Phone and Internet in Germany: Prepaid vs. Contract
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Getting connected in Germany is easy — but the market works differently from North America. The key decision is Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) versus Vertrag (contract), and as a newcomer you will probably start with the first and graduate to the second.
Prepaid vs. Vertrag: the framework
Prepaid (Prepaid-Tarif):
- No commitment and no monthly bill — you top up credit and it runs down as you use it.
- Usually no Schufa check and no German bank account required; a passport is generally enough to register the SIM (identity verification is legally required for all SIM cards).
- Ideal for the first weeks: you get a German number immediately for job applications, flat hunting and appointments.
Vertrag (contract tariff):
- Monthly billing with a fixed data/call allowance; usually better value per gigabyte than prepaid.
- Requires full identification and normally a German bank account (IBAN) for SEPA direct debit, a registered address (Anmeldung), and often a Schufa check.
- Locks you into a minimum contract term with automatic renewal — cancelling mid-term is difficult, so read the Kündigungsfrist (notice period) before signing.
Rule of thumb: start prepaid on arrival, switch to a contract once your Anmeldung and bank account are in place.
Home internet: DSL, Kabel, Glasfaser
Fixed-line internet comes in three main technologies, and availability depends on your exact address — check before signing anything:
- DSL — runs over the phone line; available almost everywhere but speeds vary with distance to the exchange.
- Kabel (cable) — runs over the TV cable network; often faster than DSL where available.
- Glasfaser (fibre) — the fastest option, but rollout is still patchy; many buildings do not have it yet.
Contracts have minimum terms and notice periods like phone contracts. The router is typically rented from the provider or bought separately — factor that into the total cost. If you move flats, most contracts can be transferred, but check the provider's relocation terms.
Practical tips
- EU roaming is included in most German mobile plans at no extra charge, so one SIM covers your trips to France, the Netherlands and beyond.
- Keep your foreign number alive during the transition — dual SIM or eSIM lets you receive bank codes and calls on both numbers.
- Mobile contracts sometimes bundle perks (streaming, extra data); compare the total over the full minimum term, not just the headline monthly price.
- At many addresses only one technology delivers decent speed — ask neighbours or check the provider's availability tool with your exact street address before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Anmeldung to get a phone contract?
Normally yes — providers want a registered German address plus a German IBAN for direct debit, and they often run a Schufa check. Prepaid SIMs have much lighter requirements, which is why newcomers start there.
Prepaid or contract — which is better for a newcomer?
Prepaid wins for the first weeks: instant number, no bank account or credit history needed. Once your Anmeldung and Girokonto are set up, a contract usually gives you more data for the money.
Can I keep my foreign phone number?
Yes — most modern phones support dual SIM or eSIM, so you can run your old number alongside the new German one. Useful for two-factor codes from foreign banks.
How do I get home internet set up?
Check which technology (DSL, cable or fibre) serves your address, pick a provider, and expect an activation appointment — technician visits for new lines can take days to weeks. Order as soon as you know your move-in date.
What should I watch out for in a contract?
The minimum term, the automatic renewal clause, and the Kündigungsfrist (notice period). Mark the cancellation deadline in your calendar the day you sign — forgetting it is the classic way contracts roll over.
Sources
- Make it in Germany (official federal portal): https://www.make-it-in-germany.com
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