We are going to Germany in a few weeks, landing at Berlin Tegel Airport. We'd like to buy an inexpensive pay as you go handy (cell phone) like the Tracfone. We will not have a residence or a bank account in Germany though I believe that is a requirement for the purchase of most cell phones in Germany. We are not interested in renting one because I understand they are pricey. Does anyone have any ideas for me?
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Warning!!! DO NOT use Urban Dictionary to search for the meaning of "handy". You have been forewarned! But if you do, it's pretty darn funny.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8961 posts
You don't need a bank account or residency requirement to buy a handy here, unless you were going to set up a contract. All you need is a pay as you go handy, so all you need is just your passport. Cheap ones that will only have a German sim card, can be had for as low as 10 euro. If you want one where you can switch out the sim cards for different countries, those will cost about 30 euro. Handy stores are everywhere. Saturn has cheap bargains, and the employees will switch the functions and menu over to English for you.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Anna, I don't have a lot of information on buying a "Handy" in Germany, as I've never had to do that, but I doubt that you would need a residence or bank account to purchase a PAYG phone (situation is different than for contract plans). Another option you might consider would be to use a phone from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, Telestial, Mobal, EuroBuzz, Cello Mobile, or others. That way you'd have a working phone as soon as you step off the plane. Many of them use a U.K. phone number and have post-paid billing so no worries about having to top-up. Check their respective websites for rates and other information. I've been using a travel SIM for the past few years, and so far it's worked well. Hopefully one of the others will have more specific information on Cell phone purchase in Germany. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Kennett Square
2 posts
Vielen Dank! Your responses were most helpful! Thanks
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
You should be able to pick up an inexpensive "handy" before you leave the airport or pick one up at a department or phone store once you get downtown. I'd expect about 25 euros and it should come with some minutes (probably ten euros). If it's not close to that at the airport, wait until you get downtown to buy. Either way, let them set it up for you and don't leave the store until you have made a practice call. Most of the cheaper options require you to stop by a store to add minutes. If you get one of the major brands, there are stores everywhere.