil is the MVNO of the big supermarket chain in Germany on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G only (no 4G/LTE yet, frequencies and coverage see Vodafone). The included allowances of all their packages can be used all over the EU/EEA for roaming without surcharges.

Data feature packs

There is no data outside of packages. They offer these monthly combo packages:

• 200 MB data & 200 mins/SMS: 6.95 €
• 400 MB data & 300 mins/SMS: 8.95 €
• 800 MB data & 300 mins/SMS: 14.95 €

Calls between Edeka mobile customers are free and not debited for the allowances. Furthermore, they have three monthly data-only packages on offer:

• 150 MB for 30 days: 4.95 €
• 500 MB for 30 days: 9.95 €
• 3 GB for 30 days: 19.95 €

All packages auto-renew after 30 days. Packages can be booked online on their website in the members area or by calling 22922. Same ways to cancel packs. When included volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 64 kbps. Or you can buy data add-ons: 150 MB for 1.95 €, 500 MB for 5.95 € or 1 GB for 9.95 €. Add-on packs are all valid for 7 days after activation, will not renew and can only be booked on the 500 MB or 3 GB monthly rate.

Availability

Their starter packs are available online on their website to be delivered to a German postal adress or offline in most branded Edeka supermarkets, Marktkauf megastores and in Berlin in Reichelt markets too (Edeka store locator). They are not on display, but have to be asked for at the checkout desk. They are free, meaning for 9.95 EUR startup price they contain a 10 EUR credit. The online purchased cards come already activated, offline-bought packs need to be registered online here: "freischalten" (in German only).

SIM sizes

• Combined mini/microSIM and nano-SIM available.

Settings and more info

• APN: data.access.de

• Website in German only

Fyve

Fyve is using the Vodafone network on 2G and 3G only which is quite good in terms of coverage. The included allowances of all packages can be used on roaming in the EU/EEA without surcharges.

Maximum Transfer Speed

• depends on data package:
  • Surf-Flatrates L, XL and XXL - up to HSDPA (7,2 MBit/s),
  • Surf-Flatrate M - up to UMTS (384 KBit/s)

Data Feature Packs

Data can only be booked on packages. All packs automatically renew if there is a sufficient balance on the account. The flatrates can be cancelled or changed every month online or by calling 22922.

• Surf-Flatrate M: 150 MB in 30 days for 5 €
• Surf-Flatrate L:  500 MB in 30 days for 10 €
• Surf-Flatrate XL: 1 GB in 30 days for 15 €
• Surf-Flatrate XXL: 3 GB in 30 days for 20 €

After using the high speed data volume, speed is reduced to GPRS. The Flatrate M can be upsized by the add-on "SurfON Paket" for another 150 MB and 5 € only by calling 01805 543012. The calling costs are refunded on the Fyve account.

Availability

• Online orders (http://www.fyve.de) are only delivered to German addresses for a 5 € fee.
• Starter packs are offline available at service stations (Shell, Esso, Agip, Jet) and at the shops of The Phone House (https://www.phonehouse.de/).
• Starter pack costs 9.95 € whether for miniSIM or microSIM, this includes 1 month of the "Surf-Flatrate M" (150 MB) plus 5 € credit
• Reload: Any Vodafone refill voucher ("CallNow cash card") can be used. They are widely available in kiosks, supermarkets or service stations.

SIM sizes

• Starter packs contain a combined mini- and micro-SIM. Nano SIMs are only available online.

Tethering

• allowed (at least you are allowed to use a 3G stick)

APN and more info

• APN: web.vodafone.de

• Website (in German only): http://www.fyve.de

klarmobil.de

Klarmobil is a reseller of different German networks. But every SIM is on one network only and cannot be changed. They have now discontinued all other offers for prepaid on other networks but Vodafone. The free roaming offer of Vodafone doesn't apply to Klarmobil so far.

Their only prepaid offers "Handy-Spar-Tarif" and "Internet Dayflat" with numbers beginning 0152, 0162 and 0174 are on Vodafone network. Actually, the "Internet flat" is the only tariff worth mentioning for prepaid. The other prepaid tariffs are overpriced, but the "Internet flat" gives the cheapest day rate on a Vodafone network for data right now.

Default data rate

Mind-blowing €0.49 per MB (in 100 KB units). So don't use data before booking a package.

