The Simple Guide to Using Your Cell Phone While Traveling in Germany

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Having a fully functional phone when traveling abroad is more important than ever. We use our phones every single day while traveling in Germany and elsewhere in Europe!

Keep reading for important information, tips, and our recommendations for your Germany trip.

Our Experience

We’ve been using our phones in Germany for nearly 2 decades. From using SIM cards and Wi-Fi, to our service provider’s international plan and eSIMS, we’ve tried it all. We now use T-Mobile in the US and abroad.

What’s the Best Way to Use My Phone in Germany?

Quick answer: Your best option depends on your carrier and phone. T-Mobile customers with qualifying plans work automatically in Germany. AT&T and Verizon customers can purchase international day passes. If your phone is unlocked, an Airalo eSIM gives you affordable data without switching carriers. Most eSIMs are data-only, so calls and texts require apps like WhatsApp or Zoom.

Will My US Phone Work in Germany?

It depends. If you have a service like T-Mobile, you can use your phone in Germany and other countries in Europe just as you would at home. We have T-Mobile and in the past few years we’ve used our phones with no problem all over Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, Italy, Turkey, and the UK. The only thing we pay extra for is to make calls.

If your cell phone carrier doesn’t have automatic service outside your home country, you’ll need to add international service, get an eSIM or use Wi-Fi.

Should I get an eSIM or Use My Carrier’s International Plan?

If you want to easily make calls from your phone and use data, our main recommendation is to work with your current carrier. Some carriers (like T-Mobile) include international coverage and will work automatically in Germany.

This is extremely convenient, but keep in mind that you will pay extra for any calls you make while abroad. We’ve made calls from various countries and we found the small additional cost worth the convenience.

Other carriers will require you to purchase a temporary international service plan for your travel days. By continuing with your current carrier, you can place and receive phone calls using your existing phone number, which is super convenient. If you use your phone number for any two-factor authentication, having your home number may also be important.

T Mobile

We use T-Mobile for a seamless transition abroad. If you have a qualifying plan on T-Mobile and your device is registered on their US network, our phones work normally as soon as we arrive in Germany/Europe. Our plan, for example, includes up to 5GB high-speed data, then unlimited up to 256Kbps, with Unlimited texting and $0.25/min calling. Read details on the T-Mobile site.

Verizon

Verizon customers can use their phones in Europe by enabling international roaming and purchasing a TravelPass for a daily fee or an International Monthly Plan for longer stays. These provide unlimited talk, text and data. Check prices and fees, however for compatibility and to avoid unexpected costs. Verizon customers can read about their international service options.

AT&T

AT&T customers can purchase an AT&T International Day Pass on a day-by-day basis. This includes unlimited data, talk, and text. Read further details on AT&T international calling options.

Is Using an eSIM An Option?

Yes! If your phone is unlocked (see below), you can go online and purchase an eSIM for Germany or all of Europe.

One thing to note, however, is that eSIM plans provide you with data and text only. eSIMs usually do NOT include a phone number or regular phone service. Therefore, any calls or texts must be done with a data app like WhatsApp, Signal, Zoom, etc.

If your phone is unlocked and data is all you need, then an eSIM is an inexpensive option. If you’re looking into an eSIM and need an actual temporary phone number too, read the eSIM section below for an Airalo Discover Global plan.

How Can I Use an eSIM for Unlocked Phones?

If your phone is unlocked, you can save a lot of money by using an eSIM. An unlocked phone is not tied to a specific carrier (ie it has no eSIM restrictions).

This is usually the case when you purchase a phone directly from the manufacturers like Apple, Google or Samsung. Whereas we used to recommend buying a physical SIM card when arriving in Germany, we now suggest purchasing an eSIM for data with unlocked phones.

Many phones no longer support SIM cards and eSIM provided coverage and costs make them a good choice.

After comparing coverage, speed and convenience we recommend using an Airalo eSIM for unlocked phones. Airalo offers data-only eSIMs that connect to one of the major local networks including Telekom, Vodafone or O2.

Because they are data only, you’ll need to use apps such as WhatsApp, Zoom etc. for calls and texts. Texting (such as with iMessage) works over data networks and cellular networks.

Your speed and performance may depend on a number of factors including your device specifications and location.

If you plan to use an eSIM but also need a temporary phone number, you can select Airalo’s Discover Global plan. To find it on Airalo’s website, type “Germany” in the search bar. Scroll down to “Global” and click to see the “Discover Global” plan which includes data, calls and texts.

What Should I Do on My Phone Before Leaving for Germany?

Pre-Departure Phone Checklist

• Download offline Google Maps for your travel area
• Install all pending iOS or Android updates
• Add Germany destinations to your weather app
• Download the DB Navigator app for train travel
• Download the Rheinbahn app (if using a Deutschland Ticket)
• Set up WhatsApp, Signal, or Zoom if using a data-only eSIM
• Confirm your carrier’s international plan or purchase an eSIM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I pack to keep my phone safe and charged in Germany?

We highly recommend this portable battery charger and a wrist strap for your phone. We use both every single day!

Every time we leave our hotel or apartment we use our phone for walking directions, to figure out which U-bahn, S-bahn or bus to take, or navigate in our rental car. We also check email, two-factor authentication, text family, friends, and apartment hosts, access tickets, make payment, journal about our trip, take photos and videos…and much more.

Doing all of that drains our phone batteries quickly. We use this portable battery charger to charge our phones every afternoon.

We love having a wrist strap on our phones for extra security. We now worry a lot less about having our phone snatched out of our hands, dropping our phones or absentmindedly leaving our phone in a restaurant or on a train.

Does my phone need to be unlocked to use in Germany?

A locked phone will only work with your current carrier’s international plan. You will not be able to insert an eSIM from another provider if your phone is locked. If your phone is unlocked, you have more flexibility and can use an affordable eSIM like Airalo for data coverage in Germany.

Can I use WhatsApp instead of regular calls and texts in Germany?

Yes, and many travelers do. WhatsApp, iMessage (over data), Signal, and Zoom all work over a data connection and are free to use. This is the standard workaround for eSIM users who don’t have a local German phone number. Make sure the people you need to contact also have the app installed before you leave.

Can I just use Wi-Fi and skip a data plan?

Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, cafes, and some trains and even Flixbus in Germany, but relying on it exclusively is not recommended. You’ll need data for navigation, tickets, and transit apps when you’re out and about. A basic data plan or eSIM is inexpensive enough that it’s worth having as a backup even if you plan to use Wi-Fi most of the time.

Can I call the US from Germany on my phone?

Yes. The easiest way is through a data app like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom — these are free over Wi-Fi or a data plan. If you need to make traditional calls, T-Mobile charges around $0.25/minute on qualifying plans. AT&T and Verizon day passes include unlimited calls back to the US. Most eSIMs are data-only, so app-based calling is the standard workaround.

What’s the cheapest way to use my phone in Germany?

While the cheapest option is to only use Wi-Fi, we don’t recommend that in most cases. Instead, an eSIM is the cheapest option if your phone is unlocked. Airalo offers data-only plans for Germany starting at a few dollars. If your phone is locked, check whether your carrier offers a day pass. AT&T and Verizon both do. Avoid using your phone without any international plan, as unplanned roaming charges can be significant.