Germany

Basics
There are now four coming down to three network operators 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: E-plus was acquired by Telefónica in 2014. In 2015 E-plus and O2 are joining forces to become one single network. Starting in April 2015 Telefónica opened free national roaming on 3G only between their two networks E-plus and O2. 2G and 4G/LTE of the operators remain seperate for a time. All other offers mentioned below are MVNOs of one of the 3 or 4 network operators above. MVNOs are particulary popular for prepaid in Germany and are mostly cheaper than the MNOs and have a market share of more than 40% which is the highest in the world.

Coverage and speed
2G / 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
 * E-plus coverage

4G (as of 3/2015): 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, not given out on prepaid yet.
 * Vodafone: on 800 and 2600 MHz, given out for prepaid on its own brand, not on its MVNOs.
 * o2: on 800 and 2600 MHz, not given out for prepaid yet.
 * E-plus: on 1800 MHz in cities only, given out for prepaid on all tariffs and its MVNOs.

Make a network scan, if you want to use it at one particular place and choose the network accordingly. O2 and Eplus LTE networks will stay seperate until 2016.

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 mostly cheaper than the MNOs:
 * Telekom: congstar, Lebara mobile, ja!mobil, Penny Mobil and more


 * Vodafone: Otelo, Fyve, klarmobil, EDEKA mobil, Lycamobile and more


 * e-plus/BASE: ALDI Talk (= Medion mobile), blau, ortel mobile, Whatsapp SIM and more


 * o2: FONIC, LIDL mobile, NetzClub and more

Most SIM cards can be used for phone calls and text messages too and 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 Wi-Fis 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.

Mostly foreign addresses are not accepted, so use any German address instead, as your personal data will not be verified. But you need to give a valid German address: postal code + location + street name + house number must be consistent and may be automatically checked in a database. 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 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: When you are not in Germany (trying to keep an existing SIM card alive or topping up before arrival from abroad):
 * 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 and Edeka, Eplus vouchers for Aldi/Medion, ortel and Whatsapp and O2 vouchers for Netzclub. While Lidl and Fonic vouchers are interchangeable, but not with O2. For blau, 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.
 * You can top up with most international credit cards on the websites of MVNOs Lebara, Lycamobile and Ortel mobile only. Ortel also accepts PayPal, Ortel and Lyca Paysafecards too.
 * All other providers can be topped up without any surcharge using PayPal only on the third-party website of e.g. www.prelado.de which can be switched to English. This loophole is also the most convenient way to recharge from abroad to keep a SIM card alive of most brands. Be aware that they don't accept non-German issued credit cards, but only PayPal. Even PayPal may only be accepted, if you have a positive balance on your account.

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 not yet available on prepaid at all and VoIP is 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 called Xtra Cards. Note that their rates are the highest in the country and are sold cheaper by its subsidiary Congstar and MVNOs, not to mention its competitors. As Telekom doesn't let prepaid customers on their 4G/LTE network yet, speed is up to 8 Mbit/s on 2G and 3G only.

Availability
The magenta-colored Xtra Cards are sold all over the country: 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 offer two product lines of Xtra Cards: While the voice & data card is available all over, 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. Xtra Cards can be activated in Telekom Shops or online on their website.
 * Xtra Card, Xtra Call for voice, text and data
 * Xtra Data for data-only

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 €. Xtra cards and their credit stay active for 2 years after the last top-up which gives them the longest validity in the market.

