Whether you’re spending a few days exploring cities or embarking on a month-long backpacking adventure, easy access to mobile internet is essential for travelers visiting Germany. Vodafone is one of the largest and most established network providers in Germany, Vodafone offers vacationers cost-effective plans and near-ubiquitous coverage across the country. This guide will help you choose between Vodafone physical SIM cards or eSIM options for reliable connectivity during your trip.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Vodafone Germany
Vodafone is recognized for its strong performance, wide 4G LTE coverage and fast 5G rollout across Germany. It’s a great choice for tourists visiting Germany.
- Founded year: 1990 (originally as Mannesmann Mobilfunk GmbH), acquired by Vodafone Group in 2000.
- Full company name: Vodafone GmbH
- Types of services provided: Mobile phone services (prepaid and postpaid), LTE, 5G, cable internet, landlines, cable TV and IPTV services.
- Number of subscribers: As of Q3 2023, Vodafone Germany has more than 31 million mobile customers, making it the third largest provider in Germany.
- Coverage: Vodafone Germany’s network serves both prepaid and postpaid customers across Germany on GSM, LTE and 5G networks, providing near nationwide coverage.
- Stores: Has over 530 retail stores across Germany
- Customer support: 24/7 phone support available in German. Live chat and online help articles also available in German on the Vodafone Germany website. Support is likely most extensive during normal German business hours.
II. Why Choose Vodafone When You’re Exploring Germany?
Compared to other networks in Germany, Vodafone provides excellent coverage and fast speeds ideal for tourists.
1. Extensive 4G and 5G Coverage
Vodafone is known for having one of the most extensive mobile networks across Germany, ensuring reliable connectivity for customers no matter where they are. The operator has invested heavily in infrastructure to provide fast 4G coverage to over 99% of households.
Vodafone’s 5G network currently covers over 50 cities and regions in Germany, delivering speeds up to 1 Gbps. This 5G footprint is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Whether in big cities or small towns, customers can enjoy high-speed internet access through Vodafone’s pervasive 4G network, with 5G availability also expanding steadily.
2. Fast Mobile Data Speeds
Vodafone is known to have one of the fastest networks in Germany, delivering excellent speed performance to its customers. Independent network testing from Opensignal has shown that Vodafone provides average download speeds of around 51.6 Mbps on its wireless network nationally.
These speeds easily allow customers to browse the web, stream HD videos, use social media, and more without delay. In major cities, Vodafone’s network speed regularly surpasses 100 Mbps. Whether at home or on the go, Vodafone customers can enjoy lightning fast connectivity for all their online activities.
III. Vodafone Connectivity Options for Travelers to Germany
As a tourist in Germany, you can easily get connected to Vodafone using: Vodafone SIM card; Pocket WiFi with Vodafone SIM or Roaming with your home operator. Here is a comparison of these options:
| Connectivity Option | Pocket WiFi | Roaming | Vodafone SIM Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | A portable WiFi hotspot that can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. Needs to be rented and returned. | Use your existing Vodafone plan abroad by enabling international roaming on your account. Pay standard roaming rates. | Purchase a prepaid Vodafone SIM card in the destination country to get a local number and data plan. Very affordable. |
| Pros | Covers multiple devices | Use your existing number | Easy setup, just insert SIM |
| No changing SIM cards | No need to purchase extra SIM | Affordable data rates | |
| Can purchase data packages as needed | |||
| Cons | Needs to be rented | Expensive roaming rates | Need to purchase separately |
| Adds to travel costs | Needs to be enabled on your account | Need to unlock devices | |
| Local phone number only, cannot receive calls to home number |
In conclusion, the Vodafone SIM card offers the best balance for most travelers. It is very easy to set up by just inserting the local SIM card. Data rates for packages are also affordable. For an even easier online setup, travelers can consider purchasing a Vodafone eSIM if their phone supports eSIM technology. This allows activating a local data plan from abroad without having to switch physical SIM cards.
