Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Settling in or traveling to Austria doesn’t mean cutting ties with your family and friends. On the contrary, the country boasts a highly efficient digital infrastructure, competitive mobile operators, abundant Wi‑Fi, and an impressive selection of messaging apps. Staying in touch can be simple, smooth, and inexpensive, as long as you know which options to prioritize—especially if you come from a non-European Union country.
This guide details all the ways to stay in touch from Austria: internet communication, phone, video, instant messaging, and postal mail—in simple, practical language.
Understanding Austria’s Digital Landscape
Austria is among the most connected countries in Europe. This has very concrete implications for anyone wanting to stay reachable.
Over 95% of the population is connected to the internet, indicating an extremely high penetration rate.
The population is highly active on social media, whose primary use remains maintaining ties with family and friends. The average user spends more than an hour and a half per day on social platforms and uses an average of 5 to 6 different apps per month. It is on this digital foundation that the various practical solutions for staying in touch from Austria are built.
Choosing How to Connect: Wi‑Fi, Local SIM, eSIM, or Roaming
To communicate with your loved ones, the first question is how you will access the internet once you’re there. Several solutions are available, with very different costs.
Relying on Free Wi‑Fi… with a Few Precautions
In Austrian cities, free Wi‑Fi—often called “WLAN” or “Gratis WLAN”—is everywhere. Hotels, cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, train stations, long-distance trains, trams, and even many public squares offer wireless connections.
In Vienna, for example, the city runs a large public network called “StadtWien‑PublicWLAN.” You’ll find hotspots along the Ringstrasse, at Rathausplatz, Stephansplatz, in the Prater, on the Danube Island, at Naschmarkt, and in several subway stations and train stations. Another network, Freewave, is widespread in historic cafés, museums, restaurants, and hotels, with several hundred hotspots across the country.
This abundance lets you stay in touch without spending a cent: WhatsApp calls, family video conferences, voice messages, or photo sharing all work easily over these networks. However, the trade-offs are twofold: these connections are often unencrypted and relatively slow (often around 1 Mbps on municipal hotspots). To minimize risks, it’s wise to use a VPN and avoid entering sensitive information (such as banking passwords) on these public networks.
Getting a Local Prepaid SIM Card
If you want to stay reachable everywhere, including outside big cities or without relying on Wi‑Fi, the simplest and most economical solution is to buy a local prepaid SIM card.
Three major operators structure the market:
| Operator | Market Position | Stated Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Largest operator | Most extensive 4G/5G coverage, best network per speed tests |
| Magenta | One of the biggest | Aggressive pricing, very good 4G/5G speeds |
| Drei (3) | Major operator | Decent rates but 4G/5G network reputedly weaker in coverage |
A1 claims 4G coverage over 99% of the population and the largest 5G footprint in the country. Speedtest awards have recognized it as the fastest mobile network in 2021 and 2022. In practice, this means that in most cities and even many alpine areas, you can make high-quality video calls or send large files without difficulty.
Prepaid SIM cards are very easy to find in Austria. They are available at official operator stores (such as the more than 500 A1 shops), kiosks, supermarkets, gas stations, train stations, and sometimes tourist offices. You can also buy them at Vienna and Salzburg airports, but prices there are often higher for tourists. Therefore, it’s generally more affordable to buy them in town.
Prices remain reasonable. Activation typically costs around €9.90 to €10, and prepaid plans for 4 weeks usually range from €10 to €30 depending on data volume and minutes. Several so-called “tourist” offers combine a large data allowance in Austria with a roaming bundle within the European Union, which is handy if you plan to visit several European countries while keeping the same SIM.
| Operator / Plan (prepaid) | Main Data | Minutes/SMS Included | Typical Validity | Indicative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 B.free – featured offer | 50 GB in Austria + 13 GB EU | 2,000 min/SMS | 30 days | €10 |
| Magenta – prepaid plan | 30 GB + 1,000 min/SMS | Austria + EU (with limits) | 4 weeks | €9.90 |
| Drei – prepaid plan | 30 GB + 3,000 min/SMS | Austria + EU (with limits) | 30 days | €30 |
To purchase a local SIM, you need to present a passport or official ID. A local address (hotel, rental) may be required. The phone must be unlocked. Activation is usually immediate after inserting the card, possibly with a few APN settings provided in the package. Recharging (top‑up) can then be done at thousands of sales points, at self-service machines, or online.
