Mobile phones (called 'Handy' in German)
Since most Germans have a mobile phone, public pay-phones have become increasingly rare. The mobile phone network operators in Germany are T-Mobile, Vodafone and 罢别濒别蹿贸苍颈肠补. These operators have their own shops (T-Mobile is the mobile branch of Deutsche Telekom), where you can get further information. Additionally, you can look up rates and rate comparisons (also from discounters) . There are huge differences in prices, rates, services and monthly charges, but generally speaking you can distinguish between:
- Pre-Paid: no contract, no minimum contract period, no minimum monthly turnover
- Contracts: duration of mostly 2 years (cannot be cancelled ahead of time!), sometimes with minimum monthly turnover
Private landline
As calling costs via mobile phones may be expensive, you can consider having a landline installed if you plan on staying in Germany for a longer period of time. When moving into a new flat it is recommended to assume responsibility of the existing telephone line of the previous tenant, as you would have to pay a fee and might have to wait for a few weeks to have a new line installed.
Alternatively, you could set up your private landline using certain mobile network operators or TV/cable providers. Be sure to look into the existing possibilities in your area.