Phone and SIM card

What this is about

You need a German phone number for almost everything: appointments, authorities, bank and work. You can choose between prepaid and a contract.

• •Prepaid: you top up credit, no fixed term, good to start with.
• •Contract: fixed monthly fee, often cheaper per gigabyte, but with a fixed term.
• •A contract usually requires a German bank account and a registered address.

What you need

You have to identify yourself when buying a SIM card. This applies to prepaid cards too.

• •Valid passport or ID card
• •For a contract, additionally: registered address and bank details
• •The card is only activated after identity verification

Contract term and cancellation

Contracts can run for a fixed term of at most 24 months. After that you can cancel monthly with short notice. The Bundesnetzagentur explains your rights for phone and internet contracts.

• •Watch the price after the discount period ends.
• •It's best to cancel in writing, with proof.
• •After the minimum term, the contract no longer automatically extends by a full year.

Switching provider and keeping your number

You can take your number with you to another provider. The new provider handles the switch.

• •Don't cancel yourself before the number transfer is arranged.
• •Number porting is also possible with prepaid.
• •If something goes wrong during the switch, you can complain to the Bundesnetzagentur.

Concrete steps

• •Decide between prepaid and a contract.
• •Bring your ID and have your SIM card identity-checked.
• •Compare tariff and contract term before signing.
• •Keep the contract documents and customer number.