Choosing an eSIM: Maximum Simplicity for Recent Smartphones
If your phone supports eSIM (recent iPhones, many Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.), the most convenient option is often to buy a travel eSIM for Austria even before you leave. No physical card to handle, activation by simply scanning a QR code, and you can keep your original SIM active for bank SMS or incoming calls while using the eSIM for data.
Airalo offers a competitive option for short or medium stays in Austria, with a dedicated eSIM available from just a few dollars.
| eSIM Provider | Example Austria Plan | Validity | Indicative Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo (data only) | 20 GB | 30 days | $12 |
| Airalo (data + voice, Galli+) | 20 GB + 200 min + 200 SMS | 30 days | $24 |
| Holafly (unlimited data) | Unlimited | 5 to 30 days (depending on plan) | ~$20–$99 |
| SimOptions (Europe eSIM) | 15–20 GB, unlimited calls in Europe | 14–15 days | ~$15–$28 |
Most of these eSIMs use the network of one of the major Austrian operators (e.g., Drei for Airalo or Holafly). Prices vary significantly depending on whether the offer is limited data or “unlimited.” In the latter case, a fair usage policy usually applies: after a certain amount of data per day, speeds may be reduced.
One of the major benefits of an eSIM is being able to separate your usage: keep your original SIM to receive essential SMS or calls, while routing all your internet data via the cheaper Austrian eSIM. Many devices allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles, which is useful if you travel to several countries or make return trips.
Roaming with Your Original SIM Card: Caution for Non-Europeans
If you come from a European Union country, the “Roam like at Home” regulation allows you to use your national plan in Austria without extra charges, within certain limits. Part of your data, minutes, and SMS can be consumed as if you were at home, in all EU and European Economic Area countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), as well as in practice the United Kingdom for Austrian customers.
For travelers from outside Europe, roaming can be extremely costly, with rates potentially reaching €10–15 per MB of data, several euros per minute of calls, and more than one euro per SMS without a suitable plan. Before you leave, it is essential to check your operator’s roaming conditions and consider activating a data pass or an international plan. In many cases, buying a local SIM or a travel eSIM proves to be a far more economical alternative.
Sharing a Connection with a Pocket Wi‑Fi Hotspot
If you are traveling with family or a group and have multiple devices to connect, renting a pocket Wi‑Fi router can make sense. This is a small device equipped with a local SIM that broadcasts a private Wi‑Fi network for your phones, tablets, or laptops.
Several specialized companies rent this type of device for Austria and often for the entire European Union. Daily rates may seem high (around €5 to €9 per day depending on the provider and rental duration), but spread across a family of 4 or a group of 10 devices, it remains competitive compared to standard international roaming. You just need to remember to charge the device and keep it with you, like a second phone.
Messaging Apps: The Heart of Communication with Loved Ones
Once you have a connection, everything depends on the apps you and your loved ones use. In Austria, instant messaging reigns supreme, and one app dominates by far: WhatsApp.
WhatsApp, the Must-Have
Figures show that WhatsApp is by far the most used messaging app in Austria, with a market share of over 60% among instant messengers, and more than five million users—more than half the total population. It also ranks first or among the top communication apps on Android.
To stay in touch, this is therefore the primary tool to install and set up with your loved ones. With a simple internet connection, WhatsApp allows:
– individual or group audio and video calls,
– sending text messages, photos, videos, documents,
– family or friend group chats,
– end-to-end encryption for secure exchanges.
Using WhatsApp to stay in touch internationally in an economical and practical way
Make calls and send voice messages daily at a fraction of the cost of traditional international calls, thanks to affordable mobile data and widespread Wi-Fi.
Maintain a strong bond with a weekly video call to share moments in real time, no matter where you are.
Instantly share your photos and experiences, like a stroll through Vienna or a hike in the Austrian Alps.
Telegram, Signal, Messenger, Snapchat: Strong Secondary Players
Other apps are also widely used in Austria, often alongside WhatsApp.
Telegram holds a significant market share (about 18% of instant messaging usage) and regularly ranks among the top five communication apps. It stands out for its unlimited cloud storage and advanced privacy options. Signal, on the other hand, claims an even more data-protection-focused approach, with very robust encryption.
