Lyla Lindsey
If you're travelling to Austria and want to use your mobile phone, there are a few things you should know. First, check if your phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in Austria. You can use a website like Kimovil Frequency Checker to see if your phone will work with the 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks in Austria. Additionally, make sure your phone is not locked by your mobile network provider, as this will prevent you from using a different SIM card. If you want to avoid high roaming charges, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Austria or a European SIM card if you're visiting multiple countries. You can also use free Wi-Fi hotspots or rent a mobile hotspot to stay connected without incurring roaming charges.
Will my mobile phone work in Austria?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using your mobile device | Using your mobile device abroad isn't hard, and with a little preparation, you can text, make calls, and access the Internet without breaking the bank. |
| Roaming charges | Roaming with your own phone outside the US generally comes with extra charges, whether you are making voice calls, sending texts, or accessing data. |
| International service plan | Travelers who want to stay connected at a lower cost can sign up for an international service plan through their carrier. Most offer some sort of global calling plan that cuts the per-minute cost of phone calls and a flat-fee data plan that includes a certain amount of megabytes. |
| International coverage | Your normal plan may already include international coverage, as T-Mobile's does. It's a fairly painless process: Confirm that your phone will work in Europe. Nearly all newer phones work fine abroad (as do older phones purchased through AT&T and T-Mobile), but it's smart to check with your carrier if you're unsure. |
| International rates | Research your provider's international rates. Plan pricing varies wildly by carrier. Call your provider or check their website for the latest pricing. |
| International roaming | Activate international service. A day or two before you leave, log on to your mobile phone account or call your provider to activate international roaming for voice, text, and/or data (whichever features you plan to use), and sign up for any international services. |
| Data usage | Upon arrival in Europe, it's smart to start tracking how much data you're using. On your device's menu, look for an item like "cellular data usage" or "mobile data" and reset the counter at the start of your trip so you can see how many megabytes you've consumed. |
| Mobile hotspot | Using free wifi or a mobile hotspot means you can use your cell phone and mobile devices over the internet, without the SIM card hassle. Plus, you will keep your own telephone number. Given that Vienna has a dense network of free wifi hotspots in core areas, use your mobile devices when in a cafe or restaurant with free wifi access. |
| Prepaid SIM cards | If your cell phone or mobile device uses a SIM card, ask your carrier if they can unlock it, and about the costs involved. Some carriers charge for this service and it may take a few weeks to unlock cell phones. When in Austria, you can buy a pre-paid SIM card ('Wertkarte' in German) and insert it into your mobile device. |
| Prepaid plans | All Austrian mobile phone networks offer prepaid plans ("pay as you go"). EETY is good if you intend to call home rather often. Coverage in Austria is basically excellent with all of them, especially in the more populated areas. In rural areas, A1 and T-Mobile/tele.ring are best. |
| Phone compatibility | You can also use your phone from the US if it hasn't been locked by your mobile phone network and if it is capable of understanding the frequencies used in Austria/Europe. GSM works on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G works on 2100 MHz. |
| 5G coverage | 5G is still being rolled out in Austria and as such coverage is not nationwide. 4G coverage in the cities is quite good. |
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What You'll Learn
Using your current phone and SIM card
If you want to use your current phone and SIM card in Austria, there are a few things you should consider. First, check if your phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in Austria. GSM in Austria works on 900 and 1800 MHz, while 3G works on 2100 MHz. You can use a website like Kimovil Frequency Checker to see if your phone is compatible with the 2G, 3G, and 4G networks in Austria. Additionally, check if your phone is locked to your current carrier. If it is, you can ask your carrier to unlock it, but this may come with a cost and take a few weeks to process.
Next, research your provider's international rates and plan options. Some providers, like T-Mobile, include international coverage in their plans, while others offer global calling plans or flat-fee data plans for a certain number of megabytes. Compare the pricing and features of these plans to decide if it's more cost-effective to use your current plan or sign up for an international service plan. Keep in mind that using your mobile device abroad usually incurs extra charges for voice calls, text messages, and data usage.
