Boost Plans In Austria: Availability And Benefits Explored

Boost Mobile offers a range of plans for its customers, including prepaid plans, international roaming packs, and unlimited plans. The company provides international calls and text services to stay connected with family and friends overseas. Boost Mobile's prepaid plans include unlimited standard international calls to 20 select destinations, plus international minutes to other countries. The $35, $45, $55, and $70 recharges offer unlimited standard calls to selected countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, Boost Mobile provides international roaming services to 42 countries with different expiry periods and inclusions. Customers can download the My Boost Mobile app to manage their services, especially when travelling. The app allows users to select recharge options and purchase international roaming packs.

For those seeking an unlimited plan, Boost Mobile offers the Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan with no trade-in or contract required. This plan provides unlimited talk, text, and premium high-speed data. Customers exceeding their premium data limits may experience slower speeds.

Boost Mobile also offers a Bring Your Own Phone option, allowing customers to get 50% off the second line or a third line free for one year.

Boost Mobile's international calling and texting options

Boost Mobile offers international calling and texting options to its customers. These options can be added to your monthly plan.

Global Talk & Text

Global Talk & Text is included at no additional cost with the Unlimited+, Unlimited Premium, and Infinite Access plans. It can be added to other plans for an introductory price of $20/month. This service includes:

• Unlimited talk to nearly 50 destinations (Mobile)
• Unlimited talk to 80+ destinations (Landline)
• Variable minutes to 120+ destinations
• Unlimited text to 200+ destinations

North America Connect

North America Connect can be added to any monthly plan for $10/month. This service includes:

• Unlimited calling to landlines and mobile phones in Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. (excludes Northern Territories – 867)
• Unlimited calling to landlines and mobile phones in the U.S. and Mexico while roaming in Mexico
• Unlimited texting to Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited international texting to 200+ destinations (SMS only)
• Unlimited texting to the U.S. and Mexico (SMS only) while roaming in Mexico
• Up to 5 GB of data roaming in Mexico (requires an international-capable phone)

International Data Roaming

International Data Roaming can be added to any monthly plan for $10/month. This service includes:

• Worldwide calling from the U.S. to landlines and mobile phones in 80+ countries
• Unlimited international texting to 200+ countries and destinations

International Roaming

Boost Mobile also offers international roaming packs for use in 42 countries. These packs include a set number of minutes and texts and are available in small, medium, and large sizes.

Prepaid plans in Austria

Austria has a high-quality mobile network with good 4G coverage, especially in large cities like Vienna, Graz, and Klagenfurt. The country's mobile phone market is highly competitive, with a number of operators offering innovative and affordable options for expats and visitors.

Mobile Operators in Austria

There are three main mobile operators in Austria: A1, Magenta (formerly T-Mobile), and Drei (3). These operators have their own networks and offer a range of prepaid and contract plans. In addition, there are several MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use the networks of these three main providers.

Prepaid SIM Cards in Austria

Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice for tourists and expats in Austria as they offer flexibility and avoid long-term commitments. Here is an overview of some of the best prepaid SIM card options in Austria:

• A1 Telekom: A1 offers prepaid SIM cards with generous data allowances and local calls. Their B.free plans provide 1000 to 3000 minutes of local calls and free EU roaming. A1 SIM cards are easily accessible, including at Vienna Airport.
• Magenta: Magenta, operating under T-Mobile Austria, offers prepaid SIM cards with unlimited local calls and various data plans. They have one of the best networks in Austria and provide an eSIM option for compatible devices.
• Drei: Drei's prepaid SIM card offers a generous 100GB of data. They collaborate with MVNOs to enhance their network coverage. Their SIM card is ideal for those looking to avoid international roaming charges.
• Airalo: Airalo provides a physical prepaid SIM card specifically tailored for tourists visiting Austria. It offers competitive rates, unlimited local calls, and hassle-free prepaid solutions.
• Nomad: Nomad offers a prepaid SIM card with unlimited local calls and data-only options. Their SIM card works with major Austrian mobile operators, ensuring reliable network coverage.
• Holafly: Holafly's prepaid SIM card for Austria comes with unlimited data and is compatible with most unlocked phones. They offer convenient data packages and a straightforward registration process.
• SIMOptions: SIMOptions provides a physical prepaid SIM card that enables local calls and text messages. It offers free roaming within Austria and an eSIM option for compatible devices.
• Orange: Orange's prepaid SIM card offers mobile data, local calls, and text messages. It may also offer free roaming within Austria and an eSIM option.

Prepaid SIM cards in Austria can be purchased at official retail stores of mobile operators, convenience stores, gas stations, and online. The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Austria typically ranges from €9.90 to €10, and additional data packages can be added as needed.

Roaming in Austria

If you're planning a trip to Austria, it's important to consider your mobile options to stay connected during your travels. International roaming can be expensive, so it's worth exploring local alternatives to avoid bill shock. Here's a guide to help you navigate roaming in Austria:

Understanding Roaming Services

Before delving into the specifics of roaming in Austria, let's clarify what roaming services entail. Roaming refers to the ability to use your mobile phone outside of your home network's coverage area by connecting to a different network, either domestically or internationally. This allows you to make calls, send texts, and access data services while travelling.

