Best eSIM for Austria: Which one should I buy?

Austria is a destination full of charm and history, but it’s not without its quirky stories. For example, there was a rumor circling that  Salzburg Airport has a help desk specifically for tourists who mistakenly booked trips to Austria instead of Australia. 

While this story comes from a playful ad displayed at this airport, it highlights the importance of travel preparation. Since staying online is key to making and sharing your memories, getting a reliable eSIM card for Austria should be at the top of your packing list.

This guide will help you find the best eSIM option for Austria, ensuring reliable and seamless internet access throughout your journey.

Why choose an eSIM for Austria?

eSIMs are the favorite connectivity solution for seasoned travelers because they are extremely easy to get and use. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are digital. This means no physical card is required, and you just need to scan a QR code to install one of the prepaid eSIM data plans. Here’s why an eSIM is the best choice for Austria:

• Instant activation: Austria’s public transport system, including ÖBB trains and Wiener Linien in Vienna, primarily uses digital tickets accessible through mobile apps. With an eSIM, you can activate your data plan instantly and purchase tickets online as soon as you arrive.
• No physical card needed: Austria is the perfect weekend getaway destination, which means there’s not much time to lose — skip waiting in line at local SIM stores, registering your SIM, and swapping it into trays. 
• Unlimited data options: Use unlimited mobile data to browse restaurant reviews, book last-minute tickets for the Vienna State Opera for just $3 USD, or check public transport schedules anywhere in Vienna or beyond.
• Dual-SIM functionality: Keep your existing number active on your device while using eSIM plans.

Top eSIM providers for Austria

When picking the best eSIM card for Austria, you can choose between eSIM service from local providers and prepaid eSIM data plans by proven international carriers. Let’s dive into the specifics of their offers.

Holafly eSIM for Austria

Holafly is a well-known international eSIM provider. It offers one of Austria’s most reliable and popular eSIM options. It allows you to choose the precise number of days between 1 and 90 during which your prepaid eSIM for Austria is valid.

Features

This is what you can expect from your Holafly Austria eSIM:

• Unlimited mobile data: Your eSIM will keep you connected for as many days as you choose.
• Flexible mobile data plans: Holafly Austria eSIM card can last anywhere from 1 to 90 days, for longer trips.
• Mobile hotspot: You get 500 MB of daily data tethering to share your connection with friends and/or other devices.
• 24/7 customer support: Assistance is available to you at any time during your trip.
• Trusted by many people: Holafly has approximately 50,000 reviews on Trustpilot with an excellent 4.6/5 rating
• Uses the best local network in the country: Holafly connects to Drei Austria, giving you a reliable connection, just like local users.
• Europe plan available: If you want to visit other countries besides Austria, you can get a Europe eSIM for the same price.

Pricing

These are just some of the mobile data plans travelers usually choose. You can select any number between 1 and 90 and your plan will work as an eSIM for Vienna and the entire Austria.

Nomad 

Nomad eSIM is powered by LotusFlare, a tech company specializing in solutions for telecom providers. This means that Nomad’s eSIMs are backed by LotusFlare’s expertise but also that eSIM data plans are not their primary focus.

Features

Nomad offers a range of features tailored to light and medium data users.

• Different data plan options: There are local, regional, and global plans available for single-country and multi-destination trips. No specific Vienna eSIM exists, though.
• Nomad app: It has iOS and Android apps, and allows you to buy and manage eSIM data plans.
• Data sharing: Data tethering service allows data to be shared across multiple devices.
• No unlimited data plans: All plans have fixed data limits, so you must monitor your data usage.
• Trial offer for new users: New users get a free 500 MB Nomad eSIM to stay connected.

Pricing

Nomad offers eSIM plans with the same validity and data at different prices. This is because they have different providers, although it’s not clear what benefits the providers offer over each other.

aloSIM Austria eSIM

aloSIM is another international provider with different data plans in their offer. They seem to target frequent travelers and returning customers through extensive referral programs and aloCASH rewards. However, these will not be useful if you just want unlimited data for your single trip to Austria.

Features 

Here’s what you should know about aloSIM and its features:

• Referral program: Recommending aloSIM to new customers can earn you rewards.
• aloCASH: These are credits for future purchases, which makes sense for repeat customers.
• Limited data options: Plans are pre-set and include only one unlimited plan.
• Free international number: You get a mobile number from Hushed which only works over WiFi or data.

Pricing

You can expect to pay the following fees for your aloSIM data plan.

• 1 GB (for 7 days): $5.50
• 2 GB (for 15 days): $6.50
• 3 GB (for 30 days): $8.00
• 5 GB (for 30 days): $11.00
• 10 GB (for 30 days): $17.00
• 20 GB (for 30 days): $24.00
• Unlimited (for 10 days): $23.00

Bouygues My European eSIM

Bouygues is a French company that partners with major European carriers to provide its eSIM data plans. Unlike other eSIMs, this one has a mobile phone number, calls, and the ability to send messages. On the other hand, there’s only one option available, so it’s a bit of a take-it-or-leave-it situation and not suitable for those who would like to have a choice.

