Telephone, Internet and Post
Nowadays, internet access and mobile phones are essential for students to communicate, research and complete their assignments. Due to the numerous tariffs and offers, it is important to be well informed and to choose carefully.
Two different telephone services
1. Mobile phones
There are two main options for cell phone users: contract or prepaid cards. With a contract, you are usually tied in for a specific period of time. It is important to pay attention to the minimum term and to check the contract terms carefully. The monthly costs consist of a basic fee, which often includes a current smartphone at a reasonable price and allows a new device when the contract is extended.
Prepaid cards offer a flexible alternative without a contract. You can purchase a prepaid card with or without a cell phone and receive credit that you can use to make calls, send text messages and surf the Internet. Once the credit is used up, it can be easily topped up via the Internet, by phone or in shops such as supermarkets, drugstores and kiosks. For people who make a lot of calls and are active Internet users, a flat rate can make sense, as they pay a fixed monthly amount that is usually cheaper than the total individual fees. Online tariff comparison portals help you find the best deal. The student union also offers advice, and it is worth asking other international students who often make calls abroad.
2. Landlines
If you don't just want to make calls with your smartphone, you can also set up a landline connection for your home. There are numerous telephone providers with different tariffs and offers. DSL connections usually include internet and a flat rate, although international calls are often not included. However, there are special tariffs for international calls. Various comparison sites on the Internet will help you find the best offers and fees.
Internet
In Germany, laptops or netbooks are often connected to the Internet via cable or WiFi. If you don't have your own connection, you can order one to use mobile communications. This usually requires a landline connection. The cheapest options can be found on online comparison portals. There are various ways to use mobile Internet, for example with SIM cards or surf sticks, with or without a contract.
Even without your own Internet connection, you can easily study in Germany. There are numerous workstations at universities, for example in libraries, that are equipped with computers for general use. These can also be used for Internet access. Many universities also offer campus-wide WiFi. Students receive the necessary access data when they enroll. There are also many Internet cafes on German campuses where you can surf cheaply.
Postal Services
In Germany, you can send letters and packages worldwide via Deutsche Post and DHL. You can drop off your packages at one of the many branches, which can be recognized by the black post horn on a yellow background. Smaller, stamped shipments can be dropped off in the yellow mailboxes that are set up in towns and communities. The collection times are indicated on the mailboxes. You can also pick up and drop off packages at Packstations.
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You can find out the costs for sending letters or packages internationally in the branches or online. These depend on the size, weight and destination country. Within Germany, letters up to 20 grams cost 85 cents and postcards 70 cents. The prices for larger shipments vary depending on the weight and destination. You can buy stamps in branches, at vending machines or on the Deutsche Post website. Information on the delivery time for letters or packages to your home country can be found in the Deutsche Post country information. You can receive and collect packages at the Packstations, which is particularly practical if you are not at home when the delivery is made. You also have the option of dropping off your own packages for shipping there.
