Key takeaways
Germany has fast 5G in its major cities and solid 4G coverage along most rail lines and motorways, but coverage can be patchy on rural routes and inside some U-Bahn tunnels. The easiest way to stay connected is a Roamix Germany eSIM, which activates on arrival and keeps your Deutsche Bahn bookings, Google Maps and live transit apps working from the moment you land at Frankfurt or Berlin. Budget 5 to 10 GB for a two week trip.
- Telekom has the widest national coverage and the fastest 5G in Germany.
- A Roamix eSIM activates on arrival so you skip SIM counters and carrier roaming charges.
- Germany is more cash reliant than most Western European countries, so always carry euros.
- Germany is in the Schengen Area, so most Western passport holders enter visa free for up to 90 days.
- Budget 5 to 10 GB for a two week trip, more if you work remotely or travel extensively by rail.
Best way to get data in Germany
For nearly everyone visiting Germany, a Roamix eSIM is the simplest and cheapest way to stay online, with local network speed and no surprise roaming charges.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Instant activation, local network speeds, no roaming bill and nothing physical to collect. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Long stays needing a local number | Available at airports and electronics stores, but requires ID registration and swapping your home SIM. |
| Pocket wifi | Best for: Groups sharing one connection | Another device to charge and manage, with rental fees. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short trips with no setup time | The most expensive option, particularly for non EU visitors. |
Free wifi has historically been less common in German cafes than elsewhere in Europe, though this is improving in major cities. Hotels and hostels generally provide it. Mobile data is more reliable for navigation and transit apps.
How much data you need
Germany trips rely on the DB Navigator app for train bookings, local transit apps for city travel and Google Maps for navigation. Add the fact that Germany is still cash reliant, meaning you will use your eSIM to find ATMs more often than in neighbouring countries.
3 to 5 GB
Long weekend in Berlin or Munich
Transit apps, social media, bookings and photo sharing over a city break.
8 to 12 GB
Two week tour covering multiple cities
DB Navigator bookings, heavy navigation while driving rural routes and regular social sharing.
20 GB or more
Remote work or extended stay
Video calls, laptop tethering and cloud uploads across several weeks.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 100 to 150 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download offline maps of Bavaria and the Black Forest before driving, as live navigation uses steady data on long rural routes where signal can be inconsistent.
How to set up a Germany eSIM
A Roamix Germany eSIM is best installed over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you connect to a German network on arrival, so you are online before you reach the S-Bahn platform.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix Germany eSIM page before you travel.
- 2
Install the eSIM over wifi by scanning the QR code.
- 3
Keep your home SIM for calls and set Roamix as your data line.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in Germany and the eSIM connects automatically to a local network.
Works on eSIM capable phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S models. The phone must be carrier unlocked.
The correct APN is configured automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is off for the Roamix line or the network needs manual selection. Restart the phone after checking both.
Visa and entry for Germany
Germany is a Schengen Area member. Most Western passport holders enter visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric registration launched in October 2025 and now applies at German international borders.
- eVisa or ETA
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for visa exempt visitors is expected to launch in late 2026. Until then, eligible visitors enter with only the EES biometric check.
- Passport validity
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds may be requested at immigration.
Keep digital copies of your passport and booking confirmations accessible offline, and use your Roamix eSIM to present documents at the border if requested.
Entry rules change. Always confirm current requirements with the German consulate or official Schengen sources before travel.
When you land in Germany
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app in Germany, used for family groups, business and casual conversation. Signal and Threema also have a notable user base due to German privacy consciousness.
Do you need a local number?
You generally do not need a local German number as a tourist. A Roamix data line covers WhatsApp and app based calling for most situations.
Keep your home SIM active for SMS two factor authentication while using the Roamix eSIM for data, as some German booking and banking systems send verification codes by text.
Airports in Germany
FRA
Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt
Free wifi available across both terminals (T1 and T2). Speeds are good in landside areas; slower airside.
FRA is Europe's third busiest airport and Germany's primary international hub. The Frankfurt long distance rail station is directly under Terminal 1, with ICE services to Munich (3h10), Berlin (4h), Cologne (1h) and Hamburg (3h30). Pull up Deutsche Bahn Navigator on Roamix data before you leave the terminal to book your onward ICE seat.
MUC
Munich Airport
Munich
Free wifi across both terminal areas (T1 and T2). Coverage is reliable throughout the international terminal.
