Best eSIM For Austria (Convenient & Affordable)
Are you traveling to Austria and you want to purchase an eSIM to use in the country? You’re certainly in the right place because this detailed guide will tell you everything about the best eSIM plans for Austria!
At A Glance: Our Favorite eSims for Austria
- BEST VALUE FOR MONEY Airalo
- BEST UNLIMITED DATA PLANS Holafly
- BEST ESIM WITH PHONE NUMBER Orange Holiday Zen eSIM
- BEST ESIM WITH REGIONAL COVERAGE Ubigi
I’ve included options from both local and international providers and eSIMs with regional coverage in Europe, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you need just a few gigabytes to get you through a short trip or stay in Austria for a while and are interested in renewable monthly plans, you’ll find at least a few suitable options below!
ESIM Product Comparison
Airalo7 Days
$4.5/GB
Airalo30 Days
$3.17/GB
Airalo30 Days
$2.6/GB
Airalo30 Days
$2.1/GB
Airalo30 Days
$1.55/GB
Nomad7 Days
$6/GB
Nomad15 Days
$4/GB
Nomad15 Days
$2.8/GB
Nomad30 Days
$1.9/GB
Nomad30 Days
$1.65/GB
Holafly5 Days
Holafly7 Days
Holafly10 Days
Holafly15 Days
20 Days
Holafly30 Days
Holafly60 Days
Holafly90 Days
Orange14 Days
$3.74/GB
Orange14 Days
$2.50/GB
Ubigi30 Days
$2.7/GB
Ubigi30 Days
$1.8/GB
Ubigi30 Days
$1.76/GB
15 Days
$5.5/GB
Airalo
Airalo is one of the most popular global eSIM providers thanks to their affordable data plans for most worldwide countries. Their eSIM data plans for Austria start at just $4.5, providing you with access to the 3AT network. Here’s a quick overview of the Airalo Austria eSIM data plans:
- 1 GB / 7 days for $4.5
- 3 GB / 30 days for $9.5
- 5 GB / 30 days for $13
- 10 GB / 30 days for $21
- 20 GB / 30 days for $31
Airalo’s eSIMs are data-only and they don’t include a phone number. But it’s worth noting that this is the case with most Austria eSIM plans, and the providers that do include a phone number with an eSim are the minority.
Setting up the Airalo eSIM is very easy thanks to the detailed instructions that are included with the purchase. If you use up all the data, you can easily purchase a top-up that will also extend the validity period of the eSIM through the Airalo app.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easy activation and top-ups
Cons
- No phone number
Holafly
Holafly is an eSIM provider known for offering unlimited data plans for most countries. Austria is no exception; Holafly has unlimited mobile data plans for this European country, that provide you with anywhere from 5 days to 3 months of Internet access. Their Austria eSim plans are:
- 5 days for $19
- 10 days for $34
- 15 days for $47
- 20 days for $54
- 30 days for $64
- 60 days for $84
- 90 days for $99
You get access to the 3AT network with the Holafly eSIM. Austria has quite a few network providers, and 3AT is considered the third-best option, which isn’t shabby at all.
One big downside of Holafly is that they don’t allow data sharing on any eSIM data plan. You can’t create a hotspot, and the only device that can access the Internet with this eSIM is the device in which the eSim card is installed. What’s the point of having unlimited data if you can’t share it with other devices, let alone people?
Pros
- Unlimited data eSIM plans
- Easy to activate
Cons
- Data sharing is not allowed
Nomad
Nomad is another international provider that has quite a few offers for an Austria eSIM. They have eSIM plans for two different network providers, 3AT and Truphone. Truphone is an international network operator and eSIM plans for this provider are more expensive than the 3AT plans, so I would recommend sticking with 3AT, and not just because the eSim plans are cheaper.