Facebook Messenger remains well present, especially among users already active on Facebook. Snapchat is also very popular, regularly ranking high in download charts, particularly among young people. For ages 11–17, for instance, Snapchat and TikTok are among the most used daily apps, with very high daily usage rates.
To stay in touch with younger relatives, these platforms can therefore be essential. An Austrian teenager often has three or four of these apps installed simultaneously, switching between WhatsApp for family, Snapchat for friends, and Instagram or TikTok for sharing more creative content.
Viber, WeChat, Threema: Useful Niches Depending on Your Loved Ones’ Origin
Viber remains popular in certain communities and ranks among the top communication apps. If your family lives in countries where Viber is dominant (the Balkans, for example), it makes sense to use it for free VoIP calls.
WeChat, widely used in China, is also available in Austria and can be useful if you have family or professional ties there. Threema, a paid messenger heavily focused on privacy, ranks among the top paid apps in the communication category.
Messaging Apps: WeChat and Threema
Combining Messaging and Social Media for a Richer Connection
Staying in touch goes beyond calls and messages. In Austria, a large portion of the population is on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat. Regularly sending photos, posting stories, and sharing short videos of your discoveries in Austria or daily moments allows your loved ones to follow your everyday life without necessarily scheduling a call.
Figures show that an Austrian user spends over 43 hours per month on TikTok and nearly 1.5 hours per day total on social media. Including your loved ones in this flow—through private family groups, restricted friend lists, or closed accounts—is an excellent way to maintain a strong emotional bond, even from a distance.
Traditional Phone, International Calls, and VoIP
Even though instant messaging has largely replaced traditional phone calls for international communication, it’s sometimes useful to know the rates and basic rules if you need to use an Austrian line to call abroad.
International Dialing from Austria
Austria’s country code is +43. To call an Austrian number from abroad, you dial the international exit code of your home country (00 in Europe, 011 in some countries) followed by 43, then the local number without the leading zero of the area code. For example, for Vienna (area code 01), you dial 00‑43‑1‑xxxxxx.
From a mobile phone, it’s simpler to use the international format +43 directly, which works from any country.
Austrian mobile numbers always start with 06, followed by an operator code and the subscriber number. It is recommended to save these numbers in international format (+43 6…) in your address book to avoid errors.
Cost of Local and International Calls and SMS
If you buy an Austrian prepaid SIM, national calls and SMS are generally affordable, but international communications can be charged at high rates.
An example rate table from a major operator shows prices around:
| Type of Communication (A1 example) | Indicative Rate |
|---|---|
| Call to A1 mobile | ~€0.19 / min |
| Call to A1 landline | ~€0.24 / min |
| Call to Magenta / Drei | ~€0.29 / min |
| Call to international number | ~€0.59 / min |
| National SMS | ~€0.09 |
| International SMS | ~€0.19 |
These rates can quickly become prohibitive if you call abroad regularly in the traditional way. That’s why using VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, FaceTime, etc.) over a data or Wi‑Fi connection is strongly recommended for long family conversations.
VoIP and Video: The Habit to Adopt
The quality of 4G/5G networks in Austria makes internet audio and video calls extremely reliable. A good local SIM or eSIM with 10 to 20 GB per month is generally enough for many video calls, even in high definition, especially if you supplement with Wi‑Fi when available.
To stay in touch with loved ones while keeping costs under control, adopt an efficient communication pattern that optimizes the use of available resources.
– use an Austrian SIM/eSIM to get cheap data;
– switch all international communications to VoIP apps (WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, FaceTime, Skype…);
– reserve traditional phone calls for local matters (bank, doctor, administration, on-site professional contacts).
Staying in Touch via Email, Translation, and Digital Tools
Beyond calls and messaging, email remains an important channel, especially when your loved ones are not comfortable with chat apps or live in areas with more unpredictable connections.
Using Email in a Highly Connected Country
With average speeds above 80 Mbps and near-complete territorial coverage, sending or receiving large attachments, high-definition photos, scanned documents, or compressed videos is no problem in Austria. Many public services, universities, or companies use it as a priority, which also makes it easy to exchange information with your loved ones.
