Cell phone options

MISTI TIP #1
Network Providers

German cell service ranges from plans offered by large multinational companies to more affordable plans that you can purchase at the grocery store.

Good news:  if you have a German service plan, you do not have to pay roaming charges when traveling to or calling other EU countries!

MISTI TIP #2
SIM Cards

In order to use German service plans, you will need a German SIM card.  Make sure your cellphone is unlocked (you can find a guide here) if you plan on using a data plan while in Germany.

New laws for SIM card registration in Germany are in effect as of July 2017. Prepaid SIM cards must be registered. In addition to in-person identification (passport, etc.), you may need to show your registration or residence permit, along with your official registered address for prepaid SIM cards.

 

MISTI TIP #3
How to Call Internationally

German phone numbers are structured differently than American ones, so it's not always easy to figure out what to dial.  Here's a quick guide for calling German numbers from a US cell phone, and for calling those same numbers from a landline.

The US country code is (+1), while Germany's is (+49).

  • To call the US from a cell phone: +1 (000) 000-0000; from a landline: 001 (000) 000-0000.
  • To call a European number with an American cell phone:  011+(country code)+(number); with a German cellphone:  +49 (number)

To call within the same European country from a landline, dial the ‘0’ at the beginning of the number.