As you prepare for your adventure in Vienna or across Austria, questions often arise about the best communication and internet solutions for your stay abroad. There’s no doubt that without readily available internet and, in some cases, the ability to make calls, your trip might become more cumbersome and less spontaneous. So, it’s a great idea to understand all your options when it comes to SIM cards for your trip to Vienna or Austria in general.
During your trip, you’ll likely use your SIM card mainly for mobile internet access (for apps like Waze or Google Maps). Therefore, it’s crucial to check the data volume offered in different packages and the quality of the network coverage provided by the telecom company. Even the need to be available for calls from home can be managed by connecting to WhatsApp, which is linked to your home phone number. Based on your internet usage, you can estimate the size of the data package you’ll need.
From our experience, if you plan to use the internet for navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, and also for WhatsApp to update family and friends on your adventures, your internet consumption will be minimal. Even a 5GB data package should be more than enough for your entire trip. If you’re keen on watching YouTube while traveling or regularly downloading content to your phone, you’ll want to consider a larger package.
We recommend using mobile internet for navigation needs and planning your routes on the go. Everything else can be checked at your hotel beforehand or in restaurants where you’ll dine, most of which will, of course, offer Wi-Fi. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll get a GPS with your rental car, so there’s truly nothing to worry about.
Please note: If you plan to travel outside Austria, most companies require you to contact customer service to enable data roaming. They’ll typically send you a file via SMS to activate this service.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the various SIM card options suitable for travelers in Austria. This is a detailed guide covering all communication possibilities for your trip.
If you don’t want to read all the details, here’s a quick summary of the main points.
Key Recommendations for Choosing Affordable SIM Cards for Your Trip to Vienna and All of Austria:
- Austrian HOT SIM card (part of the Hofer supermarket chain): Their “HOT Fix” package costs €9.90 for 30 days of use, providing 30GB within Austria and 9.2GB for roaming outside Austria. They also offer an eSIM option. The physical SIM card costs a one-time fee of €1.99 and can be purchased at any Hofer supermarket or online (for an eSIM).
- eSIM (virtual SIM): This doesn’t require a physical SIM card or in-store registration. You can activate it anywhere, anytime you want. There are affordable packages compared to regular Austrian SIMs (starting from $3.9 for the most basic internet-only package). Before purchasing, it’s important to check if your phone supports eSIMs. Use the discount code AUST15 to get 15% off an eSimo eSIM. Click here to view eSIM packages for use in Austria.
Important to Consider! A Tip from the Locals:
Austria is considered one of the cheapest EU countries for mobile data costs. If you’re thinking of buying a local SIM and aren’t worried about the activation and registration process, you can definitely save money on this aspect of your trip. However, an eSIM might turn out to be even cheaper.
Just for comparison, to clarify what we’re talking about, here are a few Israeli, Austrian, and international companies and their prices:
- The Israeli company mobile019 offers 1GB of data for 79 ILS and 7GB for 190 ILS.
- Pelephone’s Global Sim includes 5GB for 199 ILS.
- The Austrian company HOT offers 55GB in Austria and 12GB across the EU for €9.90 (approx. 40 ILS) + €1.99 for the SIM itself.
- eSIM packages start from $4.5 per month (approx. 16 ILS).
If you still prefer to invest in a SIM card from home, you can find information on the different options at the end of this article.
Remember:
There are a few places in Austria where reception won’t be great anyway, especially in the Alpine peaks. So it’s a good idea to be prepared with offline maps downloaded in advance to your phone (a convenient option with Google Maps).
Also, if you arrive in Austria on a Sunday or a public holiday, shops will be closed, so keep that in mind. You might need to purchase a SIM card at Vienna Airport.
Worried about activating a local SIM? Don’t fret! Further in this article, you’ll find a clear and easy explanation of how to activate local SIM cards.
Calls and Internet in Austria and the EU – Overview and Guidelines for Use
In the Vienna Travelers Facebook group, questions sometimes come up about using one SIM card if you’re traveling between several countries during your trip (Germany-Austria, Slovenia-Austria, Slovakia-Austria, etc.). The simple answer is yes!
Subject to the European “Roam like at Home” law, which came into effect in 2017, you can use the same SIM card even if you’re in a different country than where the card was purchased. Mobile companies in Austria are a bit strict and expensive when it comes to crossing borders with Austrian SIM cards.
It’s worth paying attention to a few important things related to using one SIM card when traveling between countries:
- The law only applies to travel between EU countries (such as Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Italy).
- Mobile data volume may be more limited when you’re in a different country than where the SIM card was purchased.
- For companies like Magenta (formerly T-Mobile) and A1, there are restrictions for Prepaid cards, and they can be problematic for use in multiple different countries (don’t worry, there are other options).
Mandatory Registration of a New SIM Card in Austria After Purchase
According to a new law enacted at the beginning of 2019, every new SIM card purchased requires the owner to be registered. The registration is done simply at the store where the card was purchased or independently online (we’ll expand on this later). For registration, you’ll need to fill in identification details and upload a photo of an identification document (e.g., passport).
