Have you recently arrived in Austria? Keep in touch with friends and colleagues with our guide to getting a SIM card and mobile number in Austria.
If you're an expat living in Austria, you'll want to stay connected with friends and family wherever they are in the world. Fortunately, the country has a good quality mobile network with decent 4G coverage, especially in big cities like Vienna . It also has a growing number of mobile operators with excellent SIM and contract options for expats and visitors.
Despite there being fewer than 10 million residents in Austria, the country's mobile phone market is increasingly competitive. This has led local operators to innovate with their offerings and create a range of affordable options. But with so many options available, expats moving to Austria can find getting a SIM card confusing.
The mobile network in Austria
As you would expect from a country located in the heart of Europe, Austria has a high-quality mobile network that allows expats and visitors to connect easily. Like other European countries, Austria uses the GSM network for its mobile communications. This means that most newcomers will find connecting to the local network relatively simple. However, even if you come from a country that uses the alternative CDMA network, your smartphone should still work in Austria.
Austria has a relatively well-developed 4G network, with a good majority of the country enjoying 4G or 4G+ connectivity. However, coverage can vary substantially between regions and carriers. This is particularly true in the mountainous southern and western parts of the country. You should still be able to access 2G or 3G in these areas, although it may be unstable. In larger cities, including Vienna, Graz and Klagenfurt, you will be able to access local 5G networks.
Wi-Fi connectivity in Austria
If you're looking for public Wi-Fi, you'll find plenty of free hotspots across the country. These are largely concentrated in more touristy areas, including Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck. You can also find free Wi-Fi at some libraries, museums, and transit centers. If you want to set up Wi-Fi at home, read our guide to setting up internet, home phone and TV in Austria.
Can I use my cell phone in Austria?
If you are arriving in Austria from a country that uses the GSM network, you shouldn't have too many problems connecting your cell phone ( practical ). However, even if you come from a country with a CDMA network – including Japan, Canada and parts of the US – many modern smartphones will still be able to connect. That said, be sure to check your options before traveling to avoid unforeseen disappointments.
If you are unable to connect to Austria's local network, consider purchasing a cheap cell phone upon arrival. These cost around €30 and are quite basic, only allowing calls and SMS messages. However, if you want to get a prepaid Austrian SIM card, you will need to complete the registration process. To avoid this, consider purchasing a SIM card from another EU country and using free roaming while in Austria. Alternatively, you can get a worldwide phone number before you travel.
If you're moving to Austria – or at least planning a longer stay – you'll probably want to consider purchasing an Austrian SIM card or signing up to a local mobile phone contract. Getting a SIM card will be the cheapest option in terms of upfront costs, but remember you will need to register. Fortunately, whatever you choose, you have plenty of Austrian mobile operators to choose from. Some of these operators also offer home internet and TV packages, so keep an eye out for any package discounts.
Austrian mobile operators
The Austrian mobile phone industry is surprisingly competitive, with several operators competing for your customer. There are three main Austrian operators, each with its own network. These are A1, 3 (Drei) and Magenta (formerly T-Mobile). Additionally, there are a growing number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) using these three main networks. So it's worth researching to see what's out there. It's also a good idea to think about any other services you might need, such as home internet and TV, to see if you can receive a discount.
Mobile operators in Austria include:
- 3
- A1
- bob
- Magenta
- Red Bull Mobile
In terms of subscribers, A1 Telekom has the largest market share among Austrian mobile operators. The successor to the former state telecommunications operator, PTV, has more than 35% of the market. This is followed by Magenta Telekom (32%) and 3 (24%). In addition to these three, there are a growing number of MVNOs to choose from, but they typically don't offer as much coverage in rural areas. In towns and cities, however, they often have equal coverage for cheaper prices.
If your phone is unlocked and supports the Austrian mobile network, you can choose your preferred mobile operator. However, if your previous operator has a presence in Austria, you may want to stay with the same provider.
