Best eSIM for Germany (2026): prices, O2 and Vodafone, the Deutschlandticket, and EES

Why Germany is different

O2 is everywhere in this list. Airalo names O2 plus one other, Nomad lists O2 and Vodafone, and Ubigi lists O2. Holafly, Saily, Yesim and Maya didn’t name one on the pages we read. If you want a second network, Nomad is the clearest choice.

Fixed data is cheap. 10 GB for 30 days costs $10 from Ubigi and $14 from Nomad, and Nomad’s 50 GB ($32) is the lowest of that size.

Trains need data. Tickets, delays and platform changes live in apps, and coverage on a moving train can be patchy, so keep tickets and maps offline.

Quick picks

Step 1: Size your plan for Germany

Maps, ride-hailing, transit apps and messaging use little data. Uploading photos and videos and making video calls use much more. As a rough guide, maps and messaging use hundreds of megabytes a day, while video and video calls can use several gigabytes. These are general estimates, not measurements.

Step 2: Compare published prices

Unlimited plans by trip length

Lowest listed price in the row — means no plan of that length was listed. Holafly ($3.90) and Yesim ($4.20) also sell a single day. Maya sells one global unlimited plan at the same price for every country: $9.99 for 3 days, $19.99 for 7, $27.99 for 14 and $49.99 for 30 (see Maya). Official pages, checked 4 November 2026.

Fixed-data plans

Lowest listed price in the row Validity differs, so compare the small print as well as the price. Where a provider sells the same data amount for several lengths, we show the longest. Airalo also lists shorter versions (for example 10 GB for 7 days at $15.00). Ubigi also lists 10 GB for 7 days ($8), 25 GB for 30 days ($20), and year-long plans: 24 GB for 12 months ($19) and 60 GB for 12 months ($34). Yesim also lists 30 GB for $33.60. Official pages, checked 4 November 2026.

One country, or several?

Plans on this page are sold for Germany. If your trip crosses borders, a Europe plan can be simpler: Airalo listed 15 days of unlimited Europe data for $49.00 and Holafly $51.50 (see our Europe guide). EU “roam like at home” rules apply to SIMs from EU operators; check each provider’s coverage list rather than assuming a single-country plan works next door.

Step 3: Check the fine print

• Networks. Airalo: O2 plus one other. Nomad: O2 and Vodafone. Ubigi: O2. The others didn’t name one.
• Unlimited isn’t always unlimited. Ubigi says data sharing is allowed but a fair-use policy may apply. Holafly’s plans are unlimited by the day. Where it states a hotspot rule (its Canada and Italy pages), sharing is limited to 1 GB a day, so check the plan page if you plan to tether. Airalo’s Germany page didn’t state a fair-use limit.
• Activation windows. Nomad starts a plan automatically 60 days after purchase if you haven’t used it. Saily gives 180 days. Ubigi’s plan starts when you arrive.
• No German number. These plans are data-only. Saily sells an optional US phone number, and Yesim offers a 20-minute calling add-on.

The seven providers

Will your phone work?

• eSIM-capable and unlocked. Apple lists iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later. Settings → General → About should say "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock (full checklist).
• Bought in mainland China? Apple says that in China mainland only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM. Many older mainland models use two physical SIM cards instead, so check for Add eSIM in your settings before you buy a plan.
• Bought in Hong Kong or Macau? Apple notes that certain iPhone models sold there have two nano-SIM slots. Check for Add eSIM in your settings first.
• Install before you fly. Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi and leave the line switched off until you land (install guide).

Getting around: the Deutschlandticket

The Deutschlandticket costs €63 a month (since 1 January 2026, according to the federal government). It covers local public transport and regional trains across Germany, but not long-distance trains such as ICE, IC or EC. It’s a subscription you can cancel monthly. If your ticket is in an app, make sure you can show it offline.

Entry: EES now, ETIAS later

The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026. If you’re a non-EU visitor on a short stay, your first crossing records a face image and four fingerprints (children under 12 give no fingerprints). It’s free, and there’s nothing to apply for in advance. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip.

ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, isn’t operating yet, according to the EU’s official Travel to Europe site. You can’t apply for it, and you don’t need it to visit Germany today.

Our take

Affiliate links. Prices are set by the provider and confirmed at checkout.

Before you fly

1. 1

   Decide: Germany or Europe

   If you’re visiting more than one country, compare a Europe plan before buying a single-country one.

2. 2

   Buy and install at home

   Check your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable (how to check), then install on Wi-Fi before departure. With Nomad, don’t buy more than 60 days ahead.

3. 3

   Switch on when you land

   Turn on the travel line, enable data roaming for that line, and set it as your mobile-data line.

4. 4

   Save tickets offline

   Keep train tickets, the Deutschlandticket and maps available offline for rural stretches.