Please note: Generally, when you buy a SIM card at a supermarket, you’ll need to complete the registration yourself. Store employees rarely have time to activate SIM cards. Alternatively, dedicated stores will help you register the card. Most reputable companies allow easy online or app registration. You might need to provide your accommodation address in Austria during your trip.
Adding Money for Calls and Data
Most mobile companies allow quick online top-ups. There’s a website that centralizes all companies and allows you to top up easily and without extra cost.
You can top up using a credit card, bank transfer (for those with a European account), and sometimes even PayPal. The minimum top-up amount for most companies is €10.
If you don’t want to deal with online top-ups, you can buy a top-up voucher at any supermarket or convenience store. The voucher is called “Ladebon” in German and is usually found near the checkouts. You buy it like a regular item and then enter its code on the mobile company’s website to load the money.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Vienna and Across Austria?
A Prepaid SIM card is called “Wertkarte” in German.
SIM cards can generally be purchased at supermarkets (Hofer, Lidl, Spar), post offices, electronics stores (Media Markt, Saturn), convenience stores, gas stations, city convenience stores (called “Tabak Trafik” in German), at airports, dedicated sales kiosks near subway stations in Vienna, and, of course, at the mobile companies’ own stores.
At Vienna Airport, you can buy SIM cards at the Bipa store (the Austrian Super-Pharm) or at Wowww company sales booths.
SIM cards offered at Vienna Airport are significantly more expensive. Therefore, if you can avoid buying a SIM card at the airport, it’s better to wait until you arrive in Vienna or your accommodation.
Instructions for Registering and Activating a Local SIM Card
- Take the SIM card out of its package, choose the appropriate size for your phone, and insert it into your phone while it’s turned off.
- Go to the website or app of the company from which you purchased the SIM.
- Select the “Data Verification” or “Registration” page.
- Enter your new phone number (found on the package or on the plastic where the card was attached) and the PUK1 code, which also appears on the plastic.
eSIM – A Simple Solution for Internet Abroad
In recent years, a fantastic and simple solution called the eSIM has entered the mobile market. This solution allows you to activate mobile packages from various companies without needing to purchase a physical SIM. This way, you can travel and activate a mobile package for your trip online through a dedicated app without too much hassle. The important thing to remember is that not all phones support this solution (newer phones will support eSIM without a problem).
One of the most recommended and popular companies offering eSIM packages is eSimo. Packages start from $3.9 per month (you can use the discount code AUST15 to get 15% off when purchasing a package for use in Austria). Austrian mobile companies also offer eSIM options. The popular company HOT also offers an eSIM option.
Besides eSIMs, there are, of course, many options for physical SIMs from local companies in Austria and also from Israeli companies. In this section, we’ll detail mobile packages in Austria and SIM cards from Israeli companies.
Mobile Companies in Austria and the Most Suitable Packages for Your Trip
The range of options for SIM cards and packages in Austria is vast, so we’ll try to help you make sense of things so you know what to choose.
In Austria, there are three main mobile companies:
- A1
- Magenta (formerly T-Mobile)
- Drei (the word means “3”, hence the logo is the number 3)
A1 is considered to have the best network coverage in Austria, and its availability for mobile internet connection or calls is higher than Magenta and Drei. The difference is, of course, negligible when traveling in central areas like Vienna, Salzburg or Innsbruck. Generally, even though Austria has a “challenging” terrain due to high mountain regions, about 98% of the country is covered by mobile networks.
In addition to these companies, there are many other smaller companies that use the same infrastructure as the large companies and offer more flexible and cheaper packages. These are considered the “low-cost” companies in Austria. We’ll review the most recommended ones.
The most recommended “low-cost” Austrian companies are:
- HOT (part of the Hofer supermarket chain)
- Lidl Connect (part of the Lidl supermarket chain, Hofer’s competitor)
Details on Mobile Packages Offered by Major Telecom Companies in Austria
A1 Company
A1, part of Telekom Austria, is the largest in Austria with a communication and high-speed internet infrastructure covering 98% of the country.
Please note:
- A1 SIM cards can only be used within Austria.
- Micro and Nano SIM sizes are available if needed.
- You need to fill in personal details to activate the card.
Packages for Calls and Data from A1:
A1’s basic package is called B.free and comes in number of options:
- B.free – Calls, SMS, and Data
- B.free Internet – Data only (calls and SMS are possible at a high cost)
If you take the B.free M or B.free L package, you automatically get unlimited use of chat applications like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Viber, without any extra charge.
Even if you use a card intended only for data, you can still make calls and send SMS at a cost of 40 cents per minute.
Additional Information for using A1 SIM card:
- Official Website: http://www.a1.net
- Network name on mobile: A1.net
- Username: ppp@A1plus.at
- Password: ppp
Magenta Company (formerly T-Mobile)
Magenta (formerly T-Mobile) is a subsidiary of the German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom. It’s considered to have the best 4G connection with 97% reception coverage.
Magenta’s package is called Klax and is sold online and in various stores (find stores in Austria: https://www.magenta.at/shopfinder). The package is also sold as an internet-only package.
Please note:
- SIM cards also come in Micro and Nano sizes.
- You need to enter identification details to activate the SIM card.
