Reviewer Written by Peter Moore – eSIM Content Writer

Our Verdict: eSIM4

eSIM4 Logo

eSIM4 is our top pick for a Berlin eSIM. Plans start at a very low $2.98. You get premium coverage on the Vodafone network, which is Germany’s top mobile provider. If you’re here for a short weekend at the Brandenburg Gate or a month-long stay in Kreuzberg, eSIM4 gives you fast 5G data. You don’t have to deal with physical SIM cards. It’s a great choice if this is your first time using an eSIM.

Why We Chose eSIM4

  • Unbeatable Value: Plans start at just $2.98 for 1GB.
  • Top Connectivity: Uses the premium Vodafone network for excellent 5G/4G coverage.
  • Instant Setup: Install an eSIM and auto-connect on arrival with no store visits required.
  • Full Features: 24/7 support and optional app for calls and SMS.
Get eSIM4 for Berlin →

Quick Comparison: Best eSIMs for Berlin

We compared the top eSIM providers offering service in Germany, including Jetpac, Saily, and Airalo. Avoid expensive roaming fees with our top picks for reliable data in Berlin.

Rank Provider Rating Starting Price Best For
1 ⭐ eSIM4 4.9/5 $2.98 Best Overall Value
2 Jetpac 4.5/5 $1.00 Ultra-budget entry
3 Saily 4.7/5 $4.27 Security & privacy
4 Airalo 4.7/5 $4.50 Global connectivity
5 aloSIM 4.4/5 $5.00 Simplicity
6 Nomad 4.6/5 $4.50 Flexible Plans
7 Holafly 4.0/5 $10.98 Unlimited Data

Choosing the Right eSIM Data Plan

Berlin has everything from the historic Reichstag to the busy streets of Mitte. If you are traveling to Germany, understanding your mobile data network needs is everything you need to know for a seamless trip. Whether you want to buy a prepay eSIM for Germany with unlimited data plans or just a small data-only package, staying connected is crucial. Here are a few travel tips to think about before you buy.

Factor Details Why It Matters
Network Quality Look for providers using the Vodafone, O2, or Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) cellular network. Providers using these supported networks offer excellent high speed coverage across the city. This helps a lot when you need internet access underground on the U-Bahn, are checking Google Maps around Museum Island, or uploading to Instagram and TikTok.
Data Needs Figure out if you want a fixed amount or an eSIM with unlimited data. Navigation apps, the BVG app for trains, and calling and texting via WhatsApp eat up data fast. Getting an eSIM with unlimited data gives you peace of mind so you have a lot of data for your smartphone.
Trip Duration Match the plan length to your stay. Buying a 30 days plan for a weekend trip wastes your money. Pick a flexible plan to save cash.
Hotspot Check if tethering is allowed. Helpful if you want to connect your laptop or share the internet with your friends. An eSIM also allows you to bypass searching for public WiFi.

Top eSIM Providers for Berlin: Reviews

We reviewed the leading eSIM providers for Berlin based on price, coverage, and ease of use. Say goodbye to roaming charges and expensive airport physical SIM card shops. Here are the detailed results of our analysis.

2

Jetpac

Ultra-budget entry

Rating
4.5/5
Network
Local partners
Support
Chat
Jetpac Banner

Jetpac offers the absolute lowest entry point for a traveler on a strict budget. If you don’t need a local phone number for calls and SMS, their data-only plans are excellent. They even offer SmartDelay lounge access for delayed flights.

Coverage

Berlin has excellent coverage through their local partners. You get a reliable signal throughout the city, including major landmarks and airports.

Data Plans

Jetpac offers data-only plans starting with a promo 1GB option. You can buy up to 20GB for a full 30 days stay.

Activation Process

Purchase your plan online. You receive a QR code via email instantly. Scan the code to install the eSIM. It activates upon arrival at BER. Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM line.

Price

Prices start at an incredible $1.00 for a 4-day promo plan. It’s great value compared to typical roaming charges.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 4 Days $1.00
3 GB 7 Days $5.00
5 GB 30 Days $8.00
10 GB 30 Days $11.00
20 GB 30 Days $20.00
3

Saily

Security & privacy

Rating
4.7/5
Coverage
Multi
Support
Chat
Saily Banner

Created by the NordVPN team, Saily is perfect for privacy-focused travelers exploring Germany esims. It’s a solid choice when you need an alternative to public WiFi in Berlin’s many cafes. The user-friendly app makes it easy to manage your eSIMs.

