Best SIM for International Calling in Austria (2026)
Jules de Bruin
Expat in Vienna
Updated: June 7 2026 | Found helpful by 7 others
Updated June 2026. For international calling from Austria, spusu legendar includes free calls from Austria into the EU for EUR 9.90/month with 100 GB data and no minimum term. MTEL Austria ZONE costs EUR 10/month with unlimited domestic minutes and 200 minutes into the EU, tailored to Balkan and ex-Yugoslav calling. Lyca Mobile offers no-contract international prepaid from EUR 2.50. A1 and Red Bull MOBILE add international and roaming extras. Check per-minute rates for non-EU destinations.
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What Is the Best SIM for International Calling in Austria?
The best SIM for international calling in Austria depends on your destination. spusu legendar at EUR 9.90/month covers EU calling with no extra charge. MTEL Austria ZONE at EUR 10/month targets the Balkan diaspora. Lyca Mobile from EUR 2.50 suits irregular callers who want no commitment. If you travel frequently, a travel eSIM like Airalo keeps you connected abroad.
1. spusu legendar
spusu legendar is the standout plan for anyone who regularly calls EU countries from Austria. At EUR 9.90/month you get 100 GB mobile data, 2,000 domestic minutes, 1,000 SMS, and free calls from Austria into all EU member states. There is no minimum contract term, and unused data rolls over.
Why we recommend it: Only Austrian SIM that bundles free AT-to-EU calls at under EUR 10/month with 100 GB data and no minimum term.
Best for: Expats and residents who call EU countries regularly from Austria
Pros
- +Free calls from Austria into all EU countries
- +EUR 9.90/month with 100 GB data
- +2,000 domestic minutes and 1,000 SMS included
- +No minimum term, cancel anytime
- +Data rollover on unused allowance
Cons
- −Calls to non-EU countries (e.g. Balkans, US) billed per minute
- −Runs on the Drei network, weaker in some Alpine areas
- −German-language customer support only
2. MTEL Austria ZONE
MTEL Austria ZONE is designed for the large Balkan diaspora community living in Austria. At EUR 10/month you get unlimited domestic Austrian minutes and SMS, 200 included minutes into the EU, and competitive per-minute rates into Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and other Western Balkans countries. Activation is free and there is no binding contract.
Why we recommend it: Purpose-built for Balkan and ex-Yugoslav diaspora with competitive per-minute rates into Western Balkans destinations not covered by EU roaming.
Best for: Balkan and ex-Yugoslav diaspora who call home regularly from Austria
Pros
- +EUR 10/month with unlimited domestic minutes
- +200 included minutes into the EU
- +Competitive per-minute rates into Western Balkans
- +Free SIM activation, no binding contract
- +Tailored for diaspora calling patterns
Cons
- −Data allowance lower than spusu for the same price
- −Per-minute rates for non-EU Balkan calls still apply after 200 EU minutes
- −Less well-known brand, fewer review sources
3. Lyca Mobile Austria
Lyca Mobile offers no-contract international prepaid plans in Austria from EUR 2.50/month. Plans are available as a physical SIM and eSIM on 4G/5G networks. Lyca Mobile is a global MVNO with competitive per-minute rates into many international destinations including South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, making it popular with diaspora communities beyond just Europe.
Why we recommend it: Lowest-cost entry point for international calling in Austria at EUR 2.50 with no contract required.
Best for: Occasional international callers who want low cost with no commitment
Pros
- +No-contract plans from EUR 2.50/month
- +Available as physical SIM and eSIM
- +4G/5G network access
- +Competitive per-minute rates into many destinations
- +No minimum term
Cons
- −Data allowances lower than spusu at comparable prices
- −App and website interface less polished
- −Customer support response times can be slow
4. A1
A1 is Austria's largest mobile network with the best nationwide coverage, including Alpine regions. The SIMply prepaid range offers monthly plans with optional international calling and roaming add-ons. While A1 is not the cheapest option, the premium network quality and English customer support make it a solid choice for expats who need reliability over price.
Why we recommend it: Best network coverage in Austria with flexible monthly add-ons for international calling and roaming.
Best for: Expats who prioritise network coverage and want international add-ons on a premium network
Pros
- +Best coverage in Austria including Alpine areas
- +International and roaming add-ons available monthly
- +No long-term contract on SIMply prepaid range
- +English customer support available
- +5G access in major Austrian cities
Cons
- −More expensive than MVNOs like spusu
- −International minutes cost extra on top of base plan
- −Requires passport verification
5. Airalo
Airalo is a global travel eSIM marketplace. When you leave Austria and need connectivity in another country, an Airalo eSIM gives you instant data and calling access without swapping physical SIMs. Buy before you travel, activate by scanning a QR code, and connect immediately on landing. No ID, no store visit, no minimum term.
Why we recommend it: Best option for staying connected on data and calls while traveling outside Austria, with instant QR activation.