Buying a Local SIM Card

One popular option to avoid high roaming charges is to purchase a local SIM card upon arriving in Austria. This will allow you to take advantage of local rates and plans offered by Austrian mobile operators. SIM cards in Austria are available from major providers such as A1, Magenta Telekom (formerly T-Mobile), and Drei (3). You can find SIM cards at their respective stores, electronic shops like Mediamarkt, and even at Salzburg Airport (SZG) and Vienna International Airport (VIE). The typical cost of a SIM card in Austria ranges from 9.90 to 10 EUR.

Comparing Austrian Mobile Operators

When choosing a mobile operator in Austria, you have several options. A1 is the largest operator and offers excellent coverage across the country. Their SIM cards provide access to data, minutes, and SMS at varying price points. Magenta Telekom, the second-largest operator, offers similar services and has the best 4G/LTE availability. Drei, the smallest operator, provides the fastest 5G speeds but has the least coverage. It's important to compare their plans and prices to find the best fit for your needs.

International Roaming Packs

If you prefer to stick with your current mobile plan and service provider, you can consider purchasing international roaming packs. Boost Mobile, for example, offers roaming packs for $40 with a 14-day expiry. These packs provide data, texts, and calls in 42 countries, including Austria. The My Boost Mobile app makes it convenient to manage your roaming services and track your usage.

Alternative Options

In addition to local SIM cards and international roaming packs, there are other alternatives to stay connected while in Austria. One option is to use messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, or WeChat, which allow you to communicate with others as long as they have the same app installed. Additionally, travel eSIMs have gained popularity and can be purchased for specific countries or multiple destinations, providing flexible and competitive rates.

Practical Tips

• Compare prices and plans before making a decision.
• Ensure your device is compatible with the local networks in Austria.
• Be aware of SIM card registration regulations and have the necessary identification documents, such as your passport or European Union ID.
• Consider the duration of your stay and choose a plan or pack that suits your needs.
• If using a local Austrian SIM card, familiarise yourself with the top-up and recharge options to ensure you stay connected throughout your trip.

By considering these options and tips, you can effectively navigate roaming in Austria and stay connected during your travels without incurring excessive charges.

Mobile operators in Austria

Austria has a highly developed and efficient telecommunications network, with a mobile phone market that is surprisingly competitive. There are three main mobile operators in Austria, each with its own network: A1, 3 (Drei), and Magenta (formerly T-Mobile). In addition, there are a growing number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use these three main networks.

A1

A1 is the largest mobile operator in Austria, with the best overall network performance and coverage. It offers SIM cards called B.free Wertkarte for €9.90 with 5,000 units for 28 days, or the B.free Internet Wertkarte with 5,000 MB for 28 days (data-only SIM card) in A1 stores and electronic shops. A1 SIM cards are not sold at Vienna International Airport. A1 has the best 4G/LTE coverage, which has been confirmed by Opensignal.

Magenta (formerly T-Mobile)

Magenta Telekom is the second-largest mobile operator in Austria and often switches positions with A1 due to their close subscriber numbers. Magenta SIM cards, called Klax, are available for €10 with €10 credit and the Klax M plan (15 GB of data, 10 GB in the EU/EEA, and 1,500 local/EU minutes/SMS for 28 days) in Magenta stores and electronic shops. Data-only SIM cards (Internet Klax) are sold for €10, €25, or €35. Magenta Telekom SIM cards are not sold at Vienna International Airport. Magenta has the best 4G/LTE availability, which has been confirmed by Opensignal.

Drei

Drei is the smallest mobile operator in Austria and currently has the fastest 5G NR speeds, which are not yet available to prepaid customers. Drei has the worst coverage in Austria, although its 4G/LTE reception is available almost everywhere. Drei SIM cards are available for €9.90 with 4 GB of data, 1,000 local minutes, and 1,000 local SMS for 30 days, or 10 GB for 30 days in Drei stores and electronic shops. Drei SIM cards are not sold at Vienna International Airport.

Other Options

While the three main operators dominate the market, there are other MVNOs available, including bob, B-free, Red Bull Mobile, Yess!, telering, and Orange.

SIM card registration in Austria

Since 1 January 2019, all prepaid SIM cards in Austria have to be registered before activation. This is due to a change in the Austrian Telecommunications Act (TKG 2003). You can register your SIM card in the shops of providers such as A1, Magenta, and Drei, or at your local post office. You can also register online by providing a valid official photo ID (passport, identity card, or driving licence).

You do not need an ID card to buy a prepaid SIM card, but you will need to present your ID card to register and activate the SIM card at the retailer. You can also choose to buy the SIM card and register it later.

SIM cards in Austria are available for 9.90-10 EUR from providers such as A1, Magenta Telekom, and Drei. They are sold in the providers' stores, electronics shops, and at Salzburg Airport and Vienna International Airport.

Frequently asked questions