What Is the Cheapest SIM Card in Austria?

What Are the Top 5 Cheapest Mobile Plans in Austria?

Sources: Provider websites, RTR. Updated: April 2026.

Should You Get a Prepaid or Contract SIM in Austria?

As an expat just arriving in Austria, a prepaid SIM is usually the best starting point. Prepaid plans do not require a credit check, an Austrian bank account, or a long-term commitment. Check our cost of living guide to see how mobile costs fit your budget. You can buy prepaid SIM cards at supermarkets (Hofer, Spar), electronics stores (MediaMarkt, Hartlauer), or directly at provider shops.

Once you are settled with a Meldezettel (see our Vienna registration guide) and bank account, you may consider switching to a contract plan (Vertrag) for better value. Contracts typically run 24 months and offer more data, included EU roaming, and sometimes a subsidized phone. Be aware that Austrian contracts auto-renew, so you need to cancel (kuendigen) in writing before the end of the minimum term.

What Are the SIM Card Registration Requirements in Austria?

Since 2019, all SIM cards purchased in Austria must be registered with a valid ID document, as required by the RTR (Austrian telecom regulator). You will need to provide your passport or EU national ID card when purchasing a SIM. This applies to both prepaid and contract SIM cards. Some providers allow online registration, while others require in-store activation.

How Do Austrian SIM Card Providers Compare?

What Tips Should Expats Know When Choosing a SIM Card?

• If you travel frequently within the EU, all Austrian plans include EU roaming at no extra charge (under EU regulations). Check the roaming data allowance, as it may be lower than your domestic allowance.
• HoT SIM cards are available at every Hofer supermarket checkout, making them the easiest option for day-one connectivity.
• If you live in a mountainous region or commute through rural areas, A1 has the most reliable coverage. Budget MVNOs on the A1 network (bob, yesss!) offer a cheaper alternative with the same coverage. You can also bundle with an A1 home internet plan for additional savings.
• Keep your Austrian phone number, as it is tied to many services (bank, digital ID). Porting your number between providers is free and takes 1 to 3 business days.

Which SIM Card Providers Are Best for Expats in Austria?

Which Austrian Mobile Network Has the Best Coverage?

Austria has three physical mobile networks. All MVNOs (HoT, spusu, bob, yesss!) run on one of these three networks, so coverage depends on which network your provider uses.

Source: RTR coverage reports, April 2026.

How Do You Switch to a Cheaper Mobile Plan in Austria?

Switching providers in Austria is straightforward. Number portability (Rufnummernmitnahme) is free by law and handled by your new provider. The entire process typically takes 1 to 3 business days.

1. Check your current contract end date. Log in to your provider account or call customer service. Prepaid users can switch immediately. Contract users must wait for their minimum term to end, or pay an early termination fee.
2. Request number portability with your new provider. When you sign up with the new provider, select the option to keep your existing number. This is free and required by the RTR.
3. Buy your new SIM or order online. Prepaid SIMs are available at supermarkets (Hofer, Spar), electronics stores, or directly from provider websites.
4. Activate with your passport. All SIM cards in Austria require identity verification. Bring your passport or EU national ID card.
5. Your old contract auto-cancels. Once number portability completes, your previous provider automatically ends your service. No separate Kuendigung (cancellation letter) is needed when porting.

Important cancellation rule: Austrian mobile contracts auto-renew after the minimum term, but switch to a monthly rolling basis. After the initial 24 months, you can cancel with one month notice at any time. Send your Kuendigung (cancellation) in writing, either by email or registered letter.