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

Lucy · 04-09-2009, 19:13

Based on the information I got on this site, I got a Tchibo stick for internet and Fonic for a cell phone. Both were very good choices. The Tchibo, with a promotion, cost 60 euros and included a month on line. Normally 20 Euros a month. And I keep the stick for next time. The Fonic cost 10 euros and included 111 minutes. I didn't even use them all. Problem with Germany in general is that you can't pay for things on line with a credit card, including to top up minutes. Inconvenient.

Question: I was in Berlin with my boyfriend. We had to keep switching the Tchibo stick between his computer and mine. Is there a program or device that would allow us to share the stick and both get online at the same time?

Lucy

inquisitor · 04-09-2009, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucy

The Tchibo, with a promotion, cost 60 euros and included a month on line. Normally 20 Euros a month.

That free first month is not longer offered, just FIY.

Quote:

And I keep the stick for next time.

Actually you could use the stick in the US, if you have a data plan there. It supports 3G at 850 and 1900 MHz, so except for T-Mobile (who use 1700/2100 MHz) the stick is compatible with any UMTS-based 3G-network in the US (e.g. AT&T).
You would just need to unlock it, which simply requires a code to be entered. The codes are available for less than $6 from eBay sellers (e.g. "3g-fever").

Quote:

The Fonic cost 10 euros and included 111 minutes. I didn't even use them all. Problem with Germany in general is that you can't pay for things on line with a credit card, including to top up minutes. Inconvenient.

Top ups can be bought online and paid with credit card for both, Tchibo and Fonic, at Aufladen.de - So macht man das!. Further compared to the US recharge vouchers are available nearly everywhere and anytime, at least at gasstations and those vending machines.
In general you are right, credit cards are less accepted in Germany than in the US. In Germany we mostly pay with debit cards (Maestro) and direct debit, which is siginificantly cheaper in regards of processing fees and in the end it's us customers who pay for those.

Quote:

Question: I was in Berlin with my boyfriend. We had to keep switching the Tchibo stick between his computer and mine. Is there a program or device that would allow us to share the stick and both get online at the same time?

Yes, there are WiFi-routers with integrated 3G-modem and also WiFi-routers with a USB-jack, where you can plug in your existing stick and share the connection over WiFi. Both types of devices are not really cheap. Those WiFi-routers with integrated 3G modem, like the Novatel MiFi 2352 cost ~ $300, while those in which you would plug in your existing stick cost ~ € 100.
You will find a choice of devices at 3G/WiFi-routers - 3G modem wiki

@mods Could you please move this and Lucy's post to http://www.prepaidgsm.net/forum/euro...ny-merged.html ?

Lucy · **where to top up internet sticks and mobile phones. -** 05-09-2009, 04:16

Re: Top ups can be bought online and paid with credit card for both, Tchibo and Fonic, at Aufladen.de - So macht man das!.

Tchibo and Fonic are not on that site.

My boyfriend had a hard time finding a shop with a Fonic minutes card. He finally found and bought one for 20 Euros and discovered that it had granted him only 10 Euros of minutes.

	(#1)
Lucy (Offline) Member Official Member Posts: 30 Join Date: 28 Jun 2009 Country:	04-09-2009, 19:13 Based on the information I got on this site, I got a Tchibo stick for internet and Fonic for a cell phone. Both were very good choices. The Tchibo, with a promotion, cost 60 euros and included a month on line. Normally 20 Euros a month. And I keep the stick for next time. The Fonic cost 10 euros and included 111 minutes. I didn't even use them all. Problem with Germany in general is that you can't pay for things on line with a credit card, including to top up minutes. Inconvenient. Question: I was in Berlin with my boyfriend. We had to keep switching the Tchibo stick between his computer and mine. Is there a program or device that would allow us to share the stick and both get online at the same time? Lucy

	(#3)
Lucy (Offline) Member Official Member Posts: 30 Join Date: 28 Jun 2009 Country:	where to top up internet sticks and mobile phones. - 05-09-2009, 04:16 Re: Top ups can be bought online and paid with credit card for both, Tchibo and Fonic, at Aufladen.de - So macht man das!. Tchibo and Fonic are not on that site. My boyfriend had a hard time finding a shop with a Fonic minutes card. He finally found and bought one for 20 Euros and discovered that it had granted him only 10 Euros of minutes.