For those living in countries with weaker connections, it’s often simpler to optimize usage by downloading content in advance when the network is available, favoring lightweight apps, disabling automatic updates, and using browsers with data saver mode.
– compress photos before sending,
– use sharing services (cloud, download links),
– send documents as PDFs rather than heavy formats.
Overcoming the Language Barrier with Translation Apps
If your loved ones don’t speak your language or you begin forming bonds with Austrians, translation apps can become a valuable ally. The use of Google Translate, DeepL, iTranslate, or similar tools is widespread, as they work equally well for emails and short messages.
Google Translate, for example, allows you to:
Discover the main capabilities of the tool for translating and understanding the world around you.
Translate text into over 100 different languages for borderless communication.
Use your camera to instantly translate signs, menus, or printed documents.
Translate spoken conversations in near real-time between multiple speakers and languages.
Save your favorite phrases and important translations in a phrasebook for quick reuse.
DeepL is often praised for the quality of its translations, especially between German, French, and English. It offers:
– translation of entire documents,
– choice between formal and informal style,
– the ability to correct the proposed translation word by word.
These tools are useful for communicating with your loved ones if they don’t speak your language (or German), but also for understanding Austrian administrative messages or media content you want to share.
Staying in Touch When You Are Older or Less Tech-Savvy
For the elderly or those less tech-savvy, Austria is no different from the rest of the world: hyper-connectivity can be intimidating. However, there are solutions specifically designed for them that help families stay in touch from a distance.
Simplified Devices for Family Video Calling
Several manufacturers offer devices or services specially designed for seniors, combining ease of use, large screens, and video call features.
Examples include:
– connected photo frames that also serve as video phones, designed for incoming calls without complex manipulation,
– simplified tablets with a clean interface, enlarged text, and included technical support,
– devices that plug into the living room TV to turn it into a video conferencing screen.
These products are not specifically Austrian, but many are available in the European Union and thus can be delivered to Austria. They share several useful features for maintaining family bonds.
– auto-answer or “drop-in”: the elderly person does not need to touch anything to pick up; the call starts automatically;
– limited and secure contact list: only authorized loved ones can call;
– sending photos, short messages, or reminders (medications, appointments) displayed on the screen;
– sometimes compatibility with solutions like Zoom, WhatsApp, or other common platforms.
For a grandmother living in Vienna with grandchildren abroad, such a device allows the children to initiate a video call very easily, or to send photos that appear as a slideshow. Even in a nursing home or with cognitive issues, the person has almost nothing to do.
Drawing on Best Practices for Seniors
Feedback shows a few tips that ease the digital transition for older adults:
To make video calls easier with an elderly person, it is recommended to set up the device in advance, before you leave, and register a contact list. Place the device in a fixed location, near their usual chair, well-lit, and with the charger always plugged in. Favor short but frequent calls (e.g., 10 minutes every evening) rather than longer, rarer ones. Be patient during initial connections, calmly explain the steps, and repeat instructions without getting frustrated.
In Austria, where fixed and mobile internet is high-performance, the limitation rarely comes from the connection but rather from familiarity with these tools. Once the basics are mastered, these devices can truly break isolation and give families the feeling of being “in the same room” despite the distance.
Staying in Touch by Postal Mail from Austria
Digital doesn’t replace everything. Many families appreciate receiving a real postcard, a package, or a handwritten letter from abroad. Austria, through Österreichische Post, has a long-established and well-organized postal service that allows for a more tangible way of staying connected.
A Dense and Efficient Postal Network
The national postal operator, Österreichische Post AG, is the heir to a service centuries old. It manages a network of post offices covering the entire country, supplemented by partner points (tobacconists, shops). Offices are generally open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with some open on Saturdays.
Priority letters within the country are delivered the next business day in over 96% of cases, and over 97% of domestic parcels arrive within two business days. For international shipments, priority letters take an average of 2 to 4 days for Europe, and 3 to 7 days beyond, though certain routes can take up to several weeks depending on the destination.
Sending Letters and Postcards Internationally
To stay in touch with loved ones in a more traditional way, sending postcards or letters is simple and relatively inexpensive. Rates depend on weight, dimensions, and destination (European Union, rest of Europe, rest of the world).
