If you are planning on going across seas or simply planning on visiting the Berlin area then you will probably like to have a way to communicate with your friends and family. Cell phones are available all over the world but they do differ in rates and companies depending on where you are. There is not a lot of information available when it comes to getting cell phones in Berlin so we’ve prepared some vital information that you may need to know before getting an international cell phone.
Getting a cell phone is a little more complicated in Berlin because they require special paper work for almost every type of purchase including cell phones. You need to make an appointment to get this paper work filled out before actually buying the cell phone. Once you have filled out the proper paper work, you can then go in to any electronic store just like you can in your home town and buy a cell phone. These cell phones are just like the ones you find at home; there are cheap and expensive cell phones and you having the option of buying SIM cards separately.
You should probably shop around for different call rates if you are planning on staying in Berlin for a while because just like anywhere, rates will vary between companies. There are four main Berlin cell phone providers; O2, Vodafone, Fonic and T-Mobile. These are not the only cell phone providers but they are the best known so they will usually offer the best prices. There is not one company that is truly better than another, it really just depends on where you will be calling and how often you intend on calling. Check up on every company’s different plans and you will eventually find the best company for your needs.
Normally you have to sign contracts which will last twenty four months. These cell phone contracts are just like in North America; you get a certain deal package and you pay your monthly bill. These contracts offer better prices than pay as you go cell phones but may not be worth it if you don’t expect to be in Berlin very long. Canceling these contracts can be difficult especially if you don’t speak German so make sure that you are made fully aware of the cancellation process before signing anything.
The final alternative is pay as you go cell phones. These are available in any electronic store and do not require special contracts. With these, you simply pay when you need to make calls. Getting a Berlin cell phone can be quite a hassle at first but is worth it if you plan on staying in Berlin for a long time.



