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How can I make phone calls in Germany? How do I get internet access?

The telecommunication network is well developed in Germany. Landlines are available almost everywhere, which also applies to mobile networks. Free internet via WiFi / WLAN is available in more and more places. Nevertheless, there are some facts which need to be considered.

In addition to private households, public buildings also have landlines. Authorities can be reached via landline during their opening hours. Public telephone booths also offer telephone connections. The fee can be paid in cash or with credit card. The same applies to call shops in terms of telephone calls and internet access. Often, these shops offer special rates for making calls abroad. Services, such as sending documents by fax, e-mail, e.g. are also offered.

Most telephone connections in Germany also offer access to the internet at the same time. Internet cafes, which are often found in call shops, provide internet access for a fee. Here, you can use the internet or internet-based applications such as games or Skype. It is useful to check the costs in advance as the usage can be expensive.

In Germany, there are three major mobile phone providers: Telekom, Vodafone and o2. In addition, there are many resellers like alditalk, base, congstar, mobilcom, and many more. The mobile network is usually well available. Network access can be obtained by signing a contract which usually involves a minimum contract term of 24 months. Fixed monthly costs are incurred during this period. These are being monthly debited from an account - so you would need a German bank account.

On the other hand, mobile phones can also be used with a so-called prepaid SIM card, including stored credit. The advantages: no contractional obligation and therefore no monthly debiting from the bank account. In addition, options can be flexibly added, for example increasing available minutes or high-volume volume. Another plus: no permanent residency in Germany is needed. The prepaid SIM card is available at call shops, petrol stations or large supermarket chains. It is recommended to buy prepaid cards only from trustworthy sources in order to avoid mispurchases. Authorized traders are usually identified by appropriate stickers in the stores or its entrances. If the credit is used up, it can be recharged against a fee. However, making phone calls abroad with a mobile phone can result in very high costs. Suppliers like Ortel Mobile offer cheap rates.

Almost all mobile phone accesses in Germany contain mobile internet, regardless of the provider. Usually contracts include flat rates with unlimited internet use. The flat rate contains a certain data volume, so you can surf up to this limit with high speed. The speed is then being throttled. Access to the internet is still available, but at a much lower pace. Prepaid SIM cards usually have a maximum data volume. Here, one should closely look at the conditions, since straight prepaid SIM cards with internet access can be very expensive. In the meantime, some prepaid providers, such as Ortel Mobile, also offer SIM cards that reduce the internet speed after the data volume has been used up. After exceeding the maximum volume, the card must be recharged with new credit.

Many restaurants and bars in Germany offer free internet access via WiFi /WLAN. However, it is often required to order food or beverages in order to receiving free access. In many places, free public internet access is available, mostly financed by private, local or official initiatives. Both options are marked by appropriate stickers or displayed signs. Unfortunately, accessible public networks are often slow or not very reliable. For security reasons, receiving or sending confidential data like bank details, should be avoided. This also applies to public accessible WiFi / WLAN in trains, which is currently being extended in Germany.