Drei (Three) SIM Cards and eSIM 2024: a Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Drei (Three) SIM cards are one of the things that you should prepare once you travel to Austria. It is a major cellular provider in this country with a good quality network. But do you know how to get it and how it works? Here is a comprehensive guide for tourists about Drei SIM cards and eSIM. Hope it helps you to get more knowledge to prepare well for your next trip. 

I. Overview about Drei (Three) – What you need to know

Here are some quick information about Drei (Three) – one of the major mobile operators in Austria: 

• Founded year: 2003
• Full company name: Hutchison Drei Austria GmbH
• Types of services provided:
  • Mobile phone plans (prepaid and postpaid)
  • Mobile broadband internet
  • 5G network access
  • Fixed-line internet (through partnerships)
  • TV services (through partnerships)
• Number of subscribers: As of 2023, Drei has approximately 2.5 million subscribers in Austria.
• Coverage: Drei covers 99% of the Austrian population with its mobile network. Additionally, they have roaming agreements with other operators, extending coverage to areas where their own network might not be available.
• Estimated number of network of stores, agents:
  • Drei has approximately 100 of its own stores across Austria
  • Additionally, they have partnerships with various retailers and electronics stores where you can find their products and services
• Customer support:
  • On-call: Yes, Drei offers customer support via phone lines
  • Language: Customer support is available in German and English
  • Time: Customer support hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday. However, it is recommended to check their website for the latest information on support hours, as they may change occasionally.

II. Drei coverage in Austria

Drei offers strong and reliable mobile coverage across most of Austria. It boasts extensive coverage across Austria, reaching a significant portion of the population:

• Coverage: 99% of the Austrian population
• Technology:
  • 5G: Covers 85% of Austrian households, offering speeds up to 500 Mbps
  • 4G/LTE: Widely available, providing good coverage throughout the country
  • 3G: Still available in some areas, though phasing out

Additional information:

• Rural Areas: although its coverage is extensive, signal strength might be weaker in remote areas compared to urban centers
• Indoor Coverage: 5G network offers improved indoor coverage compared to previous generations
• Roaming: Drei has roaming agreements with other operators, extending coverage to areas where their own network might not be available

III. Drei speed in Austria

Drei now has the best 5G Download Speed in Austria. Drei’s users enjoy average 5G download speeds clocking in at 230.2Mbps. 

In addition, Drei also illustrates a good experience in 5G Live Video and 5G Voice App experience. Overall, Drei (Three) mobile operator falls behind the 2 other mobile operators in Austria. 

In conclusion, if you are traveling to Austria, you can consider choosing Drei (Three) SIM cards or eSIM against other operators. Except for its 5G experience, Drei’s coverage or consistency is not as good as other competitors. 

IV. Does Drei (Three) Austria have eSIM?

YES. Drei (Three) is a major mobile operator in Austria. So, they also provide eSIM technology for users.

	SIM cards	eSIM
Physical Form	A small, physical card that needs to be inserted into a dedicated slot in your device	A tiny, embedded chip soldered directly onto the device’s motherboard, eliminating the need for a physical card
Pros	Widely available and suitable for most devices Easily removed and transferred to another device	SecureNot be physically lost or stolenEasily switch between multiple network providers without needing a physical SIM swap
Cons	Can be lost or damagedSwitching providers requires acquiring a new SIM card and potentially waiting for activationMay not fit newer devices with limited space for SIM card slots	Suitable for compatible phone only

If you travel often, eSIMs can offer greater flexibility for switching between data plans. To purchase an eSIM, you can buy it directly at mobile operator stores when you are in this country. Or you can buy it online through some eSIM providers. 

Gigago is not offering eSIM service from Drei network due to its coverage and consistency is not as good and stable as other cellular operators in Austria. If you are considering using eSIM in Austria, you can choose another service from A1 Telekom or Magenta (T-mobile). They are also major mobile providers in Austria. 

Please visit Gigago Austria eSIM or contact customer service at +1 657-571-1199 (24/7) for more information. 