Data feature packs

• "Internet-Flat 500": 500 MB in 30 days, then throttled to GPRS Speed for 9.95 €. No upsize possible.

Alternatively, a starter pack on Vodafone network can be activated as "Internet dayflat". This can not be changed to or from the "Handy-Spar-Tarif". Activation online, by phone or fax only. The "Internet dayflat" is for tablets and modems, but has voice and text too.The "dayflat" has (in contrast to its name) 3 available rates which are only on the Vodafone network:

• 500 MB in 60 mins for 0.95 €
• 1 GB in 24 hrs for 2.45 €
• 3 GB in 30 days for 24.95 €

Take care: Booked packages do not renew and will end after the period or when the included volume is exhausted. Then you will be on their expensive default rate (see above).

Availability

Online on: http://www.klarmobil.de to be sent to a German address only. They have more options online, but only postpaid for contract. Klarmobil on prepaid is sold offline in "real" supermarkets, "Müller" drugstores and the two electronic market chains "Saturn", "Media Markt", "Euronics" and in the the shops of "mobilcom-debitel". If you want to be sure to get the right package, try to go to an electronics market and let them configure it there. In other stores you are left to yourself. Take care, that you will need special Klarmobil vouchers to top up sold for €15, €30 and €50 here: click on "Aufladepunkt suchen" and put in a location below "Standort" . The vouchers of other network operators won't work.

SIM sizes

You have either the choice of a regular SIM card, a micro-SIM or a nano-SIM when ordering online, in shops hybrid SIM cards are available

APN and more information

• APN for Vodafone network on "Handy-Spar-Tarif":  web.vodafone.de
• APN for Vodafone network on "Internet dayflat": event.vodafone.de

• If you don't consume more than 3€ per month they will charge 1€ per month for "administration"
• Website in German only: http://www.klarmobil.de/service/prepaid

Lycamobile

Lycamobile from Britain is the main competitor of Lebara mobile on the ethno market. In Germany it is operating a MVNO on the good Vodafone network in 2G and 3G only.

Their SIM card is sold online to be sent to a German postal address or offline at many outlets (store locator) for free.

There and at service stations, supermarkets and kiosks, you can find Lyca's reload vouchers. You can try online on your account by credit card, because some (but not all) international cards are accepted. As a last resort you can also use Paysafecards or swap credit from other Lycamobile SIM cards even of a different country for a surcharge.

Registration can be made online in English or by calling 323.

Default Data Rate

0.19 € per MB charged if no data bundle is booked or used up.

Data feature packs

These monthly data bundles are available:

• 500 MB: 7.99 €, activation: *139*11500#
• 1 GB: 9.99 €, activation: *139*11000#
• 2 GB: 12.99 €, activation: *139*12000#
• 3 GB: 14.99 €, activation: *139*13000#
• 5 GB: 19.99 €, activation: *139*15000#

Lycamobile will automatically renew your bundle once it expires. Charge for the bundle will be deducted from your main balance at the time of auto renewal of the bundle. To cancel the auto renewal dial *190# before the expiry date and follow the instructions or call Customer Services for free on 322 before the expiry date.

Speed is up to 7.2 Mbps and throttled after having reached the quota to 56 kbit/s. Only one pf the bundles above can be booked per month. For more data, they offer add-on packages, which can be added to the running packages above. Note that extra volume is only valid for the running time of the base package and will not roll over:

• 500 MB: 6 EUR, activation: text 115002 to 3535
• 1 GB: 9 EUR, activation: text 110002 to 3535
• 3 GB: 14.99 EUR, activation: text 130002 to 3535
• 5 GB: 24.99 EUR, activation: text 150002 to 3535

Roaming bundles

Lycamobile offers cheap roaming bundles to be used in certain countries only. All packages are valid for 30 days and can't be renewed ahead of time. For more info see Euro5. The free roaming offer of other Vodafone MVNOs doesn't apply to Lycamobile as it uses a different billing system.

Settings

• APN: data.lycamobile.de
• Username: lmde (lowercase L, not capital i)
• Password: plus

Tethering

Seems to be not allowed and blocked. They sniff and kill tethering connections.

More information

on their website in English

Lycamobile's website claims they will keep a number active 180 days (for German Lycamobile sims) since it was last used and credit stays valid for 90 days. When attempting to keep active a Lycamobile SIM alive, check the local Lycamobile time requirements for that country, to be assured it will not be deactivated prematurely.