MUC is the gateway to Bavaria, the Alps and Austria. The S-Bahn S1 and S8 lines connect MUC to Munich Hauptbahnhof in 40 minutes. With Roamix data, pull up the MVV Munich public transit app to plan your onward journey before the S-Bahn doors close.
BER
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Berlin
Free wifi in the main terminal. Coverage is consistent across check-in and arrivals halls.
BER connects to Berlin Sudkreuz and Hauptbahnhof via the Airport Express (FEX) in 30 minutes. The S9 S-Bahn is the cheaper option. With Roamix data active, check live BVG transit schedules and book your first Berlin restaurant reservation on TheFork while you wait for your luggage.
DUS
Dusseldorf Airport
Dusseldorf
Free wifi throughout the terminal. Speeds are consistent for basic connectivity.
DUS is the gateway to the Rhine-Ruhr region including Cologne (25 min by S-Bahn), Bonn and the Rhine Valley wine country. The SkyTrain automated people mover connects the airport to Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof in 8 minutes. Roamix Telekom 5G activates immediately on landing.
Apps and internet access in Germany
Germany has an open internet, so all common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM.
There is no general censorship of social media, messaging or search in Germany. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
WhatsApp, works
Widely used across Germany for messaging and calls.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions, essential for navigation.
Social media, works
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X all work.
Getting around Germany
Germany has one of Europe's most extensive rail networks, well developed U-Bahn and S-Bahn systems in its major cities, and a car friendly Autobahn network for road trips. A connected phone is essential for Deutsche Bahn bookings, transit apps and Autobahn navigation.
Deutsche Bahn intercity trains
ICE high speed trains connect Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne. Book on the DB Navigator app for best prices, and keep your eSIM active for live departure boards.
U-Bahn and S-Bahn urban transit
Berlin and Munich have excellent underground and overground rail networks. Use the BVG (Berlin) or MVV (Munich) apps for tickets and live routing.
Rideshare and taxis
Uber, Bolt and Free Now operate in major German cities, all requiring an active data connection to book and track rides.
Autobahn road trips
Germany's motorway network is well covered by 4G. Use live navigation and keep your eSIM active for rest stop information and route diversions.
Validate your train and U-Bahn tickets before boarding, as spot checks are frequent and fines are significant. Use the DB Navigator app for ICE trains and city transit apps for local networks.
Money and payments in Germany
Germany uses the euro but is notably more cash reliant than neighbouring France or the Netherlands. Many traditional restaurants, market stalls and small shops are cash only.
- Cards and cash
- Always carry at least 50 to 100 euros in cash. Cards are increasingly accepted in supermarkets and chain restaurants, but a significant number of traditional venues and Oktoberfest beer tents still prefer cash.
- ATMs
- ATMs (called Geldautomat) are plentiful in cities and towns. Choose to be charged in euros to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
- Payment apps
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at most modern terminals, but cannot replace cash for traditional German establishments. A connected Roamix eSIM keeps your banking apps working.
- Tipping
- Tipping 10 percent in restaurants is customary if service is not included. Round up the total and tell the server directly, as leaving cash on the table at the end is less common.
Daily budget
Budget travellers spend around 60 to 90 EUR a day, mid range 100 to 200 EUR, with Munich and Frankfurt at the higher end.
Local tips for Germany
- Language
- German is the official language and English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, though less so in rural eastern Germany. A basic German phrase book earns respect from locals.
- Food
- German food is deeply regional. Bavaria excels at pretzels, white sausage and roast pork. Berlin offers currywurst, falafel and a world class dining scene. Book popular restaurants on OpenTable or via the restaurant website.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type C/F plugs
Apps worth having
DB Navigator
transit
Book, manage and store digital tickets for all Deutsche Bahn trains, with live departure boards and platform information.
BVG Fahrinfo
transit
The official app for Berlin U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus, with real time routing and ticket purchase.
Free Now
rideshare
Book licensed taxis and rideshare in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and other major German cities.
Safety and health in Germany
Germany is one of the safest countries in Europe for travellers, with low crime rates and excellent emergency services. The main risks are petty theft in busy tourist areas and train stations.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to receive live transport alerts, navigate safely in unfamiliar areas and reach emergency services.
- Health
- Healthcare is excellent. EU residents use their European Health Insurance Card. Non EU visitors should carry comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are plentiful and provide good over the counter advice.
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe and excellent quality throughout Germany.
Networks and coverage in Germany
Germany has fast, modern mobile networks in its cities and along major transport corridors, with Telekom leading on both national coverage and 5G speed. A Roamix Germany eSIM connects to the strongest available local network the moment you land, giving you reliable data in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt without SIM counter queues or carrier roaming fees.
