Calling Austria From The Uk: A Step-By-Step Guide

Calling Austria from the UK is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is dial the international exit code, followed by the country code for Austria, the area code, and finally, the phone number. The country code for Austria is '43', and the international exit code for the UK is '00'. Calling rates vary depending on your carrier, but they typically range from $1.15 to $2.00 per minute. You can also use a prepaid calling card to save money on lengthy international calls.

Exit codes and country codes

To call Austria from the UK, you will need to dial the exit code, country code, area code, and finally, the phone number.

Exit codes, also known as international access codes, are necessary for dialling out of your country. They vary depending on the country you are calling from. The exit code in the UK is 00. If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can use the + sign, which automatically enters the exit code.

The country code for Austria is 43. This will be the same regardless of which country you are calling from.

The area code will depend on which part of Austria you are calling. For example, the area code for Vienna is 1. When calling within Austria, you have to dial "0" followed by the area code. However, when calling from abroad, you do not need to include the "0".

Austrian phone numbers can range from 4 to 13 digits, so the total number of digits you dial will vary. When calling a mobile phone in Austria, you do not need to dial the area code. Instead, simply enter the mobile phone number, which will begin with a "6", after you have entered the exit and country codes.

Mobile vs landline

When calling Austria from the UK, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially regarding the cost of calling a mobile phone versus a landline.

Calling a mobile phone in Austria from the UK is generally more expensive than calling a landline. This is due to the higher rates charged for mobile-to-mobile international calls. However, the specific rates will depend on your mobile carrier or landline provider, and some plans may offer discounted or inclusive international calling.

When calling a landline in Austria, you will need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from (for the UK, it is usually 00), followed by Austria's country code (43) and the area code without the initial zero. For example, to call Vienna, you would dial 00-43-1. Then, enter the phone number of the recipient, keeping in mind that Austrian landline numbers can range from 4 to 13 digits.

To call an Austrian mobile phone from the UK, the process is similar. Dial the exit code of your country, followed by Austria's country code. Instead of an area code, you will need to enter the mobile service provider's prefix code of the person you are calling. For example, 0664 for A1, 0699 for ONE, 0676 for T-Mobile, 0650 for Tele-ring, and 0660 for 3. Finally, enter the mobile phone number, which will begin with a "6".

To find the most cost-effective way to call Austria, consider the following options:

• International calling plans or add-ons: Both major carriers and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer international calling plans or add-ons that can provide discounted rates or inclusive minutes for calling abroad. For example, T-Mobile's Go5G Plus plan offers unlimited data and texting while abroad in over 215 countries.
• Cheap international calls services: Services like 0044.co.uk offer cheap calls to Austria from UK landlines, starting from 1p/min. However, you will need to check the per-minute rate charged by your landline provider to call their access number, as the total cost of the call will be the sum of this and the rate advertised by the cheap calls service.
• Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs): MVNOs like Ting and Mint Mobile offer affordable talk, text, and data plans with free or discounted calling to select international destinations. For example, Ting offers free calling to over 60 countries, while Mint Mobile has a $30/month plan with affordable rates for calling over 160 countries.

It is important to note that rates for calling abroad can vary, and you should always check with your mobile carrier or landline provider to understand the charges that will apply. Additionally, sending text or multimedia messages to Austrian numbers may also incur charges, with most carriers charging a fee for both incoming and outgoing messages.

Rates and charges

The rates and charges for calling Austria from the UK vary depending on the service provider and the type of phone you are using.

If you are using a landline, different providers will offer varying rates. For example, 0044 offers rates starting from 1p/min. Similarly, Call2Call offers rates starting from 0.75p/min, which includes the cost of dialling the access number and your phone company's access charge. MyTello is another service that allows you to make cheap international calls to Austria from the UK by first calling a local number and then connecting you to Austria, offering potential savings of up to 90% on each call.

If you are using a mobile, different network providers will offer different rates and plans. For instance, EE offers an international calling add-on that allows you to call landlines and mobiles in 65 countries, including Austria, from 3p/min. They also offer £10 and £15 international packs that recur every 30 days and include calls to Austria.

It is important to note that some providers may include calls to access numbers in your tariff, while others may charge peak and off-peak rates for these calls. Additionally, mobile network providers may have different call rates for international calls compared to landline providers. Therefore, it is always recommended to check with your service provider for specific rates and charges before making international calls.

Prepaid cards

There are two main types of prepaid cards you can use to call Austria from the UK: international phone cards and Austrian prepaid SIM cards. International phone cards can be used from your home phone, a public phone, or your mobile. You will need the access number and a PIN, which you can find on the card. Dial the access number, enter your PIN, and then dial your destination number. Some cards may have language options or menus where you can access other services.

Alternatively, you can purchase an Austrian prepaid SIM card, also known locally as a "Wertkarte". These can be bought online and shipped to your home address before your trip, or you can buy one from a physical store in Austria. Many providers offer prepaid plans with data, SMS, and minutes. For example, A1 offers 5,000 minutes or SMS and 5 GB of data for €9.90, with additional plans for more data. You can also get a Drei prepaid SIM card for €9.90 activation, with options such as 20 GB data, 2,000 minutes, and SMS for €20.

It is worth noting that some SIM cards may require registration with proof of identity, such as your passport. Additionally, since August 2022, the UK is no longer part of the EU-Roaming zone, so you may be charged high Zone 1 fares when roaming in the UK.

Time zones

When calling Austria from the UK, it's important to be mindful of the time difference between the two countries. Austria follows Central European Time (CET) and observes Daylight Savings Time during certain times of the year.

During Daylight Savings Time, Austria is one hour ahead of the UK, which follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). So, if it's 5 pm in the UK, it's 6 pm in Austria. This one-hour time difference remains consistent throughout the Daylight Savings Time period.

However, when Daylight Savings Time ends in the UK, usually on the last Sunday of October, the clocks are turned back one hour, returning to GMT. At this time, Austria remains on CET, so the time difference between the two countries becomes two hours. For example, if it's 5 pm in the UK, it will be 7 pm in Austria.

On the other hand, when Daylight Savings Time ends in Austria, the time difference returns to one hour. This usually occurs on the last Sunday in March, when clocks in Austria are moved forward by one hour, marking the start of Central European Summer Time (CEST). So, if it's 5 pm in the UK, it will be 6 pm in Austria again.

Being mindful of these time zone differences will help ensure that you're making your calls at appropriate times for the recipient in Austria.

Frequently asked questions