Get An Austrian Sim Card: A Quick Guide

Austria offers excellent mobile network coverage and a variety of SIM card options for travellers and expats. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card or travel eSIM for your stay in Austria, including where to buy one, the costs involved, and the benefits of different purchasing strategies. Whether you’re planning to explore the beauty of Austria's scenic landscapes or immerse yourself in the cultural richness of its historic cities, staying connected is crucial for navigating and sharing your experiences.

How to buy an Austrian SIM Card

Where to buy: airports, supermarkets, post offices, official shops, or online

When it comes to buying an Austrian SIM card, you have several options in terms of where to go.

Airports

If you want to get connected as soon as you land, you can buy a SIM card at several major airports in Austria, including Vienna International Airport and Salzburg Airport. However, it's worth noting that SIM cards sold at airports are often more expensive than those purchased elsewhere.

Supermarkets

You can also buy SIM cards from supermarkets in Austria. This option may be more convenient if you're looking for a basic prepaid SIM card without any additional services.

Official Shops

If you're looking for a specific mobile operator, you can visit their official stores. The main mobile operators in Austria include A1, Magenta Telekom (formerly T-Mobile), and Drei (3). These stores are typically located in larger towns and cities and offer a range of SIM card options.

Electronics Stores

Electronic shops, like MediaMarkt, Saturn, and Billa, also sell SIM cards. These stores are easily accessible and often have a wide range of options.

Online

If you prefer to have your SIM card ready before your arrival, you can purchase it online from websites like Amazon or SimOptions. Online options include both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, depending on your preference and device compatibility.

Cost: expect to pay around €9.90-€10 for a SIM card

The cost of a SIM card in Austria depends on the provider and the plan you choose. On average, you can expect to pay around €9.90-€10 for a SIM card. For example, Magenta's KLAX M plan offers 15GB of data, 1,500 SMS/minutes in Austria and the EU, and costs €10.

Prepaid SIM cards are generally more expensive for calls, SMS messages, and mobile data. However, they offer more freedom and are a good option if you don't use your phone frequently or are not staying in Austria long-term.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider buying a cheap mobile phone on arrival. These basic phones enable calls and SMS messages and cost around €30.

When purchasing a SIM card, there may also be additional costs to consider, such as a one-time activation fee, which can range from €49.90 to €69.99. Some companies may even offer this for free.

It's important to compare the different data plans and pricing structures offered by various providers to find the best option for your needs.

Registration: you'll need to show your passport or ID

When buying a SIM card in Austria, you will need to register it. This is a straightforward process that simply requires you to show valid identification, such as your passport or European Union ID card. You will need to do this at the point of sale.

If you are buying a prepaid SIM card, you can visit shops like Mediamarkt, Billa, Penny, Merkur, or DM, as well as kiosks and gas stations. You can also buy prepaid SIM cards at major airports, such as Vienna International Airport or Salzburg Airport, but these are often sold at inflated prices.

If you are buying a SIM card online, you will typically need to provide a local address, as pre-ordering outside of Austria is usually not possible. You will also need to provide valid identification, such as your passport, to register your SIM card.

It is worth noting that some sources recommend opening an Austrian bank account if you are staying in the country for an extended period. This can be useful when registering your SIM card and for other administrative tasks.

Overall, registering your Austrian SIM card is a simple process that just requires you to show your passport or another valid form of identification.

eSIMs: a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards

If you're travelling to Austria, you may be considering buying an Austrian SIM card to stay connected. While physical SIM cards are the most common type, there is a more convenient alternative: the eSIM.

ESIMs, or embedded SIM cards, are a digital version of the physical SIM card. They are built into newer smartphones and provide the same function of connecting your device to a network. The key difference is that eSIMs are embedded directly into the device's hardware and can be programmed remotely without needing to swap cards. This makes them a convenient, space-saving option.

One of the biggest advantages of eSIMs is the ease of switching networks and plans. With an eSIM, you can switch carriers and plans remotely, without having to physically swap SIM cards. This makes it much easier to manage multiple phone numbers on a single device and test out different carriers. Additionally, eSIMs can be more secure than physical SIM cards as they are embedded in the device and cannot be removed, making it harder for thieves to reset your phone.

However, it's important to note that not all networks support eSIMs, particularly smaller carriers, and there may be limited support in certain countries. Before your trip, ensure your device is compatible with eSIM technology and is unlocked. Most modern smartphones, including recent models from Apple, Samsung, and Google, support eSIMs.

When travelling to Austria, you can stay connected by purchasing a local physical SIM card or taking advantage of the convenience and flexibility of an eSIM.

Prepaid vs contract: prepaid offers flexibility, while contracts may be cheaper

When buying a SIM card in Austria, you have two main options: prepaid or contract. Prepaid SIM cards offer more flexibility, especially for short-term visitors to the country, while contracts may work out cheaper if you're a frequent phone user.

Prepaid SIM cards are a good option if you're visiting Austria for a short time, or if you don't plan on using your phone a lot. They're also a good choice if you need a quick and simple way to get set up with calls, SMS, and data, without the commitment of a contract. You can buy prepaid SIM cards from shops like Mediamarkt, Billa, Penny, Merkur, or DM, as well as kiosks, gas stations, and online. You can recharge your prepaid SIM at these locations or purchase more credit on your provider's website. Prepaid cards often come with a set amount of credit, and you'll need to top it up once it runs out. This means you only pay for what you use, which can work out cheaper in some situations. However, certain services, like GPS monitoring, will stop working if your data volume runs out.

Contract SIM cards may be a better option if you're planning on staying in Austria long-term, or if you use your phone frequently. Contracts often provide additional benefits, like discounted rates for frequent users, and you'll usually pay less for calls, texts, and data overall. However, contracts come with fixed monthly or annual costs, which can be a burden if your plans change or you're not a frequent phone user.

Frequently asked questions