Best eSIM for Traveling to Germany in 2024

Are you planning to travel to Germany and looking to stay connected with an eSIM card? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM card for traveling to Germany including a comparison of the best Germany eSIM cards for 2024.

Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and order an eSIM card for Germany on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per October 2024, including all specifications per eSIM card including info about EU data roaming.

Also find out where and when to order an eSIM card, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, an answer to all FAQ about using eSIMs, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Germany and of course links to directly order your eSIM card for traveling to Germany online.

Table of Contents

Since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. Since I travel to a different country pretty much every week I am always looking for a new sim card to stay connected.

In 2022 I visited for example 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIM cards I used in the last 2 years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIM cards to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world. 

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Germany in 2024.

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Recently Traveltomtom also started writing specific guides for buying eSIM cards: USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Europe, Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, international eSIM cards and many more. 

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money while traveling.

Some links in this article about the best eSIM cards for Germany are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Let me first give you my eSIM card recommendation for Germany. Traveltomtom rates the following two eSIMs as the best eSIM cards for traveling to Germany in 2024:

1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM - $59.90 USD

• 100 GB data in all of Europe
• 5G ready
• Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
• 120 international minutes
• 1,000 international sms
• Valid for 28 days
• $0.6 USD per Gigabyte

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is upgraded for Summer 2024 with NOW DOUBLE DATA up to 100 GB and therefore the best eSIM for Germany in 2024.

This eSIM comes with a phone number from France starting with +33 and is valid in 39 countries in Europe. Unlimited calls and sms within Europe are included.

Since the Orange Holiday eSIM comes with free EU data roaming and is valid in all countries in Europe it is therefore also listed as the best sim cards for traveling to Europe.

You can order the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM via SimOptions.

2. Jetpac eSIM for Germany - $15 USD

• 15 GB data-only eSIM
• Valid in Germany only
• 4G/LTE
• Valid for 30 days
• Only $1 USD per Gigabyte

The Jetpac eSIM card for Germany is data-only and does not support calling and texting and it does not come with a phone number. 5G is not supported but its rate of only $1 USD per Gigabyte makes Jetpac an excellent eSIM card for Germany.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM card for Germany or in general before using an eSIM card. 

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIM cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone. 

eSIM compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: eSIM cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIM cards, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM card for traveling to Germany.

However, you can still order a sim card for Germany on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for Germany in 2024 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024. 

Comparison of the best eSIM cards for Germany

There are multiple website on the internet that sell eSIM cards for Germany. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Germany from one of the well-known eSIM card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

Traveltomtom tested and reviewed the following operators multiple times: SimOptions, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac.

Nowadays, you can buy an eSIM card for pretty much every country in the world. Order directly from one of the above eSIM card providers and instantly receive your eSIM card in your email. But before you buy an eSIM card first read all my tips below. 

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Germany. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Germany and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Germany.

Airalo, Holafly, Jetpac and Nomad only sell eSIM cards for Germany.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Germany eSIM card.

Why using SimOptions? They offer eSIM cards including calling and texting. Airalo and Nomad only offer data-only eSIM cards.

Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM card plans for Germany for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
• 50 GB data for 60 days = $59.90 USD

These data-only eSIM cards are provided by SimOptions and are only valid in Germany. These SimOptions data-only eSIMs are 5G ready.

The SimOptions eSIM cards for Germany do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these eSIM cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly the first time it connects to a supported network in Germany.

In general these eSIM cards are not my first recommendation for traveling to Germany and/or Europe, but the 50 GB eSIM plan from SimOptions is valid for 60 days and especially for those people who are traveling to Germany for more than 1 month this is a perfect solution to stay connected during all of your trip with just 1 eSIM without the need to top up or extend.

Click here for more info or to order a data-only eSIM card for Germany from SimOptions.

SimOptions also provides international eSIM cards for traveling to Germany and these ones are more interesting as they come with a lot of advantages over the data-only eSIM cards from SimOptions.

The following international eSIMs are valid in all of Europe and thus include free EU data roaming:

• 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $22.90 USD
• 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
• 100 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here to order an international eSIM card for Germany directly online via SimOptions.

