How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Best eSIM for Germany (2025) | Prices, Coverage & Setup

Quick Answer: Visiting Germany in 2025? An eSIM lets you land in Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt already connected—no shop queues, no passport checks, no plastic SIM. In this guide, we compare the best eSIM providers for Germany, share realistic price ranges, explain coverage on the big German networks, and give you a simple setup checklist that works on most iPhone/Android devices.

Why use an eSIM in Germany?

Germany has excellent mobile infrastructure in major cities and along highways (Autobahn). Tourist hotspots like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart offer strong 4G/5G. With an eSIM you can:

Buy online and install via QR code—no store visit or ID checks for tourists.
Pick data sizes from 1 GB up to “unlimited-style” plans.
Keep your physical SIM active for calls/SMS or 2FA while using the eSIM for data.
Switch plans easily if your trip extends to neighboring EU countries.

Quick Picks (2025)

Budget local: Airalo — low-cost data bundles for city breaks and normal usage.
Unlimited-style: Holafly — “unlimited” data with fair-use (FUP); good if you stream/hotspot a lot.
Regional Europe: Nomad — EU bundles for multi-country routes (Germany + France/Italy/Netherlands, etc.).

These brands typically roam on Germany’s big networks for reliable nationwide service.

Prices & Data Packages (snapshot 2025)

Prices change with promos, but the table below shows typical tourist-friendly ranges. Always double-check the plan page before purchase.

Provider	Plan	Price (EUR/USD)	Validity	Notes
Airalo	1–3 GB	€4–€9 (≈ $5–$10)	7–15 days	Perfect for maps, chat, rides
Airalo	5–10 GB	€12–€22 (≈ $13–$24)	30 days	Balanced for 1–2 week trips
Holafly	Unlimited-style	€19–€69 (≈ $20–$74)	5–30 days	FUP applies; hotspot may be limited
Nomad	EU bundle 3–10 GB	€10–€25 (≈ $11–$27)	7–30 days	Great for Germany + nearby EU countries

Coverage & 5G in Germany

Germany’s main networks are:

Telekom (T-Mobile DE) — outstanding nationwide coverage and strong 5G in big cities.
Vodafone DE — reliable speeds across urban areas and motorways.
O2 / Telefónica — competitive in cities; rural coverage improving year by year.

In city centers (Berlin Mitte, Munich Altstadt, Hamburg HafenCity), expect fast 5G or strong 4G. In the Black Forest, Bavarian Alps, or remote valleys along the Rhine/Mosel, you may dip to 4G and occasionally spotty areas—download offline maps before mountain hikes or castle day trips.

Setup: 2-minute checklist

Purchase your plan (Airalo / Holafly / Nomad) and open the QR email.
On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
Scan the QR code → set the eSIM as your Mobile Data line.
Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only; keep physical SIM for calls/2FA if you need it.
Restart if prompted, then test with Google Maps or a quick speed check.

Which Germany eSIM fits your trip?

City weekend (3–5 days): Airalo 1–3 GB covers maps, messaging, and light browsing.
One–two weeks: Airalo 5–10 GB or Nomad EU 5–10 GB if you’re hopping to France, Austria, Switzerland, or the Netherlands.
Heavy usage / hotspot: Holafly unlimited-style for peace of mind (watch FUP and tethering rules).

Data-saving tips (so you don’t overpay)

Turn off auto-updates and cloud backups on mobile data.
Cache music playlists and maps on hotel Wi-Fi.
Limit hotspot—laptop tethering can burn GBs quickly.
Messaging (WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram) uses little data; HD video calls use much more.

Driving & rail travel

On the Autobahn between Berlin–Leipzig–Nuremberg–Munich or Cologne–Düsseldorf–Duisburg, you’ll generally have 4G/5G. Long-distance trains (ICE) offer good coverage but tunnels and rural stretches can dip—download tickets, maps, and translation packs to avoid surprises. For mountain routes in Bavaria or the Harz, expect occasional gaps.

Troubleshooting

No data after install: toggle Airplane Mode on/off; ensure the eSIM is the active Data line.
Slow speeds: switch between 5G/4G in network settings; indoor 4G can be more stable.
Calls/SMS not working: many travel eSIMs are data-only—keep your physical SIM active if you require voice/SMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my phone compatible? iPhone XS or newer, recent Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Flip/Fold, and Google Pixel 4+ support eSIM. Check your device settings for “Add eSIM”.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number? Yes—your account stays the same even if mobile data comes from the eSIM.

Is 5G included? Many plans include 5G where available, falling back to 4G elsewhere. Real-world speeds depend on location and network load.

Do I need a German phone number? Usually no. Data-only eSIMs are enough for maps, apps, and messaging. Use app-based calls or keep your physical SIM for voice/SMS if necessary.

Useful Internal Links

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate. We keep recommendations practical and update ranges as offers change.