UNLIMITED INTERNET & DATA SIM CARD GERMANY 14 BEST PLANS IN 2024

3. Advantages of Choosing an Unlimited Data SIM Card

Maximizing Your Mobile Internet Experience

Having a reliable and fast mobile internet connection is essential. You want to stay connected whether you use your phone for work, school, or entertainment. One way to maximize your mobile internet experience is to choose an unlimited data plan. It allows you to browse, stream, and download as much content as you want without worrying about exceeding your data limit. As a heavy data user, this option is also cost-effective as you do not have to pay extra fees for exceeding your data limit.

Additionally, an unlimited data SIM card allows you to use your phone as a hotspot and share your internet connection with other devices. Hence, this option is particularly advantageous for those who rely heavily on mobile internet for streaming, gaming, and extensive online activities. Whether traveling through Germany or roaming in Europe managing, unlimited data plans enable you to stay connected.

Unlimited vs. Capped Data for Mobile Internet

When choosing a mobile internet plan, there are two main options: Unlimited and capped data plans. As explained, an unlimited data plan provides users unrestricted internet access without limitations on how much data they can use. On the other hand, a capped data plan limits the amount of data a user can consume within a specific time frame, usually a month. When reaching the data limit, users must purchase additional data or face slow data speeds until the next billing cycle, usually a month. Capped data plans are much more cost-effective for those who don’t use their mobile internet frequently. 

Therefore, choosing between unlimited and capped data plans hinges on individual internet usage habits and budget constraints. While capped plans can be more affordable, they often impose limits that can quickly be reached with regular internet use, leading to additional charges or throttled speeds. In contrast, unlimited data plans, though potentially more costly upfront, eliminate the risk of overage fees and provide a worry-free internet experience. It makes them ideally suited for heavy data users of high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and other data-intensive applications that prefer not to monitor their usage closely.

4. Buying a SIM Card for Unlimited Data in Germany

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Plans

Originally, unlimited data plans were exclusively available with binding postpaid contracts. However, the situation has changed. Meanwhile, prepaid unlimited SIM cards have become available for purchase online or in stores across Germany. This flexibility of pay-as-you-go service without needing a long-term contract particularly appeals to travelers or expats in Germany who want to avoid committing in the long run. Prepaid SIM cards can be recharged based on your actual data needs. They are also easier to acquire, as an identity check is the only formal requirement.

Conversely, postpaid plans typically involve a contract with the provider. They offer lower rates and discounted mobile devices in exchange for a commitment to a set term. However, they also require a more substantial initial commitment and have stricter requirements. You will need a German residence and a local bank account, and you must pass the provider’s credit check.

LTE / 4G vs. 5G Speed of Network in Germany

The evolution from LTE / 4G to 5G networks in Germany marks a significant leap in mobile internet capabilities. While 4G has provided reliable high-speed internet for years, 5G takes it to another level with dramatically faster speeds, reduced latency, and higher capacity. For those demanding data-heavy services like streaming 4K videos and engaging in online multiplayer games, choosing a data plan that offers 5G connectivity is worthwhile. Especially cheaper unlimited data plans have connection speed caps.

Furthermore, you must consider coverage and compatibility. While 5G coverage rapidly expands across Germany, some areas are still under development. If you live outside of Germany’s large agglomerations, check the local network coverage of your chosen provider. If you have an older mobile device, please also ensure it is 5G-compatible to take advantage of your plan’s benefits.

Best Mobile Network among Internet Providers

Germany has three major network providers: Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. Furthermore, 1&1 has just started building a fourth network. Service quality and speed can vary, especially in rural areas. Customer reviews and independent network performance assessments can provide valuable insights into which provider offers the most reliable service for unlimited data needs.

Considering the broad coverage maps these providers offer and their performance in specific locations is essential. You can figure out the available speed for a particular address on the provider’s maps:

• Deutsche Telekom coverage map
• Vodafone Germany coverage map
• o2 Germany coverage map

Finding the Best SIM Card for Unlimited Internet

You can buy your unlimited SIM card either in-store or online. In-store, you enjoy personalized service and on-the-spot activation, which can benefit those unfamiliar with the local mobile internet landscape. Additionally, you can walk out with your new SIM card activated and ready to use.

However, the experience of getting a SIM card online has completely changed and often offers more advantages. Some internet providers no longer sell their SIM cards in physical stores and only provide them digitally. Furthermore, online deals are usually more beneficial, offering discounts, sign-up bonuses, or waiving setup fees. If you have a modern device compatible with eSIM, you no longer have to wait for the card to be delivered. After ordering your eSIM online, you immediately receive the setup information and are online within minutes.

