1. VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR AUSTRIA

Austria's visa policy depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.

SHORT STAYS (UP TO 90 DAYS)

• Visa-Free Travel: Citizens of the EU, Schengen Area, and countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
• Schengen Visa: Required for travelers from several African, Asian, and South American countries. This visa allows travel across all 26 Schengen countries, including Austria.
• ETIAS Authorization: Starting in mid-2025, nationals from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering Austria or any Schengen state.

LONG STAYS (MORE THAN 90 DAYS)

• If you plan to study, work, join a family member, or stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a National Visa (D-Visa) at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Upon arrival, you must apply for a residence permit with the local immigration office.

2. PASSPORT VALIDITY REQUIREMENTS

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
• It must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter Austria with a valid national ID card.
• Some nationalities (e.g., India, China, South Africa) may be required to have 6 months' validity on their passports.

✈ Tip: Double-check your passport’s expiration date well before traveling to avoid last-minute issues.

3. VACCINATION & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

MANDATORY VACCINATIONS

• Yellow Fever: Only required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
• COVID-19: As of 2024, no COVID vaccination, PCR tests, or quarantine are required to enter Austria.

RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS

• Hepatitis A & B
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus & Diphtheria
• Influenza (especially for winter travelers)
• Rabies (if visiting remote rural areas or in contact with animals)

💊 Health Tip: It’s highly recommended to travel with medical insurance that covers health treatment in Austria, especially if you're staying longer than 90 days.

4. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: WHAT YOU CAN & CANNOT BRING

Austria follows EU customs regulations, especially regarding alcohol, tobacco, food, and cash.

DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES (FOR NON-EU TRAVELERS)

• Alcohol:
  • 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV), OR
  • 2 liters of fortified wine or sparkling wine, OR
  • 4 liters of still wine, OR
  • 16 liters of beer
• Tobacco:
  • 200 cigarettes OR
  • 100 cigarillos OR
  • 50 cigars OR
  • 250g of tobacco
• Currency:
  • Amounts over €10,000 must be declared upon arrival or departure.
•  Goods/Gifts:
  • Up to €430 per traveler (air/sea) or €300 (land travel) may be brought in duty-free.

PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ITEMS

❌ Illegal drugs and narcotics (prescription medications must be accompanied by a doctor’s note)
❌ Weapons, explosives, and pepper spray (without prior authorization)
❌ Products made from endangered species (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, coral)
❌ Meat, milk, and dairy products from non-EU countries due to strict biosecurity laws
❌ Counterfeit goods

🚨 Tip: When in doubt, declare items at customs to avoid penalties or confiscation.

5. BORDER CONTROLS & SECURITY CHECKS

• As part of the Schengen Area, Austria does not conduct routine border checks for travelers arriving from other Schengen countries.
• However, temporary border controls may be in place at certain land borders (e.g., with Slovenia or Hungary) due to security or migration policies.
• At airports or entry points, Schengen travelers may be asked to show:
  
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • Sufficient financial means (suggested: €100/day)

📌 Final Tip: Always check with your nearest Austrian embassy or consulate for up-to-date information before traveling.

For currency exchange rates, visit this website

1. LOCAL CURRENCY

• Currency: Euro (€ / EUR)
• Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 (Note: €200 and €500 notes are rarely accepted in shops)
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and €1, €2

💶 Austria uses the Euro, which is also the official currency in most other EU countries. It’s the only currency accepted for everyday transactions. 

2. EXCHANGE RATE & BEST PLACES TO EXCHANGE MONEY

• Typical Exchange Rate (2024):
  
  • 1 USD ≈ 0.90–0.95 EUR
  • 1 GBP ≈ 1.15 EUR
  • 100 JPY ≈ 0.60–0.65 EUR
• Best Exchange Options:
  
  • ATMs (called "Bankomat") offer the best exchange rates for most travelers.
  • Currency exchange offices exist at airports, train stations, and city centers, but they often have less favorable rates and additional fees.
  • Banks can exchange money but may charge a commission and have limited hours.

