Germany – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Germany, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Germany’s international country code is +49 — a single designation that covers the entire Federal Republic, from its North Sea coastline to the peaks of the Bavarian Alps. When placing a call to Germany from another country, you dial your country’s international exit code (typically 00 or +), then 49, followed by the local area code and the subscriber number.

One detail that trips up many newcomers: when calling Germany from abroad, you must omit the leading zero of the area code. That zero is used only for domestic calls made within Germany itself and should not be included in international format. So, for example, Berlin’s domestic area code 030 becomes simply 30 when dialling internationally.

Germany uses what is called an open telephone numbering plan, meaning both the area code (Vorwahl) and the subscriber number can vary in length. Area codes range from two to five digits in total. As a general rule, the largest cities have been assigned the shortest codes, while smaller towns and rural localities carry longer ones.

Below are the area codes for Germany’s most popular destinations among expats:

Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich are the only cities with two-digit area codes, which means their full national numbers come to ten digits rather than eleven. Cities in the former East Germany — those with area codes beginning with 03 — often have five-digit codes, a legacy of the renumbering process carried out after German reunification.

German mobile numbers begin domestically with 015, 016, or 017. In international format, these appear as +49 15X XXXXXXX, +49 16X XXXXXXX, or +49 17X XXXXXXX respectively. Any number starting with one of those prefixes is definitively a mobile number. If you need to look up an area code while already in Germany, you can reach directory assistance by dialling 11833 from any German phone and providing the name of the relevant city or town.

Who are the major landline providers in Germany, and how can you contact them?

Deutsche Telekom AG is Germany’s largest telecommunications company, offering an extensive range of services covering fixed-line connections, mobile telephony, and broadband internet. Its reach and brand recognition are unmatched in the German market, and when it comes to fixed-line services specifically, Telekom holds a unique position: it owns and administers the core physical infrastructure that underpins the country’s landline network.

The primary fixed-line providers available to residential customers in Germany are:

• Deutsche Telekom — telekom.de | Customer service: 0800 33 01000 (free from German landlines)
• Vodafone Germany — vodafone.de | Customer service: 0800 172 1212 (free from German landlines)
• O2 / Telefónica Germany — o2online.de | Customer service: 0800 09 55 000 (free from German landlines)
• 1&1 (United Internet) — 1und1.de | Customer service: 0721 96 00
• M-net (regional, Bavaria and parts of southern Germany) — m-net.de | Customer service: 0800 36 38 00

M-net Telekommunikations GmbH operates primarily across Bavaria and neighbouring southern regions, making it a particularly relevant choice if you are settling in or around Munich. It is also worth noting that many internet providers in Germany bundle a landline telephone connection into their broadband packages — often at little or no additional cost, and sometimes with a mobile contract included as well. These combined packages are common and can represent good value, though you should always compare the full monthly outlay before signing up.

Tariffs and package terms are updated frequently, so consulting each provider’s official website for current pricing is always advisable. For independent guidance and consumer protection, the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency) publishes useful information for customers and can handle formal complaints against providers.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Germany, and how can you contact them?

Germany’s mobile market is built around four network operators: Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, O2 (Telefónica), and the recently established 1&1. All other providers — referred to as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) — do not operate their own infrastructure but instead lease capacity from one of these four networks and sell it under their own brand names.

The four main network operators, alongside a selection of prominent MVNO brands, are listed below:

According to Opensignal’s November 2025 report, Telekom holds the top position among German mobile networks. It stands out for the reliability of its connections, the consistency of service quality, and the fastest download speeds, all supported by exceptional nationwide reach. Vodafone delivers strong results in its own right, performing particularly well in densely populated locations such as city centres, major transport hubs, shopping complexes, and tourist attractions.

Despite Germany’s high standard of living and well-developed general infrastructure, mobile internet quality is frequently regarded as lagging behind European peers. In rural regions especially, complete loss of signal is not unusual. Telekom consistently outperforms its rivals in countryside coverage, along motorways, and on rail networks — which is why many frequently travelling expats gravitate toward Telekom or one of its MVNO partners, even though the cost tends to be higher.

As of January 2024, 91% of Germany benefits from 5G coverage from at least one provider, according to the Bundesnetzagentur. You can verify coverage at any specific address using the Bundesnetzagentur’s coverage map tool. Always check each provider’s official website for up-to-date pricing, as plans change regularly. As of 2025, basic prepaid options begin at roughly €10 per month, while premium unlimited contracts are considerably more expensive.

How do I get a landline connected in Germany?

Arranging a landline in Germany means entering into a contract with a fixed-line provider. Be aware that once signed, you are bound to that contract for its full duration — typically 12 months in Germany. Whether you own or rent your home does not fundamentally alter the process, but if you are a tenant, it is worth confirming with your landlord whether any existing telephone or broadband infrastructure is already installed in the property.

