Experienced travelers in 2024 replaced roaming fees and traditional SIM cards with the eSIM technology. By using digital data plans, customers use cheap Internet in Germany and all over the world. To select the best eSIM for German travel, explore this article before your departure. Discover what is eSIM, how it works, and which providers offer the best conditions in Germany. Also, see regional options to travel all over Europe and enjoy high-speed internet and seamless connectivity everywhere.
How Do You Choose the Best eSIM for Germany?
First, let’s explore how the technology works in general. If you have never used eSIM, things may seem complicated. In fact, everything is simple: eSIM replaced a physical plastic card and offers an Internet connection in a chosen country. This works like a traditional connection – you pick the plan, pay for cell data, and connect your smartphone to the Internet.
Sure, there are some differences. For instance, not all devices are compatible with eSIM, so you should check the compatibility list first. Secondly, most eSIM providers don’t offer virtual phone numbers. You only access the Internet and make calls via messengers. In other terms, the technology is a full equivalent of traditional cell data. To select the best eSIM offers on the market, you should compare several aspects: Internet speed, pricing, coverage maps, and special features for convenient usage. Today, let’s compare Yesim, Holafly, and Orange providers. These services are the leaders in Germany, offering the best connection.
Yesim for Trips in Germany and Europe
Yesim offers one of the best regional offers on the market. You can access the Internet in Germany within a single-country plan, a “Europe” regional tariff, or a global plan. If you plan to see several regions, this is a good solution.
As for connection quality in Germany specifically, the provider guarantees 5G, 4G, or 3G depending on your location. Yesim connects you to the three largest cell providers in the country – T-Mobile, Vodafone, and O2. Depending on your location, Yesim connects you to one of them and ensures the best quality.
Pricing in Germany, compared to other destinations, is higher. Yet, it is still more beneficial than paying roaming charges. In the EU, they are extremely high. Instead, use the unlimited Internet the whole day, and pay only $2.36-$8.40 for the whole day. Among prepaid plans, choose from 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20 GB. Within the last tariff, each GB costs only $1.74. For such an expensive country, the price is extremely low.
Once you select the tariff, buy it online and activate it. Yesim sends a QR code with instructions, or you can install the eSIM using its official application.
Reviews show positive feedback about connection quality in Germany. Indeed, Yesim is one of the best services if you need the Internet in the EU. Additionally, benefit from its referral program – invite friends to the app, gain coins, and spend them for future trips.
Holafly’s Unlimited Internet in Germany
At first sight, Holafly seems an expensive option. One day of unlimited Internet costs you $5.90 in Germany and most destinations. Yet, long-term plans are more affordable. For instance, a 30-day plan costs $74.90 – only $2.50 a day. Compared to $2.36 a day at Yesim, the price seems legit. Let’s see other aspects and focus on connection quality.
As you may see, Holafly focuses on long trips, offering the best price for plans of at least a month. Here, you choose the number of days in your plan manually. Select the number from 1 to 90 days, and the service will calculate the price. The formula is simple – more days means a lower cost.
Do you get a decent connection for this price? According to Holafly, you’ll be connected to either 5G, 4G, or 3G. The networks are supported by Telefónica Germany and OHG.
The installation process is close to Yesim and other providers. Buy the plan online and activate it in the Holafly application, via QR codes, or manually. The company suggests activation in advance. Install the tariff while you’re connected to Wi-Fi, and turn it on once you’re in Germany.
Note that Holafly has a significant drawback – the hotspot feature is limited to 500 MB per day. If you plan to surf the web from several devices, select the multi-device plan. Before adding the offer to the cart, mention the number of devices. Be attentive, since you cannot change this option later.
While most feedback about connections in Germany is positive, you can see rare reviews about instability. Most probably, the situation depends on your location in the country. In any case, Holafly offers 24/7 and compensates for low-quality Internet. In case you’re dissatisfied and the Internet doesn’t work, apply for a refund.
