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SIM cards and eSIM in Austria

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac app icon

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App StorePlay StoreSee plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration
Registration requires your passport plus a photo, fingerprint, or other biometric check.
Tourist plans and prices
Typical prepaid offers include around 2 GB, while starter prices begin near 21 USD.
Where to buy
Airport counters and city carrier stores are the easiest places to buy; confirm activation before leaving.
Airport prices
Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.
Local eSIM
A travel eSIM is the simpler option and avoids local SIM registration steps.

Good to know

The SIM-registration fee depends on the seller; operator stores are usually the cheapest place to activate.

Local carriers

  • A1

    Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.

  • Magenta Telekom

    Tourist-friendly choice with a straightforward purchase process.

  • Drei (3)

    Good-value option when price matters most.

  • HoT

    Good-value option when price matters most.

  • spusu

    Good-value option when price matters most.

  • yesss!

    Good-value option when price matters most.

  • Lidl Connect

    Good-value option when price matters most.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→
Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Wertkartenregistrierung.at (official Austrian operator registration portal, mandated by the TKG amendment): undated, describes the 01/01/2019 rule and the 01/09/2019 deadline for existing cards | Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki: retrieved 30 Jul 2026, indexed ~1 week old | Traveltomtom Vienna Airport: May 2025 (FIRST-HAND airport price survey) | Traveltomtom eSIM guide: last updated Jul 2026 | How-to-Austria (expat site): updated 16 Jul 2026 | Expat Focus: 26 May 2026 | Phone Travel Wiz: 18 Jan 2025

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

  • wertkartenregistrierung.at
  • wertkartenregistrierung.at
  • prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com
  • traveltomtom.net
  • traveltomtom.net
  • how-to-austria.com
  • expatfocus.com
  • phonetravelwiz.com

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Austria?

Registration requires your passport plus a photo, fingerprint, or other biometric check.

Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in Austria?

Airport prices are usually higher than city or online prices.

What is the best eSIM for Austria?

Guac eSIM covers Austria with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Austria