Stay Connected with a Free German SIM Card
As a Fintiba user, you can get a German SIM card delivered to your doorstep for free. One less thing to worry about as you start your new adventure in Germany!
Why You Need a German SIM Card in Germany
Getting a local SIM card is one of the first and most important steps to feeling at home in Germany. It's more than just mobile data; it ensures you're reachable and makes your new start easier and stress-free.
Stay connected from the start
Whether you're contacting your landlord, getting in touch with new friends or accessing mobile banking, having a German phone number helps you settle in much faster.
Save money and stay online
A German SIM card helps you avoid expensive roaming charges. Local providers offer affordable data, calls, and texts so you can stay in touch at a low cost.
Enjoy a Free SIM Card – Powered by Ay Yildiz
We’ve partnered with Ay Yildiz to make your arrival in Germany even easier! This free SIM card is our way of helping you stay connected from the very beginning, so you can focus on what really matters: starting your new chapter with confidence.
As a Fintiba customer, you can order a free prepaid SIM card, ready to use the moment you land. Please note that you can only get the SIM card after you have funded your Fintiba Blocked Account.
Still in your home country? No worries! If your arrival date is more than three weeks away, we can ship your SIM card internationally, making sure you're connected from day one.
No paperwork. No extra activation process. Just insert the SIM card, connect to the German mobile network and you’re good to go.
What's Included in Your New SIM Card
Your free SIM card comes with an exclusive starter bundle from Ay Yildiz, packed with great features to get you started:
The Difference Between a Mobile Contract and a Prepaid SIM
The first step in getting a German SIM card is deciding if you would like a mobile contract or a prepaid SIM card. Both have their pros and cons depending on your needs Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right option for your situation:
Mobile Contract
- Suitable for a long-term stay (over 1 year)
- Monthly flat rate for unlimited call, text and internet possible
- Longer cancellation notice required
- Address registration required
- Bank account (IBAN) needed
Prepaid SIM Card
- Suitable for a short-term stay
- Only pay for what you need, top up as needed
- Easy to cancel
- Address registration not required, unless purchase is made online
- Bank account (IBAN) not required
Choosing the Right Mobile Contract
There are many mobile providers in Germany, each with its own pros and cons. With so many options, finding the one that best fits your needs can feel a bit overwhelming.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a comparison of basic mobile packages to give you a first overview of what’s available. If one of the offers catches your eye, simply click the “Learn More” button to explore the details and see if it’s the right fit for you.
* The “Learn more” buttons lead to an advertisement link. This means that we receive a commission when you buy products over this link. The product prices for you are not affected by that in any way.
The Best Prepaid Sim Cards in Germany
Prepaid SIM cards are the perfect option, if you’re looking for flexibility without a long-term commitment. They’re ideal for short stays, students, or if you want to stay in control of your mobile spending. We’ve listed some of the most popular prepaid options in Germany to help you find the one that suits you best.
Overview of German Mobile Network Providers
Germany’s mobile network is powered by three main providers: Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica (O2). These are the only companies that operate their own mobile networks. Other providers, such as Congstar, Tchibo, or 1&1, use the infrastructure of one or more of these major networks under different conditions. For example, Congstar uses Telekom’s network, while freenetmobile may offer plans on any of the three.
Telekom
Telekom offers the strongest coverage across Germany, especially in less populated areas. It’s a great choice if you live outside a major city. However, this high quality often comes with higher prices compared to other providers.
Vodafone
Vodafone provides reliable coverage and fast internet speeds, with a solid balance between performance and price. It's a popular option for both city dwellers and those in smaller towns.
Telefonica (O2)
O2 is the most budget-friendly of the three and works especially well in larger cities and urban areas. However, coverage and speeds may drop in the countryside or less populated regions.
How to Activate Your German SIM Card
No matter which SIM option you choose, activation always requires a short identification process. This is a legal requirement in Germany.
To verify your identity, you’ll need your passport and a German address. If you're buying a prepaid SIM card in a physical store, you can also use the address of your hotel or hostel for registration. The process is quick and can be completed in one of two ways:
Online via video identification from the comfort of your home
In person at a German post office using the Post-Ident service
Tips & Reminders
Since most mobile contract information is written in German, it’s easy to miss some important details. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose your plan:
Long-term contracts (like 24-month plans) no longer lock you in for another year if you forget to cancel. After the initial contract period ends, it switches to a monthly plan that you can cancel with 1 month’s notice.
Higher prices after 12 months are quite common, especially if the contract started with a special promotional price.
Some providers charge activation or setup fees when you sign up. These costs might not be obvious at first, so double-check before confirming your plan.
Mobile providers often run promotional campaigns with discounts or extra data. Keep an eye out for this.