Three-quarters of the country can now be reached on their mobile phones. Finding a retail store to sign up for service and pick out a phone may be one of the easiest things you do in Germany – most train stations and airports have at least one. The top companies, including T-Mobile, E-Plus, Arcor, O2 and Vodafone have their own networks. All have equivalent coverage and similar pricing plans for prepaid and contract customers. Prepaid calls are more expensive and you have to purchase credit at tobacco stores, vending machines and even ATMs, usually in denominations of €5.

Prepaid plans charge about €0.79 a minute to call during business hours or €0.39 for an off-peak chat. Incoming calls are free and phones without any credit can still receive calls. Mobile phone companies also offer two- or three-year contracts and monthly fees begin at €10, but per-minute prices are significantly cheaper. Calling another mobile phone costs €0.59 during peak hours or €0.29 during the evening and at weekends. Flat-rate providers such as Base and Congstar now offer unlimited calling starting at €9.99 a month, but be careful to get a plan that includes all fixed and mobile phone networks. Sometimes you can still pick your own phone number, which remains with you even if you lose your phone or switch companies.