How To Use Cell Phone In Austria: Traveler’s Guide To Stay Connected

Olivia Brown
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Latest update: April 2024

Are you wondering how to use cell phone in Austria? Cell phones seem to be a necessary item for people. With a mobile phone, you can easily connect to other people, do some transactions online and never get lost.  Is it easy to use in Austria? Now let’s discover a guide about using cell phones in Austria for your next trip. 

How to use cell phone in Austria

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Austria

Check out a summary of phone compatibility, frequencies, and networks in Austria as below:

  • Mobile Networks: Austria’s major mobile network includes 3 operators. They are A1, Magenta (formerly T-Mobile), and Drei (Hutchison 3G Austria). These networks offer widespread coverage over the country.
  • Frequencies:
    • 2G: GSM 900/1800 MHz
    • 3G: UMTS 900/2100 MHz
    • 4G: LTE 800/1800/2100/2600 MHz
    • 5G: 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, 26 GHz (limited availability)
  • SIM Cards: Austria has a variety of prepaid and postpaid SIM cards. Tourists can easily purchase SIM cards at Vienna airport or mobile operator kiosks. Passport is required for registration. 
  • Phone Compatibility: Most modern smartphones, especially those from major brands, are compatible with Austrian networks if they support the above frequencies. Use online tools like Kimovil or GSMArena to verify your phone’s compatibility with specific Austrian networks. 
  • CDMA Networks: Phones from CDMA-based countries (e.g., Japan, Canada) may have limited functionality in Austria. Consider contacting your provider for unlocking and network compatibility options. 
  • Mobile network Speed and Coverage: this country is offering good connection and high-speed internet, especially in the city area. Rural areas might have slower speeds and limited coverage, particularly for 3G and 4G services.

Important Note: Remember, the compatibility of a specific phone model with Austrian networks can vary, so it's recommended to check the phone's supported frequencies against the bands used by Austrian carriers.

II. Use Cell Phone in Austria – Will My Phone Work in Austria?

Frequencies supported in Austria
Frequencies supported in Austria

Yes. You can use cell phone in Austria if it is compatible with the country frequencies. If you do not know whether your phone is supported or not, you can check on the website kimovil.com. 

According to Kimovil, frequencies supported in Austria may vary depending on your phone model. With variety of smartphones available, here’s a table showcasing frequencies used by major cellular providers in Austria for your information:

Operator GSM (2G)UMTS (3G)LTE (4G)5G
A1900/1800 MHz2100 MHz800/1800/2100/2600 MHz3500 MHz
Magenta 900/1800 MHz2100 MHz800/1800/2100/2600 MHz3500 MHz
Drei900/1800 MHz2100/900 MHz800/1800/2600 MHz3500 MHz

Good to know:

  • 2G frequencies are standard across all operators, using both 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.
  • 3G primarily operates on the 2100 MHz band, with Drei also using 900 MHz for additional countryside coverage
  • 4G bands vary slightly, with all operators using 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands extensively. 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz bands are also used but might vary in deployment intensity.
  • 5G services are initially rolling out on the 3500 MHz band for all operators, focusing on urban areas for enhanced speeds and capacity.

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Austria?

Austria SIM cards is one of the best choice to get international plan 
Austria SIM cards is one of the best choice to get international plan 

Yes. International plan is the greatest choice for foreign tourists to a country nowadays. It helps you stay connected to the Internet while you are abroad. But remember that international plan is different from international roaming. Roaming may cost higher when you are not in your home country. 

You can also use free wifi in some public areas. However, it may lead to the leak of your data for some insecure networks. It is better to have Austria SIM cards or eSIM to have a more competitive price. 

IV. What Are International Plan Options To Use Cellphones In Austria For Tourists?

When you are abroad, it is better to use local sim cards, eSIM or pocket Wifi. They are secure ways to help you connect to other people through telecommunications. 

1. eSIM Plan for Austria

Austria SIM cards is one of the best choice to get international plan
eSIM plan for Austria for those who want to use cell phone in Austria

Suitable for: short-term or long-term period, data only needed

Where to buy eSIM for Austria: buy and activate online. The eSIM Gigago provider is now offering Austria eSIM with the price starting from $5. 

Pros: 

  • easily buy and activate online within minutes
  • can buy a lot of data plans
  • competitive cost 
  • can use 2 sims simultaneously  
  • do not afraid of losing your physical sim card 

Cons:

  • just be applicable to some phone models 
  • must be an unlocked phone to use eSIM

See if your phone can work eSIM by checking our updated list of eSIM compatible devices.