Xtra Card
Their voice and data SIM card comes in various tariffs lines which don't make a difference for data. While you can change amongst these tariffs, you can't change to the Xtra Data card. Packages renew themselves and can be booked online on http://pass.telekom.de or by calling customer service at 2202 (for free). Add-ons can be booked several times, but only when the data package is used up.
 * Xtra Handy DayFlat: this is their pre-enabled default rate. 0.99 € for only 25 MB within 24 hours in up to 3.6 Mbit/s. Then speed will be throttled to 64 Kbit/s or you can buy another package for the same price.
 * Xtra Flat Data: 50 MB within 30 days for 4.95 € in up to 3.6 Mbit/s. Exceeding your quota, speed will be throttled to 64 Kbit/s or you can buy an add-on with another 50 MB for 2.49 €.
 * Xtra Handy Flat: 200 MB within 30 days for 9.95 € in up to 8 Mbit/s. Beyond your speed will be throttled to 64 Kbit/s or you can buy one of the following add-ons valid for the remaining time of the base bundle:
 * 200 MB: 4.95 €
 * 300 MB: 6.95 €
 * 500 MB: 9.95 €

Xtra Data
Their 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. When you insert the SIM in your device, http://pass.telekom.de appears and you can choose one of their three data options: Speed is up to 8 Mbit/s. Beyond 500 MB, speed will be throttled to 64 Kbit/s, but you can book a new package anytime. Packages don't auto-renew.
 * 500 MB in 24 hours: 2.95 €
 * 500 MB in 7 days: 9.95 €
 * 500 MB in 30 days: 14.95 €

Technical info
More info
 * Tethering is allowed and supported
 * VoIP is banned and actively blocked
 * EU roaming needs to be enabled by calling customer support
 * APN: internet.t-mobile
 * To check credit, type *100#
 * Website: http://www.t-mobile.de (in German only)

congstar
Congstar is a subsidary 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.

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:
 * messenging option for free: Max. 32 Kbit/s (both downstream und 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: VoIP, Blackberry use and Peer to peer are not allowed, Tethering is allowed.
 * 1 GB: 12.90 €
 * 3 GB: 19.90 €

Settings
APN: internet.t-mobile

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 the 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: Both sites are only in German, so you may use Google Translate. Phone lines for activation are only open Mon-Sat 7-21h and cost 0.20 - 0.60 € per call.
 * for Penny: http://www.pennymobil.de/aktivierung.html, 0180 5 588656
 * for ja! mobil: http://www.jamobil.de/aktivierung.html, 0180 6 010257

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, these monthly rates are available: 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.
 * Surf Flat 500: 500 MB, 9.95 €, (officially only allowed for smartphones)
 * Monats Daten Flat: 3 GB, 14.95 €
 * Speed-on: 500 MB add-on for Monats Daten Flat, 4.90 €, can be booked several times

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: 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 HALTDATA500, HALTDATA1000 or HALTDATA3000 to 55255 at least 24 hours before expiration. 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 http://www.mobipassport.com.au/Germany-SIM-p/germany-lebara.htm 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, 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 MVNOs.

Vodafone
Vodafone has now opened LTE on its first own prepaid offers (not MVNOs). Though it comes with a surcharge and at a limited speed of up to 21.6 Mbps. They now cover 80% with 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.

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 €.

Data feature packs
Voice plans with data for 4 weeks (= 28 days):
 * Talk & SMS: no included volumes, data must be added (see below) - free
 * Special: 500 MB LTE data, 200 mins or SMS in all domestic networks - 9.99 EUR
 * Allnet-Flat: 500 MB LTE data, unlimited flatrate for texts and voice in all domestic networks - 22.50 EUR

Speed is a max. of 21.6 Mbps on LTE, when volume is used up, it will be reduced to 32 kbps. To all plans these data add-ons for 4 weeks can be booked:
 * 250 MB: 3G only - 4.99 EUR, for activation text '250 MB' to 70888


 * 750 MB: 4G/LTE - 9.99 EUR, for activation text '750 MB' to 70888


 * 2 GB: 4G/LTE - 19.99 EUR, for activation text '2 GB' to 70888

Data-only SIM - WebSessions
Aimed at tablets, routers and modems, Vodafone sells data-only SIM cards called WebSessions without voice. 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: 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. Note that you can't access Vodafone's 4G/LTE on Websessions up to now. Max. speed is 7.2 Mbps on 3G only.
 * WebSessions Basic: 200 MB: 4.99 €
 * WebSessions S: 1 GB: 14.99 €
 * WebSessions M: 3 GB: 24.99 €
 * WebSessions L: 5 GB: 34.99 €

SIM sizes

 * mini, micro, nano SIM

Settings and more info

 * APN for Call Ya 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).

