Planning a trip to explore culture, sights and cuisine in Germany? As one of the major network providers in the country, O2 Germany offers a range of SIM card options that are perfect for keeping visitors connected throughout their travels. This guide will provide all you need to know about O2 SIM card why to need a sim card when traveling to Germany, what is the best one, how and where to buy?
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about O2 Germany
O2 Germany is one of the largest mobile operators in the country, provides a wide range of mobile plans and services. Let’s take a look at this brand:
- Established: Founded in 1995 as Viag Interkom, rebranded to O2 in 2002 when acquired by Telefónica
- Full company name: Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG (Telefónica Deutschland Holding). It trades as O2.
- Types of services provided: It provides broadband, landline and mobile telecommunications services in Germany. It also provides hosting services, internet service, and telecommunication plans for consumers and businesses.
- Subscribers: Over 43 million mobile subscribers as of 2023
- Coverage: Almost 100% population coverage across Germany for 2G and 3G networks. 4G coverage is over 92%. 5G is being rolled out gradually.
- Customer support: Offers on-call customer support via a helpline number. Support is available in German language. Online support via chat and email is also available.
- Awards: Received multiple awards for network quality and customer satisfaction
II. Why O2 SIM Card for Your Trip to Germany?
Getting an O2 SIM card is a good option for travelers visiting Germany as it provides extensive mobile coverage across the country, both for voice calls and data connectivity. Let’s explore O2 coverage and speed in Germany.
O2 Coverage in Germany
Analyzing recent coverage maps shows O2 has expansive 4G LTE coverage across Germany. O2 has nationwide 4G/LTE coverage spanning over 99% of the population. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt all have very strong 4G signals from O2, allowing users to stay constantly connected via high-speed data.
While rural coverage isn’t quite as robust as urban areas, O2 still manages to reach over 80% of the land area in Germany, so tourists should still find service on highways and in smaller towns.
Overall, with very dependable coverage in populated areas and major transport routes, O2 delivers solid wireless connectivity that enables tourists to use maps, translate, and stay in touch while exploring Germany.
O2 Speed in Germany
The average download speed on O2’s 4G network across Germany is around 37.7 Mbps according to Opensignal. While O2 may not be the absolute speed leader, it provides tourists with adequate connectivity for most daily data needs. At 37.7 Mbps, visitors can easily browse websites, check email and social media, use navigation apps, and watch videos in standard definition without any buffering.
Unless tourists intend to extensively stream or download large files while traveling, O2 speed offers sufficient bandwidth to augment one’s travels through online research, navigation, and communication with others.
III. O2 Connectivity Options for Travelers to Germany
Travelers visiting countries abroad often need portable internet access to stay connected. The main options available through O2 include pocket wifi devices, international roaming with your existing plan, and purchasing a local SIM card. Each option has advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and destination country.
| Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket WiFi | Can share internet between devices | Higher upfront cost than SIM cards |
| No roaming charges | Need to remember to charge the device | |
| Unlimited data in most plans | Security and loss concerns | |
| Roaming (use existing phone plan internationally) | No extra hardware to carry | Higher per MB costs than local SIM |
| Familiarity of your home phone number/plan | Data allowances from your home plan still apply | |
| O2 SIM card | Low upfront cost | Need compatible phone |
| Pay-as-you-go rates usually cheaper than roaming | May need to unlock phone for foreign SIM | |
| Fast and easy to get started | Local phone number vs your home number |
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and stress-free connectivity option abroad, purchasing an O2 SIM card is a good choice to stay easily connected while traveling. For the simplest solution, consider purchasing an O2 eSIM if your phone supports eSIM.
IV. Best O2 Germany SIM Card for Tourists & Costs
O2 has several great prepaid SIM options for tourists in Germany at reasonable rates. Here are the top picks:
| Plan | Data | Cost (€/month) | Cost (USD/month) | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O2 Prepaid S | 8 GB | €9.99 | $11.11 | 2 GB bonus data every 4 weeks, 384 Kbps speed after data used, EU roaming included |
| O2 Prepaid M | 15 GB | €14.99 | $16.67 | 5 GB bonus data on recharge, 2 GB bonus data every 4 weeks, 384 Kbps speed after data used, EU roaming included |
| O2 Prepaid L | 25 GB | €19.99 | $22.23 | 5 GB bonus data on recharge, 2 GB bonus data every 4 weeks, 384 Kbps speed after data used, EU roaming included |
| O2 Prepaid Max | 999 GB | €74.99 | $83.38 | Unlimited data for 1 month, EU roaming included |
| O2 Freikarte | – | Free | Free | Pay per minute/SMS at €0.09, no monthly fee |
Overall, the prices for O2 SIM cards in Germany are very affordable. For prepaid SIMs, there is no additional charge to purchase the SIM card itself – it is included free of charge with any top-up or package purchase.
V. Does O2 Germany Support eSIM for Tourist?
Yes, O2 Germany supports eSIM for tourists. When ordering online, you choose whether you would like to receive an eSIM or a physical SIM card directly in the shopping cart before you go to checkout.
