Are you traveling to Vienna soon and wondering whether you need an Austrian SIM card to be able to communicate easily and cost-effectively? Then you are exactly in the right place!
In this ultimate guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the Best eSIM in Austria for tourists. Here you will find out whether you need an Austrian SIM card for your trip to Vienna, where you can buy your SIM card and the costs involved.
We also introduce you to the various mobile phone providers in Austria and alternative ways of buying a SIM card, such as e-SIM cards and a comparison table with the best eSIM Austria deals.
Here we go!
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Do I really need an Austrian SIM card for my trip to Vienna?
First, let's clarify the question of whether you need an Austrian SIM card for your vacation in Vienna:
- If you are from Europe, it is usually not necessary to buy an Austrian SIM card, as roaming within the EU (and the European Economic Area) has been free since 2017 . This means that in most cases you can use your SIM card in Austria without any problems and without fear of additional costs. However, since each provider is free to impose certain restrictions on overseas use, it is advisable to check your provider's terms and special rules to avoid any surprises.
- If you are not from Europe but from the USA or other parts of the world, buying an Austrian SIM card makes sense. Otherwise, you can expect very high international roaming charges. Buying a local SIM card ensures that your mobile data connections are reliable, secure and fast, and allows you to communicate with ease during your trip to Vienna.
Alternative to SIM Cards: eSIM Austria
If you’re visiting Vienna, and need reliable mobile data, an eSIM might be your best option. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM allows you to connect to a local network instantly, without the need to swap out your existing SIM card. It’s a practical choice for travellers who want to stay connected without the hassle of dealing with physical SIM cards.
To help you choose the right plan, we’ve put together a comparison of the best eSIM Austria providers, along with key details on pricing, coverage, and features.
Please note: Before purchasing an eSIM for Austria, make sure your smartphone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology. If you're unsure whether your device is compatible, you can check it as follows:
→ For Android devices: Open Settings and go to Connections > SIM card manager. If you see an option to "Add mobile plan", your phone is eSIM-compatible.
→ For iOS devices: Open Settings and go to Cellular or Mobile Data. If you find an option to "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Data Plan", your iPhone supports eSIMs.
eSIM Austria Comparison Table: All available eSIM Deals for Vienna
Most eSIM providers in Austria operate on the same major networks, such as 3AT and A1, ensuring strong coverage and reliable connection across Vienna and beyond.
The main differences between providers lie in data packages, pricing, and validity periods. Below, you'll find a detailed comparison to help you choose the best eSIM Austria plan for your needs.
HOLAFLY | ESQUICK | AIRALO | JETPAC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PROVIDER |  |  |  |  |
DATA ALLOWANCE | UNLIMITED | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 40 GB |
VALIDITY | Any number of days (selectable) | 7, 15, 30 days | 7, 15, 30 days | 4, 7, 30 days |
NETWORK COVERAGE | 3 AT | 3 AT | 3 AT | 3 AT & A1 |
PRICE & DATA EXAMPLE | 5 days unlimited data: €18.90 | 30 days 10 GB - 100 SMS - 100 MINS: €17.00 | 30 days 10 GB - 100 SMS - 100 MINS: €17.00 | 4 days 4 GB: €1.00 |
Price + data for 7 Days | €26.90: unlimited data | €4.50: 1 GB data | €4.50: 1 GB data | €5.00: 3 GB data |
BEST FOR | Business travelers, | Budget-travelers seeking a reliable coverage, calls, and messaging options. | short-term visitors and travelers looking for flexible data, calls, and messaging options. | Travelers looking for affordable options with generous data allowances. |
PRICE |
Details of the Available eSIM Austria Deals
1. Holafly
Holafly is a data-only eSIM provider available in over 160 countries, including Austria. Among the options listed, it stands out as the only provider offering unlimited data, making it a great choice for travelers who require continuous and high-speed internet access throughout their trip.
- Data Allowance: Unlimited
- Validity: Choose from multiple duration options
- Network Coverage: Drei Austria (3AT)
- Best for: Heavy data users, digital nomads, business travelers
- Additional Features:
- Daily 500mb hotspot for sharing with others
- Immediate delivery after purchase
- 24/7 customer support
Holafly's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 3 days unlimited data in Austria: €11.90
- 5 days unlimited data in Austria: €18.90
- 7 days unlimited data in Austria: €26.90
- 15 days unlimited data in Austria: €46.90
For more information and to benefit from a 5% discount, please click on the following link.
2. Esquik (recommended)
Esquik is a trusted eSIM provider that offers affordable data plans in Austria. It provides the same eSIM options as Airalo, but at a discounted price, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to save money. Running on Austria’s top networks, including 3AT, it ensures reliable coverage with instant activation, allowing you to stay connected effortlessly throughout your trip.
- Data Allowance: Various options from 1 GB to 30 GB.
- Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Drei Austria (3AT)
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking a reliable 5G coverage at discounted prices.