Before you leave for Austria, activate international roaming for voice, text, and/or data, depending on your needs. It is recommended to do this a day or two before your trip. Additionally, download or update any new apps you plan to use, such as language translators, ebook readers, or mapping apps, to avoid issues with bandwidth while abroad.
Once you arrive in Austria, be mindful of your data usage. Track your data consumption by locating the "cellular data usage" or "mobile data" menu on your device. This will help you stay within your plan's limits and avoid unexpected charges. Remember that free Wi-Fi hotspots are also available in Austria, especially in cafes, restaurants, and hotels, so take advantage of those whenever possible to reduce your data usage.
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Buying a local SIM card
If you're travelling to Austria and want to use your mobile phone, it's important to consider the costs of roaming charges and the compatibility of your device with the country's cellular networks. Here are some tips and options for buying a local SIM card in Austria to stay connected:
Checking Compatibility:
Before purchasing a local SIM card, ensure that your phone is compatible with Austria's cellular networks. Check if your device supports the frequency bands used in the country, which are GSM 900 and 1800 MHz for 2G and 3G respectively, and 2100 MHz for 3G. You can use online tools, such as the Kimovil Frequency Checker, to verify the compatibility of your specific phone model with Austria's 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
Choosing a SIM Card Type:
Austria offers both prepaid and postpaid SIM card options. Prepaid SIM cards, known as "Wertkarte" in German, allow you to pay upfront for a set amount of talk time, text messages, and data. This can be a cost-effective option if you intend to use your phone sparingly. Postpaid plans, on the other hand, typically require a contract and may involve additional fees and commitments.
Finding the Right Provider:
Austria has several mobile network operators, including A1, T-Mobile/tele.ring, and ORANGE. When choosing a provider, consider factors such as coverage, pricing, and the availability of English-language customer support. Some providers, like EETY, offer plans tailored for international calling, which might be useful if you plan to make frequent calls to your home country. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are also an option, as they may offer competitive rates and unique packages.
Purchasing the SIM Card:
You can purchase SIM cards from various outlets in Austria, including mobile phone stores, vending machines in some metro stations, and shops like MobiNil in central Tuchlauben 22. Remember to bring your passport or another form of identification, as it is required to obtain a mobile phone number in Austria.
Setting Up Your Device:
Once you've purchased your SIM card, insert it into your mobile device, ensuring that you have the correct SIM card size for your phone. You may need to adjust your device's settings to select the new network and enable data roaming. Keep in mind that using a local SIM card will give you a new Austrian phone number, so inform your contacts of this change if needed.
By following these steps and staying mindful of your usage and plan details, you can effectively use a local SIM card in Austria to stay connected during your travels.
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Using free WiFi and mobile hotspots
Free WiFi Hotspots
Austria, especially its major cities, offers a plethora of free WiFi hotspots. In Vienna, for example, you can find free WiFi in cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, shopping centres, tourist offices, museums, public transit hubs, and stations. Stephansplatz, Naschmarkt, and Marienplatz are some specific locations in Vienna and Munich, respectively, that offer free WiFi.
Portable WiFi Devices
If you want a more reliable and secure connection, consider renting a portable WiFi device, also known as pocket WiFi or mifi. These devices provide a fast and secure connection and can be carried in your pocket. They connect to the 4G LTE network, ensuring a better connection than free WiFi. Providers like Hippocketwifi, Rentnconnect, MyWebspot, and My Webspot offer daily, weekly, or long-term rental plans with unlimited data and attractive prices.
ESIMs
An eSIM is a convenient option that can be purchased and set up before your trip. Airalo, Holafly, and Orange Holiday offer eSIMs with data packages for Europe, but these may not provide the best connection in areas with weaker mobile network signals.
Prepaid SIM Cards
Prepaid SIM cards are another option to consider, but they may only offer 3G speeds, and you will need to check if your mobile phone is compatible with local Austrian cards. You can purchase these cards from providers like A1 Telekom, Magenta Telekom, and 3 (Drei).