Prepaid vs mobile contracts
As in many other countries, if you choose a cellular connection in Austria, you have two options: a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract. Prepaid SIMs are generally the quickest and easiest way to get a local phone number without the commitment of a contract. You should consider getting a prepaid SIM if you need a quick and simple way to make calls, send SMS messages and use mobile data.
The alternative to an Austrian SIM card is to sign a mobile phone contract. This typically means you end up paying less for calls, texts and data, especially if you use your phone a lot. They can also be a good choice if you are looking for the latest smartphone. Contracts are also a great option if you plan to stay in Austria for a long period of time. This is because contracts tend to be for 12 months or, more commonly, 24 months.
Mobile contracts in Austria
Mobile phone contracts in Austria include a certain amount of calling minutes, text messages and mobile data allowance for a fixed monthly fee. The cost of your monthly fees will depend on the tariff chosen, so make sure you choose the right option for your use. Remember that you can often get discounts on your cell phone payments if you contract home internet or TV packages with the same operator. These packages are available from several providers.
Austrian phone contracts are SIM-only or include a handset. Some operators offer no-obligation contracts ( ohne bindung ), which can be canceled at any time. Typically, many contracts last 24 months, although some are shorter. Make sure you read the fine print about the length of the contract before signing, especially if you don't plan on staying in Austria for more than a year. You'll likely need to pay a small, one-time activation fee when setting up your contract. Fees are normally paid monthly by direct debit, so you will need to provide your local bank account details when signing up.
How to get a mobile phone contract in Austria
Signing up for an Austrian mobile plan is relatively simple for expats. You can do this online or by visiting your preferred carrier's local point of sale. You will find that the three main operators have stores in most Austrian towns and cities. However, you will likely need to sign up with an MNVO operator online. If you visit a store, remember that salespeople may not speak English. So you might need to brush up on your German.
To sign a mobile contract, you will need the following:
- proof of identity (passport)
- proof of Austrian address (such as registration certificate or Meldebestätigung )
- Austrian bank account details
If you don't have an Austrian bank account, it's a good idea to open one as this can be extremely useful for those living in the country. Visit your nearest retail bank or sign up to a mobile bank operating in Austria, such as N26.
Austrian SIM cards
Prepaid SIM cards offer more freedom than longer mobile contracts for expats arriving in Austria. However, they are generally more expensive for calls, SMS messages and mobile data. This makes them a great option if you don't use your phone much. They are also a good idea if you are not in Austria for a long time. However, be aware that you will need to register your new SIM card in Austria. This can be done using your proof of identity such as your passport.
With so many carriers to choose from, you have plenty of options in Austria when selecting a SIM card. They can be purchased from various retailers, including telecommunications stores and supermarkets. You can also order them online, although you will still need to register as part of the activation process. Some carriers also offer eSIMs for a greater level of flexibility. Mobile credit can be added online via an app or through top-ups at selected retailers. These are typically available in €5 or €10 ranges.
Alternatively, a growing number of operators offer pay-as-you-go tariffs – or no-obligation contracts. These tariffs allow you to pay a fixed amount every month for a certain allowance of minutes, SMS messages and mobile data. These are generally more expensive than phone contracts, but unlike mobile plans, there is no contract; you can simply cancel monthly. This makes these prepaid rates a good option for expats looking for more flexibility.
Austrian cell phone numbers
Compared to many other European countries, understanding the local telephone numbering system in Austria can be confusing for expats. Typically, cell phone numbers in Austria are 11 digits long, with the first four dictating the operator. However, as numbers can now be moved easily by the user, this is no longer necessarily correct.
Non-mobile phone numbers can vary in length, with most being nine or ten digits. Cities have their own local dialing codes, included at the beginning of the number. For example, Vienna is 01 and Graz is 0316. This varies the length of the phone number.
When dialing an Austrian number from outside the country, you will need to add the country's international dialing code. This is 0043 or +43. You then omit the leading 0 from the phone number.