The best thing about the above eSIM cards for Europe is that they also include unlimited calling/texting.

The O2 Go Card eSIM and the Orange 100 GB eSIM card are both 5G ready, all other eSIMs do not support 5G, only 4G/LTE data speed.

These international eSIM cards for Germany are also valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM card connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM card even when you are not in Europe yet. The credit validity only starts upon arrival in Germany. For more info check the SimOptions website.

Airalo

Airalo is another very reputable eSIM card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Traveltomtom has used Airalo eSIMs for almost 5 years and in more than 50 countries around the world.

Why using Airalo?

Ordering your eSIM card for Germany through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM card deals.

Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great eSIM card for traveling to Germany.

Here are the Germany eSIM card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $22.50 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for Germany from Airalo.

The Hallo! Mobil eSIM cards from Airalo operate on the O2 and Vodafone 4G/LTE network in Germany. Unfortunately the Airalo eSIM cards for Germany are not 5G ready.

The Airalo eSIM plan with 20 GB data for just $26 USD is one of the best-buy eSIM cards for Germany as it goes down to a rate of only $1.3 USD per Gigabyte.

It is a data-only sim card without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.

Nomad

Another trusted and reviewed eSIM provider is Nomad and Traveltomtom has used Nomad in more than 10 countries. Nomad sometimes has amazing competitive eSIM card plans with cheap prices.

Nomad has two different types of eSIMs for France: Regular Plans and Daily Plans.

Regular eSIM plans

Here are the Nomad eSIM card plans for Germany in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD

Click here to order an eSIM card for Germany from Nomad.

Nomad has some ongoing eSIM card deals on sale and the best rate of Nomad eSIMs for Germany is at the moment is $0.9 USD per Gigabyte on their 20 GB data plan.

The Nomad eSIM cards for Germany are from 1Global and are 5G ready. They operate on the O2 and Vodafone network in Germany.

The Nomad Germany eSIM cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Germany. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.

Daily plans

Nomad also has daily plans. These eSIM cards could perfect for those going on a short trip to Germany. You basically get 1 GB high speed data per 24 hours. Then after you use 1 GB data your data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which is actually useless, basically like an E signal.

• 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $5 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $7 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $10 USD
• 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $13 USD

When I saw the prices for these eSIMs I was pleasantly surprised. If you are careful with the amount of Gigabytes you use per day it could be a great eSIM.

Personally, it would not be enough for me as I can easily spend more than 1 GB data in just 1 hour bus or train ride.

Watching TikTok videos for about 45 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 30 minutes is also already 1 GB data. It depends how many gigabytes you use per day, but it could be a great eSIM card for traveling to Germany.

Click here to order this Nomad daily plan eSIM card for Germany from Nomad.

Jetpac

Traveltomtom found out that Jetpac also had some great eSIM plans for traveling to Germany:

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $37 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $48 USD

Click here for more info or to order an eSIM card for Germany via Jetpac.

The Jetpac eSIMs for Germany goes as low as $0.9 USD per Gigabyte. Which makes Jetpac among the best value eSIMs for Germany in 2024.

Jetpac eSIM cards are also data-only eSIMs and they do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. Also Jetpac will need to upgrade their eSIMs for Germany soon as none of their plans support 5G, but only 4G/LTE.

Jetpac offers an additional service to its eSIM card users. What about a free VPN subscription? Jetpac offers it to its eSIM users. On topp of that you can also get free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you have to register your flight before your trip on the Jetpac platform.

The eSIM cards can be installed before traveling to Germany and from the first moment it connects to a supported network the eSIM validity of 30 days starts counting. For more info check out the Jetpac website.

Holafly

Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.

Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Germany:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
• 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
• 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
• 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
• 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
• 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD 

As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIM cards for Germany are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.

According to the Holafly website these Holafly Germany eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Orange. However, Orange is NOT a mobile internet operator in Germany, so I am sure Holafly is making a mistake on their website. 

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIM cards, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.

If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Germany.

Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around me constantly had a data connection I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even when we were in big cities I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIM cards? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly. On average I use about 40 to 50 prepaid and eSIM cards per year, making me a trustworthy source for all your sim card questions.

What is the cheapest eSIM card for Germany? 

