Mobile Phone Plans
for Au Pairs in Germany -
What You Should Know

Having a personal mobile phone with a suitable German mobile plan is one of the most important practical topics at the beginning of an Au Pair stay. Whether for navigation, communication with the host family, language courses, or regular contact with family back home – daily life becomes unnecessarily complicated without a reliable mobile connection.

In this article, you will find a clear and practical overview of mobile phone plans and SIM cards for Au Pairs in Germany. We explain which types of plans are suitable, what you should pay attention to, and which options have proven particularly practical from experience.

Handytarife für Au Pairs

Why a German Mobile Phone Plan Is Important for Au Pairs

Many Au Pairs initially arrive with a SIM card from their home country. While this may work for a short time, it is rarely a long-term solution. Roaming fees, limited data allowances, or unstable connections often lead to issues very quickly.

A German mobile phone plan offers several advantages:

  • reliable network coverage throughout Germany
  • affordable calls and mobile internet
  • smooth use of WhatsApp, navigation, and video calls
  • independent reachability of the Au Pair
  • clear and predictable monthly costs

In practice, we recommend arranging a suitable mobile plan within the first few days after arrival.

Which Type of Mobile Phone Plan Is Suitable for Au Pairs?

Not every mobile phone plan fits the specific situation of an Au Pair. Length of stay, the absence of a SCHUFA credit history, and limited contract duration all play an important role.

Prepaid SIM Cards

Suitable for: short-term use, first days after arrival

Advantages:

  • no contract commitment
  • immediately usable
  • full cost control

Disadvantages:

  • often more expensive with higher data usage
  • requires regular top-ups

Prepaid plans are useful as a temporary solution, but they are usually not the most convenient option long term.

SIM-Only Contracts (Without a Phone)

Suitable for: most Au Pairs

Advantages:

  • low monthly costs
  • sufficient data allowances
  • no device financing
  • often short or flexible contract terms

Disadvantages:

  • credit check possible (depends on the provider)

👉 Our clear recommendation:
A SIM-only contract without a phone is the best solution for most Au Pairs.

Phone Contracts Including a Device

Generally not recommended, as they usually involve:

  • long contract terms
  • high monthly costs
  • mandatory credit checks

Our Recommendations: Mobile Phone Plans for Au Pairs (Quick Overview)

Aldi’s basic prepaid tariff is straightforward and inexpensive. You can obtain the documents at any Aldi store. You can also activate the card directly at Aldi, where you can top up your credit at any time. With the basic tariff, you pay 11 cents per minute/SMS within Germany and other EU countries. Everything you need to know about the basic prepaid tariff can be found here: Basis Prepaid Tarif
Blau is a subsidiary of Telefonica and uses the E-Plus mobile network. Its prepaid products are inexpensive, and the rates always include a flat rate for calls to the German telephone network. Credit can be topped up at many drugstores, gas stations, and supermarkets. This makes Blau an attractive option for anyone who needs flexibility when topping up their credit. You can find an overview of the various prepaid rates here: Tarifuebersicht-prepaid
Freenetmobile uses the Vodafone network, which, like Deutsche Telekom, guarantees excellent network coverage. Here, too, there are tariffs that can be canceled on a monthly basis. However, Freenetmobile does not offer prepaid tariffs. The cell phone contracts are very affordable, though, making this a good alternative if au pairs can manage their pocket money responsibly. The plans include data flat rates, free minutes, and text messages, so you get a lot of service for little money. Find out everything about Freenetmobile plans here:  AllNet Flat

Vodafone is still one of the largest providers in Germany with good network coverage. Vodafone also offers a prepaid tariff called “CallYa” that is comparable to Congstar.

Find out everything about CallYa plans here:  Vodafone CallYa

Cell phone contracts and prepaid cards are available in Vodafone stores. Prepaid cards can be topped up using credit cards, which are available in drugstores and supermarkets, as well as in Vodafone stores, of course.

What You Should Consider When Choosing a Mobile Phone Plan

Regardless of the provider, we recommend paying attention to the following points:

  • Contract duration: ideally monthly cancellable
  • Data allowance: at least 5–10 GB per month
  • Network coverage: especially important in rural areas
  • Cancellation terms: clear and transparent
  • Payments: proactive top-ups or monthly debits should be clear

A transparent plan helps avoid misunderstandings between the host family and the Au Pair.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Phone Plans for Au Pairs

  1. Does an Au Pair need a SCHUFA credit check?
    Not for prepaid plans. For SIM-only contracts, this depends on the provider – many now waive traditional credit checks.
  2. Who should sign the contract – the host family or the Au Pair?
    The contract must be in the name of the Au Pair. In many cases, host families support the Au Pair with the application process.
  3. What happens if the Au Pair changes host families?
    Since the SIM-card is the Au Pairs name the Au Pair usually keeps the card, ensuring the change of address in the associated contract after the move. 
  4. How quickly can a mobile plan be activated?
    Prepaid SIM cards are often usable immediately, while contract SIMs typically take a few days.

Conclusion: A Small Step With a Big Impact

A suitable mobile phone plan ensures security, independence, and smooth daily communication for Au Pairs. In most cases, a flexible SIM-only contract without long-term commitment is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Once you have chosen a provider, it is helpful to review the plan together and agree clearly on how costs will be handled.

  • The cell phone number/cell phone card MUST be in the au pair's name.
  • As a host family, you do not have to cover cell phone costs.
  • Look for a plan with unlimited calling so that your au pair can reach you even when their data allowance has been used up.
  • Help your au pair organize their cell phone card! You cannot assume that they will be able to do this themselves.
  • Ensure that your au pair uses the Wi-Fi at home so that the data allowance is not used up immediately.