📌 Tip: Always choose to be charged in euros when withdrawing money or paying by card—avoid the "dynamic currency conversion" to your home currency, as it usually means worse exchange rates.

3. AVAILABILITY OF ATMs & CARD PAYMENTS

• ATMs: Widely available in cities, airports, towns, and even rural areas. Most accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards.
• Credit & Debit Cards:
  
  • Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and large shops.
  • Cash is still king at smaller bakeries, cafés, rural gas stations, street vendors, and public restrooms—so always carry some euros.
  • Contactless payments and Apple/Google Pay are becoming more common, especially in cities.

🏧 ATM Safety Tip: Use ATMs attached to banks when possible. Avoid standalone machines in tourist zones, which may charge high fees.

4. TIPPING CULTURE

• Tipping is customary but modest in Austria. It is considered a polite way to show appreciation, especially in service industries.

💡 Standard Tips:

• Restaurants/Cafés: Round up the bill or tip 5–10% (left in cash or added when paying the bill). Say the total aloud (e.g., “Make it €25” for a €22.80 bill).
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for porters; €1–2 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Round up the fare or tip 5–10%.
• Spas/Hair Salons: 5–10% is appreciated.
• Tour Guides: €2–5 per person for group tours; more for private guides.

💬 Cultural Note: Austrians often include the tip verbally when handing over cash or the card, rather than leaving it on the table afterward.

1. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S)

• Official Language: German
• Dialects: Austrian German (slightly different pronunciation and vocabulary compared to standard German); regional dialects in Tirol, Vorarlberg, and Styria may vary noticeably.

Basic Phrases to Know

• Hello – Hallo / Grüß Gott (Southern Austria)
• Goodbye – Auf Wiedersehen
• Please – Bitte
• Thank you – Danke
• Yes / No – Ja / Nein
• Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch?
• I don’t understand – Ich verstehe nicht
• Excuse me / Sorry – Entschuldigung

💬 Tip: Austrians appreciate polite greetings, especially in shops and restaurants. Saying “Grüß Gott” or “Guten Tag” goes a long way!

2. ENGLISH PROFICIENCY LEVEL

• English Proficiency: High – Especially in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among younger Austrians.
• In cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, most people in the tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors speak very good English.
• In rural areas, English may be more limited, but you’ll usually get by with basic phrases, gestures, and a friendly smile.

📌 Note: Menus, signs, and transport instructions are often bilingual (German/English), especially in high-traffic tourist spots. 

3. USEFUL TRANSLATION APPS

• Google Translate – Best all-round app for text, camera translation (menus, signs), and offline use.
• iTranslate – Excellent for real-time voice translation and phrasebook features.
• DeepL – Highly accurate for written text and phrases (great for longer sentences or local documents).
• SayHi Translate – User-friendly voice translation with clear audio playback in different dialects.

📲 Tip: Download the German language pack in your app for offline access during travel. 

4. LOCAL SIM CARD OR ESIM OPTIONS

Austria offers excellent mobile coverage and fast internet throughout the country, including in alpine areas.

Top SIM & eSIM Providers for Travelers

• A1 Telekom – Largest network, great rural coverage; SIM cards available at A1 stores, post offices, and airports.
• Magenta (formerly T-Mobile) – Reliable urban coverage and solid prepaid packages.
• Drei (3) – Often the most affordable with good data plans and tourist SIM bundles.

Typical Prepaid Plans (2024):

• €10–20 for 10–20 GB of data, with calls/texts included.
• Tourist SIMs often include EU roaming.

eSIM Options:

• Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Ubigi offer Austria-compatible eSIMs with instant activation.
• Great option if your phone supports eSIM and you want to avoid visiting a shop.

📶 Tip: SIM cards are easy to buy at Vienna Airport, convenience stores, and mobile shops—just bring your passport for registration.

1. PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Austria boasts a highly efficient and reliable public transportation network, especially in cities and larger towns.