At first the cheapest eSIM card for Germany was an eSIM card from Airalo for $5 USD with 1 GB data for 7 days. These Hallo! Mobil eSIMs are only valid in Germany and do not support calling and texting. Nomad eSIMs start from $5 USD and SimOptions even from $4.5 USD.

However, at the moment Jetpac has an ongoing promotion and they only charge $1 USD for 1 GB data for 4 days. 

Why ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Germany

eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Germany in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Germany without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Germany with an activated eSIM card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Germany, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Germany so much more convenient and fun! 

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024. 

eSIM cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE in every tourist destination in Germany.

Actually even 5G, but most eSIM cards do not offer 5G, only 4G/LTE network is supported. Only the O2 Go Card eSIM and the Orange 50 GB eSIM from SimOptions support 5G in every country in Europe.

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an eSIM card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Germany. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM card for Germany? 

Online

You can only buy an eSIM card for Germany on the internet through an eSIM card provider. There are multiple eSIM card providers for Germany. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones (SimOptions, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac) are the best eSIM card providers for traveling to Germany in 2024.

Some mobile internet operators sell eSIM cards for Germany through their own website. Be prepared that with these eSIM cards a long and tiring registration process is needed. A copy of your passport is needed as well as an address. After ordering the eSIM card is NOT ready to use. You will need to confirm your identity with an official video call. You will need to download an app and during the video call you will need to hold your passport next to your head as identification, etc. This would be the last thing I recommend! I tried it myself and it was a nightmare. All in all it took about 30 minutes to get my eSIM card ready to use after purchasing it from the Vodafone Germany website. 

Keep in mind that when buying an eSIM card for Germany through one of the above recommended providers you only need your email address and the eSIM card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed. 

On arrival in Germany

When you arrive in Germany and you want to buy an eSIM card for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to your hotel? Use Google Maps.

However, as of October 2024, none of the mobile internet operators in Germany offer eSIM cards for tourists. All prepaid tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card in stores around Germany. They do NOT sell eSIM cards.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Germany in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Germany, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. 

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Flying into Germany and landing in Frankfurt or Berlin then you can also buy a sim card for Germany on arrival at the airport. However, there are NO eSIM cards sold at airports in Germany, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists and expect to pay tourist prices when buying a sim card at the airport. The eSIM cards mentioned in this article are much cheaper.

Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Frankfurt Airport in 2024 or my guide for buying a sim card at Berlin Airport in 2024.

When to order an eSIM card for Germany?

You can order an eSIM card for Germany pretty much any time you want. Most eSIM cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM card. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIM cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM card on the day of departure to Germany. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Germany eSIM card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Germany. All international airports in Germany have free public WiFi. 

How do I know? Traveltomtom also wrote an arrival guide for Frankfurt Airport and Berlin Airport. 

How to activate an eSIM card

Installing and activating an eSIM card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code. 

When you order an eSIM card plan for Germany you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Germany eSIM card.

But installing an activating an eSIM card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM card on. The QR contains all the information about your Germany eSIM card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM card is successfully installed. 

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur. 

Tip: if you order an eSIM card with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM card for Germany

Here are some general tips for using eSIM cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Germany eSIM cards, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: eSIM cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Germany. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone. 

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi device for staying connected when traveling to Germany or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Germany and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM card is if your smartphone supports eSIM cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIM cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these eSIM card providers?

All the eSIM card providers for Germany recommended above (SimOptions, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac) are reputable eSIM card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Germany.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue. 

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM card provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Germany eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIM cards for traveling to Germany.

All eSIM card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Germany eSIM card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM card to stay connected when traveling to Germany. An eSIM card can be used next to your physical or eSIM card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM card. 

So you can have multiple eSIM cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Germany eSIM card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs. 

If your Germany eSIM card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Germany, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Germany eSIM card.

Switching between physical and eSIM cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with a Germany eSIM card?

Only the international eSIM cards from SimOptions support incoming and outgoing calls/sms. Most of these international eSIMs that are valid all across Europe include unlimited calling and texting in all of Europe at no extra cost.