- You can only use calls and SMS when traveling between countries. Data is not possible outside Austria.
The basic package is called My Klax Flex and costs €10. In return, you get 5,000 units that can be used for minutes, SMS, or data. This package is valid for 28 days and then needs to be renewed with another €10. Activation is done by sending the word ‘FLEX’ to the number 06762222.
The basic cost is 9 cents per minute, SMS, or MB of data. You can choose more advanced packages that offer a larger data volume.
Additional Information for using Magenta SIM card:
- Official Website: https://www.magenta.at
- APN network name: gprsinternet
Drei Company
Drei (pronounced like “dry” in English) was formerly called Orange. This company is considered to have the same infrastructure level as A1, and its reception covers 98% of Austria. Among the large networks, Drei is considered to have lower prices.
Drei’s Prepaid card is called Nimm3 and is sold in phone stores, kiosks, Libro chain stores, and more. This package has two versions: Nimm3 Talk, which includes calls, SMS, and data, or Nimm3 Surf, which includes internet only.
Please note:
- Only contract cards are sold in Drei’s main stores, not Prepaid cards.
- SIM cards also come in Micro and Nano sizes.
- You need to enter identification details to activate the SIM card. Since July 2019, you can register online without going to one of the company’s branches.
- Drei’s SIM card is also suitable for traveling between countries!
- You can download an app for easy mobile top-ups. The app is called “3 Kundenzone”.
If you plan to travel between countries, it’s important to verify which package you’re purchasing. Not all packages are open for cross-country use.
Packages Offered by “Low-Cost” Companies in Austria
HOT (Hofer Telekom) – Part of the Hofer Supermarket Chain
This telecom company belongs to the huge Hofer supermarket chain, which is spread throughout Austria. The company uses Magenta’s communication infrastructure, so reception is good across the country. This company is considered the most successful among the “low-cost” companies in Austria.
You can purchase the SIM card at any Hofer supermarket for €1.99. Card registration can usually be done on the spot by presenting an ID (passport). There’s also an option to register online (all Hofer supermarkets have free Wi-Fi, so you can complete the entire process in place).
You can top up the card using vouchers also sold in supermarkets or simply download the company’s dedicated app called “Mein HoT” (also available in English) and top up using credit card or PayPal.
The choice between HOT’s packages is quite simple, as there are only 4 options.
Please note: To get cross-country usage without extra charge, you need to provide an Austrian address during the registration process. Additionally, it’s not recommended to use this card if you’re traveling to Switzerland, as usage rates are very high. For internet to work in other countries, you’ll need to contact customer service to have a file sent to you via SMS for installation, which enables data roaming outside Austria.
Additional essential information for using a HOT card:
- Official Website: https://www.hot.at/hot-info-english.html
Lidl Connect – Part of the Lidl Supermarket Chain (Hofer’s Competitor)
Not surprisingly, though quite late, the Lidl chain, Hofer’s major competitor, began offering SIM cards and various packages in summer 2019. The company uses Drei’s infrastructure.
You can purchase the SIM card at any Lidl branch. There are many branches throughout Austria.
The card costs only €0.99. You can buy vouchers to top up the card with money. You’ll need to register your identification details to activate the SIM card. You must have your passport for card registration.
Usually, they won’t help you with registration at the supermarket itself; you’ll need to register online via this link: https://www.lidl-connect.at/de/sim-karte-registrieren
The packages offered are:
[Insert Lidl Connect pricing table image here]
Additional essential information:
- Official Website: https://www.lidl-connect.at
As you can see from the review above, there are many options for call, SMS, and data packages. The list we’ve provided focuses on the major and, in our opinion, most recommended companies. There’s another wonderful article that compiles all the details on the various communication companies available in Austria. Learn more here.
If you’re planning to travel only within Austria, there are many options for purchasing a cheap and good local package. It’s advisable to choose one of the three major companies (Magenta, Drei, HOT, Lidl Connect). If you intend to travel between countries, it’s worth considering packages from Drei, HOT, or Lidl Connect.
Israeli SIM Card for Purchase Before Your Trip
An Israeli SIM card can be suitable for those who want internet immediately upon landing or those who wish to keep their Israeli number for various reasons. There are several companies offering international packages:
- world8, operating in cooperation with Israel Post:
- Very cheap (50 ILS)
- Slow internet
- Slow and quite frustrating customer service when needed
- Doesn’t always work (depends on the device, area, etc.)
- Official Website: https://world8.co.il
- 019mobile
- Expensive packages compared to a local SIM (90 ILS for 1GB)
- Sales booths at the airport
- Works relatively well
- Official Website: https://019mobile.co.il/tasim-lechol
- Pelephone, offering Global Sim
- Expensive data packages (5GB for 150 ILS) compared to a local SIM
- Smooth usage when traveling between countries
- Money top-up doesn’t disappear after the trip (only after 3 years)
- Official Website: https://www.pelephone.co.il/digitalsite/heb/abroad/global-sim
In Conclusion:
A good SIM card with a sufficient package and readily available internet throughout your trip is absolutely essential. As you’ve seen, there are many different options, and therefore, plenty of room to save on this expense.