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

Handy Karte
Handy Karte is their tariff for phones including voice, text and data. Otelo has an expensive default rate by time: 0.09 € per minute. As only package you can book their Internet Flatrate for 9.99 € per month including 750 MB at 7.2 Mbit/s, beyond throttled 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 "Flatrate" 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: 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.
 * 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 €

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

EDEKA mobil
EDEKA mobil is the MVNO of a big supermarket chain in Germany on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G only (no LTE yet, frequencies and coverage see Vodafone).

Default data rate

 * 0.24 EUR per MB outside of packages

Data feature packs
They have three monthly packages on offer: All packages auto-renew after 30 days. Packages can be booked online on their website in the member's 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.
 * 150 MB for 30 days: 4.99 €
 * 500 MB for 30 days: 9.95 €
 * 3 GB for 30 days: 19.95 €

Availability
Their starter packs are available online on their website to be delivered to a German postal adress or offline in all branded Edeka supermarkets, Marktkauf megastores and Reichelt markets in Berlin (Edeka store locator). They are often not on display, but have to be asked for at the checkout desk. They are free, meaning for 9.95 EUR startup price containing a 10 EUR credit. The online purchased cards come already activated, offline 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.

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. 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.
 * 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 €

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 ("Call Ya") 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 an 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.

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

Data feature packs
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: 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).
 * "Internet-Flat 500": 500 MB in 30 days, then throttled to GPRS Speed for 9.95 €. No upsize possible.
 * 500 MB in 60 mins for 0.95 €
 * 1 GB in 24 hrs for 2.45 €
 * 3 GB in 30 days for 24.95 €

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 other service station and supermarkets, you can find Lyca's reload vouchers.You can try online on your account to use a credit card. Some international cards are accepted. As a last resort you use Paysafecards too or swap credit from other Lycamobile SIM cards of different countries.

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

Default Data Rate
0.19 EUR per MB charged if no data bundle is booked or used up.

Data feature packs
These monthly data bundles are available: Speed is up to 7.2 Mbps and throttled after having reached the quota to 56 kbit/s.

For more data, they have now add-on packages which can be booked 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:
 * 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.

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

=O2 network = O2, managed 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 O2 and E-plus/Base are rebranded and O2 customers can use the E-plus 3G network nationwide. This gives the former smallest provider a reasonable coverage on 2G and improved 3G in the countryside. But there it's still not as good as Telekom or Vodafone and unlike E-plus, 4G/LTE is not yet given out for prepaid customers at all.

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

Default data rate
€ 0.24 / MB (in 100 kb units).

Data feature packs

 * Day 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.
 * Month Flat = FONIC Classic Internet with 500 MB = 9.95 € - lasts 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 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 (see below) and Rossmann. Be aware that the vouchers of FONIC and LIDL are interchangeable, but O2 vouchers called Loop or Tchibo vouchers can't be used. FONIC and LIDL cards can be reloaded by bank transfer from abroad too. This may take a few days and is described here (in German): http://www.prepaid-wiki.de/index.php5?title=%C3%9Cberweisung_FONIC

Activation
The SIM needs to be activated and unlocked before use. First of all you need to register, either over the phone or on the fonic.de website (look for the "Freischalten" link in top right corner). 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 wont work until the phone number has been activated. If you activate under the Fonic Smart S plan, for example, you will be stuck with that plan for a month before you can change it!

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 SIMs, 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 charge of 10 € which is inconvenient if you need a nano SIM.

Tethering
Allowed (free)

APN and more info

 * APN: pinternet.interkom.de
 * more information (in German): www.fonic.de

LIDL mobile


FONIC has developed LIDL mobile to be sold exclusively at the LIDL discounter supermarkets in Germany. They are on display at the cash register / checkout desk. Be sure to buy the 'Classic line' and not the 'Smart line', as Smarts require a German bank account.