SimOptions is the only eSIM provider that offers eSIMs with calling options. All the eSIM cards from Nomad, Holafly, Jetpac and Airalo are data-only and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

Does a Germany eSIM card come with a phone number?

This depends on the type of eSIM card that you order. eSIMs that support calls and sms they come with a phone number.

All the international eSIM cards from SimOptions come with a phone number, which means they can also receive calls and sms as well as make phone calls and send text.

In the above Germany eSIM card comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM card.

Can I use 5G on a Germany eSIM card?

Luckily most of the Germany eSIM cards are 5G ready as of October 2024. All the Nomad and Holafly eSIMs are 5G ready as well as some of the SimOptions eSIM plans for Germany.

Unfortunately the Jetpac and Airalo eSIMs and some of the international eSIMs from SimOptions only support 4G/LTE.

However, there is an amazing eSIM card deal for those who are heavy data users and also want 5G data speed. Check out the following Orange eSIM card for Europe, now with 100 GB data!

Click here for more info or to order this Orange 5G ready eSIM card for Germany via SimOptions.

This eSIM card is valid in all of Europe, includes unlimited calls/sms and is therefore also rated as one of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe in 2024.

Are there eSIM cards for Germany with unlimited data?

Yes, the Holafly eSIM cards for Germany include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.

Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.

A great example are the Nomad eSIMs with a daily plan. These plans give you 1, 2 or 3 GB high speed data per day and then after you can use unlimited data up to a speed of 512 Kbps. That data speed is useless, only good for WhatsApp or email.

Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Germany and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Germany eSIM cards with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!

Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIM cards for Germany with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM card.

However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?

For $59.90 USD you get 100 GB data on a Germany eSIM card you can order via SimOptions or 20 GB data for $26 USD on a Germany eSIM card via Airalo or just $15 USD for 15 GB data via Jetpac.

These eSIMs offer a lot of data and there is no real need for an eSIM card with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.

But even then... remember that after 2 GB per day your internet speed is reduced similar to an E signal. Useless!

There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Germany in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are eSIM cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Germany?

eSIM cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Germany, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Germany?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Germany: 

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIM cards

Let's compare eSIM cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than eSIM cards. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Germany in a phone store and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best Germany sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Germany in 2024.

For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Germany you will find that for €20 EUR you can buy a local prepaid sim card with 15 GB data in Germany and all of Europe + unlimited calling/texting in Europe.

If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Germany you will need to find a sim card shop nearby your hotel.

They also sell Vodafone sim cards at Frankfurt Airport, but at tourist prices, no way near €12 EUR ($13 USD). 

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, (unlimited) local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed.

Be aware that the local prepaid sim cards for tourists you buy in Germany are in general NOT 5G ready. All of the mobile internet operators in Germany (Vodafone, O2 and T-Mobile) do NOT allow prepaid users to use the 5G network, 4G/LTE is the max data speed on prepaid sim cards.

The only exception is the most expensive prepaid sim card plan from Vodafone Germany.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Germany. Some of them are great for using in Germany as well as in all other countries in Europe and you can easily order them online.

Traveltomtom also put together a list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play! 

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Germany directly online. 

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is they all included calling and texting. Most eSIM cards are data-only sim cards. 

eSIM cards

There are two different eSIM cards:

• eSIM cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIM cards that you buy in Germany in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that eSIM cards provided by the local internet operators in Germany: O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Germany.

However, as of October 2024 eSIM cards are NOT available for prepaid tourist sim cards. Traveltomtom personally shopped around to find out if eSIM cards were available for tourists. Every phone store I called in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich, gave me a clear NO!

This also counts for buying a sim card on arrival at the airport in Germany. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Frankfurt Airport and Berlin Airport.

eSIM cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Germany, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Germany. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An eSIM card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Germany eSIM card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Germany Traveltomtom comes to the simple conclusion that eSIM cards for Germany that you buy on the internet are cheaper than local prepaid sim cards for tourists that they sell in Germany in stores. 

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. On top of that there are much better deals online and as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIM cards for Germany.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM card for Germany. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM card is that eSIM cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth. 

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIM cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIM cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator. 

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIM cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card. 

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to Germany were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM card for Germany right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIM cards then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of October 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Germany!