Best for: Travelers who need connectivity while outside Austria
Pros
- +Instant activation via QR code before travel
- +No ID or store visit required
- +Europe-wide and global plans available
- +No minimum term
- +Works on dual SIM phones alongside Austrian SIM
Cons
- −Data only on most plans, no phone number for calls
- −Not a substitute for a resident Austrian SIM
- −Validity limited on cheapest plans
Which SIM Is Best for Calling the Balkans and ex-Yugoslavia?
MTEL Austria ZONE is the top choice for calling Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and other ex-Yugoslav countries from Austria. EU roaming does not cover these destinations because they are outside the EU. MTEL Austria ZONE at EUR 10/month includes 200 minutes into EU countries and competitive per-minute rates into Western Balkans, where other Austrian providers charge high international rates.
Austria has one of the largest Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian diaspora communities in Europe, concentrated in Vienna, Linz, and Graz. MTEL Austria was built specifically for this community. The free activation and no-binding contract make it easy to test without risk. Lyca Mobile is a secondary option with lower entry costs but fewer Balkan-specific features.
For calls to Croatia specifically: Croatia joined the EU in 2013, so calls from Austria to Croatian numbers are covered by EU roaming on any Austrian SIM that includes EU calling minutes. For all other Western Balkans destinations, check per-minute rates before committing to a plan.
How Do International Minutes and EU Roaming Differ?
EU roaming (Roam Like at Home) lets you use your Austrian plan's minutes, SMS, and data in other EU and EEA countries at no extra charge. International minutes are a separate allowance for calls made from Austria to foreign numbers. These are two distinct features that are often confused.
| Feature | EU Roaming | International Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Using your plan while physically in another EU/EEA country | Calling foreign numbers from Austria |
| Countries covered | 27 EU states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway | Varies by plan, may include non-EU |
| Balkans (Bosnia, Serbia) | Not covered (not EU members) | Covered if plan includes them |
| Croatia | Covered (EU member since 2013) | Covered under EU calling |
| spusu legendar | Yes, included | Free calls AT to EU included |
How Much Do International-Calling SIMs Cost?
Prices range from EUR 2.50/month (Lyca Mobile no-contract) to EUR 10/month (MTEL Austria ZONE) for plans tailored to international calling. spusu legendar at EUR 9.90/month offers the strongest EU-calling value. Check per-minute rates for non-EU destinations before choosing.
| Plan | Provider | Price | Domestic mins | Into-EU mins | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| legendar | spusu | EUR 9,90/Mo. | 2.000 | Kostenlos (alle EU) | EU calls |
| ZONE | MTEL Austria | EUR 10/Mo. | Unlimited | 200 min | Balkans diaspora |
| Prepaid | Lyca Mobile | ab EUR 2,50/Mo. | Plan-dependent | Plan-dependent | No-contract |
| SIMply | A1 | ab EUR 9,90/Mo. | Plan-dependent | Add-on | Best coverage |
Prices as of June 2026. Sources: Provider websites.
Calling from Abroad? Use a Travel eSIM
If you travel outside Austria and need data or calling access in another country, a travel eSIM from Airalo is the easiest solution. Buy before you leave, activate by scanning a QR code, and connect on landing. No ID, no store visit, no minimum term. Airalo works on dual SIM phones alongside your existing Austrian SIM card, so you keep your Austrian number while using local data rates abroad.
Airalo plans start from EUR 4.50 for 1 GB in individual countries and from EUR 18 for 5 GB across 30+ European countries. For the Western Balkans, Airalo offers country-specific eSIMs for Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia, giving you local data rates when you visit rather than relying on expensive Austrian international roaming.
Travel eSIM: Airalo
Instant data for 200+ countries. Activate before you travel. No store visit or ID needed. View Airalo plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best SIM for international calling in Austria?
spusu legendar at EUR 9.90/month is the best overall: 100 GB data, 2,000 domestic minutes, and free calls from Austria into all EU countries. For Balkan destinations, MTEL Austria ZONE at EUR 10/month is the better fit.
Which SIM is best for calling Bosnia, Serbia, or other Balkan countries?
MTEL Austria ZONE at EUR 10/month is purpose-built for the Balkan diaspora. It includes 200 minutes into EU countries and competitive per-minute rates into Western Balkans destinations not covered by EU roaming.
Does EU roaming cover Bosnia, Serbia, or Kosovo?
No. EU roaming covers the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo are outside the EU and are billed as international calls at per-minute rates.
How much does Lyca Mobile cost in Austria?
Lyca Mobile Austria starts from EUR 2.50/month with no contract. Plans are available as physical SIM and eSIM on 4G/5G.
What is the difference between EU roaming and international minutes?
EU roaming lets you use your Austrian plan while physically in another EU/EEA country. International minutes are a separate allowance for calls made from Austria to foreign numbers. spusu legendar includes both: EU roaming and free AT-to-EU calling minutes.
What is the cheapest way to call internationally from Austria?
Lyca Mobile from EUR 2.50/month is the cheapest entry point. For EU calling, spusu legendar at EUR 9.90/month offers the best per-call value with free AT-to-EU minutes included.
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