Mobile Operators & SIM Cards in Germany

Mobile networks in Germany

Mobile lines by operator, as of Q2 2026 (registered SIM profiles, including M2M and inactive reserve SIMs). Sources are listed at the end of the page.

These are registered SIM profiles as reported by the network operators. The Bundesnetzagentur notes the total is much higher than the number in active use, because second devices, reserve SIMs and machine-to-machine (M2M) SIMs are included.

Buying a SIM card in Germany as a visitor

• Prepaid mobile providers must check that name, address and date of birth are correct before activation, by having the customer present an identity document.
• Accepted documents include any other valid official photo ID that satisfies the passport and ID requirement in Germany, which expressly includes a passport recognized or permitted under German rules for foreign nationals.
• The check can also be done by other suitable procedures approved by the Bundesnetzagentur, but an identity document must still be used before the service is activated.
• ALDI TALK says that after registering the SIM you must identify yourself with a valid ID document, in person; the identification cannot be handed to someone else.
• ALDI TALK offers identification by video call around the clock, using a computer, smartphone or tablet with a camera and microphone.
• For in-person identification, ALDI TALK says to bring your valid ID document and the PIN/PUK letter with the SIM card to a partner shop; staff complete the check in a few minutes.
• ALDI TALK says your first name, last name and date of birth must match your ID exactly, and the minimum age for activation is 16.
• Vodafone says all new prepaid customers in Germany have had to prove their identity since July 2017.
• Vodafone CallYa customers can identify themselves online by eID, video call or selfie (Auto-ID), or offline at a post office.
• For Vodafone's video-call identification (available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.), you need a device with a camera, a valid ID card or passport, a stable internet connection and enough light.
• You don't have to identify yourself when ordering a CallYa SIM; Vodafone gives you up to 30 days.

Have your passport with you: the prepaid SIM only works after your identity is checked, by video call or in person at a partner shop for ALDI TALK, and by video call, selfie or at a post office for Vodafone CallYa.

Prepaid offer examples

Prices from each operator's own website or announcements, checked on September 29, 2026. Offers change often, so confirm before you buy.

Using your US phone in Germany

Whether your US plan covers Germany, and at what cost, depends on the plan, so check your carrier's international page before you go. Our guide to using your US phone abroad covers roaming, Wi-Fi calling and bill surprises.

To call Germany from the US, dial 011 + 49 + the number: see how to call Germany and the Germany phone number format.

FAQ

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Germany?

Prepaid mobile providers must check that name, address and date of birth are correct before activation, by having the customer present an identity document. Accepted documents include any other valid official photo ID that satisfies the passport and ID requirement in Germany, which expressly includes a passport recognized or permitted under German rules for foreign nationals.

Can I activate a German prepaid SIM without going to a store?

The check can also be done by other suitable procedures approved by the Bundesnetzagentur, but an identity document must still be used before the service is activated. ALDI TALK offers identification by video call around the clock, using a computer, smartphone or tablet with a camera and microphone. Vodafone CallYa customers can identify themselves online by eID, video call or selfie (Auto-ID), or offline at a post office.

Which mobile network has the most SIM cards in Germany?

Vodafone reported 99,191,000 registered SIM profiles in Q2 2026. These are registered SIM profiles as reported by the network operators. The Bundesnetzagentur notes the total is much higher than the number in active use, because second devices, reserve SIMs and machine-to-machine (M2M) SIMs are included.

How common are prepaid SIM cards in Germany?

At the end of 2025, 106.4 million SIM profiles were in active use in Germany, not counting M2M SIMs. At the end of 2025, 73% of active SIM profiles (78.1 million) were on postpaid contracts and 27% (28.3 million) on prepaid.

Can I use a German prepaid SIM in other EU countries?

ALDI TALK Tarif S can be used in other EU countries at domestic conditions, under the EU fair-use rules. CallYa Allnet Flat S includes 25 GB of data on the 4G/LTE and 5G network, which can also be used at no extra cost in other EU countries.