O2 network

O2, owned by Telefónica, is now growing from Germany's smallest network to its biggest after the merger with E-plus, what number of subscribers is concerned. The shops of E-plus/Base have been rebranded and O2 customers can use also the E-plus 2G and 3G networks nationwide and 4G/LTE from summer 2016. This gives customers a better coverage in the countryside but still not as widespread as Telekom or Vodafone. 4G/LTE is opened for prepaid in Feb 2016 of its own brand, but not most of its MVNOs so far.

O2 (Loop)

Like all network providers in Germany O2 charges higher rates than its resellers. The reason to add the MNO is the opening of their 4G/LTE network to new prepaid customers in February 2016. Existing customers will be added later. So if you only need 2G and 3G, you'll be better off with its MVNOs - for O2's 4G/LTE because of coverage or speed, you'll need to get O2's own offer that is called Loop.

Maximum Transfer Speed

2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSDPA (with free roaming on Eplus network) and 4G/LTE on 800 and 2600 MHz (up to 21.6 Mbps) with a fair coverage and good performance in the cities, but still below Telekom and Vodafone.

Availability

O2 likes to call its starter packs Freikarte (= free card) because they are mathematically sold for free:

• for free: without allowances, mostly sold online
• 6.99 €: with Loop Smart S (see below) prebooked
• 9.99 €: with Loop Smart M (see below) prebooked
• 14.99 €: with Loop Smart L (see below) prebooked

Starter packs are sold online (to be sent to a German postal address), in O2-branded shops (locator), in many service stations, postal offices, supermarkets, electronic chain stores and kiosks.

Top-up vouchers can be found there and many other places too for 15, 20 or 30 €. To add value, type *103*<voucher code>#. Alternatively, you can use a bank transfer, their app or a top-up agency like prelado. SIM card and credit stays valid for 6 months after the last recharge. Check balance by *101# and validity by *102#.

Activation

Their SIM needs to be registered and activated before use. This is done online on their website or by calling 0800 800 2002 (for free from another phone) and takes some minutes or hours to take effect.

SIM sizes

A triple size SIM card in mini, micro and nano is given out.

Default data rate

Default rate outside packages on all tariffs is the "day flat" of 0.99 € per calendar day with up to 30 MB high speed data (up to 21.6 Mbps and 4G/LTE), beyond throttled to 32 kbps.

Data feature packages

These monthly bundles are offered for data in up to 21.6 Mbps and 4G/LTE:

• Smart S: 50 MB and 50 mins or SMS: 6.99 €
• Smart M: 250 MB (from 29/3/2016: 750 MB) and 200 mins or SMS: 9.99 €
• Smart L: 500 MB (from 29/3/2016: 1 GB) and 200 mins or SMS: 14.99 €
• Smart XL: 1 GB (from 29/3/2016: 1.5 GB) and 200 mins or SMS: 19.99 €
• Smart All-In: 500 MB: 29.99 €; 2 GB: 39.99 €; 5 GB: 49.99 €

While Smart S-L contains unlimited calls to O2, the Smart All-In has unlimited calls and texts in all domestic networks. On all bundles unused data rolls over to the next month. From 29/3/2016 all newly activated SIM cards include the very disputed "Datenautomatik": Having used up all data volume in M or L tariffs O2 automatically adds up to 3 "Datensnacks" ("data snacks") of 100 MB for 2 € each, in XL 250 MB for 3 € each. Only after the 3 added "snacks" (or all balance) are used up too, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps.

Data-only SIM - O2 go

This SIM has only data, no voice and is aimed at tablets and modems. It is sold in a seperate starter pack called O2 go prepaid for 9.99 € with 500 MB valid for 6 months after activation. These packages can be booked for more data on up to 4G/LTE:

Validity	Data	max. Speed	Price
1 calendar day	500 MB	14.4 Mbps	2.99 €
10 calendar days	10 x 500 MB		19.99 €
1 month	200 MB	7.2 Mbps	4.99 €
	1 GB	14.4 Mpbs	14.99 €
	5 GB	21.1 Mbps	24.99 €
	7.5 GB		34.99 €

Activation is online through your O2 account. Having used up data quota, speed will be throttled to 64 Kbps.

