An eSIM is built into your phone. Instead of a plastic card you load your plan with a QR code or an app. Most current smartphones support it.
Travel eSIM or German eSIM?
| Travel eSIM | German plan as eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| When it works | You can set it up before you leave home | After the German ID check |
| German number | Usually no, mostly data only | Yes |
| Price for longer stays | Gets expensive | Much cheaper per GB |
| Good for | The first days after you arrive | Studying or working here |
Our tip: Land with a travel eSIM if you like, but get a German plan in your first week. Lots of things here go easier with a German number, from flat viewings to your bank.
German plans to start with
Lyca Easy XS
Lyca Mobile All ages Prepaid
- Data
- 5 GBup to 50 Mbit/s
- Network
- Telefónica (o2)
- Term
- 4 weeksprepaid, no contract
- Age
- All ages18 and over
- Unlimited calls & texts in Germany
Average per month€5.41
Price per 4 weeks €4.99
Starter kit €0.00
Details
Average over 24 months including one-time costs.
One package lasts 4 weeks, that's 26 packages in 24 months.
As stated by Lyca Mobile, 17 October 2026, no guarantee.
MagentaMobil Prepaid S
Telekom All ages Prepaid
- Data
- 1 GBup to 300 Mbit/s
- Network
- Telekom
- Term
- 4 weeksprepaid, no contract
- Age
- All ages18 and over
Average per month€5.78
Price per 4 weeks €4.95
Starter kit €9.95
Details
Average over 24 months including one-time costs.
One package lasts 4 weeks, that's 26 packages in 24 months.
As stated by Telekom, 17 October 2026, no guarantee.
FYVE Smart XS
FYVE All ages Prepaid
- Data
- 14 GBup to 50 Mbit/s
- Network
- Vodafone
- Term
- 30 daysprepaid, no contract
- Age
- All ages18 and over
- Unlimited calls & texts in Germany
Average per month€7.37
Price per 30 days €6.95
Starter kit €10.00
Details
Average over 24 months including one-time costs.
One package lasts 30 days, that's 24 packages in 24 months.
As stated by FYVE, 17 October 2026, no guarantee.
As stated by the providers, 17 October 2026, no guarantee. Providers' order pages are in German, your browser can translate them.
Keep your home number
Many phones run two numbers at once, for example your SIM from home and a German eSIM. That way you still get texts from your bank at home. Check what your home provider charges for roaming in Germany.
How to set up an eSIM
- When you order, choose “eSIM”. You'll need the ID check first.
- You get a QR code or an activation code, often by email or in the app.
- On your phone go to Settings → Mobile data (iPhone) or Connections → SIM manager (Android) and choose “Add eSIM”.
- Scan the code. Then choose which line to use for calls and data.
Tip: Keep the QR code somewhere safe, not just as a screenshot on the same phone. Many codes only work once.
Before you buy
- Check your phone: Older or very cheap models don't always support eSIM, and phones bought locked to one provider may not take a foreign eSIM.
- Changing phones: You have to transfer the eSIM. That's often done in the setup of the new phone, otherwise through your provider. Some charge a fee.