V. Top Drei (Three) SIM cards for tourists & cost

Are you wondering how much a Drei SIM card costs? It will depend on your choice. Drei is now offering some following packages for tourists: 

• Talk Basic: 15GB + 1,000 min/ SMS within 30 days: 7EUR ~ 7.6USD
• Talk EU S: 30GB + 1,000 min/ SMS within 30 days: 10EUR ~ 10.9USD
• Talk EU M: 40GB + 1,500 min/ SMS within 30 days: 15EUR ~ 16.5USD
• Talk EU L: 45GB + 2,000 min/ SMS within 30 days: 20EUR ~ 22USD
• Talk EU XL: 33GB + 3,000 min/ SMS within 30 days: 30EUR ~ 33USD

How come if you can not insert a physical SIM card into your phone SIM slot due to your phone model? Then, eSIM will be the best alternative option. It will be installed to your phone through a code. You can access the Internet easily with just some simple steps. 

VI. Where can you buy a Drei (Three) SIM card?

If it is your first time to go to Austria and still do not know where you can buy Drei (Three) SIM cards & eSIM, the following guide will be useful for you. 

Drei (Three) SIM cards are available in Austria. You can easily purchase one SIM at some locations as below: 

1. Upon Arrival

When you get to Austria, you can buy SIM cards from Drei at the international airport. There are some kiosks that sell SIM cards from other mobile operators including Drei. Or you can buy it at the train station or tourist information center. 

2. Drei stores

Drei stores are located around urban areas. You can check the nearest store to your hotel and go there to buy a SIM directly. Please remember to bring along your passport or other identification documents for verification when setting up. 

3. Other authorized retail stores

Other authorized retail stores that you can consider to buy a SIM card include convenience stores, electronics retailers, or supermarkets. They are convenient places if you need to buy a basic SIM or need to top-up your balance. 

VII. A Better Alternatives to Drei SIM Cards – Austria eSIM

A eSIM will be installed directly to your phone through a code. You can visit the Drei store to install this technology to your phone. Or you can buy it online before you travel to Austria. There are some eSIM providers. You can check with them to choose your most suitable plan. 

To help you have a deep insight into 3 major mobile operators in Austria, please take a look at the table below: 

	A1 Telekom	Magenta	Drei
Network Coverage	99.9%	99%	99%
Technology	5G, 4G/LTE, 3G	5G, 4G/LTE, 3G	5G, 4G/LTE, 3G
5G Coverage (households)	90%	85%	85%
Average Download Speed (mobile broadband)	Up to 225 Mbps	Up to 225 Mbps	Up to 500 Mbps
Price Range	Moderate to Premium	Budget-friendly to Moderate	Budget-friendly

In conclusion: 

• All three operators offer a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans with different data allowances, call minutes, and SMS
• A1 Telekom is generally considered to have the best network coverage and fastest average speeds in Austria
• Magenta offers competitive prices and is a good choice for budget-conscious users.
• Drei is known for being the most affordable option and is popular among younger demographics.

Every cellular provider has their own advantages. You can choose whichever is most suitable for you. However, if this is your first time to go to Austria, it is better for you to prepare an eSIM before arriving there. So that, you can automatically connect to the Internet and navigate maps or book a taxi to go to your hotel. You do not need to waste more time going around the airport or city to buy a physical SIM card. 

Gigago is now offering a lot of eSIM packages from A1 Telekom and Magenta. You can check and choose the best plan depending on your travel purpose and duration. 

VIII. FAQs about Drei (Three) in Austria

IX. Conclusion

Drei (Three) SIM cards & eSIM is one of the things you should prepare when you are planning to visit Austria in the future. Although Drei’s 5G experience is the best in Austria now, its coverage and consistency is not as good as the 2 others. If you like the traditional way to be connected to the Internet, you can buy SIM cards upon arrival. But if your phone is a new model, and you want an easier and more convenient way of telecommunication, you can install eSIM to your phone before your trip.  You will be more proactive and enjoy your trip the most.