Urban Transport Options

• Vienna: Extensive U-Bahn (metro), trams, buses, and S-Bahn (commuter trains). Operated by Wiener Linien, it’s fast, clean, and easy to use.
• Other cities (Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz): Well-connected bus and tram systems, with regional trains available for nearby towns.
• Ticketing: Single ride, 24-hour, weekly, and city passes available. You can also use ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) for intercity and regional train travel.

🚌 No tuk-tuks or rickshaws in Austria – transport is modern and regulated.

📱 Apps to use:

• WienMobil (Vienna) – Plan and book city trips
• ÖBB Scotty – National train schedules and tickets
• Qando – Public transport info for several Austrian cities

🚇 Tip: Validate your ticket before boarding trams and buses if there’s no onboard validator to avoid fines.

2. TAXI & RIDESHARING OPTIONS

• Taxis: Widely available in cities, airports, and train stations. Can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app.
• Ridesharing:
  • Uber: Available in Vienna and Salzburg; operates legally with licensed drivers.
  • Bolt: Not currently active in Austria.
  • Free Now: Popular app for booking both taxis and ride-hailing services in Vienna and other major cities.

💳 Most taxis accept credit cards, but it's always good to ask before starting your trip.

🚖 Tip: Taxis in Austria are metered, with base fares starting around €3.80–€5 depending on city and time of day.

3. DRIVING RULES & CAR RENTAL

• License Requirements:
  • EU/EEA citizens can drive with their home license.
  • Travelers from outside the EU (e.g., USA, UK, Australia) should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license.
• Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road
• Seat belts, headlights (even in daylight), and child safety seats are mandatory.
• Highway Toll Sticker (Vignette): Required to use Austrian motorways. If renting a car, make sure the sticker is included.

🅿️ Parking in cities can be limited and expensive; many areas require a "Parkschein" (parking ticket) or use of parking apps.

4. BIKE & SCOOTER RENTAL OPTIONS

Austria is very bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling lanes, scenic routes, and rental options in most cities.

Bike Rentals:

• Vienna Citybike: Affordable public bike rental system with 100+ stations.
• Private shops: Available in all tourist towns and regions (e.g., Hallstatt, Zell am See, Salzburg).
• Long-distance trails: Austria has famous bike routes like the Danube Cycle Path.

E-Scooters:

• Widely available in Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, and Graz.
  • Major providers:
  • TIER
  • Lime
  • Bird
• Rent via app, unlock via QR code, and park responsibly in designated areas.

🛴 Tip: Helmets are recommended (and sometimes required), and scooters are not allowed on sidewalks.

1. BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR TOURISTS (SAFE & CONVENIENT LOCATIONS)

Vienna

• Innere Stadt (1st District): The historic heart of Vienna. Close to major sights like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Opera House. Upscale and central.
• Leopoldstadt (2nd District): Near Prater Park and the Danube Canal, this area is trendy, green, and a bit more budget-friendly.
• Neubau (7th District): Vienna’s creative and hipster hub with boutiques, cafes, and the MuseumsQuartier. Great for younger travelers and culture lovers.

Salzburg

• Altstadt (Old Town): Picture-perfect cobbled streets, baroque architecture, and close to all the major attractions.
• Schallmoos or Elisabeth-Vorstadt: A bit outside the old town, quieter and more affordable but still walkable to central Salzburg.

Innsbruck

• Altstadt (Old Town): Central, walkable, and full of Tyrolean charm.
• Wilten: A peaceful neighborhood close to the train station and with a more local vibe, perfect for cultural travelers.

Graz

• Innere Stadt (Old Town): UNESCO-listed, charming, and walkable, this is where most of the city’s attractions are located.
• Lend: A cool, up-and-coming area with street art, farmers markets, and riverside cafes. 

