How to get a SIM card and mobile phone number in Austria.
Have you recently arrived in Austria? Stay connected with friends and colleagues with our guide to getting a SIM card and mobile phone number in Austria.
If you’re an expat living in Austria, you’ll want to stay connected with friends and family no matter where they are. Luckily, the country has a high-quality mobile network with decent 4G coverage, especially in major cities. In addition, the country has a growing number of mobile operators offering excellent SIM card and contract options for expats and visitors.
Apart from the fact that there are many mobile operators in the country, there are others.
Despite the fact that Austria has a population of less than 10 million people, the country’s mobile communications market is becoming increasingly competitive. This has forced local operators to innovate their offerings and create a range of affordable options. But with so much choice, expats moving to Austria may find it difficult to obtain a SIM card. To help you make your choice, this guide provides the following information:
Mobile network in Austria
As you’d expect from a country located in the heart of Europe, Austria has a high-quality mobile network that makes it easy for expats and visitors to get connected. Like other European countries, Austria uses the GSM network for mobile communications. This means that most new arrivals will find connecting to the local network relatively easy. However, even if you come from a country that uses an alternative CDMA network, your smartphone will work in Austria.
Austria has a relatively strong 4G network and most of the country has 4G or 4G+ connectivity. However, coverage may vary significantly from region to region and from carrier to carrier. This is especially true for the mountainous southern and western regions of the country. In these areas, you will still have access to 2G or 3G, although it may be unstable. In major cities including Vienna, Graz and Klagenfurt, you will have access to local 5G networks.
Wi-Fi connection in Austria
If you’re looking for public Wi-Fi, you’ll find plenty of free hotspots around the country. They are concentrated mainly in tourist areas, including Salzburg, Vienna and Innsbruck. You can also find free Wi-Fi at some libraries, museums and transport hubs. If you want to install Wi-Fi in your home, read our guide to installing internet, phone and TV in Austria.
Is it possible to use a mobile phone in Austria?
If you are coming to Austria from a country that uses a GSM network, you should not have any problems connecting your mobile phone ( handy ). However, even if you’re coming from a country that uses a CDMA network – including Japan, Canada and parts of the US – many modern smartphones will still be able to connect. However, be sure to check your options before traveling to avoid any unexpected disappointments.
If you can’t connect to a local network in Austria, you might want to consider buying a cheap mobile phone when you arrive. They cost around 30 euros and are quite basic, only allowing you to make calls and send SMS messages. However, if you want to get a prepaid Austrian SIM card, you will have to go through a registration process. To avoid this, it is better to buy a SIM card from another EU country and enjoy free roaming while in Austria. Alternatively, you can purchase a global phone before your trip.
If you’re moving to Austria – or at least planning to stay here for a long time – you should probably consider buying an Austrian SIM card or signing up for a local mobile phone contract. Buying a SIM card will be the cheapest option in terms of upfront costs, but remember that you will need to register. Luckily, no matter which option you choose, you have plenty of Austrian mobile phone providers to choose from. Some of these operators also provide home internet and TV packages, so don’t forget about bundle discounts.
Austrian mobile operators
The mobile phone sector in Austria is surprisingly competitive, with a number of operators vying for your services. There are three main Austrian operators, each with their own network. These are A1, 3 (Drei) and Magenta (formerly T-Mobile). Additionally, there are a growing number of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use these three major networks. So it’s worth shopping around and seeing what’s on the market. It’s also worth thinking about other services you might need, such as home internet and TV, to see if you can get any discounts.
The following mobile operators operate in Austria:
- A1
- Magenta
- 3 (Drei)
- bob
- Red Bull Mobile
Based on the number of subscribers, A1 Telekom has the largest market share among Austrian mobile operators. The successor to former state-owned telecom operator PTV has over 35% market share. It is followed by Magenta Telekom (32%) and 3 (24%). Apart from these three operators, there are a growing number of MVNOs, but they generally do not offer as much coverage in rural areas. However, in cities and towns they often have equal coverage at lower prices.
If your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Austrian mobile network, you can choose the mobile operator of your choice. However, if your previous operator is present in Austria, you may want to stay with the same provider.
Prepayment vs mobile contract
As in many other countries, when choosing a mobile connection in Austria you have two options: a prepaid SIM card or a mobile contract. Prepaid SIM cards are generally the fastest and easiest way to get a local phone number without the commitment of a contract. You should consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card if you want a quick and easy way to make calls, send SMS messages and use mobile data.
