How to get mobile internet in Austria: Best options
Mobile internet in Austria doesn’t have to be expensive. Discover how you can get easy, cheap and unlimited internet for a worry-free vacation.
Your trip to Hallstatt or the iconic Schönrbunn Palace, will be much more comfortable if you have a mobile internet service on your travels.
This guide explores the best options to get mobile internet in Austria, including SIM cards, public WiFi, pocket WiFi, roaming, and the Holafly eSIM.
We’ll explore what each service offers, their pricing, and compare them so you can get the best possible connection while visiting Austria.
Enjoy peace of mind when traveling Austria with Holafly
If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, a eSIM for Austria gives you unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support from the moment you land. Choose the exact number of days you need, from 1 to 90, and your QR code arrives by email — ready to activate on arrival with no physical card and no SIM swapping required.
What’s more, every Holafly eSIM comes with Always On; 1 GB of monthly backup data at no extra cost that activates automatically. Whether you cross into Germany, head to Switzerland, or find yourself on a layover at Vienna International Airport, simply keep your eSIM installed and your backup data is ready across 70+ global destinations.
Local SIM card for Austria
If you have a SIM-only phone, you can get an Austria SIM card upon arrival from providers such as A1, Magenta, and Drei, with prices ranging from €1 to €30 (~$1.18 to $35.32 USD).
Your best option is to buy your SIM card at the airport, like Vienna International Airport or Salzburg Airport, so you can stay connected after leaving the airport.
These are also available at retail stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets, like 24/7, Hangry, or SPAR.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to show a valid passport and a copy of it. You’ll also need proof of accommodation and an unlocked phone. However, this might not apply to stores like SPAR, where you can buy a prepaid SIM without showing all the required documentation.
Here’s some additional info about which plans are available:
| Provider | Data | Duration | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 50 GB | 4 weeks | €12.90 to €17.90 (~$15.90 to $21.07) |
| Magenta | 60 GB to unlimited data | 1 month | €17.90 to €29.90 (~$21.07 to $35.20) |
| Drei | 80 GB to unlimited data | 1 month | €24.90 to €64.90 (~$29.32 to $76.41) |
Note: Every provider charges an additional activation fee, ranging from €6 to €9.90 (~$7.06 to $11.66).
Roaming in Austria
If you have a carrier-locked phone, international roaming in Austria is your best option for staying connected on your trip.
Based on your provider, you can get free roaming, pay for daily roaming passes, or get a monthly roaming pass based on your needs.
But this varies from provider to provider, so let’s take a look at how they work.
USA roaming in Austria
Each USA carrier works differently when it comes to roaming, so let’s check their pricing and what’s included with their service.
| Carriers | Roaming passes | Pay-as-you-go |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | $12 daily with unlimited data, texts, and calls | $2.05/MB, $1.79/minute, $0.50/text |
| AT&T | $12 daily with unlimited data, texts, and calls | $2.05/MB, $2/minute, $0.50/text |
| T-Mobile | $5 to $50 for up to 30 days with up to 15 GB of high-speed data Free with Better Value and Experience Beyond up to 30 GB, with lower speeds afterwards $0.01/MB, $0.25/minute, free texts with other T-Mobile plans | Use roaming passes |
UK roaming in Austria
Compared to USA providers, UK travelers have an advantage: most carriers offer free roaming in Austria.
Here’s what you should know about each one:
| Carriers | Roaming passes | Pay-as-you-go |
|---|---|---|
| Three | Free on eligible Value and Complete plans £2 daily on other plans £5 to £24 roaming passes for up to 14 days | £10 to £31.50 per month with Auto-Renew data packs |
| Vodafone UK | Free roaming on eligible plans £2.57 daily to unlock up to 25 GB of your local allowance on other plans | Available with Vodafone Extras, £9.60 to £12.75 for 8-day packages |
| EE | Free roaming on eligible plans £2.59 daily on other plans | Roaming passes range from £5 for 1 day to £10 for 7 days |
| O2 | Free roaming on all plans | Free roaming on all plans |
Public WiFi in Austria
Public WiFi is available throughout Austria, especially in cities like Graz, Salzburg, and Vienna.
These cities even have their own free WiFi networks, such as the StadtWien-Public WLAN in Vienna, which works at museums, train stations, and other iconic landmarks.
Free WiFi is also available at places like Café Central, Café Bazar, and Klagenfurt, in case you’re working in a café for a day.
However, free WiFi isn’t the most reliable option. Use it for basic tasks, but don’t rely on it fully, especially if you plan to open financial or personal accounts.
Pocket WiFi in Austria
Using a pocket WiFi in Austria is a great option for groups of travelers or remote workers, but it isn’t the most budget-friendly option available.
Renting one of these devices can cost you over $100 for a week with providers like Cello Mobile or MyPocket. And this doesn’t include delivery fees and add-ons.
That said, if you still need to share the connection, you can use Holafly Plans instead.
This monthly subscription supports an eSIM, and you can choose from two plans ranging from $49.90 to $64.90 that include unlimited high-speed data, 24/7 customer support, and coverage in over 170 destinations.
Plus, if you choose the $64.90 plan, unlimited hotspot data and a local phone number are included.
What is the best way to get internet in Austria?
Each option for getting internet in Austria suits different travel needs. A travel eSIM is the most convenient for most visitors — unlimited data, instant activation before you fly, and no physical card needed on arrival. SIM cards from A1, Magenta, and Drei are a practical choice for those who need calls and SMS, UK travellers may have free roaming included in their plan, and pocket WiFi works well for groups sharing a connection.
For longer stays or those exploring neighbouring European countries, Holafly Plans offers a pay-monthly subscription with unlimited data and unlimited hotspot across 170+ destinations.
| Option | Hotspot sharing | Security | Support | Phone unlocked required | Physical installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM (Holafly) | Yes | Private network | 24/7 CS | Yes | No |
| Pocket WiFi | Yes | Private network | Limited | No | Yes, with a password |
| Public WiFi | Yes | Open network | No | No | No |
| Local SIM | Depends on the mobile provider | Private network | Local carrier | Yes | Yes |
| Roaming | Depends on the local plan | Private network | With home carrier | No | No |
Internet in Austria: Frequently asked questions
Yes, mobile internet in Austria is pretty solid, with over 77% of the country having a strong, safe 5G coverage. Rural connectivity isn’t so good, so keep this in mind if you’re going to the countryside.
Yes, Austria has free WiFi in many public places, including lots of hotspots in cities like Vienna.
Yes, your phone will work in Vienna. However, if your phone is carrier-locked, you’re limited to using international roaming. If you prefer using the Holafly eSIM for Austria, ensure your phone is unlocked.