Using the Telephone

Public phones accept both coins and calling cards, but card-operated phones are becoming more common. Calling cards, as well as international calling cards, are for sale at the supermarket or the post office. Phone booths are well placed and easy to find.

Telephone lines for private homes and businesses are provided by either Telekom or special access providers. These companies are particularly popular for their international rates.

Cell phones are more popular in Germany than in the United States. Most people over the age of fourteen have cell phones, and often even younger children carry them. A current popular trend among young people is sending text messages called “SMS” via cell phones.