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
Let’s take a look at this brand:
- Established: Founded in 1995 as Viag Interkom, rebranded to O2 in 2002 when acquired by Telefónica
- Services provided: Offers 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE networks
- Subscribers: Over 43 million mobile subscribers as of 2020
- Customer support: 24/7 customer support in English and Germany
- Awards: Received multiple awards for network quality and customer satisfaction
II. O2 Coverage and Speed in Germany
O2 Coverage in Germany
Analyzing recent coverage maps shows O2 has expansive 4G LTE coverage across Germany. Their network reaches over 99% of the population. It extends far beyond major cities out to small towns and villages.
Overall, O2’s nationwide coverage is impressive for travelers focused on cities, small towns, or a mix of urban and rural travel. Their connectivity extends far beyond just the largest metro areas.
O2 Speed in Germany
Germany’s average mobile data speed is around 35 Mbps, quite fast versus global standards. O2’s typical download speeds clock in at 15-25 Mbps in urban areas and 5-15 Mbps rurally based on OpenSignal data.
While O2 may not be the absolute speed leader, their speeds remain quick enough for maps, messaging, social media, and light video streaming. Speeds are fast enough for pleasant travel usage in most parts of the country.
III. O2 Connectivity Options for Travelers to Germany
As a tourist visiting Germany, you have three main options to connect with O2:
- Purchase an O2 SIM card
- Use a Pocket Wifi hotspot device
- Enable international roaming on your home SIM
Let’s compare the pros and cons of each option:
Connectivity Options
| SIM Card | Pocket WiFi | Roaming with Home Operator |
| Pros | Pros | Pros |
| Affordable short-term plans | Can share WiFi with group | Don't need to buy new SIM |
| No annoying roaming fees | Unlimited data plans available | Familiar with your own plan |
| Local number provided | Compact and portable | Already have your number |
| Cons | Cons | Cons |
| Need a compatible phone | Additional rental fees apply | High roaming fees can apply |
| May require registration | Only provides WiFi, no cellular | Slow speeds outside your network |
| Purchase fees apply | Dependent on battery life | Disruption switching networks |
| Managed separately | Only one device can use at a time | Calls/texts cost more to receive |
Conclusion: Getting an O2 Germany SIM card is typically the most convenient and affordable connectivity option for tourists visiting Germany.
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 two top picks:
| Tariff | Data Volume | Price per Month (USD) | Speed | Includes |
| my Data S 3 GB | 3 GB | $9.49 | LTE/5G up to 300 Mbit/s | EU roaming |
| my Data M 20 GB | 20 GB | $18.99 | LTE/5G up to 300 Mbit/s | EU roaming |
| my Data L 60 GB | 60 GB | $28.49 | LTE/5G up to 300 Mbit/s | EU roaming |
| Day Pack Unlimited | Unlimited data for one day | $2.84 | Up to speeds of home internet connection | Provides unlimited data until midnight the following day if regular data volume is exceeded |
*The prices have been converted to USD using the current exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.05 USD.
This SIM packs more high-speed data for heavier usage. It includes unlimited domestic calling and texting in Germany. Like the other SIM, EU roaming is included free of charge.
Both options are great choices depending on your data needs. Pricing is reasonable compared to many other EU countries. Data-only SIMs are also available if you won’t need calling/texting.
V. Does O2 Germany Support eSIM?
Yes, O2 Germany does offer eSIM support now. An eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card loaded directly into your phone. This allows dual SIM capability on iPhone or Android without swapping physical SIMs.
Some key benefits of using eSIM include:
- Easy setup and activation
- Dual SIM functionality
- Avoid physical SIM swap
O2 eSIMs can be purchased directly from O2 stores in Germany. However, we currently don’t offer O2 Germany eSIMs on our website due to higher pricing and data speed limitations.
The eSIM plans we do offer are from other leading Germany providers with more competitive tourism rates and faster speeds.
