Compare Travel eSIMs in Germany
Live offers across tracked providers in Germany — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
Live offers
- Unlimited Basic
- Multi-region
- RedteaGO Plan
- 1 GB
- GlobaleSIM Plan
What are Travel SIMs in Germany?
Travel SIMs are data plans, usually delivered as an eSIM, that give you mobile internet abroad without swapping your physical SIM or paying your home operator's roaming rates. For travellers based in Germany they are typically data-only: you keep your regular German number for calls and texts on your primary SIM while the travel eSIM handles data in the destination country.
An eSIM is provisioned by scanning a QR code or installing a profile in your phone's settings, so there is no waiting for a card to arrive. You do need a recent, eSIM-compatible and network-unlocked handset.
How the German market works
Within the EU, roaming is covered by Roam-like-at-home rules, so a German mobile plan already works across other EU and EEA countries at domestic rates, subject to fair-use limits. That means travel SIMs are most useful for destinations outside the EU, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Asia and the Gulf, where standard German roaming can be expensive.
The market is served by international eSIM specialists rather than the German mobile networks. Providers sell country and regional bundles online, and the same brands operate globally, so pricing is set per destination and per data allowance rather than by German-specific tariffs.
Benefits
No bill shock abroad — You buy a fixed data allowance in advance, avoiding per-megabyte roaming charges outside the EU.
Instant delivery — eSIM profiles activate by QR code, often within minutes, so you can set up before you fly.
Keep your German number — Data runs on the eSIM while your primary SIM stays active for calls and SMS.
Regional flexibility — Multi-country and regional plans suit trips that cross several borders.
No physical card — Nothing to lose, and you can store several destination profiles on one phone.
How to choose
First confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Then match the plan to your trip: check the destination coverage, the data allowance, and the validity window, since many bundles expire after a set number of days. Consider whether you need a local IP or a specific local network partner, and check whether the plan is data-only or includes a number for calls and texts.
For EU trips, compare a travel SIM against simply using your existing German plan under Roam-like-at-home, which is often cheaper or already included. For long or heavy-use trips, a larger or unlimited bundle may work out better than topping up repeatedly.
Leading providers in Germany
Airalo — One of the largest global eSIM marketplaces with wide country coverage. Nomad and Ubigi — Established travel eSIM brands with regional and global plans. KnowRoaming, RedteaGO, eSIMX, GlobaleSIM and FlexiRoam — International specialists selling country and regional data bundles. These operate as data providers rather than German networks, so plans are bought online and provisioned directly to your device.
What it costs
Prices range from around 1 euro for a small short-trip allowance to roughly 150 euros for large, long-duration or global bundles. A typical single-country plan for a week or two of moderate use falls in the low tens of euros. Cost is driven by the destination, the amount of data, and the validity period. Regional or worldwide plans cost more than single-country ones, and unlimited options carry a premium and may apply fair-use throttling after a threshold.
Protections and regulation
German and EU telecom rules are overseen by the Bundesnetzagentur, and the EU roaming regulation guarantees Roam-like-at-home pricing within the EU and EEA. Travel eSIMs for non-EU destinations are commercial data products sold by international providers, so consumer terms, refunds and coverage guarantees are set by each provider rather than a German tariff regime. Because plans are data-only and prepaid, there is no ongoing contract or Schufa check. Always buy from a reputable provider and check the coverage map before travelling.
Common questions
Do I need a travel SIM for EU trips? Usually not, because your German plan already works at home rates across the EU under Roam-like-at-home.
Will it work on my phone? Only if your handset supports eSIM and is network-unlocked.
Can I keep my German number? Yes, the eSIM handles data while your primary SIM keeps your number for calls and texts.
What happens when the data runs out? You top up or buy a new bundle; most plans do not auto-renew.
The cheapest Travel eSIMs in Germany is €1 One-time purchase from RedteaGO.
Travel eSIMs in Germany — FAQ
What is the cheapest travel eSIM for visitors to Germany?
Giraffy tracks 5 travel SIM and eSIM plans across RedteaGO,GlobaleSIM providers for Germany. The lowest tracked price is €1 One-time purchase. Compare by data allowance and daily cost to find the best value.
What is the difference between a travel eSIM and a local SIM card?
A travel eSIM is activated digitally before you travel — no queuing at an airport kiosk. A local SIM offers the same coverage but requires buying and inserting a physical card on arrival. Both use local network infrastructure, so coverage is equivalent.
Can I use a travel SIM in multiple countries?
Some travel SIMs and eSIMs are regional — valid in a zone of countries — while others are single-country only. Check the coverage map on the deal card before buying; regional plans are usually better value for multi-country itineraries.
How much mobile data do I need for a two-week trip?
Light browsing, maps, and messaging use 1–2 GB per week. Streaming video or making video calls can use 3–6 GB per week. A 10 GB plan covers most travellers comfortably for two weeks; go larger if you expect heavy streaming or remote work.
Can I make calls and send SMS on a travel eSIM?
Many travel eSIMs are data-only — they don't include a local phone number for calls or SMS. For voice, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or another internet calling app over the data connection. If you need a local number, look for plans labelled 'voice + data'.
How do I install a travel eSIM on my phone?
After purchase you'll receive a QR code by email. Go to Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM on your iPhone or Android device, scan the QR code, and the plan activates automatically — usually within minutes. You can install it before you travel and switch it on when you land.