APN and more info

• APN: pinternet.interkom.de
• Tethering and VoIP is allowed or at least unblocked
• For Eplus free 3G roaming on some devices roaming must be enabled (take care in border areas)
• more info (in German): http://www.o2online.de/ and for prepaid: http://www.o2-freikarte.de

FONIC (with FONIC mobile, formerly known as LIDL mobile)

Maximum Transfer Speed

2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSDPA (7,2 Mbit/s) now roaming on E-plus too for 3G. FONIC uses the network of O2 Germany, which has a fair coverage and gives good performance in the cities.

Default data rate

€ 0.24 / MB (in 100 kb units).

Data feature packs

• Daily Flat = Tagesflat (per calendar day = 0:00h - 23:59h) = 1.99 € (after 500 MB per day, speed drops to 56 Kbit/s). There is a price cap of 25 € per month, so if you use it for 13 days, the remaining days are free. For subscription text START TAGESFLAT to 36 642 (free). The fine print is that after 5GB/mo, the speed also drops to 56 K.
• Monthly Flat = FONIC Classic Internet with 500 MB = 9.95 € - lasts for 30 days (after 500 MB, speed drops to 56 Kbit/s). For subscription text START HANDYINTERNET to 36 642 (free).

You will receive a confirmation SMS and you need to reply JA to that to confirm. This will be confirmed again, then another SMS that your request is being processed, finally a confirmation that the option is active along with the end date or a message that you don't have enough credit. The whole process can take some hours on the o2 net. Warning: If you use the internet before getting final confirmation, it will be charged at the standard rate per MB (see above). Staying active, the monthly flat renews automatically if you have sufficient credit and the daily flat will remain your default rate. Text STOP TAGESFLAT or STOP HANDYINTERNET to 36 642 to prevent them from renewing.

When you have exceeded the data quota in the running time of the package, you'll get a SMS info and speed will be reduced to approx. 64 kbit/s. Unlike with Lidl mobile, there is no upsize possibility for the package.

Availability

FONIC SIMs are available online for 9.95 € but for registration you need to have a German bank account. Bought offline this is not required. Starterpacks are sold at the drugstore chains of Müller and dm, the cash'n'carry stores of 'real' and the petrol stations of Jet amongst others. Top-up vouchers can be found there, at LIDL supermarkets (see below) and Rossmann. Be aware that O2 vouchers called Loop or Tchibo vouchers can't be used. FONIC SIM cards can be reloaded by bank transfer from abroad too. This may take a few days and is described here (in German).

Activation

The SIM needs to be activated and unlocked before use. First of all you need to register, either over the phone or online (in German). iPhone users should disenable FaceTime to prevent it from sending SMS. It then may take up to a couple of hours for the activation to take effect. You will receive a welcome SMS from FONIC when this has happened. Then you can use the PIN on the back of the FONIC credit-sized card to unlock the SIM. The unlock won't work until the phone number has been activated. If you activate the Fonic Smart S plan for example, you will be stuck with that plan for a month before you can change it!

Fonic is the only service provider in Germany that is doing random checks on registration addresses. Some new users get a letter in their mail to verify their address or the SIM card will be discontinued. If you just buy the SIM for a short-time use giving an occasional address, you will be fine. But if you plan to keep this SIM for longer and can't be reached at the given registration address for verification, you should better choose a different provider instead.

SIM sizes

SIMs in a starter packs are normally standard size, but with perforations to break out the micro-SIM if required. If you want a nano SIM, you need to buy and register a standard/micro SIM first, then order a new nano-SIM card from here. You will be sent a nano card (to a German address only) with mini and standard adaptors for a surcharge of 10 €, which is inconvenient if you need a nano SIM.

FONIC Mobile (formerly known as LIDL Mobile)

In October 2015 LIDL changed partners. All old LIDL mobile SIM Cards sold until September 2015 in their stores are rebranded into FONIC mobile. The old tariffs have grandfathering and are similar to regular Fonic rates. Top-up vouchers are still sold, but no old Fonic starter packs at Lidl's anymore. From now on you'll have to choose a FONIC top-up voucher, not a LIDL-branded voucher for topping up their old SIM cards. We don't list FONIC Mobile as SIM cards are only available online to be sent to a German postal address. To see their rates, check their pricelist. The new Lidl offer is called LIDL Connect (see above) on Vodafone network.

