Travel guide
Best Mobile Internet for Tourists in Germany (2026)
Pick the best way to get online in Germany: eSIM, local SIM, roaming or pocket Wi‑Fi. Costs, setup steps, and tips.
Short trip (≤30 days)? A prepaid eSIM gets you online in minutes. Longer stay and need big data buckets? A local prepaid SIM is fine if you don’t mind a shop visit. Here’s the quick comparison.
Coverage snapshot
- Cities/IC trains: strong 4G/LTE on Telekom/Vodafone/O2; 5G in many cities.
- Rural: occasional 3G pockets; fine for maps/messaging.
Options compared
| Option | Setup time | Typical cost | Data | Hotspot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM (prepaid) | 2–3 min | ~$7–$47 (1–10 GB, 7–30 d) | Fixed | Yes | Activate pre/arrival |
| Local prepaid SIM | 10–20 min + ID | €10–€25 (10–20 GB, 4 wks) | Fixed | Yes | Good for long stays |
| Roaming pass | Instant | €5–€7/day for 500 MB–1 GB | Daily cap | Yes | Overages expensive |
| Pocket Wi‑Fi | Pickup/return + deposit | €6–€9/day | FUP applies | Yes | Extra device |
When eSIM is ideal
- Weekend / 1–2 week trips
- Late arrivals
- Need dual-SIM (keep primary number active)
- Want prepaid, predictable spend
How to set up
- Purchase online; stay on Wi‑Fi.
- Scan the QR from your email.
- Set eSIM as data line; keep primary for calls/SMS.
- Enable data roaming for eSIM; test with maps.
Local SIM mini-guide
- Bring passport/ID for registration.
- Typical packs: 10–20 GB / 4 weeks.
- Ask staff to test data/APN before you leave.
Pocket Wi‑Fi reality check
- Extra device to charge; deposits apply.
- FUP throttling often after a few GB/day.
FAQ (snippet)
- Calls included? Data-only; use apps.
- Hotspot? Yes, device-dependent.
- Works before arrival? Install now; activate after landing.
- Top-ups? Use add-on flow when low on data.