German Sim Cards: Do They Work In Austria?

If you're travelling to Austria and want to stay connected, you may be wondering if your German SIM card will work there. The good news is that German SIM cards should work in Austria, and you can even keep your German phone number. This is because the EU has eliminated most roaming fees within its member states, so you can buy a SIM card in one country and use it in others without incurring extra charges. However, it's important to note that Switzerland is not part of the EU, so if you're planning to visit there, you'll need to check with your carrier about roaming fees.

German SIM cards should work in Austria

If you have an unlocked iPhone, you can use a German SIM card in Austria for data and texting. This will keep its German phone number at all times. You can also use an eSIM data plan, which you can order online and activate once you're in the country. This option saves you the trouble of stopping to buy a physical SIM card and installing it.

If you're looking for a physical SIM card, you can buy one from a mobile internet provider's official retail store or a convenience store and gas station in Austria. You can also buy a German SIM card at Munich Airport.

Some recommended SIM card providers in Austria include A1, T-Mobile/Magenta, and Drei. A1 is known for its reliability but may be more expensive, while Magenta offers more budget-friendly plans.

When choosing a mobile provider and plan, consider factors such as network coverage, data plans and pricing, and contract options. Compare data plans and pricing to find one that suits your needs, and decide whether you prefer a prepaid plan or a contract-based plan. Prepaid plans offer more flexibility, while contracts may provide additional benefits or discounted rates.

EU roaming rules

The EU's "roam like at home" policy ensures that Europeans can use their mobile phones in any EU country without incurring additional charges. This means that calls, text messages, and data usage are charged at domestic rates, as if you were still in your home country. This policy has been in place since June 2017 and was extended for another 10 years in April 2022, so it will be in effect until at least June 2032.

Under this policy, German SIM cards should work in Austria, and you will not be charged any extra roaming fees for using your phone there. However, it's important to note that this only applies if you are travelling and are considered to be "roaming." If you move to another country and use your SIM card from your home country permanently, your mobile operator may charge you extra for roaming, but these charges are capped under a fair use policy.

The "roam like at home" policy applies to all 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, which are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland, however, is not part of the EU or the EEA, so EU roaming rules do not apply there. While some EU mobile carriers may allow free roaming in Switzerland, it is important to ask about this before purchasing a SIM card.

In addition to the "roam like at home" policy, the EU has also established rules to ensure better quality and more services for travellers. For example, consumers are entitled to the same mobile network quality and speed abroad as they have at home, and people can call, text, or use an app to reach emergency services free of charge. Operators are also required to inform users about increased costs for using value-added services while roaming, such as technical helpdesks or customer care services.

eSIMs are a good alternative

If you're travelling to Austria and want to stay connected, you might be considering getting a German SIM card. But did you know that eSIMs are a great alternative? Here's why:

No Need to Switch Physical SIM Cards

With an eSIM, you don't have to deal with the hassle of switching physical SIM cards every time you enter a new country. eSIMs are digital, so all you need to do is scan a QR code or use an app to activate your plan. This means no more fumbling with tiny plastic chips that can be easily lost or damaged.

Quick and Convenient

ESIMs save you time and effort by eliminating the need to buy a new SIM card when you arrive at your destination. You can purchase and download an eSIM plan online and be ready to go as soon as your plane lands. This is especially advantageous for those who work online, as it ensures a quick and seamless connection to the internet.

Cost-Effective

ESIMs are often more affordable than traditional SIM cards, especially when travelling. You can find cheap eSIM plans that offer excellent coverage and data packages, saving you money on roaming charges. Some eSIM providers even offer free data or discounted rates, making them a cost-effective solution for staying connected while travelling.

Flexibility

ESIMs offer flexibility by allowing you to easily change between different call and data plans. You can virtually switch carriers when you reach your destination, and some providers offer global plans that cover multiple countries. This means you can stay connected without the hassle of constantly buying new plans.