A standard postcard under 20 g costs about €1 for the European Union, slightly more for other continents. Stamps can be bought at post offices, partner kiosks, or online. Mail can be dropped into yellow mailboxes, with regular collection on weekdays around 4 p.m.
Sending Packages and Gifts
For more substantial exchanges (birthday gifts, local products, souvenirs), international parcels offered by Österreichische Post provide various options: standard shipping, faster (Priority), and additional services (registered, insured, cash on delivery, etc.).
Standard packages are limited to 100 × 60 × 60 cm and 31.5 kg. For shipments outside the European Union, customs formalities (declaration, Harmonized System code) and restrictions on certain products (food, alcohol, medications) apply. It is essential to check whether the contents are allowed in the destination country.
For parcels to Europe, delivery times are around one to two weeks, but can vary. Online tracking allows you to know where the shipment is, and recipients may be required to pay VAT or customs duties depending on their country.
Having Packages Delivered from Abroad to Austria
If your loved ones want to send you a package during your stay or settlement in Austria, they can use either their national postal operators or private carriers (DHL, DPD, UPS, TNT, FedEx…). The final leg of delivery is often handled by Österreichische Post.
Packages are delivered to your home on weekdays, with occasional Saturday deliveries for parcels. If you are not home, a notice is left, and the package is held at the nearest post office or in an automated locker, usually for at least 14 days, before being returned to the sender.
Managing Holidays and Schedules to Avoid Missing Important Contacts
Between time zones, national holidays, and school vacations, it’s easy to miss calls or deliveries. Austria has 13 national holidays each year, plus regional festivities (St. Joseph’s Day, St. Florian’s Day, St. Martin’s Day, etc.).
On public holidays, most shops and banks are closed, and transport schedules may be reduced. However, mobile networks and the internet operate normally, allowing video calls and messages. It is advisable to plan your exchanges considering the availability of your contacts, especially if there is a time difference.
For mail, however, public holidays mean no delivery and no collection from mailboxes, which can slightly extend delivery times. It’s best to mail your cards or gifts a few days in advance if you are aiming for a symbolic date (birthday, Christmas, New Year).
Practical Tips for Staying Connected Hassle-Free
Beyond technical choices and numbers, a few simple habits can help you keep in touch with loved ones from Austria without unpleasant surprises.
Before you leave, it is useful to:
Before your trip, check your operator’s roaming conditions and consider a local SIM/eSIM. Save your loved ones’ numbers in international format (+XX…) and add the Austrian code +43 for on-site contacts. Install the main messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Signal, Viber, or Snapchat. Download offline maps of Austria on your navigation app to save data. Finally, arrange a suitable solution (simplified tablet, connected frame, etc.) for family members less comfortable with technology.
Once there, a few principles can make your life easier:
To stay connected efficiently and economically during a stay abroad, prioritize using data (via a local SIM or eSIM) and VoIP calls for all your international communications. Use free Wi‑Fi networks (such as WLAN, Freewave, StadtWien‑PublicWLAN, or those in cafés, hotels, and train stations) for heavy data transfers, like photo backups, app updates, or sending videos. Always activate a VPN on public Wi‑Fi networks to protect your credentials and conversations. Regularly monitor your data usage (some Austrian operators offer USSD codes to check your balance) and top up in time to avoid running out of data, especially before an important video call. Finally, vary your contact formats: short voice messages, photos, regular but brief video calls, detailed emails, and occasional postcards for a personal touch.
In Summary
Staying in touch with your loved ones from Austria has never been easier. Between fast mobile networks, widely available Wi‑Fi, competitive SIM and eSIM rates, and the ubiquity of apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Messenger, or Snapchat, all conditions are met to maintain daily, rich, and varied contact.
The most effective approach is to combine:
To maintain the bond with your family and friends during your stay in Austria, prioritize a low-cost local connection (via a SIM or eSIM). Use audio and video calls over the internet rather than the traditional phone network, and share your Austrian daily life in real time through instant messaging and social media. For elderly or less tech-savvy individuals, plan appropriate solutions. Finally, don’t forget the tangible pleasure of a postal souvenir: send a few well-chosen postcards and packages.
By mastering the Austrian digital ecosystem and choosing the right tools, geographical distance becomes almost trivial: from Vienna to Graz, from the Alps to the Wachau Valley, your loved ones can follow your adventures as if they were there.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
