How to Buy a SIM Card at Vienna Airport (VIE) for Tourists: Where and Price?

Harper Thomas

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Published: July 2024

In this article, you’ll discover the easiest way to get a SIM card at Vienna Airport, including where to buy, what to prepare, and the best plans to choose.

Touchdown in Vienna! As you step off the plane, you’re probably eager to start exploring this stunning city. But first, you need to get connected. Buying a SIM card at Vienna Airport can seem daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you exactly where to find the best SIM card deals, what to expect, and how to get set up quickly. By this end, you’ll be ready to navigate Vienna like a pro!

Highlights

• Mobile operators are located in the arrivals hall at Vienna Airport.
• The stores are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• They accept both cash and credit cards.
• The price range for SIM cards is typically between €10 and €40.
• SIM card shops at Vienna Airport might not open after midnight; they close by 10:00 PM.

I. How to get a SIM Card at Vienna Airport (VIE)?

When you arrive at Vienna Airport, getting a SIM card is a breeze – and there are several ways to do it!

• Order online before and collect at the airport: Pre-order your SIM card online and pick it up when you arrive. This way, you can skip the queues and get connected ASAP.
• Buy upon arrival: Head to one of the many SIM card shops or kiosks at the airport and purchase a SIM card on the spot. Easy peasy!
• Buy eSIM (if phone compatible with eSIM): If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a digital SIM card online and activate it as soon as you land. No physical SIM card is required!

II. Where to buy a SIM Card at Austria Vienna Airport (VIE)? 

At Vienna Airport, tourists can find SIM card counters in arrival halls and baggage claim areas.

Signs and Notes Unique to Buying SIM Cards at Vienna Airport

When getting a SIM card at Vienna Airport, keep an eye out for signs that say “SIM Cards” or “Prepaid SIM.” Just a heads up, prices might be higher at the airport than at city shops. Here are the main spots to grab SIM cards:

1. Bipa Store

Bipa is a well-known convenience store present at Vienna Airport where you can purchase SIM cards.

• Location: Terminal 3.
• Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 06:00 – 22:00.
• Price: SIM cards at Bipa can be pretty pricey compared to city prices. For instance, a Three (3/Drei) prepaid SIM card costs about €10 ($11) for 4 GB of data.

2. Capi Store

Capi is another Vienna Airport store offering a range of electronics, including SIM cards.

• Location: Capi stores can be found at:
  • Terminal 2 (Airside) — Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 05:00 – 21:00.
  • Terminal 3, G Gate (Airside) — Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 06:30 – 22:00.
  • Terminal 3, F Gate (Airside) — Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 05:00 – 21:00.
• Price: At Capi stores, prices depend on the carrier and data plan. They generally offer top brands and premium electronics, so you can expect to find SIM cards from major carriers like A1, Magenta, and Drei.

III. Do SIM card shops at VIE Airport open after midnight?

No. From my latest search, SIM card shops at Vienna Airport (VIE) have set hours and might not be opened after midnight. It’s possible that SIM cards won’t be available at VIE airport if you arrive late. Keep in mind, these hours can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest info before you get to Vienna Airport.

IV.  Austria Vienna Airport SIM card Price

The main Austrian carriers, like A1, Magenta, and Drei, have prepaid SIM cards available at Vienna Airport. Here’s a quick look at what they offer and their prices:

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Vienna Airport

To buy a SIM card at Vienna Airport, you’ll need to have the following:

• A valid passport (yes, they’ll ask for it!)
• An unlocked phone (make sure it’s compatible with European frequencies)
• A payment method (cash or card, but be aware that not all vendors accept credit cards)
• Your address in Austria (this might be a challenge if you’re staying in an Airbnb or haven’t booked your accommodation yet)
• Possibly, additional identification documents (it’s always a good idea to have a photocopy of your ID, just in case)

For tourists, this can be a big concern, especially if you’re not comfortable sharing your personal information. Let’s face it, who wants to spend their precious vacation time filling out forms and showing their passport?

If you want to avoid this complexity, consider buying an international SIM card online before your departure or opt for an eSIM. This way, you have no need to show your passport or share your personal details!

Simplify Your Life with an eSIM

eSIM is a digital SIM card you can download onto your phone and activate remotely. No more fiddling with physical SIM cards—super convenient for travelers!

But before you switch, double-check that your phone supports eSIM and that your carrier can activate it. Here’s what you need to know:

• Check if your phone model supports eSIM (most newer iPhones and some Android devices do)
• Ensure your carrier offers eSIM activation (not all carriers do, so double-check)
• Purchase an eSIM plan that covers Austria and Europe (research the best options for your needs)

VI. eSIM at Vienna Airport – Alternative to Austria SIM Cards

You can conveniently buy an eSIM online or at Vienna airport. An eSIM gives you everything you need to connect to beautiful Austria.

To get an eSIM, you have two main choices: buy from local mobile network operators or eSIM retailers. Both work well, but eSIM retailers are easier to buy.

One excellent eSIM provider to recommend to you is Gigago. Gigago stands out for a bunch of things:

• Trusted by over 1,000,000 people worldwide
• Offers immediate delivery of eSIMs directly to your email
• Provides easy activation through a simple QR code scan
• Features a wide range of local and multi-country eSIMs
• Supports eSIM plans for over 190 countries and regions

For Austria, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1GB/day for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Austria eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you have and how long your trip to Austria Gigago will take.

VIII. FAQs about SIM card at Vienna Airport

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a SIM card at Vienna Airport is quite convenient and easy. Different options are available in the arrivals area as soon as you land. This quick process ensures you stay connected during your trip. Whether for maps, calling family, or work emails, getting a SIM card at this airport helps you start your visit on the right foot.