Telekom
The widest national reach and strongest 5G speeds, particularly reliable in rural eastern Germany, the Bavarian Alps and along Deutsche Bahn intercity routes.
Vodafone Germany
Strong urban speeds and dense coverage in western Germany and along the Rhine corridor.
O2 Germany
Good overall coverage experience and competitive 5G in cities, with a broad national footprint.
- Typical speeds
- Expect 50 to 250 Mbps on urban 5G and 20 to 60 Mbps on regional 4G.
- 5G
- 5G is live across Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Stuttgart.
If your trip includes rural Bavaria or eastern Germany, choose a Roamix plan on the Telekom footprint for the most reliable regional reach.
Coverage can be patchy in the Bavarian Forest, the Eifel mountains and on some rural routes in eastern Germany. U-Bahn tunnels in Berlin and Munich have limited 4G coverage. Download offline maps before driving in remote areas. German networks use widely supported LTE and 5G bands compatible with most modern unlocked phones, so a Roamix eSIM works on virtually any recent device.
Where to go in Germany
Germany rewards travellers with a vast range of experiences, from the edgy culture of Berlin and the baroque grandeur of Munich to the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest and the fairy tale castles of Bavaria. A connected phone is essential for Deutsche Bahn bookings, live transit apps and navigating between destinations.
Best time to visit
May to September offers the best weather for sightseeing. Oktoberfest draws massive crowds to Munich in late September and early October. Christmas markets from late November are a highlight across every German city.
Berlin and Brandenburg
Germany's reunified capital is one of Europe's most culturally alive cities, with the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall Memorial at Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer, the world class museums of Museum Island, the East Side Gallery, and Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam. Kreuzberg's street food scene and Berlin's nightlife are unmatched in Europe.
- Brandenburg Gate
- Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
- East Side Gallery
- Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer)
- Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam
Dense Telekom 5G across all of central Berlin including Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg. U-Bahn and S-Bahn tunnels maintain Telekom 4G in most sections. Potsdam and the Spreewald are well covered.
Bavaria and Munich
Germany's most visited state combines the world's most famous beer festival, the fairy tale castles of Ludwig II, the Bavarian Alps and Munich's world class art museums. The Marienplatz, the English Garden (Englischer Garten), Neuschwanstein, Berchtesgaden and Rothenburg ob der Tauber are all within a half day drive.
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Marienplatz and Frauenkirche
- English Garden (Englischer Garten)
- Oktoberfest grounds (Theresienwiese)
- Berchtesgaden and Konigsee
Excellent Telekom 5G across Munich's city centre, the English Garden and the Oktoberfest grounds at Theresienwiese. Strong 4G to 5G along the Romantic Road south of Augsburg. Signal weakens in deep Alpine valleys above Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Rhine Valley and North Rhine-Westphalia
The Rhine Gorge between Rudesheim and Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of medieval castles, steep vineyards and the Loreley rock. Cologne's Gothic Cathedral (Kolner Dom), Dusseldorf's art scene, Marksburg Castle in Braubach and Beethoven-Haus in Bonn anchor the most densely populated state in Germany.
- Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom)
- Dusseldorf Altstadt
- Loreley Rock viewpoint
- Marksburg Castle, Braubach
- Beethoven-Haus, Bonn
Excellent Telekom 5G in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Bonn. Rhine cruise boats maintain strong 4G along the Mittelrhein. Loreley viewpoints and castle ruins on steep slopes can have variable signal.
Hamburg and the North Sea Coast
Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and its gateway to the world: the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district (UNESCO), the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Miniatur Wunderland and the Reeperbahn. The North Sea coast leads to Sylt island, the Frisian Islands and the Wattenmeer tidal flats.
- Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District
- Elbphilharmonie
- Miniatur Wunderland
- Sylt island beaches
- Wattenmeer National Park tidal flats
Excellent Telekom 5G throughout Hamburg's city core and harbour. Strong 4G to 5G along the A1 north to Lubeck and Flensburg. Sylt island and Wattenmeer ferry crossings maintain Telekom 4G; remote tidal flat walks can drop signal.
Black Forest and Baden-Wurttemberg
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is Germany's most famous hiking and spa landscape: the resort towns of Baden-Baden and Freiburg, the deep Hollental gorge, the Triberg Waterfalls (Triberger Wasserfalle), Heidelberg Castle and Old Town, and the Feldberg summit which is the highest point in the Black Forest at 1,493 m.
