Using Us Phones In Austria: What You Need To Know

If you're travelling to Austria and want to use your US phone, it's important to understand the international dialling process and the different options available to stay connected. Austria has a high-quality mobile network with good 4G coverage in larger cities like Vienna, and an increasing number of mobile operators offering competitive plans. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you use your US phone in Austria:

- Understand the dialling process: When calling Austria from the US, you need to dial the exit code of the USA (011 or +), followed by the country code for Austria (43), and then the local landline or mobile number of the recipient.

- Check your mobile plan: Contact your US phone carrier to understand their international calling rates and plans. Some carriers offer pay-as-you-go rates or international calling pack add-ons, which can be more cost-effective.

- Consider alternative options: If you plan to make frequent calls, purchasing a prepaid calling card or signing up for an international plan with your carrier might be more economical. Additionally, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps offer a cost-effective alternative by bypassing the need for dialling codes.

- Utilise free Wi-Fi: Austria has many free Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in tourist areas like Salzburg, Vienna, and Innsbruck. Take advantage of these to stay connected without incurring additional charges.

- Explore local SIM cards: If you're staying in Austria for an extended period, consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card or signing up for a mobile contract. This can provide you with a local phone number and potentially more affordable rates.

Using a US phone in Austria: the basics

If you're heading to Austria and want to use your US phone, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, check if your phone will work on the local network. Austria uses the GSM network, so if you're coming from a country that uses this network (like most European countries), you shouldn't have any issues. However, even if you're coming from a country that uses the CDMA network (like parts of the US), many modern smartphones will still be able to connect. It's always best to check with your carrier before you travel to avoid any surprises.

Connecting to the local network

If you can't connect to the local network, you have a few options. You could consider buying a cheap mobile phone when you arrive, which will cost around €30. These phones are basic and only enable calls and SMS messages. Alternatively, you can get a prepaid Austrian SIM card, but you'll need to complete a registration process. This can be done using your proof of identity, such as your passport. Another option is to buy a SIM card from another EU country and use free roaming while in Austria.

Dialling codes and phone numbers

When dialling an Austrian number from the US, you'll need to use the country's international dialling code. This is 011 43 or +43, and you omit the initial 0 from the phone number. Austrian phone numbers don't have a standard length, ranging from 4 to 13 digits. When dialling a landline, you'll also need to include the area code, which varies depending on the region or city. For example, Vienna is 01 and Graz is 0316.

Calling and texting

If you're calling or texting an Austrian number from your US phone, simply dial 011 43 followed by the phone number, omitting the initial 0. For calling a mobile phone, you don't need to include the area code. Just enter the mobile number, which will begin with a 6. Texting works the same way as calling, and you can also use apps like WhatsApp to communicate, taking advantage of the many free wifi spots around the country.

Costs and alternatives

Using your US phone in Austria can incur high charges, so it's worth looking into alternatives. You can purchase a prepaid calling card, which will allow you to spend less than 10 cents per minute for international calls. Or, if you're planning to make frequent calls, consider contacting your phone carrier about an international plan. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps are another cost-effective option, allowing you to make calls over the internet rather than a standard telephone line.

Calling and texting in Austria: what you need to know

Calling an Austrian Number from the US

If you're calling an Austrian number from the US, you'll need to follow these steps:

• Dial the exit code of the USA: 011. This signals that you're making an international call.
• Input the country code for Austria: 43. This ensures your call is directed to the correct country.
• Enter the area code of the region in Austria you're calling.
• Dial the local landline or mobile number of the recipient.

So, for example, if you're calling a landline in Vienna, your dialing format would be: 011-43-1-XXXX-XXXXX.

If you're calling a mobile phone, you don't need to enter the area code. Mobile numbers in Austria start with a 6, so your dialing format would be: 011-43-6-XXXX-XXXX.

Texting an Austrian Number from the US

When texting an Austrian number from the US, you can use the same dialing format as above: 011-43-6-XXXX-XXXX. Alternatively, you can try texting without the exit code, so just add +43 to the start of the number.

Calling Within Austria

If you have a US phone and number, and you're physically in Austria, the process is a little different.

To call an Austrian number from your US phone while in Austria, you would dial as if you were dialing from the US. So, for example, if you're in Austria and want to call an Austrian number, you would dial: +43-1-XXXX-XXXXX for a landline or +43-6-XXXX-XXXX for a mobile.

Texting Within Austria

To text an Austrian number from your US phone while in Austria, simply text the number as you would normally, leaving out the country code.

How to call an Austrian landline or mobile

To call an Austrian landline or mobile from the US, you need to follow a precise sequence of steps.

Firstly, you need to dial the exit code of the USA, which is 011. If you are using a mobile phone, you can enter a + sign instead of the exit code.

