Your detailed Guide to Getting an Austria SIM card

Getting a local Austria SIM card is the most practical way to stay connected during your time in Austria. This guide provides all essential information – from major providers and current prices to purchase locations and documentation requirements. Get clear, reliable information to help you make an informed decision about your mobile connection in Austria.

I. Why choose a prepaid Austria SIM card over roaming?

For travel in Austria, a local SIM card is typically the best choice as roaming with your home carrier is convenient but expensive, and pocket WiFi requires carrying an extra device with limited battery life. In short, an Austrian SIM card provides the best balance of price and performance when traveling. 

Austria SIM Card advantages include:

• Cost-effective: Usually most reasonable prices for trips longer than a few days
• Reliable local network access
• True local phone number (useful for local calls/reservations)
• No device to carry/charge beyond your phone
• Often includes EU-wide coverage due to EU roaming rules

II. Austria SIM card type – Which is the best for tourists?

There are two types of Austrian SIM cards for tourists to choose from: Prepaid Austria SIM cards (physical) and Austria eSIM (virtual).

1. Prepaid Austria SIM card

A physical SIM Card is a small, removable plastic card with an embedded chip that stores your carrier network information, phone number, and mobile data details. It’s physically inserted into your phone’s SIM card slot to connect to mobile networks.

Using a prepaid Austria SIM card has several benefits including:

• Having cheap prices that many visitors can afford to buy
• Works with any unlocked phone
• Easy in-store setup with staff assistance
• Can keep as backup for future trips

Although bring visitors several benefits, local Austria SIM card still has drawbacks:

• Need physical store visit, not easy and convenient for those who want to travel multiple-countries. 
• Must swap SIM cards
• Risk of losing tiny card

2. Prepaid eSIM for Austria

Austria eSIM – a digital SIM card that is built directly into your device’s hardware – there’s no physical card to insert or remove. It stores the same carrier information as a physical SIM but can be activated remotely by downloading a carrier profile.

Austria eSIM offers the same connectivity benefits as physical SIM cards but is convenient as you can activate them remotely, here is why:

• Convenience and flexibility: Instant digital activation and no need to swap physical cards, can be bought and activated online.
• Suitable for those who want to travel to multiple countries with diverse eSIM plans
• Keep your physical SIM installed 

Although bringing visitors several advantages, using eSIM still has drawbacks:

• Limited to newer phones with eSIM support
• May need stable internet for the initial setup
• Can be harder to switch carriers if not unlocked by the original provider

III. How much does an Austria prepaid tourist SIM card/ eSIM cost?

The cost for a SIM Card/eSIM in Austria ranges from $10 to $32, with main providers including A1, Magenta, and Drei. Here is an overview:

Provider	Plan Name	Data Allowance	Voice/SMS Allowance	Validity Period	Price (USD)
A1 Telekom Austria	B.free S	50 GB (14 GB usable in the EU)	2,000 minutes & 2,000 SMS	2 weeks	~$13.60
	B.free L	50 GB (20 GB usable in the EU)	2,000 minutes & 2,000 SMS	4 weeks	~$18.90
	A1 SIMply S	120 GB	Unlimited calls & SMS	1 month	~$16.40
	A1 SIMply L	24 GB	Unlimited calls & SMS	1 month	~$27.40
	A1 SIMply Unlimited	Unlimited + 5G	Unlimited calls & SMS	1 month	~$61.40
Magenta Telekom (T-Mobile)	Klax S	30 GB	1,000 minutes or SMS	28 days	~$10.50
	Klax M	40 GB	2,000 minutes or SMS	28 days	~$15.80
	Klax Unlimited	Unlimited data	Unlimited minutes & SMS	28 days	~$31.70
Drei Austria	4 GB Plan	4 GB	1,000 minutes & 1,000 SMS	30 days	~$10.90
	10 GB Data-Only	10 GB	No calls or texts	30 days	~$10.90

🤳 Note: Check with the providers for the most accurate and updated prices.

In summary, A1 Telekom Austria and Magenta Telekom offer well-rounded plans with both data and voice/SMS allowances. For data-intensive users needing high-volume internet only, Drei is a great provider that offers plans at an affordable price.

IV. Austria eSIM – Alternative to SIM card with unlimited data/data and calls for Austria

While buying a physical Austrian SIM card offers quick connectivity, opting for an eSIM is even better. Compared to Austria’s SIM card, eSIM technology represents a superior modern solution by offering multiple carrier profiles, instant activation, and remote management without any physical cards. With eSIM, you can activate service instantly, often before you arrive, avoiding the hassle of finding a local SIM. 