Coverage

Berlin has excellent Multi-network coverage through Saily. You’ll get a strong signal at major landmarks and the airport.

Data Plans

Saily provides data-only plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB. They enable hotspot sharing so you can connect other devices.

Activation Process

Purchase the eSIM provider plan online. Receive a QR code via email instantly. Scan the code to install. Activate it when you arrive in Germany and enable Data Roaming.

Price

Competitive pricing starting at $4.27. It’s good value compared to massive roaming charges.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.27
3 GB 30 Days $8.54
5 GB 30 Days $12.34
10 GB 30 Days $18.99
20 GB 30 Days $24.69
4

Airalo

Global connectivity

Rating
4.7/5
Network
Multiple
Price
$4.50
Airalo Banner

Airalo is a favorite among frequent flyers needing coverage within Europe. They offer regional EU plans alongside their Germany-specific options, competing with options like the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM, Orange UK, O2 (UK), or Bouygues. This means you can use data seamlessly if your trip includes the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, or France. Their app interface is intuitive and easy to use for managing your data.

Coverage

Berlin has excellent coverage across multiple local networks. You get a reliable signal throughout the city and at major historical sites.

Data Plans

Airalo offers a wide variety of plans, from short 1GB trips to 20GB monthly packages. If you want to buy one plan for the United Kingdom and European Union, their Eurolink option is fantastic.

Activation Process

Buy the plan online. Check your email for the QR code. Scan the code to install. It activates when you land in Germany. Make sure Data Roaming is on for the eSIM line.

Price

Plans start at $4.50. You get competitive pricing and multiple data options to fit your budget, letting you save your money.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.50
2 GB 15 Days $6.00
3 GB 30 Days $8.50
5 GB 30 Days $11.00
10 GB 30 Days $16.00
20 GB 30 Days $23.50
5

aloSIM

Simplicity

Rating
4.4/5
Coverage
Multiple
Support
24/7
aloSIM Banner

aloSIM keeps things simple with a clean app and easy setup. While many eSIMs are strictly data-only, aloSIM offers referral credits and an option that functions like a prepaid mobile phone with voice and SMS capabilities. It’s a very practical choice to make phone calls.

Coverage

aloSIM connects to multiple networks in Berlin for a strong, reliable signal near all the big tourist spots and airports.

Data Plans

They provide fixed data caps up to 10GB, plus an unlimited option for 10-day trips.

Activation Process

Purchase your plan online. A QR code arrives instantly via email. Scan it to install the eSIM. Turn it on when you arrive and enable Data Roaming.

Price

Prices start at $5.00. The rates are fair and offer good value compared to standard roaming charges.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $5.00
3 GB 30 Days $10.00
5 GB 30 Days $15.00
10 GB 30 Days $22.50
Unlimited 10 Days $35.00
6

Nomad

Flexible Plans

Rating
4.6/5
Coverage
Vodafone/O2
Support
In-App
Nomad Banner

Nomad stands out with its flexible prepaid eSIMs offering 5G mobile broadband coverage across Germany. They partner with major supported networks to ensure you stay connected. Unlike buying an O2 Go Card or dealing with a contract in-store, Nomad is entirely digital and requires no physical SIM card.

Coverage

Connects to Vodafone and O2. You get excellent coverage throughout Berlin, including strong 5G signals where available.

Data Plans

Nomad offers a wide range of plans from 1GB up to 20GB. They also allow easy data add-ons through their app.

Activation Process

Buy your eSIM online. Receive your QR code via email. Scan it to install. Activate the plan when you arrive and turn on Data Roaming.

Price

Very competitive pricing starting at $4.50 with flexible data options.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
1 GB 7 Days $4.50
3 GB 30 Days $9.00
5 GB 30 Days $12.50
10 GB 30 Days $16.00
20 GB 30 Days $20.00
7

Holafly

Unlimited Data

Rating
4.0/5
Network
Vodafone
Holafly Banner

The Holafly eSIM specializes in unlimited data plans for travelers who want worry-free connectivity. If you check the Holafly website, you’ll see they are a great option for heavy users who don’t want to track MB or GB while traveling in Germany. Note that their refund policy is strict if you activate the plan.

Coverage

Holafly uses the Vodafone network for excellent coverage all over Berlin and the rest of Germany.

Data Plans

They only offer unlimited data plans ranging from 3 to 30 days. You won’t face any speed throttling.

