Germany is a top travel destination in Europe and technology has transformed the way we travel. We use smartphones for navigation, information search, and travel booking management. If you're looking for the best way to stay connected during your trip to Germany, consider using an eSIM. A travel eSIM for Germany eliminates the need for expensive "Roam Like Home" plans and offers convenience and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we will help you find the best eSIM for Germany and guide you through the process of setting it up in just minutes.
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The Quick Picks - Best eSIMs for Germany
I get it, you don't have time to read this whole post. So here is the quick answer.
Click on the links below to see the quick picks.
Benefits of an eSIM
Main Benefits:
If you aren't completely familiar with eSIMs or what you should be looking for before you buy one, read this section first.
Quick Comparison of the Best eSIMs for Germany
Here is a quick look at the eSIM plans for Germany & Europe. For more details, read the sections below this chart.
ESIM Plans / Brand | Data / Validity | Calls & Text | Countries Covered | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Orange Holiday Europe | 20GB / 14 days | Yes | 50 European countries | |
Orange Zen Holiday | 8GB / 14 days | Yes | 50 European countries | |
Smart Comfort X eSIM | 5GB / 30 days | No | 27 European countries | |
Airalo Eurolink | 1 - 100GB / 7 - 180 days | No | 39 European countries | |
Hallo! Mobile | 1 - 10GB / 7 & 30 days | No | Germany Only |
Other posts that may interest you:
Best eSIM for Germany (and Europe) with Data, Calling & Text
Here is the best cheap prepaid eSIM for travellers in Germany and includes the rest of Europe. This no-roaming eSIM allows calling and texting within Germany and the rest of Europe.
Activation
Once setup, this mobile eSIM for Germany activates as soon as your phone connects to any tower in Europe. It couldn't be easier. You'll be ready to go when you land.
Calling & Texting/SMS
Experience seamless communication with the Orange eSIM, designed for unlimited calls within Europe. You are provided with a French mobile number (that's where Orange is based) but you can enjoy worry-free roaming anywhere in Europe (including Germany) without incurring extra charges.
Orange goes the extra mile to keep you connected with loved ones overseas, offering a generous bonus of limited international call minutes (30 or 120) and texts (200 or 1000) to countries outside of Europe.
Stay in touch with ease and make the most out of your travels with the Orange eSIM.
Tethering
You can tether another device to your phone and share the data.
Orange eSIM for Germany (and Europe)
Two Prepaid eSIM Options for Germany
Prices are shown in USD
Orange Holiday Zen
eSIM
$
29
90
*Includes 30 mins call and 200 texts outside of Europe
Most Popular!
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM
$
49
90
*Includes 120 mins call and 1000 texts outside of Europe
Best eSIM for Germany with Data Only
Hallo! Mobil - Travel eSIM for Germany by Airalo
For a reliable prepaid eSIM solution with data-only coverage in Germany, I highly recommend Hallo! Mobil by Airalo. This local SIM provider offers a comprehensive data plan that specifically covers Germany.
I have personally recommended the Airalo eSIM to many of my friends, who have all had great experiences with it.
The eSIM is incredibly easy to set up, even at the last minute. I've seen friends successfully activate their Airalo eSIM the day before their trip and hit the ground running without any technical difficulties.
No Calling or Texting
Travelling throughout Europe with just an eSIM data plan is a breeze, trust me. I've used apps like Skype and WhatsApp to stay connected with friends and family back home. And in rare instances where I needed to make local calls, I simply relied on my Skype credit.
The beauty of having an eSIM card that only provides data is its affordability. You'll get the most value for your money, with a lot of benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Tethering Allowed
You can use your Airalo eSIM for tethering or as a personal hotspot.
Four Convenient Options of the Airalo eSIM for Germany
Prices shown in USD
Hallo! Mobil eSIM
1 GB
$
5
Hallo! Mobil eSIM
3 GB
$
10
Hallo! Mobil eSIM
5 GB
$
15
Most Popular!
Hallo! Mobil eSIM
10 GB
$
22
50
Best eSIM for International Travel to Germany (and rest of Europe) with Data Only
Stay connected across Europe, including Germany, with the best data-only eSIMs.
With a data-only eSIM, you'll have the freedom to stay connected, navigate, and access the internet wherever your travels take you across Europe, including Germany. Discover the best options available and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
Most Popular!
Airalo Eurolink Travel eSIM
Starting at
$
5
Smart Comfort X
eSIM
$
17
90
Getting Started with an eSIM is easy!
Not tech savvy? Not a problem. ESIMs are so easy to set up and get activated. Gone are the days of swapping out SIM cards, and going through a series of voice prompts to activate them. Just make sure your phone is compatible (more on that coming up, so keep reading).
Pick your destination & package
Buy your eSIM
Scan the QR and install
Activate your eSIM
Before You Buy Your Travel eSIM for Germany
Before you buy your digital eSIM for Germany, you need to consider a few things.
- Is your phone eSIM compatible and unlocked?
- Are you only travelling to Germany or are you visiting other countries in Europe?
- Do you need call and texting?
- How long are you travelling for?
- How much data do you need?
Do You Need Calling & Text or Data Only?
Data Only
If you are like me then you are more comfortable travelling with just data for your smartphone. I don't have the need to call anyone when I travel. I use apps like Whatsapp to stay connected with friends and family.
Some eSIM data plans claim to have unlimited data. You often get x amount of "high-speed mobile data" and then it slows down to 2G levels. So technically yes, it's unlimited.
If I needed to make calls, for example to my vacation home host, I used Skype credit as it only costs pennies a minute.
Pick a plan that covers the amount of data you will need. Keep in mind that back home you use less data because you use Wifi often. So you may want to consider twice as much data as back home to be safe. The other option is to find a plan that allows topping up.
Calling & Texting eSIM
One thing to keep in mind is that when you are using an eSIM, you can still run your physical SIM card*. If you want to have your phone available for emergency phone calls, you can still do that with your home number (long-distance and international texting applies).
If you plan on making calls around Europe and back home, then you may want to opt for an eSIM for Germany or European Union eSIM that has calling and texting.
*The new iPhone14s only have eSIMs in the US. That being said, they should have dual eSIM capability.
ESIM Credit Validity
Pick the prepaid eSIM for Germany that will cover you for the time you travel. Some plans allow you to top-up after the credit validity expires.
If you have 10GB of data and your credit validity is 30 days, you have to top-up your eSIM (if it allows) or get a new eSIM when the 30 days are up or if you used the 10GB.
Is My Phone eSIM Compatible?
Before buying your Ireland eSIM, you have to make sure your phone is eSIM compatible.
Most newer phones (within the last 3 years) are able to run an eSIM. New phones, like the iPhone 14 (in the US) don't have a physical SIM card anymore. They operate with a dual SIM. This will be the trend moving forward for many new phones hitting the market.
Here is a quick list of the current eSIM-compatible phones and devices as of the date of this blog post. See the list.
Before you buy any eSIM, check with your provider that your phone is unlocked and that your phone is eSIM compatible.