Connecting
Resident Faculty in Vienna
Apartments
Norbert Loidolt: Jugendwohnhaus "Koelblgasse", Koelblgasse 20, A-1030 Wien
Telephone: +43 1 969 48 54
Mobil: ++43 650 969 48 54
Fax: ++43 1 969 48 55
E-mail: apartments@nob.at
Language Academy in Vienna
ABC Erwachsenenbildung GmbH
- Mariannengasse 1/12, 1090 Wien
- Tel: +43 (0) 1 408 84 75
- www.abc-zentrum.at
ABC is located opposite the University of Vienna - UNI Campus and close to the Rathausplatz. Their 60-hour intensive courses include:
- small groups of 5 - 12 students
- experienced, highly qualified native speakers as instructors
- international standard course levels (Council of Europe)
ABC is approved by the Austrian Integration Foundation and the City of Vienna, and is certified by the waff (Counseling Centre for Career and Further Education in Vienna).
Cell Phones in Austria
This is ever changing as to whether or not your cellphone and data plan will work in Austria. Overall, a SIM Card can considerably cut roaming charges. Since Austria will only be one stop during your European trip, think not only Austrian SIM card but European SIM card. If your mobile device uses a SIM card ask your carrier whether they can unlock them (and about costs). Some carriers charge for this service and may take a few weeks to unlock smart phones.
When in Austria you can buy a pre-paid SIM card ("Wertkarte") and insert it into your mobile device. Do check what exact SIM card size you need.
Not everyone owns a cell phone running with a SIM card. Instead, you can rent a cell phone that works in Austria, and probably many other European countries. There are a few US and international providers that allow you to rent a cell phone with international roaming before you depart, for example www.cellomobile.com, www.cellhire.com, and www.intouchglobal.com. Since prices vary between categories and competitors make sure you get the best deal.
Free Wifi and Hotspots
Using free wifi or a mobile hotspot means that you can use your cell phone and mobile devices over the internet, without the SIM card hassle. Plus, you will keep your own telephone number. Given that Vienna has a dense network of free wifi hotspots in core areas, use your mobile devices when in a cafe or restaurant with free wifi access. Even our apartment provides free wifi. The caveat is that these free wifi hotspots don’t always work as they should.
In addition to connectivity problems, free wifi hotspots are not the most secure way to use a mobile device. Therefore, consider renting a mobile hotspot. Especially if you travel in a group, a portable mobile hotspot handles your mobile connectivity in the safest and most cost effective way.
Consider Buying an Austrian Cellphone
Although this may sound crazy, buying an Austrian cell phone can save you money since you are staying around for at least a month. For about EUR 30 you can get a Samsung or Nokia smartphone. When buying a prepaid SIM card, make sure you get one with good international roaming rates.
You can even buy cheap Austrian cell phones from vending machines in many metro stations, along with adapters, selfie sticks, and other accessories. This means you can get a cell phone almost around the clock.
Calling to/from Europe
- Take into account the time-zone difference (Austria is six hours later than Eastern Standard Time: 8 am in Marquette = 2 pm in Vienna).
- Check with your phone provider for an international plan that can be added for reasonable rates.
- Consider data-based plans such as WhatsApp.
- There are call centers scattered across Vienna and Europe, including our neighborhood.
- Use the country code: US 001; Austria 43; Czechia 420; Hungary 36; Slovakia 421.