Consider using Austria eSIM from europe-esim.com as one of the most popular eSIM providers that offers diverse Austria eSIM plans for any travel goals.

Find reliable eSIM plans below:

V. Buying a prepaid SIM card in Austria – Where to buy?

Some places that sell a prepaid SIM card in Austria include:

1. Online

Many Austrian carriers like A1, Magenta Telekom, and Drei offer SIM card purchases directly on their websites. These can often be delivered to your address within Austria, or in some cases, to international addresses.

2. Airport

You can purchase SIM cards at major Austrian airports, including Vienna International Airport (VIE) and Salzburg Airport (SZG). These airports offer Austrian SIM cards from providers such as A1, Magenta, and Drei.

3. Physical stores  

Austria SIM Cards also can be found in Magenta Telekom, and Drei retail outlets across Austria, electronic stores (like Mediamarkt),  Supermarkets, and Convenience Stores (such as Billa, Penny, and Merkur).

VI. How to use an Austria SIM card

1. Insert the SIM Card: Place the SIM card into your phone’s SIM slot. Restart the device if necessary.
2. Register the SIM:

• At Store: Provide a valid ID, such as a passport, for registration if purchased in-store.
• Online: Some providers may allow online registration; instructions will be provided with the SIM.

3. Activate the SIM:

• Follow the activation instructions provided, which may involve:
  • Dialing a Code: Many SIMs require dialing a specific code (e.g., *123#) to initiate.
  • Sending an SMS: Some providers may request sending an SMS to confirm activation.
  • Provider’s App: Download the mobile app for activation, available for A1, Magenta, or Drei SIMs.

4. Select a Plan: Choose a prepaid plan via the app, by visiting the provider’s website, or by recharging at a store. Activate the desired plan by following the provider’s instructions.
5. Check Network Settings: Your phone should automatically connect to the network. If not, go to Settings > Mobile Networks and select the network manually if needed.
6. Test Connectivity: Make a test call or check data connectivity to ensure the Austrian SIM card is active and functioning.

VII. How much mobile data do you need when traveling to Austria?

Your mobile data needs can vary significantly based on the length of your stay and your internet usage habits. Here is an overview of the amount of data you might need when traveling in Austria.

Trip Length	Light User (Maps, Messaging)	Moderate User (Social Media, Browsing)	Heavy User (Video Calls, Streaming)
1-3 Days	1-2 GB	3-5 GB	5-7 GB
1 Week	3-5 GB	7-10 GB	10-15 GB
2 Weeks	5-7 GB	10-15 GB	20-25 GB
1 Month	7-10 GB	15-20 GB	30+ GB

Consider your trip length and planned activities to choose the best data option for the Austria trip.

VIII. Best mobile operators in Austria

Austria’s mobile telecommunications market is served by three primary operators: A1 Telekom Austria, Magenta Telekom (formerly T-Mobile), and Drei (3) Austria. Below is a detailed comparison of their coverage and speed performance:

Operator	Average Download Speed	Average Upload Speed	4G Coverage	5G Coverage (Urban Areas)
A1 Telekom Austria	49.9 Mbps	12.7 Mbps	Extensive	Extensive
Magenta Telekom	44.1 Mbps	11.5 Mbps	Robust	Expanding
Drei (3) Austria	38.7 Mbps	10.2 Mbps	Comprehensive	Developing

In conclusion, A1 leads in both extensive 4G and 5G coverage and the highest average speeds, making it the most comprehensive network. Magenta follows with robust 4G and expanding 5G services, particularly strong in urban areas. Drei provides good 4G coverage but is still developing its 5G reach, with slightly lower speeds compared to A1 and Magenta.

IX. Tips on using prepaid SIM cards in Austria

To save data for your Austrian SIM card,, here are some helpful tips:

• Turn off Auto-Updates in Settings > App Store/Play Store
• Disable Background App Refresh
• Download offline maps/guides before travel
• Switch Social Media to Data Saver modes
• Use lite versions (Facebook Lite, Instagram Lite)
• Set data warnings/limits

X. FAQs

XI. Conclusion

Armed with this guide, you’re ready to make an informed decision about your Austrian mobile connectivity. Remember to check your phone’s compatibility, prepare the necessary documents, and implement our data-saving tips before your journey. For the latest pricing and plans, visit your chosen carrier’s website or stop by their store upon arrival. Safe travels and stay connected!