APN and more info

• APN: pinternet.interkom.de
• tethering is allowed
• more information (in German): www.fonic.de

NetzClub

NetzClub is a free ad-sponsored SIM card with a 100 MB high speed volume per month without charge. As a subsidiary of O2, Netzclub uses O2 Germany's network, which has not the best coverage but is still good in performance mainly in the big cities,

Speed

up to 7,2 Mbit/s. After reaching 100 MB a throttle is activated at 32 kbit/s (= half GPRS speed).

Availiability

Order and registration are only possible online. The SIM is not sold offline in any stores. The SIM card will be sent to a German address free of any charge within 5 - 7 days. So you must have a German postal address to enjoy the offer. They will only send out one SIM per person and a maximum of 3 SIMs per household (same last name and address). Change the option from bank transfer to top up using vouchers (Aufladung mit O2 Guthabenkarte) during the registration process to order the card without a bank account and without a mandatory first payment.

You have to be willing to accept some ad mails to the given email account and some advertisement SMS will be sent to your number as well. This can amount to 30 SMS or mails per month but is normally much less. You can influence this a bit through the type and number of interests you select in your ad preferences. This is how this service is paid for after all. If you don't want junk ads, consider other offers instead.

SIM sizes

The SIM sent out by mail is a hybrid mini-, micro-, and nano-SIM.

Recharge and upsize

There is no need to have credit to use the free 100 MB data per month. To top up use O2 vouchers called "Loop" from 15 € or Tchibo cashcards from 10 €. To use bank transfer (from 0,01 €), see this site (in German): [[1]]

When the 100 MB free data quota is used up you can continue to use the flatrate at a slower speed (32 kBit/s) for free or choose one of these options:

Data	Price	Validity	Renewal	Activation to 22233
200 MB	2.95 €	until end of free 100 MB cycle	manually	START SPEEDTICKET200
500 MB	4.95 €	until end of free 100 MB cycle	manually	START SPEEDTICKET500
500 MB	6.95 €	1 month	manually	START SURFPACK500
500 MB	6.95 €	1 month	auto-renew	START SURFPACK
1 GB	9.95 €	1 month	auto-renew	START SURFPACK1000
2 GB	14.95€	1 month	auto-renew	START SURFPACK2000

Take care, if you choose surfpacks with auto-renewal. This may be a bad deal in the long term: the monthly Surfpack renews every month as long you have enough credit and overrides the free data allowance in the next month. To discontinue you have to call customer service 0176 888 93939 (9c/min) or simply be low on credit to prevent auto-renewal.

EU Roaming package

For data roaming in all EU countries outside of Germany plus Switzerland Netzclub offers two new packages. You don't need to have booked a domestic package before:

• 50 MB in 24 hours: 1.95 €. For activation text "START EUSURF 50" to 22233
• 100 MB in 7 days: 4.95 €. For activation text "START EUSURF 100" to 22233

All roaming packages don't auto-renew and can be renewed anytime as often as you like. Max. speed is officially 1 MBit/s, but in reality often higher on 3G.

Validity and refund

As long as you receive advertisement mails and SMS' your unused credit has an unlimited validity, which is unique for German pay as you go prepaid cards. If you choose not to use the card anymore you can have the left credit transferred to a German bank account.

Tethering

Tethering and VoIP are not allowed in the T&Cs, but not actively blocked.

APN and more information

• APN: pinternet.interkom.de
• more Info (in German): https://www.netzclub.net

E-plus network

E-plus (often called BASE) used to be the price breaker and most innovative network in the country until it was bought by rival Telefónica (with its own brand O2) in 2014. It is being merged to one common network from 2015 on. National roaming with O2 on 2G and 3G is now nationwide and 4G/LTE roaming will start in summer 2016. The brands E-plus and Base as well as some MVNOs will eventually be dropped. Coverage is now improved with O2 roaming. 4G/LTE is mostly available only in cities so far on 1800 MHz, but open to all MVNOs without any surcharges or speed restrictions.

WhatsApp SIM

WhatsApp SIM used to be an innovative joint venture between E-plus and the popular social messenger app WhatsApp. It is targeted at WhatsApp users for social messaging and VoIP calls through this app.

Maximum Transfer Speed
2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ (42,2 Mbit/s) and roaming with O2, 4G LTE (70 Mbit/s). WhatsApp uses the network of German carrier E-plus, which has a fair coverage and very good speeds in the cities.