Features

These are the most notable features of this EU eSIM.

• Coverage across Europe: You can use this eSIM in over 30 European countries, including Austria.
• Reliable 4G/LTE speeds: Bouygues will try to connect to the best available network for smooth browsing and streaming.
• Simple activation: Your eSIM can be activated through a QR code or the Bouygues app
• SIM and eSIM options: You can choose which one you want to use. 
• Gifts with every physical card: The SIM box comes with a tourist guide, stickers, and a souvenir

Pricing

There is only one eSIM data plan available with the following features:

• 30 GB of data
• Unlimited calls within Europe
• Around $25 USD credit for international calls
• Valid for 30 days
• Costs around $31 USD

A1 Austria eSIM

A1 is a top provider in the Austria network, offering reliable 5G coverage and an extensive reach across the country. Its prepaid eSIM options are designed to cater to tourists, ensuring great services both within Austria and across the EU.

Features

A1 eSIM offers practical benefits for tourists looking for reliable connectivity:

• EU data allowances: Each eSIM plan includes 50 GB of data, with a portion available for use in EU countries.
• Call and text options: You can use 3,000 minutes and send messages within Austria and the EU.
• 5G network access: Enjoy reliable connection through A1’s extensive 5G coverage.
• Top-up after 2 or 4 weeks: Continue using your eSIM by purchasing a voucher online or in-store and activating the B.free L plan.
• Mandatory registration: You must register with a photo ID to activate your prepaid eSIM, either online or at any A1 Shop.

Pricing

The A1 eSIM plans are competitively priced and designed for flexibility:

Hutchison Drei Austria eSIM

Drei Austria is the largest telecom provider in Austria. They offer eSIMs for prepaid users but with a caveat: you need to buy a physical SIM first and then exchange it for an eSIM. This can be a hassle on your trip.

Features

These are the most interesting features of Drei eSIM:

• Prepaid plans with calls and SMS: Drei offers various prepaid options, including data, calls, and texts.
• Extensive coverage: Drei provides reliable 4G/LTE coverage across Austria.
• Top-up available: Once your 4 weeks are over, or you run out of data, you can extend your eSIM.
• Purchase points: Physical cards are available at Drei Shops and select retailers.
• Data tethering: You can turn your device into a hotspot to share your connection.

Pricing

This network offers fair prices for their SIM and eSIM cards.

*The unlimited data plan applies within Austria. EU data usage is limited to 39 GB.

Magenta eSIM Austria

Magenta, formerly T-Mobile, offers a range of prepaid and postpaid SIM that can be converted into eSIMs at Magenta stores. Prepaid plans, or Klax cards, require registration, which can be completed online or in stores (including Magenta partners like Hartlauer).

Features of Magenta Klax

It’s unclear if foreigners can register for these plans, as accepted IDs often include Austrian-specific documents like a driving license, identity card, or passport. To ensure eligibility, it’s best to buy and register your eSIM in person to confirm with the staff if your international passport is accepted.

• Flexible plans: There are both basic to unlimited options with no binding contracts.
• High-speed data: Depending on the plan, you can get download speeds up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps.
• EU roaming included: Each plan has allocated allowance for data, calls, and texts within the EU zone.
• One-time fee: All starter packs come with a one-time fee of roughly $10 USD that you get back as preloaded credit.
• Data-tethering: You can share your data plan allowance.

Pricing

Here are the prices of the Magenta Klax Starter Packs. Their validity extends to four weeks:

SIM card options in Austria

A physical card is your alternative if your phone is incompatible with eSIMs. If you’re flying into the capital, you can get prepaid SIM cards in Vienna at local operator stores, such as A1, Magenta Telekom, and Drei (3). However, consider these challenges:

• There are no official operator stores at the Vienna Airport.
• You will have to register in person by providing a photo ID.
• There is no way to activate these services via dedicated apps.
• Plans vary by operator, so pricing and service can be inconsistent.

Where to buy SIM cards in Austria

There are several ways to buy a SIM in Austria:

• Mobile operator stores A1, Magenta, and Drei have shops in major cities and malls.
• Retail stores: These are available at electronics retailers like MediaMarkt, Saturn, and Hartlauer, as well as supermarkets like Spar or Billa.
• Airport: SIM cards are found at Vienna International Airport in the Sim Local store on Terminal 3, near gate 7.
• Convenience stores: These are found at gas stations and convenience shops across Austria.

SIM cards vs. eSIM in Austria

When deciding between an eSIM and a SIM, eSIMs have the upper hand due to the ease of use, speed, and sustainability :

Which is the best eSIM for Austria?

Holafly is the best option for Austria. With its unlimited data, easy activation, and excellent customer support, Holafly ensures reliable internet throughout your trip. Whether you are looking for a Vienna eSIM card or a data eSIM for the entire of Austria – this is the way to go.

However, for phones that are not eSIM-compatible, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card from local providers like A1, Magenta, or Drei. Drei is a good option, given its extensive coverage and excellent network. Remember that SIM cards require registration, and finding the right plan at convenient locations can take away precious time from your travel. Holafly’s simplicity and reliable service make it the top pick for most travelers.

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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