Activation Process

Buy the plan online. You’ll get a QR code in your email right away. Scan it to install the eSIM. Turn it on at the airport and enable Data Roaming.

Price

Plans start at $10.98. It’s a good value if you plan to use a massive amount of data on your trip.

Pricing Plans

Data Duration Price
Unlimited 3 Days $10.98
Unlimited 5 Days $18.98
Unlimited 7 Days $27.98
Unlimited 15 Days $47.98
Unlimited 30 Days $70.98

How Do I Know If My Phone Is Compatible?

Most modern smartphones released in the last few years support eSIM technology. To use one, you must unlock your phone from your home carrier. This includes iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. You won’t be able to use these plans on locked devices.

To be sure, check your device settings for an “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan” option, or consult our detailed compatibility guide below.

Check Compatibility List →

Can I Make Phone Calls with My eSIM?

Most travel eSIMs for Germany are data-only. You can still use standard VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram to get in touch with family, provided they have the same app and an internet connection. A new eSIM also allows you to bypass massive roaming charges.

A Smarter Way to Call with Yabb

While standard apps are great for chatting with friends, they often fail when you need to call a telephone number like a hotel, book a restaurant in Berlin, or contact a tour operator on a landline. Yabb solves this by allowing you to make high-quality voice calls to any mobile or landline number worldwide using your eSIM data. It works just like a regular phone call without the recipient needing an app, and it avoids the massive roaming fees charged by your home carrier.

  • Standard Apps: Use WhatsApp for free app-to-app calls or texts in Europe.
  • Yabb Advantage: Call real phone numbers (hotels/restaurants) that don’t have apps.
  • Zero Roaming: Avoid expensive per-minute voice charges from your home provider.
Learn More About Yabb Calling →

Can I Send Text Messages with My eSIM?

Need to send a quick text to a friend or confirm a booking? Yabb allows you to send and receive global SMS messages using your eSIM data.

Global Messaging

Unlike apps that require both parties to be online, Yabb lets you send real SMS texts to any mobile phone, ensuring your message gets through.

Key Features

  • Pay As You Go: Payment is easy—purchase credits only when needed.
  • Two-Way: Receive replies directly within the app.
  • Global Reach: Works across Germany and worldwide.
Learn More About Yabb SMS →

How to Activate an eSIM in Berlin

Getting online in Germany is straightforward. Follow these steps to activate the eSIM.

  1. Buy Online: Buy the plan from eSIM4 before your flight.
  2. Scan QR Code: You’ll receive a QR code via email. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan it.
  3. Connect: Upon arrival at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), turn on the eSIM line and enable “Data Roaming”. You will connect to the Vodafone network automatically.

Tips for using eSIMs in Berlin

To ensure a smooth experience while traveling across the city, here is everything you need to know about using your eSIM. You don’t need to provide a copy of your passport to get connected, unlike buying a physical German mobile SIM in a shop.

Check Device Compatibility

Before buying a plan, verify that your smartphone is eSIM compatible and carrier-unlocked. Most modern smartphones support this technology, but it is always best to check before you fly.

Install WhatsApp

Use WhatsApp. WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app in Germany. Install it before you arrive to communicate easily with local businesses, tour guides, and new friends.

Prioritize Wi-Fi for Heavy Tasks

While your new eSIM keeps you connected on the go, reserve bandwidth-heavy activities for hotel or café Wi-Fi. Streaming high-definition video or backing up photos to the cloud should be done over Wi-Fi to preserve your mobile data for navigation using Google Maps offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eSIM is best for Berlin?

eSIM4 is our top pick for Berlin. It gives you low prices, reliable Vodafone coverage, and responsive support. It’s the best way to buy an eSIM for your trip.

Do I need a physical SIM card in Germany?

No. A digital plan is cheaper and easier if your phone supports eSIMs. You skip the lines at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

Yes. Your WhatsApp keeps working with your original number. It uses the data from your Berlin eSIM to send messages.

Does eSIM4 work outside of Berlin?

Yes. eSIM4 uses the Vodafone network, which covers the entire country. You get a great signal in Munich, Frankfurt, and everywhere in between.

How fast is the internet speed?

You get fast 5G speeds in Berlin and other major cities. The network switches to a stable 4G LTE signal if you head out to more rural areas.

Can I get a local phone number?

Most travel eSIMs are data-only. Airalo and aloSIM offer local phone number options if you want to receive traditional calls and SMS texts.