Why foreigners and companies cannot do without an Austrian number

When you visit Austria—whether Vienna, Innsbruck, or another city—mobile service is crucial. Want to buy a phone in Austria but don't know where to start? Or are you looking for an Austrian phone number to register? This article offers a comprehensive guide, from purchasing a SIM card to getting a virtual number for your business.

First of all, a mobile number in Austria isn't just a means of communication; it's also a means of registering on local portals and verifying one's identity when applying for insurance or a bank card. Foreigners have two options: buying a SIM card in Austria or purchasing a virtual number, which is especially useful for businesses.

Why this makes sense:

• required when renting housing and obtaining mandatory insurance
• speeds up registration for Viennese services (WienMobil, ÖBB, online banking)
• An Austrian mobile number is a step towards convenience and the status of a guest or resident.

The most reliable options are offline stores of operators a prepaid Austria SIM card there . Starter packs with included data are often offered with the SIM card.

Pros:

• Manager assistance and on-site activation
• Tariffs explained: mobile communications in Austria, roaming, minute packages
• You can immediately buy a number with a beautiful combination of numbers (for a fee)

SIM cards are also available at supermarkets, newsstands, and post offices. This is convenient, but self-service: customers often activate them themselves.

If you're already in Austria but outside the city center, you can order a virtual Austria number or SIM card online with delivery. Some providers (such as A1) offer the option to order SIM card delivery and receive it within 24 hours.

The Austrian mobile market is highly competitive, so the cost of a phone number in Austria remains affordable even for foreigners. Each operator offers several connection options, from classic prepaid SIM cards to long-term contracts. It all depends on how long you plan to stay in the country and what services you need.

For tourists and students, the most cost-effective option in Austria is a prepaid SIM card . You'll immediately receive a local number and mobile data. You can top up the card at any supermarket or online.

For those who live or work in Austria permanently , it's best to sign up for a contract. The operator may offer a discount on a smartphone and sometimes bonuses like unlimited internet on weekends.

Austrian virtual phone numbers are ideal for business and remote work . They allow you to quickly receive SMS codes for banks and online services without requiring a physical SIM card.

In Austria, you can get a phone number in just one day. This isn't a problem for foreigners: unlike bank accounts or rented accommodations, mobile service is available immediately upon arrival. The easiest way is to purchase a prepaid SIM card , which allows you to use an Austrian number without a contract or obligations.

Prepaid SIM cards have long been the standard in Austria for tourists, students, and those visiting the country for a few months. These numbers are easily purchased at official A1, Magenta, or Drei stores, Spar and Billa supermarkets, post offices, and even small Trafik kiosks.

A starter package costs an average of €9–15 . It typically includes basic services: several gigabytes of internet, a package of call minutes, and sometimes SMS. This is enough for everyday use of messaging apps, navigation, and domestic communications. Activation takes just a few minutes—insert the card into your phone, and your number is ready to use.

Prepaid benefits:

• without Meldezettel;
• low entry cost;
• instant activation;
• flexibility of tariffs;
• convenient replenishment.

These cards are convenient because they can be topped up in a variety of ways: via metro machines, banking apps, vouchers, or operator websites. You can also upgrade your plan at any time, adding more data or increasing your international calling minutes.

Prepaid calling is especially appreciated by expats new to Vienna. It allows them to obtain an Austrian phone number for registering with online services, rental platforms, or banks without the hassle of signing long-term contracts.

An Austrian phone number isn't just a means of communication; it's a tool without which it's difficult to fully live and work in the country. Foreigners often underestimate this, thinking that using their home number when roaming is sufficient. In practice, a local number becomes mandatory within the first few days of arrival.

Firstly, it's impossible to register a bank account without it. Almost all banks, from Erste Bank to Raiffeisen , require an Austrian mobile number, which will receive transaction confirmation codes and online banking login codes. Using a foreign number won't work here: the system requires the local code +43.

Secondly, renting apartments through platforms or directly with the landlord also requires a local number. Property owners and agencies often call to clarify details, and many rental services (such as ImmobilienScout24) require confirmation of registration via an Austrian phone number.

Thirdly, without a number, connecting to the internet and utilities will be problematic. Operators and energy suppliers require SMS confirmation upon contract activation. Even if you purchase a contract online, identity and number verification remains mandatory.

Fourth, many city services in Vienna require a local contact. The ÖBB Ticketing app for purchasing train tickets, Wien Mobil app for renting bicycles and scooters, and the Stadt Wien portal for making appointments at a clinic or submitting documents—all of these require an Austrian phone number.

Essentially, a local number is your entry point into the Austrian service system. Without it, you'll constantly face restrictions, from the inability to book an apartment to problems accessing government services.

