How to Use a Cell Phone in Germany

Whether you're racing along the German autobahn or the beautiful Black Forest countryside, you should ensure that you can use your cell phone in an emergency. Just follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Plug adaptor
• List of important phone numbers
• Transformer

Instructions

1. Purchase the correct plug adaptor from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Germany. Germany uses plug types "C" and "F."

2. Charge your phone with a transformer that can handle 230 volts, which is the voltage used in Germany. Your cell phone likely will fry if you do not use the correct transformer.

3. Call your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Germany. Ask for an upgrade to international roaming.

4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Germany.

5. Learn how to dial locally within Germany. Unless your cell phone has the same area code as the number you are calling, dial "0," the area code and the phone number.

6. Learn how to call the United States from Germany. First dial "00" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Germany). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that with the area code and phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Charge your cell phone each night.