SIM card
Get a German SIM card on day one. You'll need a German number for bank verification, doctor appointments, and everyday life. Aldi Talk and Congstar are the easiest prepaid options.
Last verified: May 2026
What it is
A German mobile number is required for:
- Bank SMS verification (N26, DKB, all banks send codes by SMS)
- Doctor appointments (many practices send reminders by SMS)
- Two-factor authentication on German services
- General daily life
Get this on or before your first day. You don’t need Anmeldung first.
Options
Aldi Talk (Telekom network) — available at any Aldi supermarket, €10 for a starter pack with data. Prepaid, no contract. Best coverage in Berlin. Activated in-store with passport.
Congstar — also on Telekom’s network, available at many supermarkets and electronics stores. Good prepaid options. English website available.
Vodafone / O2 prepaid — also widely available. Coverage slightly worse in some outer Berlin areas than Telekom-network providers.
Monthly contracts (e.g. Telekom, O2) — better value long-term but require Anmeldung and sometimes a German bank account to set up.
What you need (prepaid)
- Passport — required for SIM registration (German law requires ID)
- Cash or card — starter packs are €10-15
Step by step (Aldi Talk)
- Go to any Aldi supermarket and buy the Aldi Talk starter pack (€10-15, in the checkout area)
- Register the SIM online at alditalk.de with your passport details — this is legally required and takes 5 minutes
- Your SIM is active within a few hours after registration
Common mistakes
- Waiting to get a SIM. You need a German number immediately — don’t start your bank application until you have one.
- Buying a SIM without registering it. All German SIMs must be registered with your ID. An unregistered SIM will stop working.
- Signing a contract before you have Anmeldung. Stick to prepaid until you have your registration certificate.