Lexi Webster
If you're looking to get an Austrian phone number, there are a few options available to you. The traditional method is to purchase a SIM card from a mobile operator in Austria, either on a prepaid basis or as part of a longer-term contract. Alternatively, you can acquire an Austrian virtual phone number, which offers the advantage of a local number without the need for a physical presence in the country. Virtual numbers can be particularly useful for businesses looking to establish a presence in Austria, as they provide a cost-effective way to connect with customers and prospects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Austrian phone number characteristics | Typically 11 digits for mobile numbers, 9 or 10 digits for non-mobile numbers |
| The first 4 digits dictate the operator | |
| Cities have their own local dialling codes, e.g. Vienna is 01, Graz is 0316 | |
| The country's international dialling code is 0043 or +43 | |
| Getting an Austrian phone number | Get a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract |
| Register your new SIM card using proof of identity, such as your passport | |
| Pick up SIM cards from telecom shops or supermarkets | |
| Open an Austrian bank account to make it easier to pay for mobile contracts | |
| Virtual Austrian phone numbers | Available from providers such as CloudTalk, Zadarma, Ringover, CallHippo, and DialerHQ |
| Used to build a virtual presence in the country for your brand | |
| Can be added to local advertising to measure ROI | |
| Can be used to make and receive calls from any device |
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What You'll Learn
Getting an Austrian SIM card
If you're looking to get an Austrian SIM card, there are a few options available to you. The first thing to consider is whether you want a traditional SIM card or an eSIM. eSIMs are a super-convenient way to stay connected when travelling, and they're cheap too, with some starting from just $1 USD. You can purchase an eSIM for Austria online before you travel, and they're available from providers such as Airalo, which offers 20 GB of data for $12 USD.
If you'd prefer a physical prepaid SIM card, you can purchase these from mobile shops all over Austria, including in big cities and tourist destinations. You can also buy SIM cards in supermarkets, post offices, and even gas stations and convenience stores, although these may be more basic and require self-activation. It's recommended to buy your SIM card early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure better assistance.
Austrian SIM cards are called "Wertkarte", and they can be purchased and registered without ID or a passport. Top-up vouchers are available from most networks and can be bought online or in stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
Some recommended SIM card providers in Austria include Magenta (T-Mobile), which offers 30 GB of data for around $21 USD, and Drei, which offers an international package for €4 a month that lowers the cost of international calls. A1 is the largest operator in Austria and offers the best 4G/LTE service, although it has been known to surcharge roaming in the UK.
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Understanding the local phone numbering system
Mobile Phone Numbers:
Mobile phone numbers in Austria typically have 11 digits. Historically, the first four digits indicated the operator or provider. However, as numbers can now be easily moved between providers, this is no longer a reliable indicator. When choosing a mobile operator, you have the option of selecting from the major providers or opting for MVNOs, which often offer cheaper prices in urban areas.
Non-Mobile Phone Numbers:
Non-mobile phone numbers in Austria can vary in length, usually consisting of nine or ten digits. Each city has its unique local dialling code, which is included at the beginning of the number. For example, Vienna's city code is 01, while Graz's is 0316. This variation in city codes affects the overall length of the phone number.
International Dialling:
When calling an Austrian number from outside the country, you must include the international dialling code. The country code for Austria is 0043 or +43. Remember to omit the initial 0 from the phone number when using the international code.
Virtual Phone Numbers:
Virtual phone numbers are also available in Austria and can be useful for business or personal purposes. These numbers are not tied to a specific location or device and can be used to establish a virtual presence in the country. Virtual numbers often come with additional features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and toll-free options. They are a cost-effective way to expand your reach without investing in physical infrastructure.
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Choosing a mobile operator
Austria has a highly competitive mobile telecommunications market with several operators. The largest mobile operator in Austria is A1, which offers 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G coverage on its own network. It is followed by Magenta Telekom (formerly T-Mobile) and 3. Beyond these three, there are a growing number of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to choose from, such as Yesss!, Bob, Spusu, and Hot. MVNOs often have equal coverage in towns and cities for cheaper prices, but they don't usually offer as much coverage in rural areas.