Default rate

In September 2015 they have changed the rules, but old customers have grandfathering. The free allowance is now only 10 MB per month and not specific to Whatsapp anymore. Take care that the 10 € plan is set by default and you have to reset it to the free basic allowance before use.

All other data is charged at € 0.24 per MB. This also applies to Whatsapp. So better buy a package, if you going to use more.

Data feature packs

They sell two packages in which flexible "units" can be used for 1 MB data, 1 domestic minute or 1 domestic text or any mixture of it.

• € 5: 240 units in MB, minutes and/or SMS plus 60 MB data
• € 10: 600 units in MB, minutes and/or SMS plus 180 MB data

All packages last for 30 days. There is no way to upsize this package. For overuse, speed will be throttled to 56 kbps. Whatsapp use is still possible, but no VoIP calls and video messaging.

Packages can be booked on your personal account or by calling 1155. It will auto-renew if there is credit and not stopped on your account or by calling 1155.

Availability

The starter pack is available online to be sent to German postal address or offline at many service stations like Shell or post offices for 10 €. The starter packs include a first data package of 10 € which can be discontinued before start and 5 € bonus credit, giving a total of 15 € credit.

It needs to be registered online here before use. For topping up, any E-plus voucher widely available can be used.

SIM sizes

Combined mini and micro SIMs as well as nano SIMs are available.

Technical Settings

• APN: internet.eplus.de
• Username: eplus
• Password: gprs

More information

• tethering is allowed
• Website in German: http://www.eplus.de/WhatsApp

ALDI TALK (a.k.a. MEDION mobile)

Maximum Transfer Speed

2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ (42 Mbit/s) roaming with O2, 4G LTE (70 Mbit/s). It uses the network of Eplus/BASE giving a fair coverage and very good speeds in the cities.

Default data rate

€ 0.24 / MB (without package).

Data feature packs

• Daily package: 24 hours data plan (after 1 GB throttled to GPRS speed): € 1.99. For activation see below. Daily and monthly packs can be mixed.

• Monthly packages (for 30 days)
  • Unlimited Data Plan S (after 150 MB: GPRS speed): € 3.99 - 150 MB add-on: € 2
  • Unlimited Data Plan M (after 500 MB: GPRS speed): € 6.99 - 500 MB add-on: € 3
  • Unlimited Data Plan L (after 1.5 GB: GPRS speed): € 9.99 - 1.5 GB add-on: € 6
  • Unlimited Data Plan XL (after 5 GB: GPRS speed): € 14.99

Activation: online, by ALDI Talk app or dial *121*004# to activate, *123# to check status of activation, *122# to cancel data pack after the present plan expires. If you do not dial this code, ALDI will automatically try to activate a new data plan after expiration of the present one.

The plans S, M and L can be doubled in high speed volume by add-ons for the running time of the package by calling 1155, online or using the ALDI Talk app.

The daily bundle is activated by using a different APN (see below). Thus, monthly and daily flats can be used simultaneously by switching to the appropriate APN.

Availability

Starter packs are exclusively available in any Aldi Store, Germany's leading discount supermarket chain. They are not on display in the shops. You have to ask at the cash register (checkout) for it. SIM cards are available for € 12.99 with € 10 balance preloaded. Recently ALDI has started an online distribution by mail to German postal addresses for the same price.

Reloads can be made with ALDI Talk vouchers from ALDI stores or any Eplus vouchers widely available by typing *104*<voucher PIN>#. While Eplus vouchers start at 15 €, you can find 5 € denominations at Aldi stores.

SIM sizes

ALDI Talk starter packages (including those purchased at ALDI stores) now come with a triple-combination SIM card in mini, micro and nano size cut-outs. Their new starters have been introduced in autumn 2015 and still not all branches may have them by now.

Billing

ALDI talk charges slightly different call rates than the other providers shown. A domestic call to landlines or mobiles and a domestic SMS is billed with € 0.11/min (instead of 9ct elsewhere). This doesn't need to be a disadvantage: "Community calls" (meaning Aldi to other Aldi numbers) are charged with 3 Cents per min only and all calls are charged from the 2nd minute by the second (60/1) instead of by the minute (60/60) like most other providers do.