Default data rate
Generally all the FONIC details mentioned above are valid for LIDL too. Here are the major differences:
 * Starter pack costs 9.95 € (sometimes reduced to 4.95 €) with 10 € preloaded.

Data feature packs

 * The daily flat is not a calender day, but real 24 hrs for a 500 MB and 1.99 €.
 * The monthly flat comes in three sizes:
 * Smartphone-Internet-Flatrate S with 150 MB in 30 days for 3.95 €
 * Smartphone-Internet-Flatrate with 500 MB in 30 days for 6.95 €.
 * Both of theses monthly packs can be upsized: another 150 MB in the small pack for 1,49 € texting START LIDL SURFUP 150 and the larger pack with another 500 MB for 4.99 € texting START LIDL SURFUP 500 to 54356 respectively.
 * Monatsflatrate with 5 GB in 30 days and max. 500 MB per calendar day, then reduced to 64 kBit/s and not upsizable for 14.99 €.
 * To activate the packages text START TAGESFLAT for the daily flat, START HANDYSURF 150 for 150 MB, START HANDYSURF for 500 MB and START MONATSFLAT for 5 GB to 54356. Be aware that it may takes some hours until the request is processed and you surf on the default rate in the meantime (see FONIC above).
 * To deactivate change START to STOP in the text messages to 54356.
 * You can buy Lidl as well as Fonic top up vouchers. While Fonic starts at 15€ minimum, at Lidl's you can get 5€ denominations.
 * Like Aldi, Lidl now offers an EU roaming package for cheap data roaming outside Germany in all EU countries plus Norway and Switzerland. For 150 MB in 1 week 4.99 EUR are charged. This is one of the cheapest roaming data packs on the German market well below the EU price cap (compare with Aldi offer above). To activate, text "START LIDLEU150MB" to 54356 and wait for confirmation SMS. It doesn't renew itself: when used up by time or volume, it can be booked again. But for more volume, better buy a local SIM card in the respective country.

More information

 * Website in German only: www.lidl.de/de/LIDL-MOBILE

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 card will be sent to a German address free of any charge. The SIM is not sold offline in any stores. So you must have a German postal address to enjoy the offer. Furthermore, 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. 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 micro- and mini-SIM. Nano-SIMs can't be ordered with a new subscription but only as a replacement SIM for 10 € extra.

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): []

When the 100 MB free data quota is used up, Netzclub sends out a SMS offering the "Surf-Pack" giving you 500 MB extra volume per month for 6.95 € (After reaching the 500 MB of the "Surf-Pack" a throttle is activated at 64 kBit/s). For buying this, you have to have credit and subscribe it by texting START SURFPACK to 22233. This may be a bad deal in the long term: the monthly surfpack overrides the free offer in the future and continues every month as long you have enough credit. To discontinue you have to call costumer service 0176 888 93939 (9c/min) or simply be low on credit.

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: 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.
 * 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

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 3G has started, but 2G and 4G/LTE networks remain still seperate. The brands E-plus and Base as well as some MVNOs will eventually be dropped. Coverage is good on 2G and now improved on 3G roaming on O2. 4G/LTE is only available in cities so far on 1800 MHz, but open to all MVNOs without a surcharge: (old 4G coverage map to give you an impression, coverage should be improved by now.)

WhatsApp SIM
WhatsApp SIM is 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), but limited to 7.2 Mbit/s. WhatsApp uses the network of German carrier E-plus, which has a fair coverage and very good speeds in the cities.

Default data rate
This SIM gives all data consumed through the WhatsApp application for free up to 1 GB per month. It will not be debited on your data consumption and includes WhatsApp VoIP calls too. For overuse, speed will be throttled to 64 kbit/s. You need to top up at least €5 within 6 months to use this otherwise free service.

Default rate for other data outside of package is €0.24 per MB. So buy a package, if you use more than Whatsapp.