1. Check if a line already exists. The majority of German properties — particularly rental apartments — already have DSL or cable infrastructure in place. Contact your preferred provider with your address to find out what type of connection is available to you.
2. Choose a provider and plan. Broadband providers frequently bundle a landline into their internet packages at little or no additional charge. Before deciding, compare available packages using independent tools such as Verivox or Check24.
3. Gather your documents. To enter into a phone line contract in Germany, you will need: valid photographic ID such as a passport (not a driving licence), your officially registered German address (Anmeldung), and your bank account details to set up direct debit payments.
4. Apply online or in-store. Most providers allow you to complete the entire application online by filling in a brief personal details form. After submission, the provider will arrange for a technician to visit your home and carry out any necessary work.
5. Pay the installation fee. A one-off charge for the technician’s visit is common. If you are moving into a brand-new property with no existing fixed-line infrastructure, you will need to contact Telekom, which manages this infrastructure nationwide. Installation in such cases costs around €800 — verify the current figure directly with Telekom, as fees may change.
6. Wait for activation. Once the technician has visited, activation generally takes between two and four weeks, though the actual timeframe depends on your provider and location. Contact your provider for current estimates.
7. Set up direct debit. Monthly landline charges are normally collected via direct debit from your German bank account on a set date each month.

Switching to a different fixed-line provider is fairly straightforward — the simplest approach is to allow your new provider to manage the transition. When signing up, clearly state that you are changing providers (Anbieter wechseln) rather than requesting a new installation (Neuanschluss). Your new provider will notify the previous one and arrange for your telephone number to be transferred across.

For information on your rights as a consumer in relation to fixed-line contracts, both the Bundesnetzagentur and the Verbraucherzentrale (Germany’s consumer advice network) can offer guidance and handle complaints on your behalf.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Germany?

There are two main routes to mobile phone service in Germany: prepaid SIM cards (Prepaid) and postpaid contracts (Vertrag). The most suitable option will depend on how long you intend to stay and whether you have already completed your official registration in Germany.

Prepaid SIM cards represent the most accessible starting point for people who have just arrived. They are the quickest and simplest way to obtain a German phone number, and you can purchase them at supermarkets, electronics retailers such as Saturn and MediaMarkt, and at provider stores. However, even for prepaid products, German law requires identity verification: you cannot buy a SIM card anonymously. You must present valid ID and proof of address — this requirement applies equally to prepaid and contract plans alike.

Postpaid contracts tend to offer better overall value for those planning a longer stay. With a standard contract, you commit to either a 12 or 24-month term and pay a set monthly fee billed in arrears. Charges are collected by direct debit from a German bank account, so you will need to have one in place before signing up.

To sign up for a postpaid contract, you will typically need:

• A valid passport or national identity document
• Your Anmeldung (the official confirmation of registration issued by your local Einwohnermeldeamt — residents’ registration office)
• A German bank account and IBAN for direct debit payments
• Your Anmeldung (proof of address) is required for contract plans. Prepaid options are more lenient.

Most major providers also offer flexible month-to-month contracts that can be cancelled with short notice, meaning you are not locked into a 24-month commitment. The trade-off is that these plans tend to cost more each month. This flexibility can be valuable if you are still in the process of completing your registration or have not yet built up a credit history in Germany (recorded through your Schufa score). Unlike some countries where a passport alone is sufficient to take out a basic contract on arrival, Germany’s postpaid market requires proof of local residency — so for most newcomers, prepaid is the logical first step.

Both Vodafone and Telekom offer eSIM options in addition to physical SIM cards. eSIMs are available for both prepaid and postpaid plans and can be set up entirely online, without a visit to a physical store. For the latest details on eSIM availability and compatibility, check the relevant provider’s website directly.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Germany?

Direct debit (Lastschrift) is the standard method for paying recurring bills in Germany, and the telecommunications sector is no different. Familiarising yourself with this preference will help you navigate billing arrangements without confusion.

For fixed-line and bundled packages, payment is almost always handled via a monthly direct debit drawn automatically from your bank account. Bills are generated each month, and the amount due is debited on a predetermined date. This is the default setup for both fixed-line and mobile postpaid contracts.

For prepaid mobile services, you pay in advance by loading credit onto your SIM, which is then consumed as you use calls, texts, and data. Once the credit is exhausted, service pauses until you top up again. Available top-up methods include:

• Online via the provider’s website or dedicated smartphone app
• Top-up vouchers (Aufladekarten) available at supermarkets, petrol stations, newsagents, and electronics retailers
• Automatic recurring top-up (Auto-Aufladung) linked to a bank account or payment card, offered by most providers
• Bank transfer using your IBAN, processed through your banking app

For postpaid bills, those who prefer not to use direct debit may be able to arrange payment by bank transfer (Überweisung) with some providers, though this is not the standard approach and typically needs to be agreed separately. Paying telecoms bills in cash in person is not a standard or widely offered option in Germany.

German providers generally maintain consistent billing cycles and follow regulated procedures when dealing with late payments. Missed payments will typically result in written reminder notices (Mahnung) before any service interruption is considered. If a billing dispute arises, the Bundesnetzagentur and the Verbraucherzentrale are both well-placed to support customers in resolving complaints.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Germany as a newcomer?

