Expat guide to buying a SIM card in Austria

Discover the best mobile network providers, plans, and where to purchase a SIM card in Austria to stay connected hassle-free.

Greta

4 minute read

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Updated on 14 Oct 2024

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Living

If you're ready to explore the beauty of Austria, staying connected is a must! Getting an Austrian SIM card will ensure you have a reliable data connection to order taxis, navigate with Google Maps, translate German, and handle any emergencies efficiently. Plus, it's the most cost-effective and optimal solution, saving you from excessive roaming charges while offering fast data speeds.

To help you get started, we’ll compare the best mobile operators in Austria and plans for different needs. Let's dive right in!

The best Austrian mobile network operators include:

1. A1 Austria: A1 is the leading mobile network in Austria, known for its reliability. While it may be on the expensive side, it offers exclusive SIM-only deals for prepaid customers.

We recommend the A1 SIMply S plan for new expats, which costs €19.90 per month and provides mobile data even in other EU countries. Keep in mind that if you aren't a A1 Internet customer the price of the package is €24.90 monthly.

If you're under 26, check out the A1 SIMply Xcite S plan for €17.90 monthly, which offers more data. Additionally, if you choose A1 as your home internet provider, you can get a special price for any mobile plan.

Most SIM cards in Austria operate on the A1 network, offering 5G speeds.

2. Magenta telekom: As the 2nd largest network provider, Magenta Telekom offers a more budget-friendly alternative to A1.

Their Mobile Sim Only S plan is priced at €15 per month, but with the Magenta Bonus, you can save up to €10 monthly when combining 2 tariffs. Magenta stands out for its reliable 4G connection, though some remote areas might have limited coverage.

3. Drei: Drei is Austria's most affordable mobile provider and offers a wide selection of plans.

For those under 27, the MyLife SIM plan costs only €9.90 per month, providing unlimited calls, messages, 40 GB within Austria, and 10 GB in the EU. If you're above 27, you can opt for another cost-friendly plan at €12.90 monthly. Drei also offers internet-only plans starting at €4, with 1 GB of data.

Now that you have the list of the best mobile providers in Austria check out the comparison of their most popular SIM-only plans that are commitment free:

Tips for choosing your mobile provider in Austria

Consider these factors when choosing your mobile provider and plan:

1. Network coverage. Ensure the provider's network coverage is reliable and extensive in the Austrian city you'll be living in, especially in areas you frequent.

2. Data plans and pricing. Compare data plans and their pricing structures to find one that suits your needs based on your data usage. As a reference, the average person uses approximately 8.9 GB of data per month.

3. Contract options. Determine whether you prefer a prepaid plan or a contract-based plan. Prepaid plans offer more flexibility, while contract plans may provide additional benefits or discounted rates.

In Austria, you can choose from prepaid, contract, SIM-only and data-only plans. To help you choose the most suitable plan for your needs, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of each option.

Prepaid SIM card in Austria

Best Prepaid SIM card in Austria: Magenta's KLAX M, valid for 4 weeks, gives you 15GB of data, 1,500 SMS/mins in Austria and the EU, and costs €10.

Phone plans in Austria

Best phone plan in Austria: A1 Mobile L comes with unlimited data and calls for €59.90 monthly.

SIM-only plans in Austria

Best SIM-only plan in Austria: A1 SIMply S gives you 40 GB data 5,000 callss/texts, and costs between €19.90 and €24.90 monthly.

Data-only plans in Austria

Best Data-only plan in Austria: O2 Go Gard eSIM comes with 10GB of data for €22.90, and it's valid for 30 days.

If you plan to stay in Austria for at least a few years, getting a contract plan would be the most convenient and cost-effective option. It offers discounted rates, subsidized phones, and additional benefits that enhance your mobile experience.

On the other hand, if you'll be living in Austria for up to a year, consider prepaid or SIM-only plans. These options give you more flexibility without being tied to a long-term commitment. To make the best decision, assess your data and minutes/SMS usage to choose the plan that suits your needs.

You have 2 options for obtaining an Austrian SIM card: ordering it online or visiting a physical store of your chosen mobile provider.

If you go to a store, remember to bring the required documents:

• Proof of identity document
• Proof of your residential address in Austria
• A local bank account for automatic billing

To buy a prepaid SIM card, you can visit shops like Mediamarkt, Billa, Penny, Merkur, or DM, as well as kiosks and gas stations. You can recharge your prepaid SIM in these locations, or you can purchase credit on your provider's website.

When buying a SIM card online, you'll typically need to provide a local address, as preordering outside Austria is usually impossible.

How much does a SIM card cost in Austria?

The initial expenses for a SIM card in Austria include:

• A one-time activation fee (ranging from €49.90 to €69.99, sometimes companies like Drei offer it for free)
• An annual cost (€27 to €34.90)
• The price of your chosen mobile plan

Can I use an Austrian SIM card with my current phone?

Connecting your phone should be straightforward if you're from a GSM network-based country. Many modern smartphones can still work in Austria even if you're arriving from a CDMA network-based country, like Japan, Canada, or certain parts of the US. To ensure compatibility, contact your current mobile service provider and request them to unlock your phone for global use.

With these essential steps for getting an Austrian SIM card, you can check off an item from your Austrian relocation checklist. Happy adventures in Austria!