Compare SIM & eSIM Providers in Austria

Cheapest · Sub-EUR-10

What's the best Austrian SIM under EUR 10?

For under EUR 10/month, Lidl Connect Tarif L at EUR 9.50 is the data winner (100 GB / 30-day prepaid on the Magenta network). For brand-name 4G on a tight budget, HoT fix at EUR 5.90 sold at every Hofer is the easiest entry. For a 5G plan under EUR 10, up Pure at EUR 9.90 is currently the only option.

Read the full sub-EUR-10 ranking →

Unlimited data

What's the best unlimited Austrian plan?

bob Flex bob Unlimited at EUR 18.90/month is the cheapest truly unlimited plan in Austria, on the A1 network with no contract binding. For the strongest network, A1 SIMply L at EUR 24.99/month adds 48 GB EU roaming and Austrian customer service. For the most EU roaming, Magenta Sim Only Unlimited at EUR 29.90.

See all unlimited plans in the master comparison →

EU roaming · Travel

What's the best Austrian SIM for EU travel?

Every Austrian SIM includes free EU roaming under Roam Like at Home, but the fair-use data cap varies wildly. A1 SIMply L bundles 48 GB EU roaming — the largest cap among mainstream plans. bob Flex Unlimited follows at 45 GB. Magenta Sim Only Unlimited at 40 GB. Switzerland is NOT in the EU zone — pick a Swiss day-pass or a separate SIM if you're crossing.

Read the full EU roaming guide →

5G · Sub-EUR-10

What's the cheapest 5G plan in Austria?

up by Drei Pure at EUR 9.90/month is the only sub-EUR-10 5G plan in Austria as of May 2026 — 30 GB on the Drei network, monthly cancellable. HoT fix 5G at EUR 12.90 adds 5G on the Magenta network with in-store availability. bob Flex with 5G at EUR 14.90 bundles it on A1 coverage.

More on Austrian 5G (standalone vs non-standalone) →

Youth · Under 26

What's the best Austrian SIM for under-26 students?

Three plans target the under-26 segment in Austria. A1 SIMply Youth at EUR 12.90/month gives unlimited data on A1's premium network — the best long-term value if you stay through your studies. Drei up Under27 at EUR 12.90 bundles 60 GB on Drei. XOXO student plans (A1 sub-brand) offer rotating student-portal discounts.

Read the full student SIM ranking →

How-to · 5-minute setup

How do you activate an eSIM in Austria?

You can get an Austrian eSIM three ways: buy in person at Vienna Airport / a central provider shop (instant, in 5 minutes), order online and scan a QR code at home (15-30 minutes after registration), or pick a travel eSIM (Airalo / Holafly — instant, no ID, but no Austrian number). Native Austrian eSIM from A1, Magenta, Drei, HoT, and spusu all use the same flow.

1. Check your phone is eSIM-compatible. iPhone XS or later, Pixel 3 or later, Samsung Galaxy S20 or later. Settings → About phone → look for an EID number.
2. Pick a provider and tariff. Use the master comparison above — HoT at EUR 5.90/month is the budget pick; A1 SIMply L for premium coverage.
3. Register with passport ID. Online flow uses video-ident (5-10 minutes via webcam). In-store flow uses passport at the counter (instant). Either way it's mandatory — no anonymous SIMs in Austria.
4. Scan the QR code. Provider sends a QR code by email (online) or hands it on a printed card (in-store). Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR code.
5. Choose primary line and APN. Most providers auto-configure data on connection. Label it "Austria" so you can switch between home and work eSIMs later.

Read the full eSIM activation guide →

How-to · 1-3 business days

How do you switch Austrian provider and keep your number?

The Austrian process is called Rufnummermitnahme ("number-portability"). It's free by law under RTR rules and takes 1-3 business days. Your new provider handles it — you do not write a separate cancellation. Prepaid users can switch immediately. Contract users must wait for the minimum term (typically 24 months) to end, or pay an early-termination fee.

1. Request a release code (Freigabe-Code). From your CURRENT provider — by app, customer portal, or phoning support. Most issue it within an hour. You'll get a 10-digit code valid for 30 days.
2. Choose the new provider and tariff. Compare with the live ranking above. If you're price-sensitive, spusu at EUR 4.90 is the cheapest; HoT if you can pick the SIM up at Hofer today.
3. Sign up with the new provider and give them the release code. Online checkout — most have a "Rufnummer mitnehmen" toggle that asks for the Freigabe code. In-store: hand it to the shop assistant.
4. Wait 1-3 business days for the port. You stay on the OLD SIM until the cutover happens (usually overnight). The new SIM activates the morning of the switch. You'll get an SMS when it goes live.
5. Your old contract auto-cancels. Once portability completes, RTR rules require the old operator to close the contract. No Kündigung letter required. Outstanding balances are billed normally.

Read the full porting guide →