4 ms·

> anonymous SIM cards Are anonymous SIM cards illegal in Germany? There are definitely some EU countries where you can buy a prepaid SIM card in a newspaper st

• hrktb 6y ago
  Interesting question. In France as far as I know they are not illegal, but almost completely disappeared from physical retail, and I had to identify myself to get a prepaid SIM card from one of the major operators (Orange). 10 years ago I'd just have bought it in a supermarket, no questions asked, and the line would be alive as long as it's credited. I wouldn't be surprised that pressure was put on operators to set barriers and make their clients jump through hoops if they try to buy anonymously.
• DominikPeters 6y ago
  Yes, they have been illegal in Germany since 2017. SIM cards now need to be registered by showing ID. http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tkg_2004/__111.html http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/tkg_2004/__111.html
• whatatita 6y ago
  In the UK (okay, not EU anymore but it was until recently) anonymous SIM cards are incredibly easy to come by. You can buy them in most corner shops, supermarkets, and petrol stations. Both big and small operators. If you buy a SIM card from an operator's store they might ask for ID but they didn't the last time I did this (a couple of years ago). When I last flew into the UK there were even prepaid SIM card vending machines, provided by the network operator, in the entrance/exit to the airport. COntrast that with Switzerland, where I had to provide my passport to buy a SIM card.
• Theizestooke 6y ago
  My country declared them illegal a couple years ago, so I went on Ebay and ordered one from the Netherlands. Slovenia is an option too, I think.