When selecting a mobile operator in Austria, here are some factors to consider:
- Coverage and speeds: Check coverage maps to find providers with strong coverage in the areas where you'll use your phone the most. Look at 4G and 5G availability as well as overall data speeds.
- Prices and plans: Compare the costs of prepaid SIMs and postpaid plans across different operators. Look for discounts if you'll use lots of data.
- Contract terms: Prepaid plans don't require contracts, but postpaid plans usually have 12-24 month commitments.
- Roaming rates: If you'll travel internationally, compare roaming policies across providers. Some have more affordable options than others.
There are a few options for purchasing SIM cards from Austrian mobile operators:
- Operator stores and kiosks: The main operator brands have their own retail stores and branded kiosks located in shopping centers and airports where you can buy SIM cards.
- Electronics stores: Stores like MediaMarkt and Saturn carry SIM cards for the major Austrian operators.
- Supermarkets: Some supermarket chains like Spar and Billa sell prepaid SIM packs from select operators.
- Online: You can order SIM cards for delivery through the websites of most providers.
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Using a virtual Austrian phone number
A virtual Austrian phone number allows you to make and receive calls and SMS from Austria while being anywhere in the world. This can be especially useful for businesses and individuals looking to establish a local presence in Austria without setting up a physical office.
Virtual Austrian phone numbers are not tied to a specific location, device, or number. They are prefixed with a local area code, such as 0431 for Vienna or 043662 for Salzburg, and can be used by sales and customer support teams to build a reliable presence in the country. This helps scale your business presence without investing in local offices or physical phone lines.
You can obtain a virtual Austrian phone number from several providers, including Zadarma, Ringover, KrispCall, Dingtone, and CallHippo. These providers offer a range of features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, SMS capabilities, and call analytics. Pricing for virtual Austrian phone numbers typically starts at around \$5 to \$10 per month, depending on the provider and the features included.
To obtain a virtual Austrian phone number, you will generally need to provide proof of identity and address to comply with Austrian telecom regulations. Some providers may also require additional documentation, such as a company registration certificate. The setup process is typically quick and easy, and you can often access onboarding support if needed.
With a virtual Austrian phone number, you can enjoy the convenience of making and receiving calls from any device, including smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. This allows you to stay connected and accessible to your customers, partners, and colleagues, regardless of your physical location.
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Registering your new SIM card
Once you have purchased a SIM card, you will need to register it. This can be done by providing proof of identity, such as your passport. It is also recommended to have an Austrian bank account, as this can be useful when living in the country.
There are two main options for SIM cards in Austria: prepaid SIM cards and mobile phone contracts. Prepaid SIM cards offer more freedom and are a good choice if you are not planning to stay in Austria long-term or do not use your phone frequently. They can be more expensive for calls, SMS messages, and mobile data. To register a prepaid SIM card, you may need to provide additional information, such as your current address in Austria.
Alternatively, you can opt for a mobile phone contract, which typically offers lower rates for calls, texts, and data. Contracts are usually for 12 or 24 months and include a fixed monthly fee for a certain number of call minutes, text messages, and mobile data allowance. When choosing a contract, consider your usage and select the tariff that best suits your needs.
With your new SIM card registered, you can now use your Austrian phone number. Remember that mobile phone numbers in Austria typically have 11 digits, and when dialling from outside the country, you will need to use the international dialing code of 0043 or +43.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to get an Austrian phone number. One way is to get a prepaid SIM card, which is a quick and easy way to get a local phone number without committing to a contract. You can also take out a mobile phone contract, which will typically mean paying less for calls, texts, and data. Alternatively, you can get a virtual Austrian phone number from providers such as CloudTalk, Zadarma, Ringover, CallHippo, or DialerHQ.
A virtual Austrian phone number is not tied to a location, device, or number. It can be used to build a reliable presence in Austria without investing in local offices or physical phone lines. It can also help scale your business presence and improve customer support quality.
Virtual Austrian phone numbers are usually packed with advanced features and can be used to make and receive calls and SMS from anywhere in the world. They are often integrated with existing tools and can provide analytics and reporting tools that offer valuable insights into call patterns and other relevant data.
The cost of a virtual Austrian phone number varies depending on the provider and plan chosen. Some providers offer a basic free plan with limited features, while others offer premium plans with advanced features starting at \$6 per month.