IV. Best Vodafone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Vodafone offers prepaid Tourist SIM cards with great data packages for short visits to Germany. Some top options are:
| SIM Card | Data Allotment | Cost per 4 Weeks (EUR) | Cost per 4 Weeks (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CallYa Digital | 30 GB | €20 | ~$22.06 | 30 GB data for use in Germany and the EU. Suitable for tourists who need moderate data usage. |
| CallYa Allnet Flat M | 20 GB | €14.99 | ~$16.54 | 20 GB data for use in Germany and the EU. Unlimited calls and SMS in Germany. 500 minutes/SMS to EU. A good premium option. |
| CallYa Allnet Flat S | 10 GB | €9.99 (online only) | ~$11.02 (online only) | 10 GB data for use in Germany and the EU. Unlimited calls and SMS in Germany. 200 minutes/SMS to EU. An affordable option. |
| CallYa Start | 1 GB | €4.99 (online only) | ~$5.50 (online only) | 1 GB data for use in Germany and the EU. 200 minutes/SMS to all networks in Germany and EU. |
| CallYa Classic | No data bundle | Free | Free | Pay-as-you-go plan charging €1.09/min or SMS with data charged at €0.03/MB. No setup fee. Basic option for light users. |
In conclusion, Vodafone offers several prepaid SIM card options through their CallYa line that are well-suited for tourists traveling within Germany and the European Union. The plans provide data bundles that can be used across multiple countries, avoiding roaming fees and allowing seamless connectivity throughout a traveler’s trip.
V. Does Vodafone Support eSIM in Germany?
Yes, Vodafone offers eSIM for both consumers and businesses in Germany. Their eSIM allows travelers to easily activate a data plan digitally on their eSIM-enabled device without having to purchase a physical SIM card
eSIMs provide many benefits over physical SIM cards:
- Convenience – Plans can be activated remotely via the Vodafone website or app without having to insert/replace a SIM card. This makes switching carriers or plans much simpler.
- Multiple Profiles – eSIM allows storing multiple carrier profiles on one device. This enables easy switching between personal and business lines, or domestic and international plans while traveling abroad.
- Device Compatibility – As eSIM is embedded directly into supported devices, it increases compatibility for non-nano SIM slot phones like newer iPads and Apple Watches.
By supporting eSIM, Vodafone offers customers in Germany a more convenient digital solution for activating plans directly on their devices. This saves time and hassle compared to physical SIM cards.
VI. Where Can I Buy a Vodafone Germany SIM and eSIM?
Where to Buy Vodafone SIM Card in Germany?
You can easily get a Vodafone SIM card in Germany through:
- Vodafone Stores – Vodafone has numerous retail stores located throughout Germany where you can purchase a SIM card. Stores are easily accessible in most major cities.
- Airport Kiosks – The major international airports in Germany like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin have SIM card kiosks and stores near arrival gates.
- Convenience Stores – Smaller convenience stores like Spätis in Berlin or Kiosks sell pay-as-you-go SIM cards from Vodafone and other providers.
- Online from Vodafone Website – You can order a SIM card directly from the Vodafone Germany website. SIMs ordered online are delivered within a few days.
Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM in Germany?
- Directly from Vodafone: Vodafone offers eSIM profiles that can be purchased on their website at vodafone.de. You’ll need an eSIM-compatible device to activate the plan.
- Via Germany-eSIM.com: Germany eSIM sells pre-configured Vodafone eSIM plans tailored for tourists. eSIM profiles are delivered digitally and can be installed immediately.
VII. How to Activate Vodafone SIM/eSIM in Germany?
Activating a Vodafone SIM or eSIM for Germany is quick and easy:
How to Use Vodafone SIM Card
Follow these steps:
- Insert SIM and turn on phone
- SIM will auto-activate in most cases
- Set up mobile data with Vodafone APN settings
- You can start using the SIM
How to Activate Vodafone eSIM
Follow these steps:
- Order your eSIM plan online
- Scan the QR code provided to install eSIM profile
- Complete eSIM activation with provider
- Configure eSIM data settings
- Start using eSIM after activation
Refer to detailed eSIM activation guides
VIII. FAQs about Vodafone in Germany
Does Vodafone have good coverage in Germany?
Yes, Vodafone has excellent coverage reaching over 99% of the German population with 4G LTE and rapidly expanding 5G network.
How can I buy a Vodafone Germany tourist SIM card?
Vodafone tourist SIM cards are available at airports, train stations, Vodafone stores and many other retailers in Germany.
Can I use Vodafone eSIM on my phone?
Vodafone supports eSIM on recent iPhone and Android models. You can purchase a Vodafone eSIM from providers like Gigago.
How much data will I need during my Germany trip?
For light use like maps and social media, 3-5 GB for a week is good. For heavier use with video streaming, you may need 15-20+ GB for a week.
IX. Final Words
Vodafone offers excellent connectivity in Germany with widespread 4G and 5G coverage, high speeds and competitive rates. Their tourist SIM cards provide great value for short trips. eSIM is also available for added convenience.
Choose Germany eSIM if you have a compatible device and want the flexibility of remote activation and plan management. Enjoy the trip!
