A1 Austria SIM Card and eSIM for Tourists – Detailed Guide

Confusing about getting a SIM card in Austria?. Read on this guide to know about A1 Austria SIM card.

I. Quick Facts About A1 Austria

Here are some key facts about A1:

• Established: 1994 as Mobilkom Austria, rebranded as A1 in 2010
• Services provided: Provides mobile voice, messaging, and data services
• Subscribers: Over 5.1 million mobile subscribers as of Q3 2022
• Stores: 500+ retail stores across Austria
• Customer service: 24/7 customer support by phone and online chat in English and German
• Awards: Received Ookla Speedtest Awards for fastest mobile network in Austria (2021, 2022)

II. A1 Coverage and Speeds in Austria

1. A1 Coverage in Austria

A1’s 4G/LTE coverage blankets over 99% of the population in all major metropolitan areas like Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck. Their new 5G network is rapidly growing as well.

Their new 5G roll-out is concentrated in cities so far. Comparing to other networks shows A1 currently has the largest 5G footprint in Austria.

2. A1 Speeds in Austria

Recent reports show average 4G download speeds of around 114 Mbps on A1’s network in Austria. Their 5G network offers much faster speeds, averaging around 200 Mbps downloads in cities.

So in summary, A1 offers the fastest mobile data connectivity in Austria, making them a good option for travelers.

III. A1 Connectivity Options for Travelers in Austria

There are three main options for connecting to the A1 network:

Connectivity Options

In summary, getting a local A1 SIM card is the most convenient and cost-effective option for tourists in Austria.

IV. Best A1 Austria SIM Card Options for Tourists

A1 offers a range of prepaid SIM card plans suitable for visitors to Austria.

As you can see, short-term prepaid plans with several GB of data are available for around €15-20.

V. Does A1 Austria Support eSIM?

Yes, A1 introduced eSIM support in 2019. eSIMs provide digital cellular plans instead of physical SIM cards.

The benefits of an eSIM include:

• No need to swap SIM cards
• Remote activation
• Ability to store multiple plans
• Improved security

A1 eSIMs can be purchased online or at A1 stores in Austria. However, we currently do not offer A1 Austria eSIMs on GIGAGO as they only provide long-term plans.

Our eSIMs for Austria are with 3 (Drei)  which offers better short-term prepaid eSIM plans optimized for tourists.

VI. Where To Buy an A1 Austria SIM Card

A1 Retail Stores

There are over 500 A1 shops across Austria offering prepaid SIMs. Locations can be found on their website. Bring ID to register the SIM card.

Upon Arrival at the Airport

You can find and purchase A1 Austria SIM cards upon arrival at airports like Vienna or Salzburg. Just look for convenience stores like Relay or Capi.

Wherever you purchase, be sure to see if activation assistance is provided. Also check the SIM card expiration date.

VII. How To Activate an A1 Austria SIM Card or eSIM

Activate A1 Austria SIM Card

Follow these steps to start using your A1 SIM:

1. Insert the SIM in your unlocked phone. For iPhones, use the SIM eject tool to access the tray.
2. Power on your device and wait for the SIM to be recognized.
3. Activate by going online or calling the number provided with the SIM. Some tourist SIMs are pre-activated.
4. Configure mobile data by entering the APN settings provided on the SIM pack.
5. Start using your A1 Austria SIM! Check your new phone number, data balance, and other details.

Activate A1 Austria eSIM

1. Scan your A1 eSIM QR code
2. Activate by completing the verification process in the eSIM installation app.
3. Configure your cellular plan and settings within the app.
4. Connect to the A1 network and begin using mobile data, call and text.

VIII. A1 Austria Call and SMS Rates

Here are the standard prepaid call and text rates when using an A1 pay-as-you-go SIM card in Austria:

Call & SMS Rates

Rates are for calls and texts made from Austria. International rates vary based on destination. Data charges are separate.

Tips: You can reduce costs by using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, and Google Hangouts for cheap international calls over data.

IX. USSD Codes for A1 Austria

Here are some useful short dialing codes for checking your A1 SIM card balance and info:

USSD Codes

X. How To Top Up an A1 Austria SIM Card

You can add more credits to your A1 prepaid SIM in a few ways:

Purchase Recharge Cards

Buy top-up vouchers at A1 shops, retail partners, tobacconists, and vending machines. Values range from €10 to €100. Scratch off the code and enter it into your A1 account.

Online Top-Up

Recharge online using the A1 mobile app or website. Pay by credit card, PayPal, Sofort, or other methods. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS when done.

ATM Top-Up

Find an A1-branded ATM to add funds directly to your SIM account 24/7 using cash or cards. Enter your phone number and payment.

Topping up occasionally is easy to extend your A1 prepaid SIM validity and data allowance.

XI. Alternatives to A1 Austria SIM Card

While A1 is a solid choice, Austria has two other major networks:

• Magenta Telekom – Owned by Deutsche Telekom, Magenta has the second best coverage and speeds after A1. Their tourist SIM cards start around €10.
• Drei – The third largest provider, Drei offers prepaid SIMs from €9.90 but has slower speeds than A1 or Magenta.

For eSIM, you can also find your own plans at Austria eSIM from GIGAGO. Check their best plans here: 

XII. FAQs About A1 Austria

XIII. Final Words.

While free EU roaming is great, having a local A1 Austria SIM card ensures the best service, speeds, and value in Austria. The coverage also extends to popular ski areas unlike some roaming plans.

Alternatively, Austria eSIM is a solution for a hassle-free trip! Enjoy