Cheap prepaid Internet for short stay in Germany? [merged]

[inquisitor]

That's because they lose the premium from the sale of their own vouchers, when people use the ones from O2.
For additional information see:
Germany - Tchibo - Prepaid Wireless Internet Access
Germany - Fonic - Prepaid Wireless Internet Access

[inquisitor]

WARNING!!! Fonic can not be topped up with O2 Loop vouchers anymore! Fonic SIMs must be topped up with official Fonic top ups.

[jamersdc]

Hello,

I bought a prepaid internet stick at $20 voucher at Tchibo, but when I plug it in the SIM can't activate on the network. I went to https://www.tchibo-mobil.de/registration to try and register online, but I'm just a frequent visitor and don't have a german bank account to use. How can I get this running?! They didn't ask me to fill out any forms at the store.

Help appreciated!

Thanks,

- James

[9eor9]

Originally Posted by jamersdc

Hello,

I bought a prepaid internet stick at $20 voucher at Tchibo, but when I plug it in the SIM can't activate on the network. I went to https://www.tchibo-mobil.de/registration to try and register online, but I'm just a frequent visitor and don't have a german bank account to use. How can I get this running?! They didn't ask me to fill out any forms at the store.

Help appreciated!

Thanks,

- James

Hi,
I've checked the original form which you usually have to fill in in a Tchibo-shop when buying your SIM: http://images.tchibo.de/eCS/Store/de...ular122006.pdf

They do not ask for a bank account there and you will not need one if you chose the prepaid option. I have it prepaid and was never asked for a bank account number.
BUT: It is possible to chose a postpaid "comfort" option with a little more support like my Tchibo or what else. Then you'll need your bank.

[SporkLover]

Is there anywhere online that I can purchase Fonic Pre-Paid vouchers? Silly as it may seem, I am having difficulty finding them at the local stores. When I ask for Fonic TOp up, I am usually handed a starter kit. To be fair there is a slight language barrier, which is my fault since I was totally unprepared for this trip from that aspect....

[inquisitor]

Fonic top up vouchers are sold at the following stores, however not online:
real (supermarket)
dm (drugstore)
Müller (drugstore)
Jet (gasstation)
The Phone House (telecommunications)
expert (electronics)
MediaMarkt (electronics)
Saturn (electronics)
ProMarkt (electronics)
KOMET (electronics)
Staples (office supplies)

Shop locations can be found at http://www.fonic.de/html/filialfinder.html

In German top up vouchers are simply refered to as "Guthaben", which means "credit". So just ask for "Guthaben für Fonic".

The only way of topping up online (through Fonic's website) requires a German bank account.

[SporkLover]

Inquisitor, thank you! Your tips helped me get exactly what I needed!

[Motel75]

Fonic seems to be adding other retailers. They have prominent ads and SIM sales in the Spiele Max toy stores (although not yet in Smyk stores, even though they own Spiele Max).

[siskiou]

So, I'm heading over to Germany again this summer and will also spend about two months in Britain.

What are the current best deals for prepaid internet flat rates and are there any companies that let you use the same sim in both countries for a reasonable rate?

I'm currently looking at unlocked surf sticks on ebay, but haven't bought one yet.

[inquisitor]

If you'll be using data for more than 8 days per month, Tchibo's monthly flatrate costing € 20 for 30 days is still the most competitive offer. Otherwise Fonic's daily flatrate (€ 2.50/day) with a price cap of € 25 per month is also an interesting option, especially since Fonic have very cheap international rates.
Details on both are available at Germany - Prepaid Wireless Internet Access

Since data roaming is still exorbitantly expensive, you'll need to pick a separate SIM for the UK.

Regarding 3G modems, you should go for one from Huawei, as from my experience they are the best and easiest to handle, especially when it comes to unlocking or debranding. What you should consider is, that only few sticks support the major European 3G band (2100 MHz) and AT&Ts 3G bands (850 & 1900 MHz). So if you want to use the device back in the Staates, your choice is limited to the Huawei E160 (available at some Tchibo stores, while others have already been restocked with the newer E1550, which unfortunately doesn't support American 3G bands like the E160G) or the E1762 sold in Germany as "Bild Mobil Speedstick" for € 50 (available only online), where the latter is much faster (7,2 MBit/s downstream vs. 3,6 MBit/s and 5,76 MBit/s upstream vs. 0,4 MBit/ts).