Arriving at Frankfurt Airport and need a local SIM card for your phone? Getting a SIM card at FRA airport is easy and convenient with multiple options available. This guide will help you to choose.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Frankfurt Airport
1. Mobile Shop
- Opening hours: Daily 6:00am – 10:00pm
- Location: Terminal 1
- Language Support: English, German
- Price: Packages with unlimited talk and text + data start around 15$
The Mobile shop in Terminal 1 offers prepaid SIM cards from Deutsche Telekom, O2, and Vodafone.
2. Convenience Stores
- Opening hours: Daily 6:00am – 10:00pm
- Location: Terminal 1A, 1B
- Language Support: English, German
II. Frankfurt Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
Here is an overview of available SIM card options at Frankfurt Airport and their estimated costs:
| Carrier | SIM Option | Price | Data/Validity |
| Telekom | Prepaid starter pack | $15 | SIM + €10 credit/30 days |
| Telekom | 1GB data pack | $15 | 1GB/30 days |
| Telekom | 5GB data pack | $20 | 5GB/30 days |
| Vodafone | Prepaid SIM | $9.99 | |
| Vodafone | 2GB data pack | $12.99 | 2GB/15 days |
| Vodafone | 5GB data pack | $19.99 | 5GB/30 days |
| O2 | Prepaid SIM | $9.99 | |
| O2 | 2GB data pack | $12.99 | 2GB/15 days |
| O2 | 10GB data pack | $24.99 | 10GB/30 days |
*Prices are approximate and may vary by retailer.
When choosing your SIM card in Germany, it’s good to check a few things:
- Confirm the SIM size – nano SIMs are most common currently
- Check data amounts needed during your stay
- Pick a provider with solid coverage for your travel area
- Consider extra perks like free EU roaming
Purchasing your SIM at the airport if you need connectivity right away. However, you can often find better deals in the city center. But for convenience, the airport shops are good options.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport
When purchasing a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport, make sure you have the following:
- Unlocked device – Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card
- Passport – You need to show your passport to activate and register the SIM card
- Nano/Micro SIM – Bring your existing SIM to size if needed
- Patience – Expect a short wait during busy arrival times at the shops
- Cash/Card – Have Euros or a credit/debit card ready for payment
Also be sure to fully understand the prepaid plan rates and options before purchasing your SIM. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to the shop staff if you are unsure of anything.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Frankfurt Airport
In addition to physical SIM cards, some providers at Frankfurt Airport offer eSIM service. An eSIM is a digital SIM card programmed remotely, without the need for a physical card.
Some benefits of using eSIM instead of SIM include:
- No need to wait in line at the airport shops
- Quick and easy setup straight from your phone
- Remotely manage your plan even after departing Germany
One of the popular eSIM providers is Germany eSIM from GIGAGO with short-term prepaid data plans starting around $6 USD. Let’s see their best plans:
- Germany eSIM 3 Days – from $6.00
- Germany eSIM 5 Days – from $6.00
- Germany eSIM 7 Days – from $6.50
- Germany eSIM 10 Days – from $6.50
- Germany eSIM 14 Days (Voice & Data) – from $21.90
- Germany eSIM 15 Days – from $6.50
- Germany eSIM 20 Days – from $7.00
- Germany eSIM 25 Days – from $7.00
- Germany eSIM 30 Days – from $7.00
V. FAQs about Buying SIM Card at Frankfurt Airport
Can I buy a SIM card late at night or early morning?
The Telekom, Vodafone, Lebara, and O2 shops at the airport are all open 6:00am – 10:00pm daily. So you can purchase a SIM card very early morning or late night when arriving or departing.
What form of payment do the shops accept?
Most SIM card retailers at Frankfurt airport accept major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Some may accept cash payment in Euros as well.
Can I use the SIM card all over Germany?
Yes, leading providers like Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 have networks covering all of Germany. Some smaller discount brands may have more limited coverage.
VI. Final Words
So, getting a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport is very convenient for having connectivity right after landing.
Germany eSIM from GIGAGO is a handy alternative to waiting in line at the airport. Safe travels and enjoy your time in Germany!