Orange eSIM In Germany and Europe
If you need a virtual SIM card for phone calls and SMS, consider Orange. This provider is rather known for local SIM cards and Internet services – yet, the company offers eSIM as well. Currently, it covers only 100 destinations, but Germany is one of them.
Choose from four plans, each with different advantages and features:
Plan | Speed | Phone calls | Duration | SMS |
---|---|---|---|---|
100 GB | 5G | Unlimited calls in Germany and 120 minutes worldwide | 28 days | Available |
30 GB | 4G | Unlimited calls in Germany and 120 minutes worldwide | 14 days | Available |
12 GB | 4G | Unlimited calls in Germany and 30 minutes worldwide | 14 days | Available |
1 GB | 4G | No calls | 7 days | No SMS |
Unfortunately, you cannot customize plans. To receive a virtual number and SMS capabilities, buy at least 12 GB of data. The overall pricing model is budget-friendly – even a 1GB plan has a fair price. Orange connects to several cell data providers but doesn’t mention their titles.
Activate the eSIM using a mobile application. In 2024, you can download it in the App Store or Google Play. Regional plans are currently unavailable. Orange only starts its way toward eSIM services, and the number of features is limited compared to competitors. Yet, it has a decent connection speed and stands out with virtual numbers and SMS.
The reviews, however, are versatile. Some call Orange a good option for its price, while others complain about quality and even scams. While Orange is a fair and certified company indeed, it lacks stable customer support and refund policy. If you’re ready to experiment, however, you can get a good eSIM for your trip at a friendly price.
The Final Comparison: Pick an Option
The best providers in Germany | Yesim | Holafly | Orange |
---|---|---|---|
Connection speed and providers | 4g/5g/LTE; Internet by O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone | 3G/4G/LTE/5G; Internet by Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG | 5G or 4G, depending on price and data volume; providers are not mentioned. |
Plans | From 1 to 30 days | From 1 to 90 days, choose the duration manually | From 7 to 28 days |
Pricing | From $1.74 per 1 GB or $2.36 per day | From $2.50 to $5.60 per day | From $4.99 to $2 per 1 GB |
Installation | The app or QR code | The app, QR code, or manually | The app or QR code |
Internet types | Unlimited and prepaid | Only unlimited data | Only prepaid data |
Virtual numbers | Available as a separate service | Non-available | Available within certain plans (In Germany, all tariffs except for 1GB contain virtual numbers to make unlimited calls within the country) |
The best eSIM plans for… | Tourists, business trips | Freelancers and digital nomads | Travelers and business trips (with a need for calls and SMS) |
Bottom Line About the Best German eSIM Providers
The choice always depends on your personal needs and priorities. Tourists choose Yesim because of easy activation and good plans for short trips. Meanwhile, immigrants often start their journey by activating Holafly’s unlimited connection. Orange, meanwhile, is popular among local users and offers decent connections. To select your provider, compare the key characteristics from this guide. Finally, feel free to share personal opinions and ask questions in the comment section.
Experts suggest Yesim, Orange, and Holafly. Services from this list of eSIM companies combine prepaid and unlimited data plans with 5G coverage. The pricing varies, making them versatile and suitable for different budgets.
Choose from prepaid and unlimited Internet options. Additionally, consider the number of days in the best eSIMs for Germany. Commonly, providers offer from 1 to 90 days within one tariff.
Yesim offers the best coverage according to Trustpilot reviews. Holafly has the fastest Internet – most of the time, you’re connected to 5G. Meanwhile, Orange is a cost-effective option.
Compared to plastic SIM cards, you can easily buy and activate the Internet digitally. It saves you time, which is especially important for tourists and business trips. Plus, you buy eSIMs before coming to Germany and have time to compare the options.
The process works the same everywhere. You can choose from three methods: scan the QR code, enter the tariff’s technical information directly in your settings, or use applications. Customers say that in-app activation is the easiest method.