Tethering and VoIP

Tethering is allowed (free), VoIP possible

EU-Roaming Package

ALDI offers this add-on for cheap data roaming outside of Germany in all EU countries, Norway and Switzerland. For 150 MB in 1 week 4.99 € are charged. This package can be booked online or by ALDI Talk app. When expired (by volume or time) it does not automatically renew, but can be booked again. This is one of the cheapest prepaid roaming options in Germany on the market quite below the EU price cap on data (compare to Lidl offer below). For small data volume out of Germany, it can be a valid option. For bigger packages, buy a local SIM card in the respective country instead (see WIKI).

Technical details and more info

• APN for monthly packages: internet.eplus.de
• APN for daily package: tagesflat.eplus.de
• Username: eplus
• Password: gprs
• more information (in German): www.alditalk.de

Blauworld and NettoKOM

Blau used to be a MVNO of Eplus and made a relaunch in September 2015. It's now a subsidiary of Telefónica. As Telefónica (= O2) tariffs are more expensive and you can find their SIM in many O2 shops, Blau is listed here instead of O2. With the relaunch Blau stopped all data packages and only offers combined bundles. That's why their sub-brand Blauworld and their similar discounter brand NettoKOM are featured instead.

Blau, Blauworld and NettoKOM all use the network of Eplus which has a fair coverage nationwide and a very good performance in the cities. Their 2G is up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G is up to HSPA+ (42 Mbit/s) roaming with O2, 4G/LTE up to 70 Mbit/s.

Default tariff line on NettoKOM is the "9 Cent Tarif". Blauworld is a different brand of Blau aimed mostly at foreign workers. These SIM cards are often sold side by side with Blau and are easy to mix up. But their tariffs can't be changed to Blau (see above). Generally Blauworld now offer better packages for data and better rates for calling abroad than Blau.

Availability

Blauworld starter packs can be found at a large number of retailers for 9.95 € with 10 € preloaded: at many service stations, some supermarkets, the big electronic market chains and at most O2-branded (and the few still remaining Base) shops too. NettoKOM starters are exclusively sold at Netto discounter markets (locator).

Starter Pack with SIM card can be activated for NettoKOM online (in German only) for Blauworld online ( available in English) or both by calling 1155 (in German only). After visiting their website, there are 3 steps for activation, after these steps SIM card is activated within an hour.

At these places mentioned above reload vouchers can be bought too. Only Blau-branded or or any Eplus voucher can be used; while Aldi and O2 vouchers will not work. Check credit by *100#, to top up type *104*<voucher code>#.

Data feature packs

On NettoKOM or Blauworld data by default outside of packages is for € 0.24 per MB in 10 KB units.

Their packages called "Internet-Flat" last for 30 days. High speed data will be used up to the specified limit, after reaching it, there will be a downgrade to GPRS/EDGE speed.

• for NettoKOM:
  • Internet-Flat 100 MB: € 4.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8111
  • Internet-Flat 250 MB: € 5.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8112
  • Internet-Flat 1 GB: € 9.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8113
  • Internet-Flat 3 GB: € 14.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8114
• for Blauworld:
  • Internet-Flat 1 GB: € 9.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8151
  • Internet-Flat 3 GB: € 14.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8181
  • Internet-Flat 5 GB: € 19.90, for activation call 1155 and press 8141

All monthly "flats" are auto-renewed at the end of the month. To stop call 1155 and dial 83.

Monthly "flats" can be reset in volume as often as you like within the running time of the package. When the initial traffic is used up, a SMS is sent out which needs to be confirmed with "JA" to double the initial volume: another 100 MB or 250 MB for 3 €, 1 GB for 6 €, 3 GB for 9 € or 5 GB for 15 €.

Tethering and VoIP

Tethering is allowed and VoIP is not blocked

Technical details

• APN: internet.eplus.de
• Username: eplus (also working: blau)
• Password: gprs (also working: blau)

More information

• Blauworld website in English: http://www.blauworld.de/index-locale=en.php
• NettoKOM website in German: http://www.nettokom.de/

Ay yildiz

This product with its Turkish name (meaning moon and star) is directed to the Turkish migrants market that is the biggest immigrant group in Germany. Ay yildiz is a subsidiary of the now defunct Eplus group (Telefónica) and uses therefore the network of Eplus that has a fair coverage nationwide and a good performance in the cites.

2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ (42 Mbit/s) roaming with O2 network, 4G up to LTE (70 Mbit/s).

