Lois Larson
Frankfurt Airport is Germany's busiest airport and a major European travel hub, with millions of passengers passing through each year. For travellers who need connectivity during layovers or upon arrival in Germany, getting a local German SIM card is the best way to stay connected. While some sources suggest that SIM cards at Frankfurt Airport are overpriced and offer limited choice, there are several locations within the airport where you can purchase a SIM card, including the arrival halls and terminals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy a SIM card | There are several locations at Frankfurt Airport to purchase SIM cards. The most convenient options are in the arrival halls and terminals. There are 4 shops located in Arrival Hall B: Vodafone/Ortel/Telefonica-O2. |
| Cost | Prices range from €10 to €30, with various data and call/text allowances. SIM card packages cost $9.99 ~$40, depending on data usage and phone minutes. |
| Payment methods | Most vendors will accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) or debit cards with international transaction capability. Cash is widely preferred, and Euros are needed for purchasing SIMs in Germany. ATMs are available throughout the airport. |
| Phone compatibility | To avoid compatibility issues, make sure your phone is compatible with German networks. Your phone must be unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card. |
| Identity verification | Keep your passport handy as some SIM card providers may ask to see it for ID when buying a SIM. |
| SIM card size | Bring your existing SIM to determine if you need a mini, micro, or nano SIM for your device. The standard SIM size is mini. iPhone users typically require a nano SIM. |
| Alternatives | Using an eSIM is an alternative to purchasing a plastic SIM card at Frankfurt Airport. An eSIM is a digital SIM integrated into your phone. Many major German carriers offer eSIM plans, as do providers like Europe-eSIM. eSIMs can be purchased and activated online upon arrival. |
| Other options | If you only require a limited amount of data and calls, a cheaper option from the supermarket may suffice. Lebara from the supermarket is recommended. SIM cards by supermarkets, e.g. Aldi Talk. |
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What You'll Learn
Arrival halls A, B and C
If you're arriving at Frankfurt Airport, there are three arrival halls: A, B, and C. Out of these, Arrival Hall B has the most options for buying a SIM card.
Arrival Hall B
There are four shops located in Arrival Hall B that sell SIM cards: Vodafone, Ortel, Telefonica-O2, and Currency Exchange. The Currency Exchange is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., while the Ortel Store is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
The shops in Arrival Hall B offer SIM cards from all major German providers, with prices ranging from €10 to €30, depending on your data and call/text needs. However, it's worth noting that SIM cards purchased at the airport tend to be more expensive than those bought elsewhere.
Arrival Halls A and C
While there are no specific mentions of SIM card vendors in Arrival Halls A and C, it's possible that there are shops selling SIM cards in these halls as well. Frankfurt Airport is a major international travel hub, and SIM cards are essential for travellers who need connectivity during layovers or upon arrival.
Additionally, there is a grocery store, Tegut, located on the ground floor of Terminal 1, Halle C, which may also sell SIM cards.
Other Options
If you're looking for cheaper alternatives, it's recommended to purchase an eSIM online before your arrival or to wait until you get to Frankfurt city centre, where you can find phone stores with more options and potentially better rates. You can also consider getting a prepaid SIM card from supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, which offer flat rates for as low as €5-15 per month.
It's important to bring an unlocked phone, a passport for SIM activation and ID check, and a preferred payment method (cash, credit card, or debit card) when buying a SIM card.
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Currency Exchange and Ortel store
When you arrive at Frankfurt Airport, there are three arrival halls: A, B, and C. There are two shops in Arrival Hall B where you can buy a German prepaid SIM card: the Currency Exchange shop and the Ortel store. These shops are located right next to each other and are open during the week from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., respectively. On weekends, the Ortel store is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Currency Exchange shop offers prepaid SIM cards from major German carriers such as Vodafone, T-Mobile, and O2. At this shop, you can purchase a Lebara prepaid SIM card for €39 EUR ($40 USD), which includes 10 GB of data, unlimited calls within Germany, and 250 international minutes, valid for 28 days. Lebara operates on the O2 Germany network.
The Ortel store also sells prepaid SIM cards from Vodafone, T-Mobile, and O2. While there are limited choices at Frankfurt Airport, purchasing a SIM card from one of these shops is a convenient option for travellers who need immediate internet access upon arrival in Germany.
It is important to note that Frankfurt Airport only offers physical prepaid SIM cards, and the rates may be more expensive compared to other options. If you are looking for an eSIM, it is recommended to purchase one online before your trip or wait until you reach Frankfurt city centre, where you can find better deals at phone stores.
