Welcome to Austria 😊

Quick Facts About Austria

Money and Finances

The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available throughout Austria in major cities and towns. Most ATMs accept foreign debit and credit cards, but it’s best to check with your bank beforehand.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted in Austria, particularly Visa and Mastercard. AMEX may not be as widely accepted, so it’s best to have a backup card just in case. Overall, it’s fairly easy to use credit cards for purchases and payments.

Internet and Phones

Austria has an average internet speed of 50 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Austria are A1, T-Mobile, and Three. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around €20-€30 per month. Sim cards are widely available and there are no compatibility issues.

Dialling to Austria

To call Austria from another country, dial +43 followed by the area code and local number. The area codes used when dialling within Austria are 01 for Vienna and Lower Austria, 02 for Styria, 03 for Upper Austria, 04 for Salzburg and Tyrol, 05 for Carinthia and East Tyrol, and 06 for Vorarlberg.

Transport Around Austria

Air Travel

Austria has several major airports, including Vienna International Airport, Salzburg Airport, and Innsbruck Airport. Vienna International is the largest airport and is located in the capital city of Vienna.

Train Travel

Austria has an extensive inter-city train network, operated by the national rail company, OBB. Ticket prices vary depending on the distance traveled, but a journey from Vienna to Salzburg typically costs around €30-€50 and takes around 2.5 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Vienna has a well-developed metro system operated by Wiener Linien, which consists of five lines and covers most of the city. A single metro ticket costs €2.40 and can be used on any mode of public transportation within Vienna.

Buses

In addition to the train network, Austria also has a comprehensive bus network. A one-way bus ticket for a journey within a city costs around €2-€3, while inter-city bus journeys are priced based on distance and typically cost around €20-€30 for a one-way ticket.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber operate in major cities in Austria, with average prices starting around €10 for a short journey. However, traditional taxis are also widely available.

Driving by Car

Driving in Austria is generally easy, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. The speed limit on highways is 130 km/h, while in built-up areas it is 50 km/h. Austria drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Austria, tipping is customary and it is common to leave a 10% tip at restaurants and cafes. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, and it is polite to address people by their professional title or last name until invited to use their first name. When speaking with strangers, formal language is expected initially until a relationship is established. Men and women address each other by their professional title or last name unless invited to use first names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Austria has an excellent healthcare system and is renowned for its high standard of medical care. Both public and private healthcare options are available. The public system is funded through taxes and provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents. Private healthcare is also available for those willing to pay higher fees. For a typical visit to a doctor, the cost ranges between 30 to 60 euros.

COVID Situation

Austria handled the COVID-19 pandemic relatively well, with strict lockdown measures in place early on. Currently, the rates of coronavirus cases are relatively low, with around 30 new cases per 100,000 people in the last 7 days.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Austria include seasonal allergies, tick-borne diseases, and the flu. However, overall, the country has a low incidence of communicable diseases. It is important to note that the altitude in higher regions of Austria may cause altitude sickness in some individuals.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Austria, it is legal to buy and consume alcohol from the age of 16 for beer and wine, and from the age of 18 for spirits. Drinking alcohol in public places is generally allowed, but may be restricted in certain areas or during certain events. However, there are some local restrictions on the sale of alcohol, particularly during certain hours or days.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Austria, including the use of soft drugs such as cannabis and party drugs. Possession, sale, and cultivation of illicit drugs are criminal offenses and may result in imprisonment, fines, and deportation for non-citizens.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Austria recognizes pre-marital relationships as legal and socially acceptable. However, adultery is still considered a civil offense and can be grounds for divorce.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Austria has recognized same-sex relationships since 2010, with the introduction of registered partnership. Same-sex couples have the same rights as married couples in terms of inheritance, social security, and other areas. In December 2017, Austria legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the 16th European country to do so.

Firearms / Guns

The use of guns and firearms is tightly regulated in Austria. A license is required to purchase a firearm, and applicants must provide a valid reason for owning one. Hunting and sports shooting are the most common reasons. Automatic weapons are banned for civilians, and there are limits on the amount of ammunition that a person can possess.