Talk:Germany/@comment-86.142.174.93-20170521070408/@comment-24682153-20170521201927

Hi to the UK.

Prepaid in Germany is not so different to PAYG in the UK. We prefer the US expression here and you have an own. First, you will be able to roam like at home (roaming rates = UK domestic rates) on O2 UK in Germany from 15 June 2017 (as long as Britain stays in the EU).

But if you stay for longer, it might be a good idea to buy a German SIM card. There is O2 too in Germany. Like in Britain not the best, but the cheapest network. But it's no considered one network. So your on-net allowances from O2 UK won't work on O2 Germany. The market situation is similar to the UK. There are network providers (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) that sell prepaid SIM cards and some resellers (like Aldi, Lidl, other supermarket chains; similar to Tesco in the UK). They sell them a bit cheaper. Just click on one of three network tiles and you will see their offers.

Deutsche Telekom (our EE and most expensive operator) is the only offer with a minimum consumption. But this will be charged as long as you have positive balance on your prepaid / PAYG account. The SIM won't be shut off right away. It will fall in passive mode.

With all other operators there is no restriction in validity. You have at least one year without any activity, before it will be terminated. Even then, by German law, you can be reimbursed for your standing balance.

There is one difference to UK-issued SIM cards. German SIMs are registered. This can be done in the provider's shops or online (for those brands sold in supermarkets and filling stations). So prepared to show your passport at the point of purchase or later online.