Berlin
SIM providers, plans, and activation tips.
You'll find that getting a SIM card in Berlin is relatively straightforward, with many options available. Most newcomers opt for prepaid SIMs, such as Aldi Talk, which offers 10GB for 12.99/month on the Telekom network, providing excellent coverage. Watch out for the registration requirement, as you'll need to show your passport when purchasing a SIM card. For better monthly rates, consider a contract SIM, like Telekom's MagentaMobil, which offers 40GB for 25/month, but be aware that it requires a Schufa check. To get started, head to a local retailer like Aldi Sd in Mitte today and purchase an Aldi Talk SIM card for convenient and affordable mobile data.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Mitte · Experience date Jan 6, 2026
Bought Aldi Talk from Aldi Süd in Mitte on day 1. 10GB for €12.99/month on Telekom network so coverage is excellent everywhere including the U-Bahn. Top up at any Aldi or online.
Kreuzberg · Experience date Mar 24, 2026
For a tablet or laptop with SIM slot: buy a data-only SIM. Telekom: 10 EUR/month for 10GB data-only. Vodafone: similar pricing. These are useful as backup internet alongside home fiber. FRITZ!Box (common German home router) supports SIM card as backup — useful for the occasional fiber outage. Data-only SIMs cannot make voice calls — fine for device-only use. Order online or at MediaMarkt/Saturn, same ID requirements as regular SIM.
Prenzlauer Berg · Experience date Mar 3, 2026
If you need phone repair (SIM tray damage, screen replacement): Berlin has excellent repair shops. Franzis.de (Friedrichshain): comprehensive repairs, English-speaking staff. iSmash (multiple locations): specializes in Apple devices. For SIM-related issues (damaged tray): most repairs cost 30–80 EUR. Replacement SIM (same number): visit any operator store with your ID, free or 10 EUR charge. Berlin also has Repair Cafés (monthly volunteer events) where you can get help with minor tech issues for free — check RepaircaféBerlin.de.
Alexanderplatz · Experience date Apr 3, 2026
Congstar on Telekom network sold me a SIM at Saturn on Alexanderplatz. Just showed my passport. €10 starter pack, €8/month after that for 5GB. App works well for top-ups.
Prenzlauer Berg · Experience date Dec 3, 2025
Non-EU nationals can get German SIMs — passport is sufficient ID. No German residency required for prepaid SIM purchase. For contract SIM: a temporary German address (even a friend's or Airbnb) works for delivery, but Schufa check requires being a registered German resident (Anmeldung). In-store prepaid activation: show passport, sign a form, done. The German ID verification requirement exists to prevent anonymous SIM usage — it applies to everyone regardless of nationality.
Kreuzberg · Experience date Apr 17, 2026
Before committing to a carrier: check actual coverage maps. Bundesnetzagentur Breitbandatlas (breitbandatlas.de) shows coverage by operator for your specific address. Telekom consistently leads in both indoor 4G and 5G coverage across Berlin. Vodafone is second. O2 has gaps in outer districts. 5G in Berlin: Telekom has widest 5G footprint in Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Charlottenburg, and Friedrichshain. Vodafone 5G expanding. O2 5G limited to main commercial areas. For 5G: Telekom is the clear winner.
Friedrichshain · Experience date Feb 12, 2026
Contract SIMs in Germany give better monthly rates than prepaid (e.g., Telekom MagentaMobil: 40GB for 25 EUR/month, significantly better than prepaid). Contract requirement: Schufa score check, German bank account with SEPA direct debit. New arrivals without German Schufa: Telekom and Vodafone sometimes accept new arrivals with passport + employment contract + German bank account letter. O2 is stricter. For immediate use: prepaid. After 3 months with German address and bank account: apply for a contract for better value.
Neukölln · Experience date Mar 9, 2026
Ordering a German SIM online is common but slower than other countries — expect 3–5 business days for delivery plus PostIdent verification. Many German operators still require forms to be submitted by post for contract plans. Prepaid SIMs bought in-store are activated within hours. For expats arriving in Berlin: buy a prepaid SIM in-store at a MediaMarkt, Saturn, or operator shop on arrival day. Online contracts with better terms can be set up later once you have a permanent address and German bank account.
Mitte · Experience date Jan 21, 2026
Aldi Talk (runs on Telekom/O2 network): 5 EUR/month for 1GB, 10 EUR/month for 5GB. Buy in-store at Aldi with no registration required upfront — just show ID at activation. Lidl Connect (Vodafone network): 5 EUR for 3GB starter package. Both are extremely basic — no customer service to speak of, limited data, useful as a temporary SIM while researching better options. For first month before you have a German address for a better plan: Aldi Talk works.
Mitte · Experience date Dec 1, 2025
All German SIM cards (prepaid and postpaid) require registration with a valid ID. Show your passport at purchase. For online orders: ID verification is done via PostIdent (visit a Deutsche Post branch with your ID and a printed code) or VideoIdent (video call on your phone). SIM is activated only after successful ID verification — plan 2–3 business days for online orders. In-store purchases at Telekom shops, Vodafone shops, Aldi, and MediaMarkt are activated faster.