Telephone Overview

Deutsche Telekom - Germany's one time state controlled telephone monopoly - has been privatised and forced to swim alongside other phone companies in the race for the consumer signature. Call costs have in turn come down and the range of services on offer make the German market very user friendly.

Be prepared to buy phone cards if you anticipate using phone booths, as many now do not take coins. Cards can be purchased in post offices, TKS Shops, Telefonladens and various newsstands and stationery stores.

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Mobile Phone Overview

The GSM 900/1800 system is the network standard for Germany; it is not compatible with North American or Japanese systems, with a few exceptions. The NMT system, which runs at 450Mhz can still be found in some areas of Germany. GSM coverage is comprehensive, with all major carriers, and a daunting array of choices are available when it comes to hand-sets, long and short term contracts and pre-paid cards.

Driving while using a mobile phone without a 'hands-free' kit is against the law in Germany.