6 Essential Oktoberfest Travel Tips

So, you’re off to Oktoberfest? Lucky you! Munich in late September is buzzing, and nothing really compares to the atmosphere of six million people coming together for beer, music, and Bavarian tradition. But here’s the thing: Oktoberfest can be overwhelming if you don’t go in with a bit of a game plan. Think of this as your insider’s guide - the little tips you’ll be glad someone told you before you land in Munich for Oktoberfest.

Sure, you can show up in jeans and a t-shirt, but trust me you’ll feel left out when everyone else is clinking steins in traditional dress. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but renting or buying a dirndl or lederhosen makes you feel part of the festival. And yes, the locals love it when visitors join in the tradition.

This isn’t the kind of trip where you can “wing it.” Hotels and Airbnbs book up months in advance, and the closer you are to the Wiesn (the festival grounds), the pricier it gets. If you haven’t nailed down a room yet, cast your net wider as Munich’s trains are clean, reliable, and can get you in and out of the city centre easily.

Here’s a pro tip: you don’t just stroll into a tent at 7pm and expect a table. The big tents are heaving by then, and unless you’ve reserved (good luck with that!), you’ll need to turn up early. Get there in the afternoon, settle in, and before you know it you’ll be arm in arm with new friends, singing along to Bavarian oompah bands. Remember: no seat = no beer.

Yes, Munich is modern. Yes, you can tap your card in most places. But inside the tents, cash makes everything quicker and easier. ATMs around the festival are notorious for long queues, so stock up on euros before you head in.

Those beer mugs are a full litre and that’s nearly two pints in one go. Trust me, they creep up on you. Drink water in between, grab a pretzel or other food when you can, and don’t be the person who gets carried out by security before the band even starts playing. Having a successful and enjoyable Oktoberfest is all about hydration, fuelling yourself and stamina.

One thing many visitors forget? Your mobile phone bill. With approximately 6 million people attending annually, it results in a lot of people sharing photos and streaming videos at once, Munich’s mobile networks get overloaded. This causes phones to constantly “data switch” between towers and sometimes onto more expensive networks without you realising.

Audrey Sheridan from Sim Local explains it perfectly:

“If you leave data switching switched on, you could unknowingly be connected to an unwanted network and your mobile phone bills can climb quickly. The best thing to do is turn off data switching before you go and get a local eSIM for your time in Munich.”

And honestly, that’s the move. using a Germany or Europe eSIM plan can be a lifesaver. It will keep you connected to a local network so you can avoid slow roaming speeds and expensive data roaming charges.

You’ll want to share your beer hall selfies, find your mates in the crowd, and maybe even call a cab at the end of the night. The easiest way to do that without worrying about your data is with a Sim Local Germany eSIM plan or Europe eSIM plan. It takes minutes to set up, no fiddling with tiny SIM cards, and you’ll have reliable coverage the whole trip. Below are our recommended eSIM plans for Oktoberfest.

Best Unlimited eSIM plan for Oktoberfest:

Unlimited eSIM

Germany

Smartroam (VN)

Duration

7 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$29.00

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Best data, calls & texts eSIM plan for Oktoberfest:

12 GB eSIM

Europe

+Roaming

Orange FR

Duration

31 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$21.50

Buy Now

Global Reach, Local Care

Or view our full range of Germany eSIM plans & choose for yourself.

That’s it - your friendly Oktoberfest survival guide. Pack the lederhosen, pace the beer, carry some cash, and sort your Germany eSIM plan before you go. Prost! 🍻