Communicating in Austria
Austria offers fast and secure telecommunications throughout the country and has been known to be one of the best countries when it comes to low prices. This makes it easy for expatriates to stay connected with those back home and to conduct international business.
A wide range of providers offer internet and mobile phone plans, so researching before your move can ensure you are connected and ready as soon as you arrive in Austria.
Internet connectivity in Austria
Internet access in Austria is fast, reliable and easy to obtain, either through a mobile phone or a computer. High-speed DSL, 5G and wireless access are available nationwide and at affordable rates.
The leading Internet service providers in Austria include Magenta and Drei. Most of them offer contracts, where you agree to lock in for a set amount of time, and pay-as-you-go services, which are charged by the minute. The Austrian telecommunications market is competitive, and expatriates can find good deals on both the Internet and mobile phone plans.
Internet service providers sometimes offer cable television packages that can be bundled together, including local and international programs and sports. It is worth shopping around to find the plans that best suit your needs. You will find free WiFi in public areas, cafes, hotels, restaurants, and even on some public transportation.
Mobile phones in Austria
Major mobile phone service providers in Austria include A1, Magenta and Hutchison Drei.
There used to be more until early 2019 when T-Mobile, Telekom, and UPC merged into Magenta Telekom. One advantage of Magenta is that it offers combination deals with Internet at home and cable TV. Nowadays, Drei also offers fast internet access at home and web-based television.
They offer competitive plans for mobile phones and data, including pay-as-you-go plans, which do not require a contract, the so-called “Wertkarte”. Cheap prepaid cards in Austria can also be bought in supermarkets such as Spar, Hofer and Lidl. If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a local SIM card, which will allow you to have a local Austrian number without needing a new device. International roaming and data charges can be expensive - another good reason to obtain a local phone plan. Mobile phone packages in Austria can include international minutes and texting, making it easier to keep in touch.
Mobile contracts are often for a duration of 12 or 18 months, with a range of phone plans available. Austria has a strong mobile network with coverage throughout the country. Web-based apps, such as Skype, WhatsApp, Signal or Facetime, are good options for communicating with those back home at free or low cost.
Post offices in Austria
You can buy stamps either at local shops such as newsagents or directly at the post offices. Post offices are all across Austria and are referred to as “Die Post”. They are easy to spot, as they always have bright yellow signs outside. Opening hours are usually from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays, with larger branches also open on Saturdays. A Post office will handle all domestic and international postage and shipping. There are two shipping types available: priority and economy, with priority being the express option for quicker delivery but also more expensive. The difference in delivery speed can be substantial, so it is worth paying extra for the priority service if it is within budget.
With the e-letter, you receive invoices, contracts and other important documents in digital form. In your personal account, you can also determine where packages are delivered, e.g., to your neighbor's or to your front door.
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