Some mobile plans offer fixed plans, allowing you to make unlimited calls and send unlimited texts. Some plans include a set amount of data. You can use this data to browse the internet while travelling. If you use up your data allowance, you can buy additional data. But remember, this comes at an extra cost. In some cases, additional data is automatically added to your plan. Make sure you disable this feature to avoid unexpected charges. Only buy extra data if you really need it. There are also pay-as-you-go plans without tariffs or fixed-rate plans, when you are charged for each call, text or internet session individually.

Compare the different offers. You can do this using comparison portals, for example:  

Do you want to make international calls from Germany? This can be very expensive from landlines and mobile phones. It’s best to use WhatsApp, Skype or similar services. This allows you to make calls over the internet without incurring any additional telephone costs. You can also use phone cards or prepaid cards to make calls abroad. International calls are cheaper with these cards. You can buy them in supermarkets or other stores.

Do you spend a lot of time abroad and want to use your German SIM card for calls or internet access? Within the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, you can make calls at no additional cost. In other countries, however, this can be expensive. Find out beforehand if roaming charges apply for texts, phone calls and internet usage. You can disable the data roaming feature when you’re abroad and instead connect to the internet using Wi-Fi networks, for example in hotels or cafés.

There are also special tariffs for international calls. Check with your mobile network provider.

You can sign up for a plan with a mobile network provider. It’s best to go to a store and ask for advice. But be careful: never sign a plan you don’t fully understand. Read the plan very carefully. Ask someone to help you translate the information if necessary. However, you can also select and sign a plan online, and then send it to the provider. The provider will usually want to see your ID or passport and a certificate of registration.

Mobile phone plans are usually for one to two years. It’s not always possible to terminate the plan earlier. You usually pay the bill at the end of the month. You can terminate your plan with one month’s notice at any time after the minimum term has expired.

Another option is the prepaid SIM card. You can usually buy these cards for small amounts of money in supermarkets, petrol stations or kiosks.

If you buy a prepaid SIM card directly from a mobile network provider, you can activate it in the store. You will need your ID or passport, and sometimes, your residence permit. A sales assistant will help you. If you buy the prepaid SIM card at a supermarket, you can verify your identity through the Video-Ident procedure or at a branch of the Deutsche Post.

Now you need credit. You can add credit to your card at a supermarket or kiosk. Top-up cards have a long number. To add credit, you have to enter this number into your mobile phone. Sometimes, you can also buy credit directly in your mobile network provider app. You use up credit when you make calls, send texts and go online.

If you want free internet access, you can connect to Wi-Fi services offered by cafés, libraries and other public buildings at no cost. Some websites can help you locate free Wi-Fi networks in your area. But be careful! Many of these Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted. This means other people may be able to see your personal data.

There are many options and tariffs available for home internet connections. To choose the best, ask yourself the following questions: What do you need? Do you require just internet access, or do you also need a landline? Do you mainly browse websites and only occasionally stream films and listen to music? If this is the case, your internet connection doesn’t need to be very fast. However, if you use several devices at the same time, if you work from home on your laptop, stream high-quality films or make regular video calls with your family, you will probably need a faster internet connection.

Use a comparison website to check the different offers available: You sign up to a contract with an internet provider. There are no prepaid options available. Be sure to read the contract carefully and only sign if you fully understand the terms. And bear in mind that the monthly fee may initially be lower but could increase after a few months. Contracts usually have a term of 12 to 24 months. Notice periods are often the same as those for mobile phone plans. However, some tariffs are without fixed-term rates.