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6/8/2017

How to Buy a German SIM Card at Frankfurt Airport

13 Comments

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Before I go on trips, I try to think of all of the little things that will make our lives a little easier while traveling.

I spent some time googling where to purchase a SIM card at Frankfurt Airport before our recent trip to Germany and wasn't having luck finding specific instructions.

I knew I wanted to be able to stay connected to friends and family, be able to look up directions, and have access to the Internet on long train rides. 

Telecommunications is SO much more affordable in Europe than it is in the USA so I always recommend you buy a SIM card when you arrive at your destination instead of getting an international phone plan with your provider at home.

Here's what to do if you'd like to buy a prepaid SIM card at Frankfurt airport:

Before You Go (3 Days Before Departure)

Make sure your phone is unlocked.

If you did not purchase an unlocked phone, you'll need to make sure your phone is unlocked, meaning it can be used with other phone providers.

How to Unlock Your Phone with AT&T Online

If you are in the USA and use AT&T, unlocking a device is simple and can be done online by requesting a phone unlock here.

  1. First, you verify your device eligibility.
  2. Then, follow a few steps to submit your request. Be sure to have the wireless number and customer name on the account handy.
  3. You'll find out by email whether your device has been successfully unlocked. My request was answered within 2 hours but AT&T does say it can take up to 2 days.

There is a Supermarket at Frankfurt Airport

Yes - there is a supermarket in the basement of the Frankfurt Airport. If you're looking for where to eat on a budget at the Frankfurt Airport, you are in luck. The supermarket literally has everything.

The most affordable option to buy a German SIM card is at the supermarket. You can find it by following the signs for the train station which is downstairs below the terminals. It'll feel like you're walking through the subway.

Where is the Supermarket at the Frankfurt Airport (FRA)?

The supermarket is called Tegut and it's located in Terminal 1, Halle C, on the ground floor (so you'll need to take the stairs or escalator down). Walk down, following the signs for the train station and it'll be on your right hand side.  

In order to buy the SIM card, you'll need to go to wait in line at the cash registers. The various SIM cards are hanging up on the right hand side of the first cashier.

How to Buy a SIM card in German

You can request a SIM card from the cashier in German by saying:

"Ich möchte eine neue SIM-Karte für mein Handy kaufen." 

meaning

"I would like to buy a new SIM card for my cell phone."

If you're looking to use the internet, texting, and calling, I highly recommend this option from Vodafone with 1 GB data + calls and texts for under EUR 10.

​It's exactly €9,99 which is currently approximately $11.14.

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It's fun to stay connected and to have a German phone number (even if it's just for a little while).

And even better - as of June, 2017 there are no more mobile roaming fees throughout the European Union.

So, you can use your German SIM card throughout your travels throughout the EU, much like you would use your American SIM card throughout the United States.

Let me know if you have any questions!
​

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13 Comments
J
9/4/2017 02:27:54 pm

Did the store activate your SIM card for you or did you have to do it on your own? I do not speak any German.

Reply
Nikki Prša link
9/6/2017 10:51:38 am

Hi J, unfortunately they did not activate it for me. I had to do it on my own. It was very easy to do - just put the SIM card into your phone. The law in Germany states you need to add your personal contact information during activation. Your phone should work immediately. In the case that it doesn't, restart your phone and your SIM card should be active and ready for immediate use.

Feel free to email me at speakathometonight@gmail.com, tweet me at @speaktonight or message me on Instagram @speakathometonight or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/speakathometonight if you have any questions while you're in Germany!

Reply
JUTTA ROHDE
1/14/2020 01:29:01 am

Is this Information still korrekt, as i have a friend coming into Fra airport at 21h most Shops will be cloesd...

Reply
rich
10/16/2017 03:27:59 pm

can you pls go over how you activated? some phones need to be programmed. did you have to go on a website to activate? thanks

Reply
Charlz
4/11/2018 01:10:21 pm

Were you able to top up your SIM?

Reply
Rich
4/11/2018 07:52:23 pm

Do not go to the Vodafone next to the supermarket at the airport. They are rip off scumbags. I bought a Sim for 50 Euro. They only accepted cash. It turned out to be the 10 Euro Sim in the card and then didn't even work

Reply
Jimmy
5/6/2018 03:33:48 pm

I will be landing in Terminal 1 as well from an international flight from Canada. Would I have to go leave the international flight section and go through security again to get to this supermarket?

Reply
Dr. Fred P. Hall
6/9/2018 08:56:13 pm

We are arriving at FRA, Terminal 1, at noon









wednesday (June 13, 2018) for a 5 hour stopover on the way to Athens Greece.

We intended to try to find a Voda Fone shop in Athens, but, after reading several bad reviews, thought getting our Sim cards at FRA would be convenient, using our layover time for lunch and "Simming," and save the next morning in Athens for touristing.

We will need coverage for Greece, Albania, Macedonia, France Germany, and Switzerland. We think we will be able to get that on a Voda Fone Sim card. Will they be able to do that for us at the supermarket? The review comment about the Vda Fone shop was scary. Like some we have read about shops in Athens.

Your comment/advice, please.

Thanks, Fred

Reply
Shahid Mahmood link
8/24/2019 05:11:31 am

what will be the cost of SIM card if we want to have 10GB data.
Thanks

Reply
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    ​​Nikki Prša

    Polish-American Polyglot, Language Expert, German Teacher, M.Ed., married to my dream guy, the Croatian Sensation. Let's connect!

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