- Baden-Baden spa district
- Heidelberg Castle and Old Town
- Freiburg Munster and Rathausplatz
- Triberg Waterfalls (Triberger Wasserfalle)
- Feldberg summit (highest point in the Black Forest)
Excellent Telekom 5G in Stuttgart, Heidelberg and Freiburg. Strong 4G along the B31 Black Forest highway. Deep gorge valleys like the Hollental and remote high plateau forest tracks can drop to 2G or no signal. Baden-Baden spa town is fully covered.
Off the beaten path
The only Alpine national park in Germany, famous for the emerald Konigssee lake, the Kehlsteinhaus and dramatic Watzmann peak.
Signal: Decent 4G in Berchtesgaden town and at the Konigssee ferry pier, but signal drops quickly on alpine trails above the lake.
A 460 km scenic driving route through medieval walled towns, Baroque churches and fairytale landscapes ending at Neuschwanstein Castle.
Signal: Good 4G in towns along the route like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Fussen, but some stretches of farmland between villages have weaker signal.
The most perfectly preserved medieval walled town in Germany, with half-timbered houses, round towers, a Christmas museum and the famous Schneeball pastry. The Night Watchman's tour at 8pm is one of Germany's most entertaining guided experiences.
Signal: Telekom 4G to 5G throughout the historic walled town centre and the main Plonlein square. The town walls walkway is fully covered. Surrounding Romantic Road vineyards and countryside roads are 4G on Telekom.
The Moselle carves one of Europe's most theatrical river valleys, with 60-degree slate-soil vineyard terraces producing Germany's most elegant Rieslings. Cochem's hilltop Reichsburg castle, the twin-town of Bernkastel-Kues and the Roman wine city of Trier are each worth a full day.
Signal: Telekom 4G to 5G in Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach. Vineyard terrace paths above the river have intermittent coverage. River cruise boats maintain Telekom 4G along most of the Moselle.
Germany's lowest mountain range punches above its height: dense primeval beech forests, the witch-lore Brocken summit immortalised by Goethe in Faust and the Harzer Schmalspurbahn narrow-gauge steam railway that puffs to the top. The Walpurgis Night festival on April 30 transforms Wernigerode.
Signal: Telekom 4G at Wernigerode and Bad Harzburg. The Brocken mountain summit (1,141 m) has Telekom 4G at the summit station. Forest trails on the descent can drop signal on non-Telekom networks.
Germany's largest island, famous for the Konigsstuhl chalk cliffs rising 118 metres above the Baltic Sea, the ornate spa architecture of Binz and some of Germany's least crowded white sand beaches.
Signal: Telekom 4G to 5G in Bergen auf Rugen and Binz resort. The iconic white chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park (Konigsstuhl) have Telekom 4G at the visitor centre. Remote beach sections on the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula can have gaps.
Bamberg is the best-preserved medieval city in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety: the Romanesque Imperial Cathedral, the Rococo Neue Residenz, the fishermen's Little Venice district and nine independent breweries producing smoked Rauchbier that has no equivalent anywhere else in the world.
Signal: Excellent Telekom 4G to 5G throughout Bamberg's entire old town, including the Cathedral Hill (Domplatz), the Little Venice fishermen's houses along the Regnitz and the historic Rathaus on its own island.
The Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea) is the world's largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mudflats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Guided mudflat walks (Wattenwanderung) to the offshore Hallig islands at low tide are one of Germany's most unique natural experiences.
Signal: Telekom 4G at St Peter-Ording and Husum coastal towns. Signal on mudflat walks during low tide drops gradually as you move further from shore. The Hallig islands accessible only by ferry have very limited coverage.
Germany's sunniest city and the gateway to the southern Black Forest. The Gothic Freiburger Munster has been called the most beautiful tower in Christendom. The Bachle (water channels running through the streets since the 12th century) are a unique feature. The Schlossberg cable car gives views over Alsace and the Rhine.
Signal: Excellent Telekom 5G throughout Freiburg's old town, the Munsterplatz and the Schlossberg hill above the city. Tram network tunnels maintain Telekom 4G.
Cologne's Cathedral (Kolner Dom) took 632 years to complete and is Germany's most visited landmark. The city's deeper identity is its Rhineland Karneval: Weiberfastnacht is the largest street party in northern Europe, followed by the Rosenmontag procession with floats attended by 1.5 million people.
Signal: Excellent Telekom 5G throughout Cologne's city centre, the Altstadt, around the Cathedral and along the Rhine embankment. Network congestion during Weiberfastnacht (Carnival Thursday) and Rosenmontag procession day is real but manageable on Telekom.