5. eSIM Options for Unlimited Internet in Germany

eSIM vs. Physical SIM Cards

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows users to activate a mobile network plan without needing a physical SIM card. This revolutionizes how users can connect to mobile internet: They can order an unlimited data eSIM plan online, receive their eSIM data in real-time, and be online the minute after. eSIMs also provide flexibility in managing multiple numbers on one device or switching between providers or plans without swapping out SIM cards. Before opting for an unlimited internet eSIM, you should ensure that you have a modern device that supports eSIM cards.

multiSIM Options

MultiSIM options in Germany offer the convenience of having multiple SIM or eSIM cards connected to one plan. This feature is of great use for users with mobile devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets, requiring a mobile connection. Providers in Germany are increasingly supporting multiSIM services. Some unlimited internet plans include multiple complimentary SIM cards, or additional cards can be purchased against a monthly fee. Usually, users can opt between multiple eSIM profiles or a combination of eSIM and physical SIM cards. This simplifies the user’s mobile experience and offers the potential for cost savings by only requiring a single plan for several devices. In some rare cases, mobile carriers only offer eSIMs as a multiSIM. Hence, you will always need a physical SIM as your main SIM card.

Immediate Online Delivery and Connection of eSIM

eSIMs represent a significant leap forward in flexibility and efficiency in accessing Germany’s mobile internet. They can connect you to mobile internet within minutes, bypassing the traditional processes associated with physical SIM cards. There is no waiting time for SIM card delivery or the need to visit a physical store with almost instant connectivity to the internet. An eSIM can be activated through a few simple steps, often involving scanning a QR code or downloading a mobile app. 

eSIM is an excellent solution for purchasing an unlimited internet plan upon arrival in Germany or for residents needing quick internet access.

Steps to Order and Activate Your eSIM

Ordering and activating an eSIM in Germany is quick and straightforward, eliminating the lengthy physical aspects of dealing with SIM cards. It can be accomplished in a few easy steps. 

1. Verify that your mobile device supports eSIM technology.
2. Select and purchase an unlimited data plan from a provider that offers eSIM options.
3. Follow the instructions on the provider’s website or confirmation email to activate your eSIM. Typically, activation involves scanning a QR code provided by your mobile network provider or entering specific details manually. If ordering a prepaid SIM, online identification may be required. It usually happens through a video call for which you only require your international ID or passport.
4. After waiting some minutes or rebooting your device, you have unlimited internet access.

6. Buy an Unlimited Internet Tourist SIM Card for Germany in 2024

Buying a German SIM Card as a non-resident

For non-residents planning to travel to Germany, purchasing a tourist SIM card that offers unlimited data gives uninterrupted access to maps and travel guides and the ability to share your adventures on social media. Although some tourist offers exist, non-residents can easily buy a prepaid SIM card in Germany. They are cheap and flexible and often come with the added advantage of including EU-wide data roaming, allowing for seamless internet access across Europe. If purchased as an eSIM, you can already get your favorite unlimited data eSIM before arrival. It saves you time during your trip to Germany as there is no need to research and visit a physical outlet or wait until a weekday for the store to open.

SIM Card Registration for a German Prepaid SIM

Registering a German prepaid SIM as a tourist follows the standard activation process. To prevent misuse, it typically involves providing a valid ID. Depending on the provider’s system, identification can be completed at the point of purchase or online through a video call with an English-speaking agent. For prepaid SIMs, you do not require a German residence, address, or bank account.

Get a SIM Card for Tourists upon Arrival in Germany

Upon arrival, airports, train stations, and city centers host retail outlets and kiosks where unlimited internet SIM cards can be purchased. However, you do not usually want to waste time searching for a retail outlet or waiting until it opens on a weekday.

Physical delivery of German prepaid SIM cards was complicated and costly. However, with eSIM, the process is straightforward. You can easily order it online and then receive the instructions for activating the eSIM profile through email. Please bear in mind that you usually need to be connected to the German network to terminate the activation. However, this only takes a minute so that you can be directly connected after landing in Germany.

7. Unlimited Data Roaming in Europe

Unlimited data plans in Germany often include the added benefit of data roaming within the European Union. This enables travelers to move across EU countries without worrying about roaming charges or restricted internet access. In general, customers enjoy the same benefits (e.g., complementary data, minutes, texts) as they do in their home countries. European legislation on free-roaming covers trips to the 27 EU countries and, additionally, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).

However, it’s essential to review the specific terms of data roaming included in your unlimited data plan. While most plans offer generous roaming conditions, there might be fair use policies or restrictions on data volume or speeds abroad.

Providers are entitled to charge additional costs if the plan is used principally abroad for more than four months. Additionally, monthly data usage in unlimited plans is capped. You can calculate your monthly data allowance abroad according to the following formula:

Monthly Base Fee / Data Wholesale Price x 2

The fixed values for monthly data wholesale prices are as follows:

• 2024: 1.8445 Euros
• 2025: 1.547 Euros
• 2026: 1.309 Euros
• as of 2027: 1.19 Euro

Example: With an unlimited plan for a monthly fee of 40 Euros, you have 43.4 GB (40 / 1.8445 x 2) monthly available when roaming.