Next, you need to input the country code for Austria, which is 43.

To call an Austrian landline, you then need to enter the area code, followed by the local number. Austrian landline numbers range from 4 to 13 digits, and the area code will depend on the region or city. For example, Vienna is 01 and Graz is 0316.

To call an Austrian mobile, you do not need to enter the area code. Simply enter the mobile number, which will begin with a 6, after the exit code and country code.

So, to call an Austrian landline from the US, you would dial: 011-43-XXX-XX-XX or 011-43-1-XXX-XX-XXXX. To call an Austrian mobile from the US, you would dial: 011-43-6-XXXXXXX or +43-6-XXXXXXX.

It is worth noting that rates for calling Austria from the US can vary depending on the carrier and whether you are calling a landline or mobile phone. Most carriers' rates range from $1.15 to $2.00 per minute, and you may also be charged taxes and fees on top of the basic per-minute rate. Therefore, it is a good idea to check with your carrier for specific pricing information before making any calls.

Getting a SIM card and mobile phone number in Austria

If you're an expat living in Austria, you'll want to get a local SIM card and phone number to stay connected with friends and family. The country has a good-quality mobile network with decent 4G coverage, especially in large cities like Vienna, Graz, and Klagenfurt, where you can access 5G.

Austrian Mobile Operators

Austria's mobile phone market is surprisingly competitive, with three main operators: A1, 3 (Drei), and Magenta (formerly T-Mobile). There are also several MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use these three main networks. A1 Telekom has the largest market share, followed by Magenta Telekom and 3.

Prepaid vs. Mobile Contracts

When choosing a mobile connection in Austria, you have two main options: a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract.

Prepaid SIM Cards

Prepaid SIMs are generally the quickest and easiest way to get a local phone number without committing to a long-term contract. They are ideal if you need a simple way to make calls, send SMS messages, and use mobile data. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards from various retailers, including telecommunications stores, supermarkets, and even online. Some carriers also offer eSIMs.

Mobile Phone Contracts

If you plan to stay in Austria for an extended period, a mobile phone contract might be a better option. Contracts typically offer lower rates for calls, texts, and data, especially if you use your phone frequently. They often include the latest smartphones and can be bundled with home internet and TV packages for additional savings. Contracts are usually for 12 or 24 months and require proof of identity, Austrian address, and local bank account details.

Austrian Mobile Numbers

Austrian mobile numbers typically have 11 digits, with the first four indicating the operator. However, as numbers can now be easily moved by the user, this is not always accurate. When dialling an Austrian number from outside the country, use the country code (+43) and omit the initial "0" from the number.

Tips for Choosing a Mobile Provider

When selecting a mobile provider and plan in Austria, consider the following:

• Network coverage: Ensure the provider has reliable and extensive coverage in the areas you'll frequent.
• Data plans and pricing: Compare data plans and pricing to find one that suits your usage needs.
• Contract options: Decide whether you prefer the flexibility of a prepaid plan or the additional benefits and discounts of a contract-based plan.

Where to Get an Austrian SIM Card

You can obtain an Austrian SIM card by ordering it online or visiting the physical store of your chosen mobile provider. Remember to bring the required documents: proof of identity, proof of Austrian address, and local bank account details for automatic billing.

Staying Connected in Austria

With a local SIM card and phone number, you'll be able to stay connected and make the most of your time in Austria, whether it's for navigating with Google Maps, translating German, or simply staying in touch with loved ones.

Mobile operators in Austria

Austria has a highly competitive mobile phone market, with a number of operators offering a range of services. The three main Austrian operators, each with their own network, are A1, 3 (Drei), and Magenta (formerly T-Mobile). There are also several MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use these three main networks.

A1 Telekom has the biggest market share of Austrian mobile operators, with over 35% of the market. Magenta Telekom has a 32% share, and 3 (Drei) has 24%. A1 is known for its reliability but can be expensive, while Magenta offers a more budget-friendly alternative, and Drei is the most affordable of the three.

A1 offers exclusive SIM-only deals for prepaid customers, such as the A1 SIMply S plan for €19.90 per month, which provides mobile data in other EU countries as well as Austria. For those under 26, the A1 SIMply Xcite S plan offers even more data for €17.90 per month. Magenta's Mobile Sim Only S plan is priced at €15 per month, and Drei offers the MyLife SIM plan for under 27s, which costs €9.90 per month and provides unlimited calls, messages, 40 GB of data within Austria, and 10 GB in the EU.

When choosing a mobile operator in Austria, it's important to consider factors such as network coverage, data plans and pricing, and whether you prefer a prepaid plan or a contract-based plan.

Frequently asked questions