Germany travel guide: mobile data, networks and what's on

What the network is actually like

The German networks have 4G close to universal in cities and along the autobahn network, and 5G in most large towns. Rural Germany is the weak spot by Western European standards, particularly in Bavaria and the eastern states, and regional trains lose signal in cuttings for minutes at a time.

This eSIM: up to 3G, 4G, 5G, onO2, Vodafone. Each plan on the Germany page says which of these it uses.

How much data you'll need

Ten gigabytes sees out a fortnight of maps, messaging and the odd video call home. The thing that'll blow through it is tethering a laptop, and German hotel wifi is bad enough that you probably will.

Recommended: 10GB → closest plan 10GB · 30 days, $8.56.

City guides

Where the signal actually drops, and how to get around.

Where people go

• Berlin

  Sprawling and cheap to cross by U-Bahn. Cash still rules in bars.

• Munich

  Base for the Alps and, for two weeks a year, Oktoberfest.

• Hamburg

  Port city, brutal wind off the Elbe, best live music in the country.

• Cologne

  Cathedral, Carnival, and the only place to drink Kölsch properly.

What's on

Timings are month-level, because most of these move year to year.

• Oktoberfest

  Mid-September to early October

  Munich

  Around six million visitors over the fortnight. Mobile networks visibly struggle inside the tents.

• Karneval

  February or March

  Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz

  Rose Monday brings the Rhineland close to a standstill: parades, closed shops and packed trains.

• Christmas markets

  Late November to Christmas Eve

  Nuremberg, Dresden, everywhere

  Nuremberg is the famous one. Dresden is the oldest.

Quick answers

Which networks does a Talisim Germany eSIM use?

Our Germany plans run on O2, Vodafone, at up to 3G, 4G, 5G; a given plan may use only some of them. Each plan on the Germany page lists the networks it uses.

Can I top up a Germany eSIM?

Yes. Most Germany plans can be topped up with more data and days from your order page until they expire, on the same eSIM with no new QR code.

Does a Germany eSIM come with a phone number?

No. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data.

How much data do I need for Germany?

Ten gigabytes sees out a fortnight of maps, messaging and the odd video call home. The thing that'll blow through it is tethering a laptop, and German hotel wifi is bad enough that you probably will.

Regional plans that also cover Germany

Crossing a border on the same trip? One of these covers the whole route on one eSIM.

Other guides nearby

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