Vodafone In Austria: Does It Work?

If you're a Vodafone customer, you may be wondering if your phone plan will work in Austria. The answer is that it depends on your specific plan. While Vodafone has a reciprocal arrangement with A1 in Austria, as well as German and Hungarian providers, you may be charged extra fees to use your phone in the country.

Vodafone roaming charges in Austria

If you're a Vodafone customer in the UK, you can use your phone in Austria without incurring any additional roaming charges. This is because Vodafone UK customers can use their phones in Europe and the UK at no extra cost.

However, this only applies to customers on a monthly plan. If you're a Pay As You Go customer, you can use your data, minutes, and texts in the UK and while roaming in Zone A (Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway) at no extra cost. If you want to roam in Zone B (48 European destinations, including Austria), you'll need to purchase an 8-day Europe Extra.

If you're a Pay Monthly Vodafone customer, you can use your UK allowance of data, minutes, and texts when you roam. Roaming in Zone A is included in all Pay Monthly plans at no extra cost.

If you're a Pay As You Go Plus Vodafone customer, you can use your UK allowance of data, minutes, and texts in the UK and while roaming in Zone A. To roam in Zone B, you'll need to purchase an 8-day Europe Extra.

It's important to note that roaming rates apply in international airspace and international waters and are not covered by EU roaming regulations.

Vodafone SIM cards in Austria

Austria has a high-quality mobile network with good 4G coverage, especially in larger cities like Vienna. The country's mobile phone market is competitive, with several mobile operators offering SIM and contract options for expats and visitors.

Using Vodafone in Austria

Vodafone customers can roam in Europe and the United Kingdom at no extra cost. This means you can use your Vodafone SIM card in Austria without incurring additional charges.

Buying a Local SIM Card in Austria

If you prefer to use a local SIM card during your stay in Austria, you can purchase one from any of the country's mobile operators. The three main operators are:

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

You can buy SIM cards from these operators at their official retail stores, as well as from convenience stores and gas stations. Prepaid SIM cards are also available at Vienna Airport.

Registration

Local prepaid SIM cards in Austria require registration. You will need to provide proof of identity, such as your passport.

Costs and Plans

The costs and plans offered by each operator vary, so it is recommended to check their websites or visit their stores to find the best option for your needs.

Other Options

If you are travelling onwards to other European countries, you may also consider purchasing an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM. These options can provide coverage across multiple countries and may be more convenient than managing multiple local SIM cards.

Wi-Fi in Austria

Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available throughout Austria, particularly in tourist areas such as Salzburg, Vienna, and Innsbruck. You can also find free Wi-Fi at some libraries, museums, and transit hubs.

Vodafone roaming charges in Europe

If you are a Vodafone customer in Europe or the United Kingdom, you can roam in Austria at no extra cost. You can use your phone in Austria as you would at home, without worrying about extra charges.

However, if you are a Vodafone customer from outside of Europe, you may be charged roaming fees in Austria. The roaming charges will depend on your specific Vodafone plan. For example, if your plan does not include inclusive roaming in Europe (which Vodafone classifies as Zone B), you will be charged £2.25 per day to roam in European destinations, including Austria.

You can reduce these daily roaming fees by purchasing a Vodafone European Roaming pass. These passes are available for £10 for 8 days or £15 for 15 days.

It is important to note that roaming rates apply when travelling by air or sea, and these are not covered by EU Roaming Regulations. When travelling by air or sea, making and receiving calls will cost €2.99 per minute, sending a text message costs €0.70, and receiving texts is free. Mobile internet and mobile broadband costs vary depending on whether you are travelling by sea or air: it costs €0.02 per MB when roaming while travelling by sea and €0.25 per MB when roaming while travelling by air.

Additionally, if you have a pay-as-you-go plan, you will have a 40GB roaming data allowance for travelling to Europe.

Vodafone's reciprocal arrangement with A1 in Austria

Vodafone has a reciprocal arrangement with A1 in Austria, as well as German and Hungarian providers. This means that if you are a Vodafone customer, you can use your phone in Austria without having to buy a new SIM card. In most cases, the transfer between networks is seamless, and you will be notified when your phone/SIM connects to the new provider.

Vodafone customers can roam in Europe at no extra cost. This includes a 40GB roaming data allowance for travelling to Europe on pay-as-you-go unlimited plans. Outside of Europe, Vodafone customers can opt for RED Roaming for a daily fee that includes an allowance of calls, texts, and data.

Vodafone has partnership agreements with local operators in 45 countries, and its leading global 4G roaming footprint serve twice as many destinations as the next best local competitor in most markets.

Vodafone's roaming policy

Vodafones Roaming Policy

Vodafone has a reciprocal agreement with A1 in Austria, as well as German and Hungarian providers. This means that in most cases, transfer between them is seamless and your phone/SIM will notify you when the new provider detects your device.

If your Vodafone Pay Monthly plan started before 11 August 2021, you'll likely have EU roaming included in your monthly price without any added extras. However, if you joined, upgraded, or changed your plan on or after 11 August 2021, there will likely be a daily charge for using your phone in Vodafone's European roaming zones.

Vodafone has dropped roaming charges to 40 countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Ireland. This is a response to EU rules abolishing roaming charges.

Vodafone offers 5G roaming in 193 locations across Europe, more than any other UK network.

Pay-Monthly Plans

• Zone A (Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway) – Included at no extra cost
• Zone B (49 European destinations) - £2 per day
• Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day
• Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day

Xtra 3 Plan

• Zone A (Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway) – Included at no extra cost
• Zone B (49 European destinations) - Included at no extra cost
• Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day
• Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day

Unlimited Max Xtra 3 Plan

• Zone A (Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway) – Included at no extra cost
• Zone B (49 European destinations) - Included at no extra cost
• Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - Included at no extra cost
• Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day

Roaming with Vodafone is only free for the first 30 consecutive days of use. After that, your roaming privileges will be suspended, and you'll have to pay extra to use your monthly allowances.

Frequently asked questions