Drei offers various Drei SIM card options for tourists. Check out this post to find out which plan is the best for your Austria trip.
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Drei
- Established: 2003
- Full name: 3 Drei
- Services provided: Provides 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G services
- Subscribers: Over 5.4 million subscribers (2022)
- Stores: Over 1300 stores and retail outlets nationwide
- Customer services: 24/7 customer support in English and German
- Awards: Received “Best Network” awards from Connect, Chip, and Computer Bild, known for its competitive rates and promotions
II. Why Drei When You’re Exploring Austria – Coverage and Speed
1. Drei Coverage in Austria
Drei provides strong mobile coverage across Austria meeting the needs of most users. Their network reaches over 98% of the population with high-speed 4G/LTE connectivity in urban centers and major transportation routes.
Drei’s network powers smooth internet use whether working remotely, browsing social media, or streaming media while navigating Austria.
2. Drei Speed
In major cities, customers can regularly experience 4G download speeds upwards of 85Mbps. Even in smaller towns, speeds average between 25-40Mbps on LTE connections.
For those traveling through rural regions, 3G service still supports basics like navigation, emails and social media use at around 5-10Mbps.
III. Drei Connectivity Options for Travelers to Austria
Here is an overview of the pros and cons of each option:
Connectivity Options
Connectivity Option | Pros | Cons |
Drei SIM Card | Fast and direct connection | Need to insert SIM card into device |
Affordable rates | Activation may be required | |
Convenient pay-as-you-go plans | ||
Drei Pocket Wifi | No need to change SIM card | Need to rent and return device |
Portable connectivity | Limited range (10-15m) | |
Higher cost than SIM card | ||
Battery life limitations | ||
Drei Roaming | No need to change SIM card | Very expensive roaming rates |
Must have roaming agreement with your home provider | ||
Home data may not work abroad |
Getting a local Drei SIM card is typically the most convenient and cost-effective solution for short-term visitors. It allows you to experience Drei’s full coverage and speeds at local rates.
IV. Best Drei SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Here are top options available from Drei:
SIM Card | Validity | Allowances | Approx. Cost (USD) |
Drei Tageskarte | 24 hours | Unlimited calls/texts in Austria + 5GB data | $10 |
Drei Weekly Card | 7 days | Unlimited calls/texts in Austria + 5GB data | $20 |
Drei Wochenkarte | 7 days | Unlimited calls/texts in Austria + 5GB data | $20 |
Drei Travel SIM | 30 days | 1GB data (extendable) | $15-30 |
Drei World SIM | 7 days | 500MB data in 60+ countries | $10 |
Drei 1-Month SIM | 1 month | Plans from 2-10GB data + calls/texts | $20-40 |
The Prepaid SIM S is great for moderate usage with 30GB of fast data. Power users can opt for the Prepaid SIM M with unlimited talk & text and 50GB of data.
Both options provide ample data and calling access for a one month trip to Austria. The SIM card itself is free when you sign-up for these plans.
V. Does Drei Support eSIM in Austria?
Yes, Drei does offer eSIM support for compatible phones and tablets!
eSIM allows you to activate mobile service through a digital profile instead of using a plastic SIM card. This makes managing connections much easier when traveling.
Key benefits of using eSIM include:
- No need to insert SIM card
- Remote activation
- Store multiple profiles on one device
- Easily switch plans and providers
Austria eSIM has a range of plans optimized for travel on the Drei network. Let’s take a look at their best plans:
VI. Where can You Buy a SIM and eSIM?
Where to Buy Drei SIM Card
There are a few options to purchase a 3 Drei SIM card in Austria:
1. Upon Arrival
Vienna Airport has a 3 Drei shop in the arrivals area where you can buy a SIM card. This is the most convenient option if you want it right away.
2. Drei Stores
There are over 1300 official 3 Drei stores located across Austria. Visit one near your hotel or temporary residence. Bring your passport as identification.
3. Other Retailers
You can also find 3 Drei SIMs at electronics stores like MediaMart and newsstands in major train stations. Know that third party retailers may have a smaller selection of plans.