EU roaming: Since 2017, using your German SIM card for calls and data across the European Union no longer incurs roaming surcharges. This applies to short-term private or business travel, not extended stays abroad. Some providers, including Telekom, additionally include Switzerland in their free-roaming arrangements. Review your specific plan’s roaming terms before any trip.

Number porting (Rufnummernmitnahme): When you switch between mobile providers in Germany, you can take your existing number with you. The process is simple — inform your new provider that you wish to transfer your number rather than receive a new one, and they will manage the transfer on your behalf, notifying your previous provider and arranging the switch. Bear in mind that porting a number from a foreign network into the German system is generally not possible — you will need to acquire a German number through the normal process first, after which you can transfer it freely between German providers.

eSIM availability: Vodafone and Telekom both offer the option to purchase an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, and O2 also supports eSIM on compatible devices. Because eSIMs can be set up entirely online, they offer a convenient way to get connected as soon as you arrive, without needing to visit a shop. Ensure your device supports eSIM functionality before purchasing.

Coverage in rural areas: While all major networks perform reliably in urban environments, differences become more apparent in rural districts, on motorways, and along rail routes. Telekom maintains a clear lead when it comes to signal strength in remote locations. In areas where competing networks may drop to slow EDGE connectivity or lose signal altogether — including mountainous regions and parts of northern Germany — Telekom customers tend to maintain a more stable connection. Before committing to a provider, use the Bundesnetzagentur’s coverage portal to check signal quality at your home address.

Train connectivity: Mobile reception on long-distance rail services remains a recognised weak point in Germany. Although some network improvements have been made, passengers frequently encounter dropped connections and inconsistent data speeds during journeys. If you regularly work on the move or commute by train, factor this into your network choice and consider downloading any files or content you may need before boarding.

Comparing plans: When evaluating contracts, look closely at whether pricing increases after an introductory period of six or twelve months. Marketing for mobile contracts in Germany can be assertive, and headline prices do not always reflect the longer-term cost. Independent comparison platforms such as Verivox or Check24 are useful for getting an unbiased overview before you commit.

German phone culture: Phone etiquette in Germany tends toward the formal — it is customary to answer calls by stating your surname, and unsolicited marketing calls are tightly regulated under German law. If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent a provider and offering to modify your contract verbally, treat it with caution. Always insist on receiving any changes to your contract in writing before accepting them.

Frequently asked questions about telephone services in Germany

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Germany?

In most cases, no. Number portability in Germany applies to German numbers only. When you move to Germany, you will need to obtain a new German number. If you want to keep your existing foreign number active, you may be able to keep a SIM from your home country for a period, but you cannot port a non-German number into the German network. Once you have a German number, you can port it freely between German providers at any time.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Germany?

You can only buy a SIM card in Germany with a valid ID and proof of address. This applies to both mobile contracts and prepaid SIM card plans. For a contract, you will need your Anmeldung (official registration document from your local residents’ registration office). For prepaid, some providers accept a foreign address for verification, but you must still present valid photo ID in person or via an online identification process.

Can tourists or new arrivals get a postpaid mobile contract in Germany?

You will need an Anmeldung (proof of address registration) for contract plans. Prepaid options are more lenient. Until you have completed your official registration in Germany, a prepaid SIM is the most practical option. Once registered and with a German bank account, you can apply for a postpaid contract.

How long does it take to get a landline installed in Germany?

If the infrastructure already exists in your property — which is the case for most rental apartments — activation typically takes two to four weeks after you sign the contract and a technician visits. If your property has no existing fixed-line infrastructure at all (e.g. a new build), the process and costs are significantly higher. Contact Telekom directly for current timelines and installation fees.

What is the Bundesnetzagentur and how can it help me?

In Germany, phone numbers are assigned by a governmental body — the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency) — similar to regulatory bodies in many other countries. The Bundesnetzagentur also handles consumer complaints about telecoms providers, regulates network quality obligations, and publishes coverage maps. If you have a dispute with a provider that you cannot resolve directly, you can contact them at bundesnetzagentur.de.

Is an eSIM a good option when first arriving in Germany?

Vodafone and Telekom both offer the option to purchase an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. An eSIM can be activated online without visiting a store, making it useful if you arrive and want immediate service. However, you will still need to complete identity verification, so have your passport ready. Check that your device supports eSIM before purchasing.

Are there any providers that offer service in languages other than German?

Most major providers — Telekom, Vodafone, O2, and 1&1 — primarily operate in German, including their websites, apps, and customer service lines. Vodafone released an English version of their mobile app in 2022, which was considered a significant step in the very German-dominated telecommunications market. Lebara is widely noted for serving international communities. For broader language support, consider digital-first MVNOs whose apps and processes are designed with an international user base in mind.

What should I do if I need to cancel a German phone contract early?

It is not usually possible to cancel a contract midway through its term, except in special circumstances — for example, if you are moving abroad permanently. Most mobile contracts run for 24 months. After the contract term ends, you can cancel with a one-month notice period. If you are relocating out of Germany during a contract period, contact your provider directly and provide evidence of your move. The Verbraucherzentrale (verbraucherzentrale.de) can provide free advice on your rights in this situation.