2. International SIM card for Austria

A1 SIM Card - one of the major mobile operator in Austria 
A1 SIM Card – one of the major mobile operator in Austria 

International SIM card is known as a local SIM at your destination country. It is the easiest way to get connected to the Internet. 

Suitable for: long-term or short-term visitors, date and voice also needed 

Where to buy SIM card for Austria: Vienna airport, convenience stores, mobile operators kiosks, etc.

Pros:

  • have competitive price 
  • have a lot of data plan to choose 
  • be compatible to most of the phone models

Cons:

  • take high risk of losing your physical SIM card
  • need to take out current SIM to insert temporary one
  • can use only one SIM if your phone have only one SIM slot 

3. Pocket WiFi 

Using pocket wifi for a secure network 
Using pocket wifi for a secure network 

Pocket wifi is a device that helps you to connect with the Internet regardless of places. It also helps other devices to be connected. 

Suitable for: short-term or long-term period, more than one electronic devices need to be connected 

Where to buy Pocket WiFi for Austria: you can buy it at your home country or rent in Austria 

Pros:

  • secure 
  • every phones or electronic devices can connect easily 

Cons:

  • high cost to purchase or rent 
  • always need to bring it along 
  • need to charge frequently 

V. Will My Local Network Work In Austria?

Most local networks work in Austria
Most local networks work in Austria 

Most likely Yes. Most local networks are likely possible. Your local network can also be used in Austria, as long as you have roamed it. However, please keep in mind that roaming with your primary phone number is the highest option. If you can afford this amount or you want to maintain your phone number when you are away, you can contact your network carrier for proper information.  

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Austria With Your Cell Phone

Gigago Austria eSIM - Use cell phone in Austria
Austria eSIM plans by Gigago

If you are looking for a good eSIM provider for your Austria trip, Gigago eSIM is one of the best eSIM providers that can help you stay connected to the Internet with the best price. You can choose any plan depending on your usage demand or period of stay. 

Which Austria eSIM plan should you choose for your trip?

Gigago is offering a lot of eSIM plans for you to choose from. They are all prepaid and data only. Its plans cover Austria and 42 other European countries. 

Its plans’ validity are 7, 14 or 30 days. You can have up to 20GB per day. It depends on your length of stay and demand for data usage everyday.

Gigago offers multiple data plan options for Austria, starting from a 3-day plan with 300MB per day for $5 as their most minimal plan. They also have 5-day, 7-day, 10-day, 14-day, 15-day, 20-day, 25-day, 28-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB of data, with prices from $5 up to $136.90.

It is advised to choose plans which meet your needs and trip duration.

Please visit Gigago eSIM Austria to get more details about plans/ features.

VII. Extra Tips To Use Your Cell Phone in Austria

Tips for your better trip in Austria 
Tips for your better trip in Austria 

By planning ahead and being aware of these tips, you can use cell phone in Austria effectively and economically:

  • Check your phone compatibility with local frequencies and networks in Austria before going there 
  • Consider buying a local SIM Card or eSIM for better price
  • Use communication apps to avoid high cost of telecommunications 
  • Monitor your data usage to avoid cost increase, especially if you’re on a limited plan
  • Download offline maps and guides for lower data consumption

VIII. FAQs about using cell phone in Austria

Can I use my cell phone in Austria?

Yes if your phone is GSM-compatible and unlocked, you can use it in Austria like a local with a local or international SIM card plan.

How can I avoid roaming charges in Austria?

To avoid roaming charges while traveling Austria, you can choose one these ways: buy local SIM upon arrival, use free WiFi whenever possible, buy a travel SIM or eSIM plan for Austria or use pocket Wifi for Austria.

Is it expensive to use a cell phone in Austria?

cost vary, but using a local SIM card is cheaper than roaming with your primary phone number. Check plans and prices carefully before buying.

Will my charger work in Austria?

Austria uses 230V and 50Hz. Make sure that your charger is compatible or use the plug adapter for type F sockets.

IX. Conclusion

Staying connected in Austria is simple and efficient with the right information at hand. Before going to Austria, you should understand how to use cell phone in Austria. With those information about networks, frequencies and phone compatibility have been mentioned above, you are always able to connect to the Internet and have an enjoyable travel experience.