While using free WiFi and mobile hotspots can help you stay connected, it is important to be cautious about cyber attacks and take necessary security measures, such as using antivirus software and VPNs. Additionally, avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to unsecured networks.
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Buying a local prepaid phone
If you're travelling to Austria and want to stay connected, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to check with your current mobile service provider to ensure that your phone will work in Austria and to request that they unlock your phone for global use if necessary.
If you're looking for a local prepaid phone option in Austria, you can consider purchasing a cheap mobile phone on arrival, which will enable you to make calls and send SMS messages. These phones can be found for around €30 and can be a good option if you're looking for a basic device.
Another option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card, also known as a "Wertkarte" in Austrian German. Prepaid SIM cards can be bought at various shops, supermarkets, and kiosks, as well as at Vienna International Airport. Some popular providers include Drei, Eety, and Lycamobile. When purchasing a SIM card, remember to check the required SIM card size for your device.
If you opt for a prepaid SIM card, you will need to complete a registration process. You can also consider purchasing a SIM card from another EU country and using free-roaming while in Austria to avoid the registration process.
- Lyca Mobile: Offers unlimited talk, text, and 60 GB of data for €14.90.
- Lidl Connect: Provides two 5G limited mobile plans and two 5G unlimited data-only plans.
- Drei: Offers a range of 5G limited and unlimited mobile and data plans.
- A1: The leading mobile network in Austria, offering exclusive SIM-only deals for prepaid customers. Their SIMply S plan costs €19.90 per month and includes mobile data for use in other EU countries.
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Using an international service plan
If you want to use your mobile phone in Austria, you can sign up for an international service plan through your carrier. Most carriers offer some sort of global calling plan that cuts the per-minute cost of phone calls and a flat-fee data plan that includes a certain amount of megabytes. Your normal plan may already include international coverage, as T-Mobile's does.
Before your trip, confirm that your phone will work in Austria. Nearly all newer phones work fine abroad (as do older phones purchased through AT&T and T-Mobile), but it's smart to check with your carrier if you're unsure. Research your provider's international rates, as plan pricing varies by carrier. Call your provider or check their website for the latest pricing.
A day or two before you leave, log on to your mobile phone account or call your provider to activate international roaming for voice, text, and/or data (whichever features you plan to use). You should also assess how you plan to use your phone. For example, will you be making a lot of phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, and how freely and frequently will you want to get online to check email, look up websites, access maps, get driving directions, or use other mobile apps?
Upon arrival in Austria, start tracking how much data you're using. On your device's menu, look for an item like "cellular data usage" or "mobile data" and reset the counter at the start of your trip so you can see how many megabytes you've consumed. Some carriers automatically send a text message warning if you approach or exceed your limit and will let you upgrade your package without penalty.
If you want to maintain your phone number from your home country and also have an Austrian one, consider getting a dual SIM phone. You can also use free WiFi or a mobile hotspot to use your cell phone and mobile devices over the internet without the SIM card hassle. Vienna, for example, has a dense network of free WiFi hotspots in core areas, and your hotel may provide free WiFi as well. However, free WiFi hotspots aren't always reliable or secure.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has four physical networks and a few virtual providers. If your phone is locked to your mobile phone network, it may not be capable of understanding the frequencies used in Austria. GSM in Austria works on 900 and 1800 MHz, and 3G works on 2100 MHz. You can check the compatibility of your phone with the frequency bands and mobile operators in Austria online.
You can buy a cheap unlocked phone and a SIM card that will work in all the countries of Western Europe. You can also rent a mobile hotspot or use free wifi to make calls and send messages over the internet without the need for a SIM card.
All Austrian mobile phone networks offer prepaid plans. EETY is a good option if you intend to make international calls often. If you want to keep your home country number, you can get a dual SIM phone and an Austrian SIM card.
You can sign up for an international service plan through your carrier, which may include a flat-fee data plan. You can also limit automatic updates and switch off data roaming to avoid unexpected charges.