Security

ESIMs offer enhanced security compared to physical SIM cards. They are embedded directly into your device and cannot be physically removed or tampered with, reducing the risk of unauthorised access or SIM cloning. This makes them a safer option, especially when travelling to unfamiliar places.

Wide Device Compatibility

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs. This includes popular models such as the iPhone 13, 14, and 12 series, Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, and Google Pixel phones. Always check your device's compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

Environmental Sustainability

By eliminating the need for plastic SIM card production, packaging, and transportation, eSIMs offer significant environmental benefits. They reduce the carbon footprint of the telecom industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Local prepaid SIM cards vs international SIM cards

When travelling, it's important to explore your SIM card options before you arrive in a new country. Using your regular SIM can lead to high data roaming charges, and there may be restrictions on how you can use your phone overseas.

Local prepaid SIM cards

Local prepaid SIM cards are a good option if you're staying in one place for a long time. They're typically cheaper than international SIM cards and can be bought at your destination from most major supermarkets, convenience stores, or even the airport. However, they're not available in all countries, and you'll need to purchase them in advance.

International SIM cards

International SIM cards are specifically tailored for overseas usage, offering low data rates, international calls, and greater coverage than a regular card. They're programmed to connect to multiple networks, so you won't face additional charges when travelling between countries. They're also a good option if you're visiting multiple locations, as they save you from having to buy a new SIM card every time you arrive in a new country. However, they can be more expensive, and you'll need to order them online in advance.

German SIM cards in Austria

If you're travelling from Germany to Austria, you may be able to use your German SIM card, as the EU has removed most roaming fees within the EU. However, Switzerland is not part of the EU, so a German SIM card may not work there. It's best to check with your carrier before you travel.

Best SIM card providers in Austria

German SIM cards should work in Austria, and you can also use a SIM card from another EU country and roam in Austria for free. However, Switzerland is not part of the EU, so you should check with your provider about roaming charges before you travel.

If you're looking for a SIM card provider in Austria, here are some of the best options:

A1 Austria

A1 is the leading mobile network in Austria and is known for its reliability. While it may be more expensive than other providers, it offers exclusive SIM-only deals for prepaid customers. The A1 SIMply S plan is recommended for new expats, costing €19.90 per month and providing mobile data in other EU countries. If you're under 26, the A1 SIMply Xcite S plan offers more data for €17.90 per month. Additionally, choosing A1 as your home internet provider can get you a special price for any mobile plan. Most SIM cards in Austria operate on the A1 network, offering 5G speeds.

Magenta Telekom

Magenta Telekom is the second-largest network provider in Austria and offers more budget-friendly plans. Their Mobile Sim Only S plan is priced at €15 per month, and with the Magenta Bonus, you can save up to €10 per month when combining two tariffs. Magenta provides a reliable 4G connection, but some remote areas might have limited coverage.

Drei

Drei is Austria's most affordable mobile provider, offering a wide range of plans. For those under 27, the MyLife SIM plan costs €9.90 per month, providing unlimited calls, messages, 40 GB within Austria, and 10 GB in the EU. If you're above 27, there is another cost-friendly plan for €12.90 per month. Drei also offers internet-only plans starting at €4 with 1 GB of data.

Other Options

If you're looking for a prepaid SIM card, Magenta's KLAX M plan is a good option. It's valid for 4 weeks and gives you 15 GB of data and 1,500 SMS/minutes in Austria and the EU for €10.

For longer stays in Austria, a contract plan might be more convenient and cost-effective. A1 Mobile L, for example, offers unlimited data and calls for €59.90 per month.

If you're looking for a SIM-only plan, the A1 SIMply S plan gives you 40 GB of data and 5,000 calls/texts for between €19.90 and €24.90 per month.

For data-only plans, the O2 Go Gard eSIM offers 10 GB of data for €22.90 and is valid for 30 days.

Frequently asked questions