- Additional Features:
- Can be recharged online
- Various data, calls, and messaging options
- Instant activation
Esquik's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 7 days 1 GB data in Austria: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB data in Austria: €5.00
- 30 days 10 GB in Austria: €11.00
- 30 days 20 GB data, 200 SMS, 200 Mins in Austria: €24.00
Check the official website to benefit from a 5% discount, and get more information.
3. Airalo
Airalo is a global eSIM provider offering budget-friendly prepaid data plans for Austria and over 200 other destinations. Designed for travelers and short-term visitors, it provides flexible options with validity periods of 7, 15, or 30 days, ensuring seamless internet access for navigation, messaging, and browsing. Unlike many other eSIM services, Airalo also includes plans with calls and texts, making it a well-rounded choice for staying connected in Vienna and beyond.
- Data Allowance: Options from 1 GB to 20 GB.
- Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Drei Austria (3AT)
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers & short-term visitors looking for flexible options.
- Additional Features:
- Supports 5G
- Offers various data, calls, and texts options
Airalo's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 7 days 1 GB data in Austria: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB data in Austria: €5.00
- 30 days 10 GB in Austria: €11.00
- 30 days 20 GB data, 200 SMS, 200 Mins in Austria: €24.00
Visit the provider's website to get more information and learn about current deals.
4. Jetpac
Jetpac is a new eSIM provider, making it a less established option compared to others. However, it stands out for its affordable, high-data plans, offering 1 GB for just €1 and up for various plans. Designed for budget-conscious travellers, Jetpac also includes exclusive add-ons like free VPN access and discounted airport lounge passes. Keep in mind that this eSIM is data-only, meaning it does not support calls or SMS.
- Data Allowance: Options ranging from from 1 GB - 40 GB.
- Validity: 4, 7, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Drei Austria (3AT) & A1
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers & long-term seeking offers with affordable prices and flexible options.
- Additional Features:
- Cover Europe
- Offers optional add-ons, such as VPN and Lounge Access passes
- Supports 5G & 4G
Jetpac's top eSIM offers and prices:
- 4 days 1 GB data in Europe: €1.00
- 7 days 3 GB data in Europe: €5.00
- 30 days 10 GB in Europe: €12.50
- 30 days 30 GB data in Europe: €27.00
Check Jetpac's official website to learn more about the up-to-date prices and more.
Where can I buy my Austrian SIM card in Vienna?
1. In the city
There are numerous options in the city for buying a prepaid SIM card for Austria. In addition to the official shops of the mobile network providers, you can also buy prepaid SIM cards in telephone shops, supermarkets, post offices, electronics shops, drugstores and even at gas stations.
2. At Vienna Airport
It is also possible to buy SIM cards at Vienna International Airport [VIE] if you need mobile service immediately upon arrival in Austria. However, you should note that the choice here is more limited and the prices for registration can be higher - in some cases even up to €20.
While cell phone providers and some electronics stores like Mediamarkt don't usually charge for SIM card registration, many retailers do charge a registration fee. In the airport, this is often higher than in the city.
However, if you want to be in possession of a SIM card when you arrive, it can be advantageous to get an eSIM card for Austria before you arrive in Vienna.
What do I need to buy a prepaid SIM card in Austria?
To buy a prepaid SIM card in Austria, you usually need the following things:
- An unlocked cell phone
- Official, valid photo ID such as a passport, ID card or driving license
- Registration via personal registration or online via VideoID
Please note: Mobile operators can charge up to €20 for registration. However, it is possible to do this online for free via VideoID .
For example, if you bought your prepaid SIM card in a shop in Austria where on-site registration was not possible (e.g. petrol station, drugstore, etc.), you can also do this online. The corresponding links for registration can be found on the websites of A1 Austria, Magenta and Drei.
The mobile phone providers in Austria at a glance
- There are three major mobile operators in Austria: A1 Telekom Austria, Magenta Telekom (formerly: T-Mobile), and Drei Austria. All three operators offer very good network coverage throughout Austria
- A1 is the largest mobile operator in Austria with the best network coverage, followed by Magenta Telekom and Drei.
- There are also other small discount mobile phone providers, such as Yesss! or HoT, but these either belong to one of the providers mentioned above or use their network
Cost of buying a prepaid SIM card in Austria for tourists
A simple prepaid SIM card in Austria usually costs around €10.
We have listed below the best Austrian offers for prepaid SIM cards, which we think are the most interesting for tourists:
1. A1 Telekom Austria
With the B.free value card, A1 offers a prepaid SIM card without a contract. The starter package costs €9.90, is valid for 28 days and includes 5,000 free units (min/sms/mb).
After purchasing the card and registering, you can add credit and book one of the tariffs listed below via SMS :
- B.free XS: This tariff includes 6 GB data volume, 1000 minutes and 1000 SMS. It costs €10 and is valid for 4 weeks. Note : The XS tariff is only valid in Austria.
- B.free S: With this tariff you get 15 GB data volume, 1000 minutes and 1000 SMS. The price is 15 € per 4 weeks. Note : The S tariff is only valid in Austria.