VI. Where To Buy An 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.
Upon Arrival in Germany
O2 SIM cards are available at vending machines and airport shops in all major Germany airports. Top international airports like Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg will have multiple O2 SIM card pickup points before you exit baggage claim and in the arrivals hall.
O2 Retail Stores
Another option is to visit any official O2 retail store. O2 has over 480 company-owned shops located in cities and towns across Germany.
Store staff can assist you in selecting the right SIM card or eSIM plan and get it set up on the spot. Having an unlocked phone ready is recommended for easy SIM card swapping in-store.
Other Authorized Resellers
Beyond O2’s own stores, there are over 11,000 other authorized resellers of O2 products in Germany. These include electronics stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, newsstands, and more.
Look for authorized O2 dealer signs in store windows when shopping around for a SIM card. Resellers offer the same products and prices as O2 company stores.
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. O2 Germany Call & SMS Rates
O2 offers reasonable rates for calls and texts when using their prepaid SIM cards within Germany:
Call & SMS Rates
| Call/SMS Type | Rate (USD) |
| Calls to O2 Germany numbers | $0.20/min |
| Calls to other German networks | $0.20/min |
| Calls to international landlines (EU countries) | $0.41/min |
| Calls to international landlines (non-EU countries) | $0.94/min |
| Calls to international mobiles (EU countries) | $0.41/min |
| Calls to international mobiles (non-EU countries) | $0.94/min |
| SMS within Germany | $0.20/SMS |
| SMS to EU countries | $0.20/SMS |
| SMS to non-EU countries | $0.41/SMS |
International calls outside the EU may incur higher per minute charges. Using VoIP services like WhatsApp Calling can help minimize these costs.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for O2 Germany SIM card/eSIM
Here are some useful USSD short codes to manage your O2 prepaid SIM card:
USSD Codes
| Code | Function |
| *100# | Check prepaid credit balance |
| *104# | Check mobile internet data usage |
| 21number# | Activate call forwarding |
| #21# | Deactivate call forwarding |
| 136tariffcode# | Change tariff |
| 136100# | Activate international calls |
| 136101# | Deactivate international calls |
| 136103# | Activate EU data and calls |
| 136102# | Deactivate EU data and calls |
| *147# | Check if SIM is locked |
| 136SIM card number# | Activate new SIM |
| *100 | Call O2 customer service |
Enter these codes directly into your phone dial pad when signed into the O2 network. The codes perform queries to check your account balances and activate top ups.
X. How To Top Up Your O2 Germany SIM card
When your O2 prepaid credit runs low, you can easily top up your SIM in a few ways:
- Using Top Up Cards
Purchase O2 prepaid refill cards at local stores and kiosks. Scratch off the code on the card, dial *104*CODE#, and enter the code when prompted. The balance will instantly refill.
- Via Credit Card
Log into your O2 account online or using the mobile app. Click the refill button, enter your credit card info, confirm the top up amount, and the funds will be applied.
- Through a Reseller
Authorized O2 resellers like supermarkets and tobacco shops sell top up cards and can directly refill accounts in-store. Just provide your phone number and payment.
Keeping your O2 SIM active is quick with various refill methods. In a pinch, asking a local friend to top up for you via app is also an option.
XI. Alternatives to O2 Germany
While O2 is a solid choice, we recommend also considering these alternatives providers for Germany travel:
- Vodafone – The largest network with excellent rural coverage
- Telekom – Fastest 4G speeds but highest prices
Each provider has pros and cons. Do some research to see which best fits your travel itinerary and usage needs in Germany.
Don’t forget that purchasing eSIM is also an option if you need the flexibility of keeping your existing SIM. It allows dual SIM functionality through digital activation.
Germany eSIM offer prepaid eSIM plans from multiple top Germany providers at competitive tourism rates. Check our options:
- 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
👉Tips: Check eSIM-compatible device list before purchasing your eSIM
XII. FAQs About O2 Germany
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using O2 SIM cards and eSIM in 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.
XIII. 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!
