Understanding Austrian Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide

Austria's telephone numbering system is well-structured and follows an internationally recognised standard. The country code for Austria is +43, and this is followed by an area code which can be between one and four digits long. Austrian phone numbers can range from five to thirteen digits in total length. The length of the subscriber number depends on the region and its population. Mobile numbers in Austria typically start with 6 after the country code.

Country code: +43

The country code for Austria is +43. This code will allow you to call Austria from another country. To call Austria from the US, for example, you would first dial the US exit code (011), followed by the Austria country code (+43), and then the Austrian number, which includes the area code and the subscriber number. Austrian phone numbers range from 5 to 13 digits in total, including the area code and subscriber number.

The Austrian phone number format adheres to E.164, an internationally recognised standard for international telephone numbering. The Austrian telecommunications numbering plan is managed by the Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH (RTR).

When dialling an Austrian number from within Austria, the prefix code is 0. For example, the area code for Vienna is 01. So, a local call within Vienna would be written as 01 2345678.

Mobile numbers in Austria typically begin with 06, followed by 4-10 digit subscriber numbers.

Toll-free numbers in Austria start with 0800 and are 10-12 digits in length.

Premium rate numbers start with 0900, 0903, etc., and are 10-12 digits.

Austria's emergency number is 112, which can be dialled for urgent situations. This number can be called for free from any phone in Austria.

Area codes

Austria's phone number system is well-structured and adheres to international standards, making it reliable for both local and international calls. The country code for Austria is +43, and this is used for all calls to Austrian phone numbers from outside the country.

Austrian phone numbers have no standard length for either area codes or subscriber numbers. Area codes can range from 1 to 4 digits, and subscriber numbers can be between 4 and 13 digits long. This means that Austrian phone numbers, including the country code, can be anywhere from 5 to 13 digits in total.

When dialling an Austrian phone number from within the country, the initial zero of the area code is included. For example, the area code for Vienna is 01. When dialling a Viennese number from outside Austria, the 0 is omitted, and the country code is added instead. So, to call a Viennese number from abroad, you would dial +43 1, followed by the subscriber number.

Mobile phone numbers in Austria do not use area codes. Instead, they use a mobile network prefix, which is usually 06, followed by a 4- to 10-digit subscriber number.

Some common area codes for major Austrian cities include:

• Vienna: 01
• Salzburg: 0662
• Sankt Johann im Pongau: Unknown

When calling Austria from the US, you must first dial the US exit code, 011, followed by the Austrian country code, 43, and then the Austrian number, excluding the initial zero of the area code. So, to call a Viennese number from the US, you would dial 011-43-1, followed by the subscriber number.

Subscriber numbers

Austrian phone numbers can range from 4 to 13 digits in total, including the country code and the subscriber number. The subscriber number is a unique set of digits assigned to a specific phone line or device. It typically ranges from 4 to 9 digits, depending on the region and its population.

The subscriber number comes after the country code (+43) and the area code. For example, in the number "+43 1 6541239", "1" is the area code for Vienna, and "6541239" is the local landline subscriber number.

It is important to note that there is no standard length for subscriber numbers in Austria. Larger towns and cities tend to have shorter area codes, allowing for longer subscriber numbers. For instance, Vienna, the capital city, has a single-digit area code, which means subscriber numbers in this region can be longer. On the other hand, smaller towns and less populated areas may have longer area codes, resulting in shorter subscriber numbers.

When dialling an Austrian phone number, the country code (+43) must always be included when calling from outside Austria. The area code and subscriber number are then dialled after the country code. For mobile numbers, instead of an area code, a mobile network prefix is used, which is specific to the mobile carrier.

Mobile number prefixes

Austrian mobile numbers typically start with a 6 after the country code and use specific prefixes assigned by different mobile network providers. These prefixes help with appropriate call routing and identifying carriers.

• 650 – Magenta Telekom
• 660, 664, 680, 681, 699 – A1 Telekom Austria
• 65, 665, 676, 677, 688 – T-Mobile Austria
• 65, 676, 681, 688 – UPC Austria
• 665, 681 – Hotmobil
• 65 – Tele2
• 676 – M:Tel
• 65 – Spusu
• 65 – Yesss!
• 65 – GeoMobile
• 65 – Mass Response Service
• 65 – Mundio
• 65 – Ventocom

It's important to note that due to mobile number portability, the prefix is not always an accurate way to determine the provider of a mobile phone number.

Emergency numbers

In Austria, emergency numbers can be called free of charge from any phone, and there is no need to add a country or area code before the number. Certain emergency services are free of charge, or the costs are covered by health insurance. The standard language is German, but many Austrians speak English or can refer to English-speaking colleagues. Here are the emergency numbers in Austria:

• European Emergency Number: 112. This is the Europe-wide number for all types of emergencies and can be called from locked mobile phones. It connects you to the nearest emergency response centre, where you can be directed to the police, ambulance, or fire services.
• Police: 133. This is Austria's direct line to the police control centres. It is best to call this number if you need urgent police assistance, such as reporting a crime or seeking help in a dangerous situation.
• Fire Department: 122. This number connects you to the fire department, which is part of the Austria Fire Brigade Association.
• Ambulance Service: 144. This number is for medical emergencies and the transport of injured or sick individuals. On average, ambulances in Austria can reach patients in 8-15 minutes.
• Poison Control: 01 406 43 43. This is the number to call in cases of suspected poisoning.
• Emergency Doctor: 141. This number connects you to an emergency doctor outside the office hours of general practitioners.
• Austrian Health Hotline: 1450. This hotline provides medical advice and is responsible for all health-related questions.
• Mountain Rescue: 140. This service provides assistance in alpine areas for individuals encountering difficulties while hiking, climbing, or skiing.

Additionally, deaf and hearing-impaired individuals can use the DEC112 smartphone app or the SMS emergency number 0800 133 133 to contact the police, ambulance, fire brigade, and mountain rescue services via text-based emergency calls.

Frequently asked questions