You’ll have better coverage if you stick with a local provider, and this is especially important for travelers who plan to explore the more remote and rural regions of Austria. Nomad’s eSIM plans are:
- 1 GB / 7 days for $7 (Truphone)
- 1 GB / 7 days for $6 (3AT)
- 3 GB / 15 days for $12 (3AT/Truphone)
- 5 GB / 15 days for $14 (3AT/Truphone)
- 10 GB / 30 days for $19 (3AT)
- 10 GB / 30 days for $18 (Truphone)
- 15 GB / 30 days for $27 (3AT)
- 20 GB / 30 days for $35 (Truphone)
- 20 GB / 30 days for $33 (3AT)
The good thing about Nomad eSims is that they’re easy to set up and activate, plus it’s super simple to purchase top-ups if you manage to use up all the data you initially purchased. On the other hand, Nomad’s eSim plans are more expensive than Airalo’s, so they’re not really the better option. Especially because both providers give you access to the same network, and neither includes a phone number.
Pros
- Local and international network operator eSIMs
- A variety of plans to choose from
Cons
- More expensive than Airlao
Orange Holiday Europe eSim
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is one of a few eSIM plans that include a phone number you can use in Austria. It is a French phone number, but you can use it without any data roaming charges thanks to EU laws. This eSIM is 40 Euros, which is a bit steep, but not a bad deal considering everything that’s included in the plan.
This eSIM includes 120 minutes of free calls to worldwide numbers, as well as 1000 free texts. You get 20 GB of data you can use for the two weeks that the eSIM is valid. If you use up all the data, you can easily purchase more data and extend the validity period of the eSIM.
However, it’s worth noting that you will need to register this sim card and provide your legal ID if you want to keep using it for more than a month. This is required by French law, so consider a different provider if you’re not comfortable doing that.
Pros
- Free texts and minutes for calls
- Generous data allowance
- Valid in 30+ countries throughout Europe
Cons
- Pricey
- Registration is necessary after the first month
Orange Holiday Zen eSIM
The Orange Holiday Zen eSIM is a cheaper version of the provider’s Holiday Europe eSIM plan. It also includes a phone number along with free data, and it’s valid for two weeks. This eSIM plan includes 30 minutes of calls to worldwide numbers for free, as well as 200 texts and 8 GB of data, and it costs 20 Euros.
This eSIM is valid in 30+ European countries, so it’s an excellent option if you’re planning to travel to other countries in Europe, in addition to Austria. You will need to register the eSIM if you want to keep using it for more than a month, so keep that in mind. Also, it’s worth noting that you can choose between an eSIM and a physical sim card.
Pros
- Phone number with free minutes/texts
- Data sharing is allowed
- Valid in 30+ European countries
Cons
- You must register the eSim to use it for more than a month
O2 Go Card eSIM
The O2 Go Card is another great option for travelers who plan to explore several countries in Europe. This eSIM is valid in all the countries of the European Union, and it includes 10 GB of data that you can use over a month.
This eSIM also gets you free calls on the O2 network, which is one of the largest networks in Europe. It’s possible to purchase an eSim or a physical SIM card, so you can choose whatever option is most convenient for you. Both the physical sim and the eSIM retail for $25.
Pros
- Regional coverage in Europe
- Generous data allowance
- Phone number included
Cons
- No unlimited data option
Ubigi
Ubigi is an eSIM carrier with excellent regional and global plans. They don’t actually have any individual country plans for Austria, but they do include it in many of their regional eSIM data plans. Ubigi’s plans that offer coverage in Austria range from a $2 daily plan that includes 500 MB, to a $88 plan with 50 GB valid for 30 days.
They have 17 plans that include Austria, and I’ll only tell you about the ones that are good value for money. If you’re staying in the country for a while and you want a decent monthly plan, Ubigi has a renewable $12 plan. It includes 5 GB of data per month and it is valid in USA and Europe.
Another plan worth considering is their renewable $29 plan with coverage in the European Union, the UK, and Switzerland. This plan includes 20 GB of data, and it’s the cheapest 20 GB plan so far.
Pros
- Great regional plans
- Cheapest 20GB plan
Cons
- No individual data plans for Austria
AIS eSIM2FLY
AIS eSim2Fly is a very popular option with travelers in Asia, but they also have an interesting global plan that offers coverage in 120 worldwide countries. The eSIM includes a Thai phone number and 6 GB of data that are valid for 15 days. The included data allowance is for 4G and 5G networks; when you use up all the high-speed data, you get unlimited 2G data at a speed of 128 kbps.
