Best Phone Plan (Handyvertrag) for Internationals in Germany (2026)
Getting a German phone number is one of the first things you'll need after arriving. Germany has three mobile networks: Telekom (best coverage, premium price), Vodafone (solid middle ground), and O2/Telefónica (cheapest, good in cities). Most expats start with a prepaid SIM — no SCHUFA check, no contract, instant activation. ALDI Talk (€7.99/month) and Fraenk (€10/month) are the two most popular prepaid options.
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4 providers found
New arrivals who want reliable Telekom coverage at the lowest price with no commitment
Expats who want 5G, growing data, and the option to visit physical shops
Those who need the absolute best network coverage, English support, and don't mind paying more
Budget-conscious arrivals who want the cheapest German number right away
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Cost Calculator
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€105.87
€9.99 setup + €7.99/mo
€120.00
€0.00 setup + €10.00/mo
€179.88
€0.00 setup + €14.99/mo
€279.35
€39.95 setup + €19.95/mo
Save €173.48 over 12 months by choosing ALDI Talk over Telekom (Deutsche Telekom)
12-Month Cost Comparison
Cumulative cost including setup fee + monthly fees
ALDI Talk saves you €173 over 12 months compared to Telekom (Deutsche Telekom).
How to Choose the Right Phone Plan (Handyvertrag)
Start with your priorities: Budget? ALDI Talk at €7.99/month can't be beat. Best network? Fraenk gives you Telekom coverage for €10/month. Need 5G? O2 or Telekom contract plans. Need English support? Only O2 and Telekom offer English service. Important: All SIM cards in Germany require identity verification (German law). You'll need your passport and sometimes your Anmeldung. Tip: If you don't have SCHUFA yet, stick with prepaid (Fraenk or ALDI Talk) — contract plans require credit checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a German SIM card without an Anmeldung?
- Yes, but you need valid ID (passport). German law requires identity verification for all SIM cards. Some providers accept passport + hotel address initially, but having an Anmeldung makes the process smoother.
- Prepaid or contract — which is better for expats?
- Start with prepaid. No SCHUFA needed, no commitment, and you can switch easily. Once you've been in Germany 6+ months and have a SCHUFA score, a contract plan offers better value (more data, 5G, lower per-GB cost).
- Which network has the best coverage?
- Telekom > Vodafone > O2. In major cities, all three work well. In rural areas and on trains, Telekom is significantly better. If you travel outside cities frequently, choose Telekom network (Fraenk or Telekom direct).
- Can I keep my foreign phone number?
- You can use your foreign SIM in Germany with EU roaming (if from the EU), but it's not meant for permanent use. Non-EU SIMs have expensive roaming. Get a German number — it's needed for bank accounts, two-factor authentication, and apartment applications.
- What is eSIM and should I use it?
- eSIM is a digital SIM built into newer phones — no physical card needed. You activate it instantly via QR code. Great if your phone supports it (iPhone XR+, most newer Android). Fraenk, O2, and Telekom all support eSIM.