The 2026 SIM Card/eSIM Guide for International Students in Germany

Studying abroad, especially in a country like Germany, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You get to meet people from across the world, learn new things, and lay the foundation for your career. As an international student, you will need a whole lot of tools to make your time in Germany a memorable and useful one. And one of those important tools is a mobile plan. But which mobile plan is right for you? Should you pick a prepaid plan or a mobile contract? What about SIM type? How do you buy one? We’ve answered all these questions in the sections below. Dive right in!

Why International Students Need a German Phone Number

Germany follows the EU’s Roam-Like-at-Home regulations. This means if you’re moving to Germany from a European country, you can use mobile services at domestic rates. 
This is a great option for tourists who visit Germany for short durations, but not so much for international students who will be staying in the country for 6 months or more. 
Also, international students will need a German SIM card during their time in the country. Things might get a bit complicated without one. 
Here are the reasons why you, as an international student, will need a German SIM card/eSIM:

• Stay connected within Germany (calls, SMS, and data)
• Apply for jobs in Germany
• Carry out verification and account-related functions in banks
• Update resident permits (Ausländerbehörde)
• Register in university portals

All these reasons aside, a German SIM card is going to help you stay in touch with your family back home. Sometimes, this is all that you need to get through difficult times.

What Should You Choose: Prepaid Plans or Mobile Contracts?

This is another important decision that you’ll have to make.                   
Prepaid plans offer an amount of flexibility that mobile contracts do not. That said, both have their share of pros and cons.                   
The table below compares prepaid plans and mobile contracts in Germany.

Note that regardless of the type of plan you choose, you will have to verify it using an official document (usually your passport).                 
If you’re not sure which type of plan to choose, here is what we recommend. Pick a prepaid plan for the first few months after your arrival. This will help you while you’re getting settled in Germany.                 
After a few months, you can either choose to continue with prepaid plans or upgrade to a mobile contract, provided you have the essential documents to pass a credit check.

Physical SIM Cards vs. eSIMs: What’s Right for You?

This is another important aspect to consider as an international student.                
You have the option to choose between a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Most telecom companies in Germany offer both physical SIM cards and eSIMs with their plans. It’s up to you to pick one based on your device compatibility and preference.                
Here’s how the two compare against each other.

Get a SIM card in Germany if

• Your smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs
• You have an empty SIM card slot
• You’re comfortable with visiting a store to buy a SIM card
• You don’t want to deal with the hassle of scanning QR codes or server issues during activation

Get an if

• You have an eSIM-compatible device
• You prefer getting everything done without visiting a store
• You want multiple profiles for different uses
• You want to make the environmentally conscious decision

How Much Data Does an International Student Need?

The amount of data your mobile plan has will have a direct impact on your quality of life in Germany.           
Picking a mobile plan with minimal data allowance sounds beneficial on paper, but you will be relying more on public Wi-Fi, which is not available everywhere and also might not be safe.           
So, to help you make a better decision, here are three categories of data users and the activities that can be done with different data allowances.

• Light Data Usage: Monthly data consumption is less than 5 GB. This type of user relies more on Wi-Fi and uses mobile data only for maps, messaging, and occasionally scrolling social media.
• Moderate Data Usage: The monthly data consumption for this category of users is between 5 and 15 GB. In addition to the activities of the light data user, this category also has high social media usage and streams audio/video content, probably in standard quality.
• Heavy Data Usage: Users whose monthly data consumption is above 15 GB fall into this category. They use mobile data for everything. They also make a lot of video calls and stream high-quality audio/video content. This group might also play a lot of online games and share their data allowance with other users.

Lyca Mobile recommends you run a quick analysis of available free Wi-Fi spots and your data usage before choosing a mobile plan. Know that you can always upgrade if you choose a prepaid plan.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a SIM Card/eSIM in Germany

Picking a mobile plan can get a bit complicated if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.          
So, keep these 5 factors in mind before you head out and buy a mobile plan in Germany.

• Price: Determine how much you’re willing to spend each month for mobile services and stick to it. Only go over the fixed budget if the benefits offered are worth it.
• Data Allowance: Choose a mobile plan with a data allowance that meets your monthly needs. If you don’t like using public Wi-Fi, then pick a mobile plan with a higher data allowance or an unlimited data plan, if your budget allows it.
• International Benefits: This refers to international minutes and roaming data. Some plans include a bit of everything at a nominal price. Get these mobile plans if you don’t like using data for international calls.
• Credit Check and Contracts: If you have a credit history and/or have no issues with contracts, you can go with a mobile contract. But if you don’t have a credit history, then prepaid plans are your only option.
• SIM Type: This depends on your device. If you have an eSIM-compatible smartphone, then go with an eSIM. If not, pick a physical SIM card.

The Best Lyca Mobile Prepaid Plans for International Students

Lyca Mobile has some of the best prepaid plans for international students in Germany. They are available at extremely affordable prices with all the essential benefits. Here is Lyca Mobile’s range of budget-friendly prepaid plans.

Please check the terms and conditions for information related to the fair usage policy and promotional prices.

The Best Lyca Mobile Contracts for International Students

Lyca Mobile also has affordable mobile contracts for international students.        
If you have a stable credit history and don’t mind a lengthy contract, then these are some of the best plans you can buy in Germany.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Buy & Activate a German SIM Card/eSIM as an International Student

Now that you’re clear on the plan and the type of SIM you prefer, let us now guide you through how you can purchase a Lyca Mobile plan.      
We’ll be purchasing a Lyca Mobile prepaid plan here. The steps are more or less the same for most operators. As for mobile contracts, there will be an additional step for checking credit history.

How to Buy a German SIM/eSIM

Step 1: Pick a prepaid plan from the official Lyca Mobile website.     
Step 2: Choose the SIM type and fill out the essential details, like first name, last name, and email address. You’ll have to verify the email address using an OTP.     
Step 3: If you have chosen a physical SIM card, then you will have to enter a local address for delivery as well.     
Step 4: Pick a convenient payment method and complete the purchase process.

How to Activate a German SIM/eSIM

Step 1: You’ll have to register your SIM/eSIM first. Visit the page to get started.    
Step 2: Keep the original of your German or EU ID card before you start. Your home country’s passport, Aufenthaltstitel, or Niederlassungserlaubnis works as well.    
Step 3: Also have the ICCID and the PUK of your SIM card/eSIM nearby. For physical SIM cards, these can be found either in the card packaging or the confirmation email. For eSIMs, this information will be available in the order confirmation email.    
Step 4: Click on the Register Now button to initiate the process.    
Step 5: On the next page, select New Customer and enter all the requested information. You’ll also be required to verify an official document and your address here.    
Once this is done, all you have to do is insert your new Lyca Mobile SIM card and wait for the signal bars to refresh. As for eSIMs, simply scan the activation QR code using your phone’s camera and follow the prompts that appear.

Lyca Mobile is a Great Choice for International Students

Whether you’re looking for a mobile plan that does it all or something to get by each month, Lyca Mobile is your choice.  
Lyca Mobile has an extensive range of prepaid plans and mobile contracts that will help you during your time in Germany.  
Each plan gets you all the essential benefits like super-fast 5G data, local and international minutes, and roaming data.  
With Lyca Mobile’s plans, you don’t have to worry about rationing data when you make those long video calls back home or when streaming lectures. So, order a Lyca Mobile plan and turn your student life in Germany into a memorable one.