An alternative to an Austrian SIM card is to sign up for a mobile phone contract. This usually means you pay less for calls, texts, and data, especially if you use your phone a lot. It can also be a good choice if you are looking for the latest smartphone. Contracts are a great option if you plan to stay in Austria for a long time. This is because contracts are usually for 12 or, more commonly, 24 months.
Mobile contracts in Austria
Mobile phone contracts in Austria include a certain number of minutes of talk, text and mobile data for a fixed monthly fee. The cost of your monthly payments will depend on the plan you choose, so make sure you choose the right option for your usage. Remember that you can often get discounts on mobile phone payments if you purchase home Internet or television packages from the same operator. Such packages can be purchased from a number of providers.
Austrian phone contracts are either SIM card only or include a handset. Some operators offer no-obligation contracts ( ohne bindung ), which can be terminated at any time. Typically, many contracts last for 24 months, although some contracts are shorter. Be sure to read the fine print about the duration of the contract before you sign it, especially if you don’t plan to stay in Austria for more than a year. When you sign a contract, you will likely have to pay a small one-time activation fee. Fees are usually charged monthly by direct debit, so you will need to provide your local bank account details when signing the contract.
How to sign a mobile phone contract in Austria
Signing a mobile phone contract in Austria is a relatively simple task for foreigners. You can do this either online or by visiting your preferred carrier’s local retail store. The three main operators have stores in most Austrian cities and towns. However, you will most likely have to register with the MNVO operator online. If you visit the store, be aware that the sales staff may not speak English. Therefore, you may need to improve your German.
To sign a mobile phone contract you will need the following:
- proof of identity (passport)
- proof of an Austrian address (such as a registration certificate or Meldebestätigung )
- Austrian bank account details
If you don’t already have an Austrian bank account, it’s worth opening one, as it can be very useful when living in the country. Visit your nearest retail bank or sign up for a mobile bank operating in Austria, such as N26.
Austrian SIM cards
Prepaid SIM cards give expats coming to Austria more freedom than long-term mobile phone contracts. However, they tend to be more expensive for calls, SMS and mobile data. This makes them a great option if you rarely use your phone. This is also a good idea if you do not intend to stay in Austria for a long time. However, keep in mind that you will need to register a new SIM card in Austria. This can be done using a document proving your identity, such as a passport.
There are so many operators in Austria that you have many options when choosing a SIM card. They can be purchased from various resellers, including telecommunications stores and supermarkets. You can also order them online, although you will still have to register during the activation process. Some operators also offer eSIM for more flexibility. Mobile credit can be topped up online using the app or via top-up in selected stores. They are usually available in €5 or €10 intervals.
As an alternative, more operators are offering prepaid plans – or no-obligation contracts. These plans allow you to pay a fixed amount each month for a certain number of minutes, SMS messages and mobile data. They tend to be more expensive than phone contracts, but unlike mobile plans, there is no contract; you can simply cancel it monthly. This makes these prepaid plans a good option for expats who want more flexibility.
Compared to many other European countries, understanding the local telephone numbering system in Austria can be confusing for expats. Typically, mobile phone numbers in Austria consist of 11 digits, with the first four indicating the operator. However, since numbers can now be easily moved by the user, this is no longer always true.
Non-mobile phone numbers can vary in length, with most being nine or ten digits long. Cities have their own local dialing codes, which are indicated at the beginning of the number. For example, Vienna is 01 and Graz is 0316. This changes the length of the telephone number.
When dialing an Austrian number from outside the country, you must add the international country code. This is 0043 or +43. Then omit the leading 0 in the phone number.
Mobile phone repair in Austria
Has your mobile phone fallen out of your pocket while walking in Vienna? Or maybe it was scratched while hiking in the breathtaking Austrian Alps? Whatever the reason, if you are looking for mobile phone repair in Austria, you have many options. Some operators may provide repair services in their stores. Some manufacturers, such as Apple, offer such services in the store. However, in most cities you will also find phone repair shops. Search online for a phone repair shop near you.
Filing a complaint against an Austrian mobile operator
Each mobile operator in Austria has its own complaints procedure. You should use this process if you have problems or feel that the service has not met your expectations. You can easily find this information on their website. However, if you want to complain about the operator itself, you can do so by contacting Austria’s RTR ( Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs ), the country’s media and telecommunications regulator. Through this agency, you will be able to submit your complaint along with any relevant supporting documents.