Getting An Austrian Phone Number: Is It Possible?

If you're an expat living in Austria, you'll want to stay connected with friends and family. The country has a good-quality mobile network with decent 4G coverage, especially in large cities like Vienna. There are three main Austrian operators: A1, 3 (Drei), and Magenta (formerly T-Mobile). There are also a growing number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use these three main networks. You can either get a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract. To get a mobile phone contract in Austria, you'll need proof of identity (passport), proof of an Austrian address, and Austrian bank account details. If you don't live in Austria but want an Austrian number, you can get a virtual Austrian phone number.

Getting a SIM card in Austria

If you're travelling to Austria, staying connected is a must. Thankfully, Austria has a high-quality mobile network, with excellent 4G coverage in its larger cities and an ever-growing number of mobile operators offering SIM and contract options for expats and visitors.

Mobile Operators in Austria

The Austrian mobile phone sector is highly competitive, with a number of operators vying for your custom. The three main Austrian operators, each with their own network, are:

• A1
• 3 (Drei)
• Magenta (formerly T-Mobile)

In addition, there are a growing number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use these three main networks.

Prepaid vs Mobile Contracts

As in many other countries, you have two options when choosing a mobile phone connection in Austria: a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract.

Prepaid SIM Cards

Prepaid SIMs are generally the quickest and easiest way to get yourself a local phone number without the commitment of a contract. You should consider getting a prepaid SIM if you need a quick and simple way to make calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile data. Prepaid SIM cards are also a good option if you're not planning to stay in Austria for the long term.

You can buy prepaid SIM cards from shops like Mediamarkt, Billa, Penny, Merkur, or DM, as well as kiosks and gas stations. They can also be ordered online, although you will still need to register as part of the activation process.

The cost of prepaid SIM cards in Austria typically starts from around €10 for basic packages with limited data and calls. More comprehensive packages, particularly those designed for tourists, can cost up to €30 and include substantial data allowances and some international calling options.

Mobile Contracts

The alternative to a prepaid SIM is taking out a mobile phone contract. This will typically mean you end up paying less for calls, texts, and data, especially if you use your phone a lot. Contracts are a great option if you're planning to stay in Austria for an extended period.

Mobile phone contracts in Austria include a certain amount of call minutes, text messages, and mobile data allowance for a fixed monthly fee. The cost of your monthly payments will depend on your chosen tariff.

Austrian phone contracts are either SIM-only or include a handset. Some operators offer no-commitment contracts, which can be canceled at any time. Typically, many contracts are 24 months in length, although some are shorter.

Registration Process

Whether you choose a prepaid SIM card or a mobile contract, you will need to complete a registration process. To sign up for a mobile contract, you'll need:

• Proof of identity (passport)
• Proof of Austrian address (such as a registration certificate or Meldebestätigung)
• Austrian bank account details

Staying Connected in Austria

If you're looking for public Wi-Fi, you'll find plenty of free hotspots throughout the country, particularly in heavily touristed areas like Salzburg, Vienna, and Innsbruck. You may also find free Wi-Fi at some libraries, museums, and transit hubs.

So, whether you're exploring the beauty of Austria or handling business, getting an Austrian SIM card will ensure you stay connected.

Virtual Austrian phone numbers

There are a few different types of virtual Austrian phone numbers available:

• Local numbers: These numbers contain geographic information tying them to a particular city or region in Austria.
• National numbers: These numbers are not tied to a specific city or region.
• Mobile numbers: These numbers are not linked to SIM cards and can be used like local or national numbers.
• Toll-free numbers: These numbers are unique as they confer calling charges on the party receiving the call rather than the party placing it.

When choosing a virtual Austrian phone number, you can select a local or national landline number to display your presence in a specific geographic area. The first few digits of the number will indicate the region it is based in. For example, Vienna is indicated by 01, Graz by 316, and Salzburg by 043662.

To get a virtual Austrian phone number, you will typically need to sign up for an account with a cloud telephony service provider such as Ringover or CloudTalk. You can then request an Austrian virtual number and choose the specific number you want. The cost of virtual Austrian phone numbers varies depending on the type of number and the provider, but prices start as low as $6 in most cases.