When you purchase this eSIM, you instantly get a QR code along with instructions on how to set up and activate your eSIM. This eSIM is $33, so it’s not the best value for money in terms of data allowance and validity. But if you’re ever looking for an eSIM that works great in Asia, definitely consider the Asia plan from this provider.
Pros
- Unlimited 2G data
- A Thai phone number is included
Cons
- Not a great option for Austria
Benefits of Getting an eSIM in Austria
The main benefit of having an eSIM in Austria is that you will always have Internet access at your fingertips, no matter where you are in the country. Sure, the bigger cities have decent free WiFi coverage, especially in cafes and restaurants, but you’re not guaranteed free WiFi when you’re just walking around and exploring. Especially if you’re planning to travel to the more remote regions of the country.
You can check maps if you get lost, you can stay updated on current events and conditions, plus you can share your travels on social media instantly if you want.
The advantage of an eSIM as opposed to a physical Austria sim card is mainly that it’s more convenient. You don’t have to think about sim tray eject tools, or where you’re going to store your existing sim card for safekeeping during the trip. Plus you can purchase it online from the comfort of your home, instead of having to walk around a foreign city looking for a place to buy a sim card.
Local Mobile Operators Offering eSims in Austria
3AT (Hutchison Drei Austria GmbH) is currently the only provider that makes it possible to purchase an eSim with a prepaid plan. You can do it through their up-from-Drei app. They have just one plan, which includes unlimited texts, calls, and data for 30 days. When you buy this plan you can load the eSim profile on your device immediately.
The plan is 20 Euros, so it’s great value for money. It’s a renewable monthly plan, but you can stop paying for it any time, plus you’re not required to sign any contracts. This provider also has several prepaid physical sim cards for tourists, which cost from 10 to 30 Euros.
A1 is Austria’s best and largest network provider, and they’re a great option if you want a local sim card. You can get just a physical sim card from this provider, and they only have one option – the B.free prepaid sim. It’s important to note that you must register this sim card with a government ID, so you’re better off purchasing an international eSIM if this isn’t something you want to do.
Devices Compatible with eSIM in Austria
All devices that are compatible with eSIMs will work with them in Austria. This includes most smartphones released in the last 3-4 years, the latest smartwatches, iPad, and any other device that supports embedded sim technology.
The easiest way to check whether your device supports an eSIM is to dial *#06#. Doing this will bring up a list of unique serial numbers for your phone. An EID serial number indicates that your smartphone supports an eSim, and you’ve got nothing to worry about.
If you can’t see an EID number, your device most likely doesn’t support an eSIM and you’ll have to stick with a physical sim card.
Data Needed When Traveling to Austria
How much data you need for a trip in Austria depends mostly on how long the trip is. A 3-5 GB data pack should be enough for up to two weeks, especially if you don’t plan to watch videos while using mobile data.
On the other hand, if you need mobile data to work or you want to be able to watch as many videos as you want, look into eSIM plans with a data allowance of at least 10 GB. Smaller data packages are fine for people who want to check maps and social media, but video streaming will eat up your data rather quickly, whether it’s TikTok or Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an eSIM in Austria?
Yes, you can purchase an eSIM to use in Austria from several international eSIM providers. It is also possible to purchase an eSIM in Austria from a local provider (Drei), but it requires registration with a government ID.
How can I buy an eSIM in Austria?
You can buy an eSIM in Austria online or in a physical store. If you want to purchase an eSIM from Drei, you can do so via their mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
How much does an eSIM cost in Austria?
An eSIM for Austria can cost anywhere from $2 to $99, depending on the validity and data allowance of the eSIM plan. Generally speaking, most eSIM plans for Austria are up to $30, and if that’s your budget you can choose from many different eSIM plans (unlimited data, regional coverage, phone number, etc.).
How do I activate my eSIM in Austria?
Your eSIM plan should activate the moment you turn on mobile data in Austria, but only if you’ve previously set it up on your device. The setup can be done by scanning a QR code or adding the eSim plan manually through the network settings on your smartphone. Find the option to Add a Cellular Plan / Add an eSim and input the data provided by the eSim carrier.