Moreover, a local number isn't just necessary for individuals. It's even more important for businesses. A company's legal address in Austria almost always comes with a local contact number. Without one, it's impossible to register a company or set up a corporate bank account.

Mobile phone service in Austria is considered one of the most affordable in Western Europe. Unlike neighboring Switzerland, where prices are reaching record levels, Austrian tariffs remain reasonable, and competition between operators A1, Drei, and Magenta keeps prices affordable.

The average price for a package with 10–15 GB of data and unlimited calls within the country is €18–25 per month. Prepaid plans are slightly cheaper but offer less data. Contract plans are more affordable for permanent residents, especially if purchased as a phone bundle.

The cost of a telephone line in Austria remains significantly lower than in its neighbors. This explains why many foreigners who come here to study or work report that communications in Vienna and other cities are cheaper than in their home country.

In Austria, three major operators share the market and set the tone for all mobile communications. The largest player is A1 Telekom Austria , renowned for its best coverage throughout the country. Even in small Alpine villages or on mountain slopes, A1's connection remains stable. This is why many foreigners and locals choose A1, despite its slightly higher rates than its competitors.

Magenta Telekom is considered the second most popular . This operator actively promotes favorable rates for young people and students and is investing in developing a 5G network in major cities such as Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. Internet is fast and stable in cities, but coverage in rural areas is inferior to A1.

Drei (3 Austria) remains the third major operator . Its main advantage is its affordable plans with generous mobile data packages. Drei is popular with tourists and students looking for an affordable package with included gigabytes. Speeds are good in cities, but connection quality drops noticeably in remote areas.

virtual operators are also active in Austria . They use the networks of major companies but offer cheaper rates. The most well-known brands are HoT , sold in Hofer supermarkets and powered by Magenta; Yesss!, available at Billa and using the A1 network; Spusu , focused on flexible internet packages and powered by Drei; and bob , which is connected to A1 and popular among those looking for inexpensive calls and simple terms.

To simplify the choice and avoid confusion, we'll walk you through the steps of how a foreigner can buy a phone number in Austria and the available options.

An Austrian phone number is essential for anyone visiting the country for more than a few days. A prepaid number is ideal for getting started, a contract is beneficial for long-term stays, and virtual numbers are ideal for businesses.

For businesses, startups, and freelancers in Austria, a standard SIM card is increasingly proving inconvenient. Many companies operate without offices, distribute their employees across different countries, and actively use digital tools.

In these circumstances, the Austria virtual number is becoming increasingly popular. This is a fully functional number with the +43 code, which isn't tied to a physical SIM card and operates over the internet—using SIP telephony, Softphone apps, or corporate mobile clients.

The main advantage of a virtual number is that it's independent of geographic location. A company's CEO could be in Berlin, sales managers in Salzburg, and an IT team in Prague, yet the number remains Austrian to clients, enhancing trust and eliminating international call costs.

This format is especially convenient for call centers and service companies , as customers prefer to call a local number rather than a foreign one. Furthermore, an Austrian number is mandatory when registering a business, opening a GmbH, launching an online store, or connecting to banking services.

Almost all forms require a contact number with the +43 area code, and without it, legal proceedings are often stalled. A virtual number solves this problem: it can be set up in one day, used for SMS confirmations, and keeps track of all important notifications.

Equally important, a local number is essential for working with digital platforms. Google Ads and Facebook advertising accounts, as well as local Austrian services, require SMS confirmation. Using a foreign phone number often results in service failure or limited functionality, so a virtual Austrian number has become the standard for marketers and e-commerce companies .

All this makes virtual numbers a versatile tool for businesses in Austria. They help maintain a market presence, build trust with clients, comply with legal requirements, and optimize costs. Today, such solutions are in demand not only among large corporations but also among small and medium-sized businesses seeking to remain mobile and modern.

In recent years, demand for virtual numbers in Austria has grown sharply. While in 2015, such solutions were primarily used by large corporations and banks, by 2025, virtual numbers have become the standard for small and medium-sized businesses. They are especially popular in Vienna and Salzburg, home to many startups, online schools, and call centers.

Share of companies using virtual numbers:

• 2015 – about 12% (mainly large corporations);
• 2020 – already 28% (the first IT startups and online stores);
• By 2025, more than 50% of small and medium-sized businesses will have connected at least one virtual number.

In Austria, a mobile phone number is no longer just a means of communication – it's now a tool that directly impacts investment and business development . Companies operating in the local market understand that having an Austrian number with the +43 prefix builds customer trust, facilitates transactions, and opens the door to new contracts.

For investors and entrepreneurs just entering the Austrian market, a local number is the first step in establishing a business infrastructure. Opening a GmbH, registering an e-commerce business, or establishing online banking are impossible without phone contact.