In addition to providing a local presence, virtual Austrian phone numbers offer advanced features such as call forwarding, call recording, custom greetings, and video conferencing. They also allow you to set the hours that you are reachable, so you can work from a different time zone without any issues.

Mobile contracts in Austria

Austria has a competitive mobile phone market, with a number of operators offering various contract options. The three main providers are A1, Drei, and Magenta (owned by Deutsche Telekom), with a range of smaller operators also available.

When signing up for a mobile phone contract in Austria, you will typically need to provide a picture ID, proof of address, and your bank account details. In some cases, you may also be asked to prove that you live in Austria legally.

Contracts are usually for 12 or 24 months and include a certain number of call minutes, text messages, and mobile data allowance for a fixed monthly fee. You may be required to pay a small activation fee, and monthly payments are typically made by direct debit. No-commitment contracts are also available, which can be cancelled at any time.

If you are looking for a SIM-only contract, there are a variety of options available from different providers. For example, A1 offers a plan with unlimited data for €39.90/month, while Drei offers an Ideal SIM Unlimited plan with unlimited data for €39.90/month and an activation fee of €69.90. Magenta also provides an unlimited data package for €35/month.

For those seeking cheaper alternatives, local supermarkets offer low-cost plans, such as Hofer's HOT package, which includes 1000 minutes or SMS and 30GB of data for €9.90. Spusu also has budget-friendly options, with plans starting at €3.90/month.

Calling an Austrian number from another country

To call an Austrian phone number from another country, you will need to follow a specific dialling sequence to ensure your call reaches the intended recipient. The exact sequence will depend on the country you are calling from, but here is a general guide:

• Dial the exit code of the country you are calling from: This signals that you are initiating an international call. For example, the exit code for the United States is 011, while it may be replaced by a plus symbol (+) when using a mobile phone.
• Input the country code for Austria: The country code helps direct your call to the correct country. Austria's country code is 43 or +43.
• Enter the area code of Austria: Each city or region in Austria has its own area code, which is included at the start of the phone number. For example, Vienna is 01, Graz is 0316, and Linz is 0732.
• Dial the local landline or mobile number of the recipient: Austrian phone numbers can vary in length, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 13 digits. Mobile numbers in Austria typically start with the number 6.

It is important to note that when calling an Austrian mobile number, the area code is usually not needed. Additionally, if you are calling from a mobile phone, you may need to input a plus symbol (+) before the country code instead of the exit code.

011-43-1-XXXXXXX (where XXXXXXX is the local number)

Remember to take into account the time difference between your country and Austria when making international calls to ensure you are calling at an appropriate time.

Austrian mobile operators

Austria has a highly competitive mobile phone market, with a number of operators offering a range of services to customers. The country's mobile phone sector is characterised by three main operators, each with their own network, alongside a growing number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use the three main networks.

The three main Austrian operators are:

• A1: The successor to the former state-owned telecoms operator, PTV, A1 has the biggest market share of Austrian mobile operators, with over 35% of the market. It runs a mixed GSM-900, GSM-1800 and UMTS network and also provides service for MVNOs bob, B-free (owned by A1), Red Bull Mobile and Yess!
• Magenta: Formerly known as T-Mobile, Magenta Telekom has a 32% market share. It operates a mixed GSM-900, GSM-1800 and UMTS network and is marketed as telering as a separate brand.
• 3 (Drei): With a 24% market share, 3 is owned by Hong Kong-based Hutchinson Whampoa and runs its own UMTS network.

In addition to these three main operators, there are several other mobile operators in Austria, including:

• Orange: Originally known as One, Orange was acquired by Drei/Hutchinson Whampoa in 2011. It operates a mixed GSM-1800 and UMTS network.
• T-Mobile: Formerly known as Max Mobil, T-Mobile now runs a mixed GSM-900, GSM-1800 and UMTS network.
• Bob: An MVNO that uses the A1 network.
• Red Bull Mobile: An MVNO that uses the A1 network.
• Tele.ring: An MVNO that uses the T-Mobile network.

The Austrian mobile phone market is known for its competitiveness, with some of the lowest rates in Europe. The country's geographical diversity, including mountains, flat lands and lakes, also makes it an attractive location for providers to test new services.

Frequently asked questions