When purchasing a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport, ensure that you have an unlocked device compatible with German networks, and bring your passport for activation and registration. It is also advisable to bring cash or a credit/debit card for payment, although some shops may accept Euros.
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Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, Lebara and Lycamobile
When arriving at Frankfurt Airport, there are three arrival halls: A, B, and C. There are only two places to buy a German prepaid SIM card at Frankfurt Airport, and both shops are in Arrival Hall B.
The Currency Exchange shop and the Ortel store are located next to each other. The Currency Exchange shop is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., while the Ortel store is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Both shops offer SIM cards from major German carriers, including Vodafone, T-Mobile, and O2. However, there are only two mobile operators available: Lebara and Lycamobile.
Vodafone: SIM cards from Vodafone are available at both the Currency Exchange and Ortel stores in Arrival Hall B.
T-Mobile: T-Mobile SIM cards can also be found at either the Currency Exchange or Ortel store in Arrival Hall B.
O2: O2 SIM cards are offered at both SIM card shops in Arrival Hall B. Lebara: The Currency Exchange shop sells Lebara prepaid SIM cards, which operate on the O2 Germany network.
Lycamobile: Lycamobile offers the best prepaid SIM card deal at Frankfurt Airport, with 15 GB of data for €40 EUR ($41 USD). Lycamobile operates on the Vodafone Germany network and their SIM cards can be purchased at the Currency Exchange shop.
It is important to note that the phone stores at Frankfurt Airport only offer physical prepaid SIM cards, and there are no eSIMs available for tourists. Tourist SIM cards at the airport tend to be more expensive and have limited choices compared to those available in the city center or online.
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eSIMs
If you're looking for an eSIM when you arrive at Frankfurt Airport, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it is important to note that the phone stores at Frankfurt Airport only offer physical prepaid SIM cards, so you will not be able to purchase an eSIM at the airport. However, you can still get an eSIM for Germany upon your arrival by following these steps.
Before you depart for Germany, you can purchase an international tourist eSIM online. This option allows you to activate your plan online and avoid the long queues at the SIM shops at the airport. You can simply scan the supplied QR code to activate your eSIM. There are many international companies that offer eSIMs, and you can choose one that suits your needs in terms of data and calling requirements.
If your phone is not eSIM compatible, you can wait until you arrive in Frankfurt and go to a phone store in the city centre to purchase a prepaid SIM card.
One of the recommended eSIMs for Germany is Jetpac eSIM, which offers 15 GB of data for $15 USD. This is a much cheaper option compared to the physical SIM cards available at Frankfurt Airport.
Another option for eSIMs is the WiNG eSIM, which offers low-cost roaming and flexible data packages for mobile internet while travelling. WiNG eSIM is compatible with all unlocked iPhones manufactured since 2018 and most new Android phones. With WiNG eSIM, you can buy your data package online and activate it directly on your device without any contract commitments or complicated processes. You can choose the right data volume or duration that suits your needs, and if you need more data, you can easily top up at any time.
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Prepaid SIM cards
However, it is worth noting that SIM cards purchased at the airport may be more expensive than those bought elsewhere. Some sources suggest buying a SIM card in the city or ordering one online before your trip as a more cost-effective alternative. For example, you can get a Jetpac eSIM for Germany with 15 GB of data for only $15 USD. Additionally, supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer cheaper prepaid SIM cards, which can be purchased at a store near the airport or in the Tegut grocery store located in the airport's basement.
When purchasing a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport, it is recommended to bring an unlocked phone, a passport for ID verification, and cash in Euros, although some vendors may also accept credit cards. It is also advisable to research and compare different SIM card options to find the best deal that suits your specific needs, such as data requirements and call minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several locations at Frankfurt Airport to purchase SIM cards. The most convenient options are in the arrival halls and terminals. There are four shops located in Arrival Hall B: Vodafone, Ortel, and Telefonica-O2.
You will need an unlocked phone, a passport, and cash in Euros.
SIM cards at Frankfurt Airport are generally considered to be expensive. One source suggests that the best prepaid SIM card deal at Frankfurt Airport is a Lycamobile SIM card with 15 GB of data for €40 EUR.
Yes, SIM cards are available at cheaper prices in the city centre of Frankfurt. One source suggests getting a prepaid SIM card from a phone store in the city centre. Another source suggests getting a SIM card from Lidl, which is about 20 minutes away from the airport by train.
Yes, you can use an eSIM, which is a digital SIM integrated into your phone. Many major German carriers offer eSIM plans, which can be purchased and activated online.