Availability

Their starter pack contains a combined mini-/micro-/nano- SIM card. It's available from many kiosks at railway stations, service stations and can most often be found in small stores caring for Turkish migrants. It can also be ordered online to be sent to a German postal address. They charge 9.99 € for the package and give a starter credit of 7.50 € and another bonus of 2.50 € if you top up by 15 € or more. You need to register and activate in online here.

Top-ups can be made almost everywhere. All Eplus vouchers including Aldi talk codes can be used. Check credit by typing *100#, to top up, type *104*<voucher code>#.

Data feature packages

They now offer only one tariff line called "aystar". Default data rate is a high 0.29 € per MB. So buy packages that are called "Handy Internetflat":

• 100 MB: 30 days, 5 €

• 1 GB: 30 days, 9.90 €, activation: text "1GB" to 77770

• 3 GB: 30 days, 14.90 €, activation: text "3GB" to 77770

• 5 GB: 30 days, 19.90 €, activation: text "5GB" to 77770
• 10 GB: 30 days, 39.99€, activation: text "10GB" to 77770

To activate a package text the code or call 1155 and follow instructions (that are only in German). All packages auto-renew after 30 days, if there is credit. When included volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 56 kbit/s. You can reset data volume for more high speed data: 100 MB at 3 €, 1 GB at 6 €, 3 GB at 9 € and 5 GB at 15 €.

They offer reduced voice packages to Turkey, but discontinued data packs roaming in Turkey recently. These are now only sold in Germany by Turkcell Germany on a very similar product.

More information

• Tethering is allowed, VoIP is officially banned, but works anyway

• APN: internet.eplus.de   
• Password: eplus    
• Username: internet

• Website (in German and Turkish only): http://www.ayyildiz.de

Ortel Mobile

2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ (42 Mbit/s) roaming with O2, 4G up to LTE (70 Mbit/s). Ortel mobil uses the network of Eplus which has a fair coverage nationwide and a good performance in the cites.

Ortel Mobile is a product of the defunct Eplus Group aimed at the ethno market against Lebara and Lycamobile. It is one of the very few MVNOs in Germany which can be topped up by international credit cards, PayPal and even Paysafecard directly on their website. The website is available mostly in English.

Default data rate

The usual overpriced 0.25 € / MB (in 10 KB units).

Data feature packs

• 1 GB: 30 days, € 9.90. Activation: text "DATA1000" to 77300
• 3 GB: 30 days, € 14.90. Activation text "DATA3000" to 77300
• 5 GB: 30 days, € 19.90. Activation: text "DATA5000" to 77300

VoIP is officially only allowed with the 5 GB pack, but possible on other packs too. When included volume is used up, speed will be throttled to 56 kbps. The data pack can be upsized online on your account: For the 1 GB pack, you get another 1 GB for 3 €, for the 3 or 5 GB pack a reset for 9 €.

All monthly packages auto-renew if there is credit and not stopped. This can be done online on your account.

Availability

• online from Ortel to be sent to a German postal address only (normally takes 2-3 working days)
  • for free: without credit
  • for 9.95 €: with 10 € credit and another 10 € bonus on the first top-up
• at their vending partners in Germany like Shell service stations or "real" supermarkets, O2-branded stores and generally in inner cities at small shops targeting immigrants and migrant workers for 9.95 € with 7.50 € credit. Take care, there are two starter packs: one with a smartphone option prebooked and the other without. Take the one without.

Top-ups with Eplus vouchers sold everywhere or online on your account by international credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Some non-European and UK-issued credit cards may not be accepted. Use PayPal or a Paysafecard vouchers instead.

As a promotion until 31/5/2016 Ortel gives 10 € bonus for all top-ups of 20 € or more. This bonus is given on all ways to top up, up to 15 times and added within 24 hours to your credit account.

Registration / Activation

This is made online, see here: Euro4. For management (booking and cancellation of packages) an Ortel online account should be opened too.

SIM sizes

A hybrid Standard/Micro/Nano SIM is sent out

EU Roaming Option

Ortel mobile offers one of the cheapest EU roaming packages called Cross. It gives out 750 MB data, 300 minutes outgoing calls and unlimited incoming calls for €20 per month in all of the EU/EEA countries plus Switzerland. More info here: Euro4.

Technical details

• APN: internet.eplus.de
• Username: Eplus
• Password: Internet

More info

• here: Euro4
• Website mostly in English (only your account is in German only): http://www.ortelmobile.de/