Germany Guide: Telephone & Internet
For most people arriving in a new country, keeping connected with a phone or mobile is a high priority. Be careful about using roaming with your foreign mobile - it can get very expensive quickly! Our guide is packed with information on telecom providers, tariffs and tips on saving money on international calls.-
Introduction The German Telecommunication market
The German state monopoly, Deutsche Telekom dominated the German telecom market until 1998, with high prices and sometimes slow service. Since then it has been gradually privatized and the market deregulated to allow competitors to enter and control interconnection charges. more » -
Calling How to make a phone call in Germany
Calling from Germany is pretty much the same as any other country. Almost all foreign countries can be direct-dialed. For exceptions to this you have to ring the exchange at 0010 and ask to be connected. more » -
Call-by-call The easy way of saving money on your phone calls
When making long-distance calls (more than 50 kms away), you can save money by using a call-by-call service. This system allows you to use an alternate provider through a Deutsche Telekom fixed line. more » -
Getting a phone line How to get a fixed line at home
Getting a phone line installed is a straightforward process. The easiest way is to complete an application form in a Deutsche Telekom shop ("T-Punkt"). more » -
Public phones Phone booths and phone cards
Due to the increase in mobile penetration, public phones are less common that they used to be. They can be found in post offices, railway stations, airport stations and urban pedestrian areas. more » -
Information Phone books, enquiries and important numbers
Local phone books, white pages ( Telefonbuch) and yellow pages ( Gelbe Seiten) are available free of charge from Deutsche Telekom. more » -
Mobile phones Mobile operators and networks
Mobile phones in Germany are usually called Handys. Mobile phone use is high, although not quite as in Finland or Italy. Germans love their mobiles and use them frequently. more » -
Mobile rates How to decide on a calling plan
Unless you have a doctorate in nuclear physics, understanding the pricing plans of the various providers can be a challenge. Most pricing plans are complex and built to confuse, but the following points should help in making your decision: more » -
Calling cards How to save money on international calls
International calls home can be really expensive. One of the cheapest ways to keep in touch with your family and friends is to use an international prepaid calling card. more » -
Choosing Choosing a prepaid calling card
Working out which prepaid international calling card to buy is difficult. There are many cards available; tariffs and conditions are really complicated. more » -
How to use Using an international phonecard
Using prepaid calling cards is straightforward once you understand how they work. All you need is the right access number to dial and a PIN number. more » -
Internet access How to get your internet connection at home
There is a wide range of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in the German market. It's certain that during your stay you will receive a lot of advertising and promotional CDs from them! All universities and most schools have access to the Internet. more » -
Internet cafés Where to get a access in public
If you have computer access at home or work, there are Internet cafés in many city centers. Some shops and calling centers now provide Internet access to their customers. more »