- B.free M: This tariff offers 18 GB data volume, 2000 minutes and 2000 SMS. The M tariff is valid for 4 weeks in Austria and Europe and costs €20 .
- B.free L: The L tariff includes 3000 minutes, 3000 SMS and 30 GB data volume, of which 28 GB is valid in the EU. It costs €30 and is valid for 4 weeks. Note : The XS tariff is only valid in Austria.
Further details on the prepaid card and the various tariffs can be found on the official A1 website .
2. Magenta Telecom
Magenta's prepaid SIM card without a contract is called KLAX. The starter package with the KLAX M tariff consisting of 15 GB (in Austria and EU) & 1,500 MIN/SMS (for the first 4 weeks) costs €10 .
Here are other tariffs:
- KLAX S: This tariff includes 8 GB data volume (Austria only) and 1,000 MIN/SMS (Austria + EU). It costs €10 and is valid for 4 weeks.
- KLAX M: KLAX M includes 15 GB data volume (Austria + EU) and 1,500 MIN/SMS (Austria + EU). The tariff costs €15 and is valid for 4 weeks.
KLAX L: With this tariff you get 20 GB data volume (Austria + EU) and 2,000 MIN/SMS (Austria + EU) for 4 weeks. The price is €20 . - KLAX XL: Magentas XL tariff consists of 30 GB data volume (Austria + EU) and 3,000 MIN/SMS (Austria + EU). It costs €30 and is valid for 4 weeks.
Visit Magenta's official website for more details and current pricing .
3. Drei
Drei offers a variety of prepaid cards, which are divided into two tariff categories: TALK, which offers Austria-wide surfing/telephoning, and TALK EU, which can be used both in Austria and in other EU countries.
Here are the most interesting tariffs for tourists:
- TALK M: This offer includes 10 GB data volume, 1000 minutes and 1000 SMS. It is valid for 30 days and costs €10. As mentioned above, the tariff is only valid in Austria .
- TALK L: With this offer you get 15 GB data volume, 1,500 minutes and 1,500 SMS. It costs €15 and is valid for 30 days (only in Austria).
- TALK EU L: This offer costs €20 and offers 20 GB data volume (Austria+EU), 2,000 minutes (200 minutes of which within the EU) and 2000 SMS. The tariff is valid for 30 days.
- TALK EU XL: The EU XL tariff comes with 30 GB data volume (Ö+EU), 3,000 minutes (of which 300 minutes within the EU) and 3000 SMS. It costs €30 and is valid for 30 days.
Visit Drei's official website for current prices and more information.
Our conclusion on the best eSIM Austria deals
To conclude, for travelers who need unlimited data, Holafly is the top choice, providing an easy setup and instant connectivity upon arrival. However, if unlimited data isn’t a priority for you, Esquik is a strong alternative and more budget-friendly option, as it offers the same network coverage as Airalo at a lower cost.
If you're searching for the cheapest eSIM Austria deals, Jetpac offers the lowest prices with generous data allowances. However, as a new player in the eSIM market, it lacks a long-standing reputation. While it may appeal to budget-conscious travellers, those who prioritise reliability might prefer more established providers.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM Austria deals & SIM Cards
There are several Austrian SIM cards that work well for tourists depending on the needs of the individual. We have the prepaid cards of the major mobile phone providers A1, T-Mobile and Drei, which are best suited for tourists. But our winner is the digital eSIM card from Holafly, which stands out with an excellent price-performance ratio and easy handling.
For those who prioritize affordable options, we recommend the Esquik, as it stands out for its budget-friendly plans and an extra 5% discount. If you need unlimited data, Holafly is the most convenient option. Meanwhile, Jetpac offers the cheapest rates, though it’s a newer provider with less market experience. Explore the comparison table to find the best eSIM Austria deals for your needs.
In Vienna and other major cities in Austria, Austrian prepaid SIM cards can be purchased in the official shops of mobile phone providers, telephone shops, supermarkets, post offices, electronics stores such as Mediamarkt, drugstores and petrol stations.
Alternatively, tourists can also buy a SIM card at Vienna Airport, although the choice may be more limited and the registration fee may be higher. If immediate use is desired, it's worth getting an eSIM card like Holafly's in advance.
A normal prepaid SIM card costs around 10 euros in Austria. In addition, there are the tariffs that you have to book as needed. The prices of the respective tariffs vary depending on the data volume, free minutes and whether the tariff is only valid in Austria or Europe-wide. Above you can find the exact prices of the three main mobile operators in Austria.
Holafly eSIM card prices start at around 19 euros for 5 days of unlimited data in Austria + Europe and offer a convenient and easy way for travelers to connect to the internet, while Esquik and Airalo eSIM prices start at around 4.50 euros for 7 days, with various data plans. Jetpac, on the other hand, offers 1 GB data for 4 days, for only1 euro. Check out the comparison table for best eSIM Austria deals for more information.