Some key benefits of using eSIM include:
- Convenience – No waiting for a physical SIM card to be delivered. eSIM can be activated instantly online.
- Multiple profiles – eSIM allows you to have multiple mobile plans/carriers on one device at once by storing multiple profiles.
- Switch easily – You can easily switch between mobile plans/carriers with an eSIM by activating a new profile, rather than swapping the physical SIM card.
- No loss/damage – With an eSIM, there is no risk of losing or damaging the small physical SIM card. Connectivity won’t be disrupted.
- Environmentally friendly – eSIMs reduce the physical waste of plastic SIM cards that eventually end up in landfills.
So in summary, Germany eSIMs provide tourists with a convenient, flexible and future-proof way to connect to mobile networks when traveling abroad.
VI. Where To Buy O2 Germany SIM Card and eSIM
If you decide O2 is the right provider for your trip to Germany, here are several options for purchasing their SIM cards and eSIMs.
Where to buy O2 SIM card?
O2 SIMs are widely available throughout Germany in stores, online, or via vending machines for convenience. Here are some of the main options for buying an O2 Germany SIM card:
- O2 retail stores – O2 has numerous branded retail stores located throughout Germany in cities and major towns. SIM cards can be purchased in-store.
- Online at o2online.de – You can order various prepaid and postpaid SIM cards directly from O2’s website for home delivery.
- Supershops/Spa markets – Turkish-owned discount stores often stock cheap international SIMs, including O2 Germany.
Where to buy O2 Germany eSIM?
For much easier convenience, tourists now can consider purchasing an O2 Germany eSIM to avoid the hassle of needing a physical SIM. Here are some options for buying an O2 Germany eSIM:
- Online at o2online.de – O2’s website allows you to purchase various prepaid and postpaid eSIM plans/profiles directly and activate them digitally.
- Online at germany-esim.com – This is a great choice for tourists who want to use the O2 network. Germany-eSIM provides a variety of short-term data plans suitable for travelers. Tourists can purchase an O2 eSIM from here without needing any documents, making it very convenient for those visiting Germany.
VII. How To Activate an O2 Germany SIM Card/eSIM
Activating your new O2 SIM card or eSIM is quick and easy. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Activating an O2 SIM Card:
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone. Locate the tray slot, gently remove the existing SIM, insert the O2 SIM, and reinsert the tray.
- Power on your phone and wait for the new SIM to be recognized.
- An activation text should come through. Follow any prompts to finish activating your plan.
- Enter the provided APN settings for mobile data access.
- You’re all set! Connectivity should now work on the O2 network.
Activating an O2 eSIM:
- Download the O2 eSIM app on your iPhone or Android device.
- Launch the app and follow prompts to install your eSIM plan securely.
- Activation is done digitally – no physical SIM required.
- Set up your APN settings to connect with mobile data.
- Enjoy your new O2 eSIM!
That’s all it takes to get started with an O2 SIM card or eSIM in Germany. You’ll be connected right away.
VIII. Alternatives to O2 SIM Card for Germany
While O2 is a solid choice, we recommend also considering these alternatives providers for Germany travel:
- Vodafone – The largest network coverage in Germany, especially in rural areas. It provides reliable service across the country. However, its data speeds can be slightly slower than Telekom in some cities.
- Telekom – The fastest 4G speeds in Germany, with speeds often surpassing 100 Mbps in urban centers. However, it also tends to have the most expensive plans and does not have as extensive coverage in remote regions as Vodafone.
For most tourists visiting Germany, the best alternative to the O2 SIM is an eSIM from Germany-esim.com. eSIM plans run on the networks of all three major German operators – O2, Vodafone and Telekom. This ensures reliable coverage regardless of location. Visitors can purchase affordable short-term data packages online before their trip without needing a physical SIM card. Germany eSIM is very convenient and provides secure connectivity throughout Germany.
IX. FAQs About O2 Germany
Do I need to show ID to purchase an O2 Germany SIM card?
No, you do not need to show ID or passport when buying an O2 prepaid SIM card or eSIM pack. The process is anonymous.
Can I use 4G/LTE with my O2 Germany SIM card?
Yes, O2 prepaid plans include access to the 4G LTE network providing fast mobile data speeds.
How long does an O2 Germany SIM card or eSIM last?
O2’s prepaid SIMs and eSIMs remain active as long as you periodically recharge your account balance. Top up to keep service valid on a pay-as-you-go basis.
What happens when my O2 prepaid data is used up?
By default, your connection will be slowed to 128kbps speeds. You can purchase data add-ons to restore high-speed access.
X. Final Words
In summary, O2 Germany offers SIM card and eSIM plans that are great connectivity options for tourists. Their network has expansive coverage across Germany with fast 4G speeds. Germany eSIM gives you flexibility plus reliable connectivity for navigating and enjoying your time in Germany. Do some research to find the right plan and provider for your travel needs. Safe travels!
