The cost of a rental cell phone in Germany depends on a few factors. These vary based on the provider, the duration of the rental, and the amount of data used. Users can expect to pay roughly between €40 – €150 depending on the package.
Here’s a closer look at some of the options available.
Guten Tag, Germany!
The worldwide hunt for the perfect chocolate cake is top-of-mind for anyone with both wanderlust and a sweet tooth so, of course, tasting an authentic slice of German chocolate cake has to be added to the list of contenders.
If you’re heading to Germany and excited to share your culinary findings with foodie friends back at home, staying connected needs to be high on your to-do list.
While exploring your options, you might have considered even renting a phone while abroad. In fact, rental cell phones in Germany have become a popular option. But are they worth the cost? And, more importantly, what affordable alternatives are available?
Why rent cell phones in Germany?
There are a few reasons travellers might consider renting a phone while in Germany:
- Communications without international roaming charges from home carriers
- German SIM cards and a local number for guaranteed connectivity
- Great for temporary use if your regular phone isn’t compatible or is locked by your carrier
These are certainly convenient factors worth considering—but, despite this, the rental cell phone in Germany cost might not be the most affordable or the most flexible option.
Rental cell phone in Germany costs
While the cost of renting a cell phone in Germany varies based on a few factors, including the provider, rental duration, and data package, here’s a general breakdown of what a traveller might expect to pay:
5 day rental
€40 to €60 ($45–$65 USD) for a basic smartphone with a German SIM card, limited data (1 GB), and local calls.
1 week rental
€60 to €90 ($65–$100 USD) includes a slightly higher data limit of 5 GB, unlimited texting within Germany, and international calls for an additional fee.
2 week rentals
€100 to €150 ($110–$165 USD) provides a high data package of 10 GB that includes local and international calls. Sometimes insurance is also available for the phone rental.
Popular rental phone providers in Germany
An affordable alternative to renting a phone in Germany
Not convinced that a rental is the best way to go? What if you could use your own phone instead?
By downloading the aloSIM app and selecting an eSIM, you can access local German data networks without the hassle of physical SIM swaps (or phone swaps, as the case may be).
aloSIM offers affordable data with plans as low as $4.50/week, which is a fraction of what you’d pay for a rental phone. Since aloSIM eSIMs only manage your data, your regular phone number stays active for calls and texts throughout your German holiday.
Plus, when you use aloSIM, you also get a free Hushed phone number, to give you a temporary number for calls and texts while you’re in Germany—perfect for ordering that cake ahead of time at a local bakery or staying in touch with new friends without sharing your personal number.
Just remember, the more euros you save on paying for communications, the more euros you have to spend on cake.