Data feature packs
They only sell one package for all other uses than WhatsApp: There is no way to upsize this package and overuse will be charged at the default rate, which is high for data. This package 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.
 * 10€ for 600 units in 30 days: that can be 600 MB of data, 600 domestic minutes, 600 domestic texts or any mixture of it. This gives a mathematical rate of 1.7ct per MB/min/SMS.

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
 * if you want to use only the basic pack for WhatsApp, be sure that all data (incl. backround data) is shut off
 * Website in German: http://www.eplus.de/WhatsApp

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), but limited to 7.2 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
 * Unlimited Data Plan M (after 500 MB: GPRS speed): € 6.99
 * Unlimited Data Plan L (after 1.5 GB: GPRS speed): € 9.99
 * 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.
 * Upsize: The plans S, M and L can be doubled in high speed volume for 3 € 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. Unlike in stores, you can order a nano SIM online rightaway.

Reloads can be made with ALDI Talk vouchers from ALDI stores or any Eplus vouchers widely available by typing *104*#. 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) come with combination standard and micro SIM card sizes. For nano SIMs you need to order online a starter pack, change SIM cards by calling customer service or cut it to size.

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 11 cents per min (instead of 9c 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 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 packages: tagesflat.eplus.de
 * Username: eplus
 * Password: gprs
 * more information (in German): www.alditalk.de

blau
2G up to EDGE (220 Kbit/s), 3G up to HSPA+ (42 Mbit/s) roaming with O2, 4G up to LTE (70 Mbit/s). blau uses the network of Eplus which has a fair coverage nationwide and a very good performance in the cities. As O2 tariffs are more expensive and you can find this SIM in every O2 shop, blau is listed here instead of O2.

Default data rate
€0.24 / MB (in 10 kb units).

Data feature packs

 * day flat = "Tagesflat" = 24 hours data use €2.40, max. 1 GB UMTS/HSDPA then reduced to GPRS/EDGE. To activate switch to the special APN (see below).
 * "Internet-Flat"  = lasts for 30 days, UMTS/HSDPA will be used up to a specified data-limit, after reaching that limit, there will be a downgrade to GPRS/EDGE. All packages can be subscribed and unsubscribed by calling 1155 or by visiting blau.de web site.
 * Internet-Flat 100 MB: € 4,90
 * Internet-Flat 1 GB: € 9,90
 * Internet-Flat 3 GB: € 14.90
 * Internet-Flat 5 GB: € 19.80


 * All 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 1 GB for 3 € and 3 GB or 5 GB for 9 €.

Availability
Blau is an online operator and posts the SIM card to German addresses only, though you can request billing to a credit card, which can be any address (and does not have to be German). Starter packs containing a SIM card are also available from a large number of retailers for 9.95 € with 10 € preloaded: at the petrol stations of Aral, the supermarkets of Norma, Kaisers, real and Netto, the electronic market chains Saturn and Media Markt or at most O2 stores too. There, reload vouchers can be bought too. Only blau vouchers can be used; Eplus, ALDI or O2 vouchers will not work.

SIM sizes
Combination mini/micro SIM is sent out by default; an option to select a nano SIM (at no extra cost) is presented when ordering via the website.

Tethering and VoIP
Tethering is allowed and VoIP not blocked

Technical details
Starter Pack with SIM card can be activated by blau.de/freischalten website or by calling 1155 (German only). After visiting website, there are 3 steps for activation, after these steps SIM card is activated between 30 min - 1 hour.
 * APN Settings for monthly flats:
 * APN: internet.eplus.de
 * Username: eplus (also working: blau)
 * Password: gprs (also working: blau)

Thus daily and monthly flats can be used simultaneously by switching APNs.
 * APN Settings for the dayflat / Tagesflat:
 * APN: tagesflat.eplus.de
 * Username: eplus
 * Password: gprs

More information
Website in German: www.blau.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), but limited to 7.2 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
Speed is up to 7.2 MBps, 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 €.
 * 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

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

Availability
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.
 * 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.

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/