Why would I need an access # to make calls from my cell if I have purchased a SIM card? Why not just dial directly?

It looks like the current rate for an Xtra SIM Card is €19,95, which includes €10 of airtime (they offer the same starter SIM online only for €10 with the €10 airtime inclusion (essentially the SIM is free) - however, I don't know if they would ship this ouside of Germany (or if there is enough time before your trip). here's the website for your reference:

http://www.t-mobile.de/xtraclick/0,1...8369-_,00.html



And also, a link to an April 2008 price listing for Xtra (I don't know if the prices are current, but again, provided for your reference):

https://www.t-mobile.de/downloads/t-..._april2008.pdf

http://www.t-mobile.de/T-D1/cds/Shop...60,703,00.html

Thanks. I'm hoping I'll find something at FRA or maybe in the Dortmund area if I don't have time at FRA do get the SIM. Maybe T-Mobile has stores over there?

It's often cheaper.

For example, you can get a monthly ~15€ domestic German landline flatrate through blau.de, AldiTalk, Tchibo mobile, or some other carriers. Then you can just use a domestic access number and make calls worldwide paying just for the international leg. For example, I can call out to the US via a German access number via Voipstunt/Voipcheap and others offer 300 minutes/week of calling to the US for 3-4 months if you deposit 10€.

There's no shortage of cell phone stores and electronic stores in Dortmund. There are some near the train station--the best place to wander would be the pedestrian zone on Westenhellweg.

T-Mobile has an interesting plan on their prepaid cards called Xtra Nonstop Plus. You pay 1,49€/month from the card (can deactivate that after 1 month) and then 0,29€ each day you use it to make a landline/T-Mobile call and 0,29€ each day you send an SMS ("free" calls (2 hours) and SMS (up to 100) after that).

However, direct dialing the US from T-Mobile will cost 1,09€/minute. Hence, the previous suggestion for dial-arounds.

I'm leaving today so I'll take all of this down with me.

Guten morgen from Frankfurt Airport! I'm at the Zurich Insurance kiosk in Terminal 1 and I love it. Free internet on great computers. Nice guys too. I looked for SIM cards and all I seem to find are electronic stores who want a minimum of €40 for a SIM. Sorry, not happening. ;) I'll wait a bit.