When purchasing your 3 Drei SIM, I recommend the Prepaid SIM S plan mentioned earlier. It has ample data for most visitor needs.
Where to Buy Drei eSIM
To get Drei eSIM, simply visit Austria-eSIM and choose one of their Austria data plans.
You’ll complete a quick online checkout, then receive your eSIM profile via email. Scan the QR code or tap the link to install it on your phone or tablet in just minutes.
VII. How to Activate Drei SIM/eSIM
How to Use Drei SIM Card
Follow these simple steps:
- Insert SIM card into your unlocked device
- Power on phone and wait for SIM detection
- Activate by calling Drei customer service if prompted
- Configure APN settings if data does not work
- Check your account balance and expiry date
You may want to buy some credit upfront via voucher before using data.
How to Activate Drei eSIM
To start your GIGAGO eSIM service:
- Install eSIM
- Activate you eSIM
- Set up your plan
- Start using data, calling and messaging
Be sure to read detailed instructions for your model – iPhone, Android or Google Pixel. Then you’re all set!
VIII. Austria Drei Call & SMS Rates
When using a Drei SIM card with voice capability, here are the current pay-as-you-go rates:
Call & SMS Rates
Call/SMS Type | Rate (EUR) | Rate (USD) |
Calls to other Drei mobile numbers | €0.19/min | $0.22/min |
Calls to Drei landlines | €0.29/min | $0.34/min |
Calls to T-Mobile/A1 networks | €0.29/min | $0.34/min |
Calls to foreign numbers | €0.59/min | $0.69/min |
Calls to Austrian premium numbers | €0.59/min | $0.69/min |
International call rates | Vary by country | Vary by country |
SMS to Austrian mobile numbers | €0.09 | $0.11 |
International SMS | €0.19 | $0.22 |
Tips: To save money, try using Over-The-Top apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio and Google Voice for cheap international calls and texts over Drei’s data network.
IX. Useful USSD Codes for Drei SIM card/eSIM
Check your 3 Drei account balance and info with these short codes:
USSD Codes
USSD Code | Description |
#100# | Check account balance |
#101# | Check account validity date |
#103# | Check account details, rate plan, data usage |
#123# | Manage data roaming and APN settings |
*123# | Reactivate blocked SIM card |
#300# | View detailed billing report |
*131# | Change SIM PIN number |
#150*1# | Unlock SIM card to use with other carriers |
1211# | Check SIM lock/unlock status |
Enter the codes above and press call to check your account details at any time. This works for both physical SIM and eSIM.
X. How to Top up Drei SIM card/eSIM
You have a few options to add more credit to your 3 Drei SIM/eSIM:
Buy Top Up Voucher
Pick up a prepaid top up card from any Drei store, electronics retailer, or newsstand across Austria.
Online Top Up
Enter your mobile number, choose the refill amount, and complete payment to add more data, minutes and messages.
In-Store Top Up
Of course, visiting any Drei store allows instant top ups over the counter via cash or card. Just provide your phone number and payment.
XI. FAQs
Does Drei offer unlimited data plans?
No, Drei does not currently offer unlimited data on prepaid plans for tourists. The maximum full-speed data is 50GB on the Prepaid SIM M plan. Beyond the high-speed cap, speeds drop to 64kbps.
How long is Drei SIM card valid for?
3 Drei’s prepaid tourist SIM cards are valid for 30 days from activation. You need to top up again by the expiry date to continue service.
Does Drei SIM card work in other European countries?
Yes, 3 Drei has EU roaming allowing you to use your SIM card across most of Europe. But roaming data rates are expensive so I recommend buying a local SIM at your next destination.
What verification is needed to buy Drei SIM card?
You need to show your valid passport at 3 Drei stores and partners to purchase a prepaid tourist SIM card. Other European ID cards may also be accepted.
XII. Final Words
In summary, Drei is an excellent choice of mobile network for travelers in Austria thanks to their far-reaching coverage, impressively fast speeds, and competitive prepaid plans.
If your phone is eSIM capable, you can also easily activate 3 Drei service with an eSIM provider like Austria eSIM.