Do you recall how irritating it was to buy a mobile plan by waiting days for the Prepaid eSIM to come or to try to find a store where you could buy the SIM? These times are fortunately gone now.
If you are going to Austria to stay, move, or just travel there, switching to eSIM technology can be a great solution. The point is that you can start using your new plan straight away without plastic. The eSIM has changed the game for people. This is a comprehensive guide to how eSIMs work in Austria. You will also learn what gadgets support the eSIM feature, as well as how to make the switch.
What is an eSIM?
Now that you already know the definition of eSIM, let’s expand a bit on the subject. The eSIM (embedded SIM) is a tiny digital SIM card that is embedded in the phone’s hardware during manufacturing. It serves the same purpose as a traditional SIM card, namely, to connect the phone to the network via a channel. However, in contrast to the traditional cards that are made of plastic and must be changed physically, the profile will be made automatically at the time of activation.
How does eSIM work?
An eSIM-capable gadget includes a compact chip that can be rewritten. Upon payment via the Internet, the cellphone provider sends an individualized profile to the customer utilizing the QR code employed in the transaction. Scanning the QR code prompts the phone’s internal chip to set itself to the service provider’s network. It takes only a few taps on the phone to download the profile, set the network system, and go online.
Benefits of Using an eSIM in Austria
Using an eSIM instead of a traditional plastic card has many benefits of the modern era:
Immediate Setup: Since electronic SIM cards do not require delivery or buying them from a store, you can finish the order online and enjoy being connected right away.
Capability of Dual SIMs: Having two different numbers is made easy with eSIMs, as you can have both your personal number on a physical SIM card and an eSIM for business and/or travelling purposes.
Environmental impact: Since the electronic form of SIM does not need plastic packaging or transportation, or produces as much waste as a traditional SIM card does, its usage leads to less pollution.
Greater safety: If you lose your phone, then your physical SIM card can also get lost. On the other hand, an eSIM is attached to the device itself.
Easier international roaming: Having landed at Vienna International Airport, you can download a local prepaid plan before your flight and connect as soon as you arrive.
Who Should Use an eSIM?
An eSIM is ideal for:
- Smart Savers: Austrians in need of hassle-free and flexible prepaid plans without any commitments involved.
- Foreign Residents and Students: People relocating to places such as Graz, Vienna, or Salzburg and needing a local number in Austria ASAP.
- Travellers and Businesspersons: People visiting new places who need fast Internet to share and guide their journey without incurring huge international roaming charges of home networks.
Which Device Supports eSIM?
Most flagship and mid-range smartphones that have been released after 2018 are equipped with eSIM. These phones are:
- Apple: All versions from iPhone XR, and XS to either iPhone SE or 11, 12, 13 and many more.
- Samsung: S20 Series, S21, S22, S23, S24 Series, Note 20, and the entire series of Galaxy Z phones.
- Google: Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and beyond.
- Other brands: Other premium phones such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola and Huawei.
Important: To know if your device is carrier-locked or eSIM supported, check network settings or enter *#06#.
How to Activate a Lyca Mobile Austria eSIM?
After ordering an eSIM along with a plan from Lyca Mobile online, you will receive a message confirming the order, which will also contain your eSIM QR code. However, it is important to note that the steps to activate the eSIM will depend on your phone model: iOS, Android, Samsung, Huawei, etc.
A. iPhone: Make sure you have a stable data/Wi-Fi connection and your eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To activate your eSIM on an iPhone, simply open the camera app to detect/envision the QR code and follow the instructions.
If your camera QR code reader is not working, then these steps can be followed:
- Choose the Wi-Fi option on your device
- Go to settings
- Go to mobile data
- Then select the Add eSIM option.
- Follow the instructions to scan the QR code through the eSIM activation card.
B. Samsung: Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi/data connection and your eSIM activation card that contains QR code from Lyca Mobile. To activate the number on your Samsung phone, open the camera to scan the QR code to activate the eSIM number.
To download eSIM, use the camera app to scan the QR code and follow the instructions. In case you cannot scan the QR code of the camera scanner, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Open Settings
- Select Connections
- Select SIM card manager
- Select Add prepaid mobile plan
- Follow the instructions to scan the QR code on Lyca Mobile’s eSIM activation card.
Hence, you will need the mobile data or Wi-Fi connection on your phone along with an eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile with a QR code for the Google Smartphone.
Why Choose Lyca Mobile Austria eSIM?
- Lyca Mobile Austria provides users with speedy and efficient digital SIM cards through economical prepaid plans.
- No Contracts: With our prepaid plans, you can enjoy flexibility and avoid being bound to long-term contracts.
- World-Class 5G Connectivity: Our blazing-fast 5G network will allow you to stay connected wherever you are in Austria.
- Substantial Roaming Bundle: You can access your bundles while travelling across European countries, the UK, and Switzerland.
- Reasonable Rates: You can purchase affordable data nationwide and calling services without overpaying.
Austria eSIM Plans
| Plan Name | Price | Data Allowance | Minutes & SMS |
| National UL | €24,90/ 28 days | Unlimited | Unlimited national minutes & SMS |
| National XL | €19,90/ 28 days | 300GB | Unlimited national minutes & SMS |
| National S | €6,90/ 28 days (6 months discount price | 100GB | 3,000 national minutes and 3,000 SMS |
If planning to switch to eSIM, it is important to choose the best plans and get the best value out of it. Above are the plans; you can pick the ones that fit your usage and needs.
FAQs
How does an eSIM work?
An eSIM-capable gadget includes a compact chip that can be rewritten. Upon payment via the Internet, the cellphone provider sends an individualized profile to the customer utilizing the QR code employed in the transaction. Scanning the QR code prompts the phone’s internal chip to set itself to the service provider’s network. It takes only a few taps on the phone to download the profile, set the network system, and go online.
Can I use an eSIM in Austria?
Yes, you can use an eSIM in Austria. As a tourist or as a resident, you can buy an eSIM online and activate it within minutes. You can get the plans with the best value with Lyca Mobile.
Can I use Dual SIM?
Yes, you can use multiple numbers and SIMs if you have an eSIM. You can have one physical SIM and one eSIM or multiple eSIMs in a single device. It is a perfect idea for tourists or professionals who want to have a personal and professional number in a single device.
Is eSIM secure?
eSIM is the most secure option currently, as it gets embedded directly into your device and cannot be removed if stolen and is easy to find if lost. eSIMs also allow you to cancel or put usage on hold in case of theft.
Can tourists use an eSIM in Austria?
Yes, they can use eSIM in Austria. The best carrier with the most affordable plans is Lyca Mobile. eSIM is a perfect idea for tourists, as they can have two numbers in a single device. Home number and travel eSIM for Austria.
How long does activation take?
Depending on the Wi-Fi access and connectivity, eSIM can be activated in minutes.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?
Yes, you can delete the eSIM profile in your old phone first, scan the QR code on your new device and access eSIM from that within minutes through your new device.
Can I keep my mobile number?
Yes, with Lyca Mobile, you can get your number and port-in to Lyca Mobile eSIM and keep the same mobile number.
Does Lyca Mobile Austria offer prepaid eSIM plans?
Yes, Lyca Mobile offers the best value for money prepaid eSIM plans. You can check out the wide range of plans and pick the ones that fit your needs and usage style.