Getting an o2 mobile contract in Germany: What you need to know

Thinking about getting a mobile phone contract with o2 in Germany? Whether you are new to Germany, moving here from abroad or simply looking for a new mobile plan, there are a few things worth knowing before you sign up.

O₂ offers different mobile tariffs with varying amounts of mobile data. Calls and text messages are generally included, while the main difference between tariffs is often the amount of data available.

You can compare the current tariffs in the O₂ Online Shop and choose the plan that best matches your usage.

How can I get an O₂ contract?

There are several ways to sign up for an o2 mobile contract:

• Online: Browse the available tariffs on the O₂ website and order your preferred plan.
• By phone: Contact the O₂ hotline.
• Live chat: Get advice and complete your order through O₂'s online chat.
• O₂ Community: Ask other customers questions and exchange experiences.
• O₂ Shop: Visit a physical O₂ shop if you prefer personal advice and assistance.

For customers who are not familiar with the German mobile market, visiting an o2 store can be particularly useful if you have questions about the different tariffs or contracts.

Is a smartphone included in the mobile contract?

Not automatically.

In Germany, the mobile service and the smartphone purchase are generally two separate contracts.

You can therefore:

Buy a smartphone yourself and use an O₂ SIM card with it or take out an o2 My Handy financing contract for a smartphone in addition to your mobile service.

O₂ also occasionally offers hardware bundles combining a mobile tariff with a smartphone. Even in this case, however, the mobile service and the smartphone purchase remain two separate contracts.

This distinction is important: cancelling your mobile contract does not automatically cancel an outstanding smartphone financing contract.

What does "minimum contract term" mean?

Many O₂ mobile tariffs have a minimum contract term of 24 months.

During this minimum term, ordinary cancellation at the end of the current month is generally not possible. There can be exceptions in special circumstances, for example if you permanently leave Germany and the contractual requirements for an extraordinary termination are met.

After the minimum term has expired, the contract can generally be cancelled with the applicable notice period. For contracts subject to the rules described here, the contract continues on a monthly basis if you do not cancel.

Important: Always check the specific terms and conditions of your tariff. The exact minimum term and cancellation conditions can vary depending on the contract.

A useful tip for international customers

If you are moving to Germany, don't assume that leaving the country automatically cancels your contract. You should contact O₂ as soon as you know that you are leaving permanently and provide the required documentation.

How can I cancel my O₂ contract?

If you want to terminate your mobile contract, you can find the relevant information and cancellation options here:

o2 cancellation information

Make sure you check your individual contract for the applicable notice period and termination date.

Can I revoke a contract after signing it?

If you conclude an o2 contract online, by telephone or via chat, you generally have a 14-day statutory right of withdrawal under German distance-selling rules.

The period normally begins once the contract has been concluded and you have received the required information.

There is an important exception:

Contracts concluded directly in an o2 Store are generally not covered by the statutory distance-selling right of withdrawal.

So if you are unsure about a tariff, check the contract conditions before signing in a store.

What should international customers pay particular attention to?

If you are new to Germany, these points are especially useful:

Have your documents ready
When applying for a contract, o2 may require identification and other information for the contractual and credit-check process.

Payment details
A German bank account or an accepted payment method may be required depending on the product and ordering process.

Check the contract duration
A 24-month minimum term is quite common in German mobile contracts. Make sure you understand when the contract starts and when you can cancel.

Separate phone and tariff contracts
If you finance a smartphone through o2 My Handy, remember that this is a separate purchase/financing agreement.

Check roaming conditions
If you travel regularly outside Germany, take a look at the roaming conditions included in your particular tariff. EU roaming is regulated differently from roaming in countries outside the EU.

Still have questions?

Choosing a mobile tariff can be confusing, especially if you have recently moved to Germany and are not familiar with how German mobile contracts work.

If you're unsure which tariff, contract duration or smartphone option is right for you, feel free to ask the community. Other o2 customers can share their experiences and help you understand the differences between the available options.

What was the biggest surprise for you when getting a mobile phone contract in Germany? And for those coming from other countries: how does the German system compare with what you're used to?