Events and seasons in Germany
February
Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival)
Berlin (Berlinale Palast, Zoo Palast, multiple venues)
One of the world's three major film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice. The Berlinale awards the Golden and Silver Bears. Public ticket sales for over 400 films make it one of the world's most accessible major film festivals, drawing 300,000 attendees.
February (Weiberfastnacht Thursday through Ash Wednesday)
Cologne Karneval (Weiberfastnacht and Rosenmontag)
Cologne (Altstadt, Zulpicher Viertel)
Rhineland Karneval is Germany's answer to Mardi Gras. Cologne's version is the most famous: Weiberfastnacht (Dirty Thursday) starts the street celebrations, culminating in the Rosenmontag procession on the Monday before Ash Wednesday where 1.5 million spectators line the route for floats that throw Kamelle (sweets and trinkets).
Multiple dates May to September, main event first Saturday of September
Rhine in Flames (Rhein in Flammen)
Rhine River between Spay and Koblenz
A series of fireworks festivals along the Rhine, where the river banks are illuminated and fireworks are launched from hilltop castles. The September event between Spay and Koblenz is the largest, with thousands of spectators on river cruise boats and riverbanks.
June (Whit Sunday weekend)
Karneval der Kulturen
Kreuzberg, Berlin
Berlin's multicultural street festival and parade, one of the largest in Germany. The Karneval der Kulturen draws 1.5 million spectators to the Gneisenaustrasse and Hasenheide parade route, celebrating the city's 185-plus nationalities with music, dance and food stalls from around the world.
Late June to late August
Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
Across Schleswig-Holstein (Holstein castles, barns and concert halls)
One of Germany's most creative classical music festivals, holding concerts in unconventional venues across Schleswig-Holstein including Holstein noble manor houses, medieval barns and North Sea island beaches. Over 100 concerts attract 150,000 attendees each summer.
Late July
CSD Berlin (Berlin Pride)
Berlin city centre (Kudamm parade route)
One of Europe's largest Pride events, drawing approximately 250,000 participants and 500,000 spectators. The main parade runs from the Kurfurstendamm through the Tiergarten to the Brandenburg Gate. Berlin's CSD is also one of the most politically engaged Pride events in Europe.
Late September to early October
Oktoberfest
Theresienwiese, Munich
The world's largest folk festival, drawing 6 million visitors over 16 days to 14 large beer tents and 21 smaller tents on the Theresienwiese grounds. The festival opens when Munich's Lord Mayor taps the first keg with the traditional 'O'zapft is!' announcement. Traditional Bavarian costume (Lederhosen, Dirndl) is worn by the majority of attendees.
Late November to December 24
Berlin Christmas Markets
Berlin, multiple markets citywide
Berlin's legendary Christmas markets transform the city from late November, with the most famous at Gendarmenmarkt, Charlottenburg Palace and the Spandau Citadel.
Late November to December 24
Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt)
Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg
Germany's most famous Christmas market, held in the Hauptmarkt square in front of the Frauenkirche since 1628. The Christkind opens the market from the church gallery. Over 2 million visitors attend the 180-stall market for Nurnberger Bratwurst, Lebkuchen and hand-crafted Christmas decorations.
Late November to December 24
Christmas Market in Dresden (Striezelmarkt)
Altmarkt, Dresden
Germany's oldest Christmas market, running since 1434. Dresden's Striezelmarkt takes its name from the Striezel (original name for Stollen, the region's iconic dried fruit cake). The market is set against the backdrop of the rebuilt Frauenkirche and the Baroque skyline of the rebuilt Dresden city centre.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May brings milder weather, beer garden openings and the start of hiking season in the Alps.
- Summer
- June to August is warm and busy, with festivals, outdoor beer gardens and long daylight hours across the country.
- Fall
- September to November brings Oktoberfest, harvest festivals and spectacular autumn foliage in the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps.
- Winter
- December to February is cold with heavy snowfall in Bavaria. Christmas markets from late November are a major draw.
Working remotely from Germany
Germany is a strong remote work destination in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, with fast internet, a growing coworking sector and a high quality of life, though bureaucracy and German language requirements can complicate longer stays.
- Connection
- Urban 5G easily supports video calls and tethering. A Roamix plan of 20 GB or more covers a working week of calls and uploads.
Berlin's coworking scene is among Europe's best. Use your eSIM as a secure backup on public wifi for sensitive work and keep it active for DB Navigator when commuting between cities.
