Guide to Getting Vodafone SIM Card and eSIM for Germany Travelers

Whether visiting friends, exploring cities or enjoying the scenic countryside, staying connected while traveling in Germany is important. Vodafone is one of the largest network providers locally, offering both physical SIM cards and eSIM profiles to keep visitors engaged. Let’s see what those options are?

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.

• Established: Founded in 1991, second largest mobile operator in Germany after Deutsche Telekom
• Subscribers: Over 44.6 million mobile customers (2020)
• Services provided: Provides 2G, 3G, 4G LTE and 5G networks, offers prepaid and postpaid phone plans
• Stores: Has over 530 retail stores across Germany
• Awards: Received several awards for network quality and customer service

II. Why Choose Vodafone When You’re Exploring Germany – Coverage and Speed

Compared to other networks in Germany, Vodafone provides excellent coverage and fast speeds ideal for tourists.

1. Extensive 4G and 5G Coverage

Vodafone has been expanding its 4G LTE and 5G network across Germany aggressively. As seen in the coverage maps below, it provides extensive mobile data coverage:

In fact, independent tests by nperf found that Vodafone offers the best 4G coverage in Germany reaching up to 90% of the population. Its 5G network is also rapidly growing covering over 80% of the population in major cities as of 2023.

2. Fast Mobile Data Speeds

As per Opensignal’s report, the average 4G download speed on Vodafone is about 33.5 Mbps – much faster than the country’s average of around 25 Mbps. The 5G speeds can reach over 200 Mbps in some areas.

This makes it a great choice for mobile data during your Germany trip for GPS navigation, streaming, and more.

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
• Roaming with your home operator

Here is a comparison of these options:

Connectivity Options

Conclusion: Getting a local Vodafone SIM card is the easiest and most affordable option for tourists visiting Germany.

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:

These tourist SIMs provide data on 4G/5G speeds along with 100 minutes of calls and texts to Germany and EU. They are available at airports and Vodafone stores.

If your phone supports eSIM and you wish to use an eSIM for convenience, Vodafone does offer eSIMs as well.

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:

• No need to insert SIM card
• Remote activation
• Ability to switch plans easily

Services like Germany eSIM provide affordable multi-day eSIM plans on Vodafone’s high-speed 4G/5G network, allowing tourists to stay Internet connected during their entire trip to Germany.

VI. Where Can You 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:

1. Upon Arrival

Vodafone SIMs are available at airports, train stations and other tourist spots in Germany. Look for Vodafone shops and resellers.

2. Vodafone Stores

There are over 530 Vodafone stores across Germany where you can buy SIM cards.

3. Other Retailers

Vodafone SIMs are also sold at electronics shops like MediaMarkt and Saturn as well as supermarkets.

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 Third Party Providers: Germany eSIM sells pre-configured Vodafone eSIM plans tailored for tourists. eSIM profiles are delivered digitally and can be installed immediately. Let’s take a look at their best plans:

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:

1. Insert SIM and turn on phone
2. SIM will auto-activate in most cases
3. Set up mobile data with Vodafone APN settings
4. You can start using the SIM

How to Activate Vodafone eSIM

Follow these steps:

1. Order your eSIM plan online
2. Scan the QR code provided to install eSIM profile
3. Complete eSIM activation with provider
4. Configure eSIM data settings
5. Start using eSIM after activation

Refer to detailed eSIM activation guides

VIII. Vodafone Germany Call & SMS Rates

Local calls and SMS on Vodafone prepaid cost:

Call & SMS Rates

*Rates are excluding taxes

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Vodafone SIM/eSIM

Use these USSD codes to check your account balance and data usage:

USSD Codes

X. How to Top-up Vodafone Germany SIM/eSIM

You can easily recharge your Vodafone prepaid credit using:

• Vodafone Top-up Cards – Sold at stores and online. Scratch card to reveal code.
• Top-up Online – Pay with a debit/credit card on Vodafone website.

Enter the recharge PIN or code on your phone dial pad to add credit instantly.

XI. FAQs about Vodafone in Germany

XII. 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!