In essence, the number becomes a "calling card," without which it's impossible to confirm the seriousness of one's intentions. And as with investing in the Austrian real estate market , having a local number becomes a basic requirement for full integration into the country's economic system.

This is especially important for international companies looking to establish a presence in Vienna or Salzburg. When an investor opens an office or registers a branch, they first connect a local number. This is not only practical but also enhances their image: clients and partners see that the business is truly present in Austria.

Interestingly, virtual numbers have become part of investment strategies . Startups and IT companies use them to minimize infrastructure costs. Instead of maintaining an office with multiple lines, they can simply connect several virtual numbers and distribute calls among employees in different countries. This approach allows for savings of tens of thousands of euros per year while maintaining a full-fledged market presence.

Moreover, a phone number is an indirect asset . Its value isn't directly quantified, but it shapes a company's value. Imagine two identical businesses: one uses a German number, the other an Austrian one. During negotiations, the second will be perceived as a more serious player in the local market, and this directly impacts its investment appeal.

Mobile operator stores (A1, Magenta, Drei):
Here you can buy a phone on an installment plan with a contract or buy the device separately. Contract customers often receive discounts: for example, you can get an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy for €200–€300 less. Budget models from carriers start at around €200, while top-end flagships with a contract cost €30–€50 per month for two years.

Electronics chains (MediaMarkt, Saturn, Hartlauer)
are the top choice for those looking to buy a new phone without a lock. The selection is vast—from basic models for €120–€150 to the latest iPhones and Galaxy phones for €1,200–€1,500. All phones come with an official warranty, and stores offer service and returns.

Supermarkets (Billa, Hofer, Spar)
are an interesting option for those looking for something simple and inexpensive. They often sell phones with prepaid SIM cards. Prices start at €50–€80 for basic models, and you can sometimes find a mid-range smartphone for €120–€200. A great solution for students and tourists.

Online stores (Amazon, Local Shops, Willhaben)
You can find discounts and promotions online. Amazon often offers phones €50–€100 cheaper than in brick-and-mortar stores. Willhaben is popular among locals: they sell both new and used phones.

Refurbished stores and operator salons:
Refurbished smartphones sell for 20-40% less. For example, an iPhone 13 in good condition can be found for €450-500 instead of €700-800 for a new one. This comes with a 6-12 month warranty.

Used phone market (Willhaben, second-hand stores):
The cheapest option is phones from private individuals. Prices range from €30 for feature phones to €400–600 for relatively new smartphones. However, buyer protection is lower than with official sellers.

Mobile communications in Austria are deservedly considered one of the most stable and convenient in Europe. For both foreigners and locals, the main advantage is that connecting is incredibly simple: just visit a mobile operator store or even a supermarket to buy a prepaid SIM card.

In just a few minutes, your number will be activated, and you'll be able to make calls and use the internet. The coverage is impressive—4G and 5G work even in the Alps, and in cities like Vienna and Salzburg, the internet speeds allow you to easily conduct business online or watch high-quality videos.

Advantages of mobile communications in Austria:

• quick and easy connection,
• stable coverage even in remote regions,
• affordable prices compared to neighboring countries,
• the number provides access to banking, rental and government services,
• the same connection rules for foreigners and local residents.

However, mobile phone service here is not without its drawbacks. Signing up for a contract requires a Meldezettel (registration at your place of residence), and without it, you won't be able to sign a long-term contract. This often becomes a problem for students and expats who have just arrived.

Contracts, while more affordable in terms of internet, lock customers into a single provider for one to two years, limiting flexibility. The cost of calls outside the EU also remains high: if you have family or business abroad, you'll need to sign up for additional plans, otherwise your costs will mount too quickly.

Disadvantages of mobile communications in Austria:

• the need for registration (Meldezettel) for contracts,
• long-term binding to the operator for 12–24 months,
• expensive calls outside the EU without special packages,
• Prepaid tariffs are often less profitable on the Internet,
• It takes several weeks to transfer or deactivate a number.

Thus, mobile communications in Austria combine high quality and convenience with a certain degree of strictness. Prepaid SIM cards are the best choice for tourists, a contract is more cost-effective for residents, and virtual numbers are the optimal choice for businesses and freelancers.

Conclusion

An Austrian phone number isn't just a means of communication, it's also a gateway to the country's digital ecosystem. It makes it easier to rent an apartment, open a bank account, register a company, or simply use city services. While there are certain bureaucratic requirements and restrictions, these are offset by high-quality service, stability, and predictability.

If you're visiting Austria for a short time, start with a prepaid SIM card. If you plan to live and work, sign a contract . And if you're building a business and want to be closer to your clients, choose a virtual number. In any case, your Austrian number will become more than just a phone; it will become a part of your new life and an important tool for confidently integrating into the country.