2. HOTEL, HOSTEL, OR AIRBNB OPTIONS (PRICE RANGES & BOOKING PLATFORMS)

Accommodation Types & Price Ranges (2024 Estimates):

• Budget Hostels: €20–€40 per night (dorm beds)
• Mid-Range Hotels & Guesthouses: €70–€150 per night (3–4 stars)
• Luxury Hotels: €200–€500+ per night (5-star or boutique stays)
• Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals: €60–€180 per night depending on location and amenities

Popular Booking Platforms:

• Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, HRS
• Hostels: Hostelworld, Hostelbookers, BudgetPlaces
• Vacation Rentals: Airbnb, Vrbo
• Local Options: Austria.info (official tourism site), and local guesthouse (Gasthaus) directories

💡 Tip: Book early for high season (summer & Christmas markets), especially in Vienna, Salzburg, and Hallstatt.

3. CULTURAL STAY RECOMMENDATIONS (TRADITIONAL HOMESTAYS, BOUTIQUE HOTELS)

Traditional Homestays & Guesthouses (Gasthäuser / Privatpensionen)

• Alpine Guesthouses: Found in Tirol, Salzburg, and the Salzkammergut, these family-run stays offer home-cooked meals, wooden interiors, and mountain views.
• Vineyard Stays in Styria or Burgenland: Stay in a wine estate (Weingut) for wine tastings, vineyard walks, and regional food experiences.
• Farm Stays (Urlaub am Bauernhof): Stay on a working farm—great for families or those wanting an authentic rural Austrian experience. Often includes meals with fresh produce.

Boutique & Culturally Immersive Hotels

• Hotel Altstadt Vienna (Vienna): Artsy, elegant, and full of personality—each room is designed by a different artist.
• Arthotel Blaue Gans (Salzburg): Salzburg’s oldest inn turned chic boutique hotel, right in the heart of the old town.
• NALA Individuellhotel (Innsbruck): Eco-conscious, creatively styled rooms, and close to the center.

📌 Cultural Tip: Austrians value privacy, quiet, and cleanliness. Whether you’re in a hostel or boutique hotel, respect for shared spaces is appreciated.

1. CRIME LEVELS & TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Austria is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and crime rates are low. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and tourist-targeted scams can occur in busy areas.

Common Pickpocket Hotspots:

• Vienna: Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Westbahnhof, public transport (U-Bahn, trams)
• Salzburg: Mirabell Gardens, near the fortress funicular, and train station
• Train stations and airport terminals across major cities

Scams to Watch For:

• Fake charity or petition scammers asking for donations
• Distraction techniques used by pickpockets in crowded areas
• Overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers—use official taxis or apps like Free Now

📌 Travel Advisory: Austria is currently rated Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) by most government travel advisories (e.g., U.S. State Department, UK FCDO).

2. EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Police: ☎️ 133
• Ambulance / Medical Emergency: ☎️ 144
• Fire Department: ☎️ 122
• European Emergency Number (All-in-one): ☎️ 112
• Tourist Helpline (Vienna): +43 1 24 555
• Embassies & Consulates: Contact your home country’s embassy in Vienna for passport issues, legal support, or emergencies.

🆘 Tip: Save the emergency number 112 in your phone—it works EU-wide and connects to the nearest local help center.

3. LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Austria is orderly and well-regulated. Laws are strictly enforced, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully in public.

Key Laws & Etiquette:

• Dress Code: Casual and modest dress is acceptable. In churches or formal restaurants, wear appropriate attire (avoid swimwear, revealing clothes).
• Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits. Drinking in public is generally allowed but may be restricted in specific zones (especially in Vienna).
• Smoking: Banned in indoor public places (restaurants, cafes, transport) unless in designated areas.
• Photography: Allowed in most public places, but not in some museums, churches, or official buildings. Always ask before photographing people.
• Quiet Hours: Between 10 PM and 6 AM, noise should be kept to a minimum—Austrians value peace and quiet, especially in residential areas.

🚫 Fines: Littering, jaywalking, and not validating a transport ticket can result in on-the-spot fines.

4. HEALTH & HYGIENE CONSIDERATIONS

Austria has excellent health standards and public hygiene.

Water & Food Safety:

• Tap water is 100% safe to drink—some of the cleanest in Europe.
• Restaurants and cafes follow high hygiene standards.
• Public toilets are generally clean (often require small payment: €0.50–€1.00).

Medical Facilities:

• Hospitals and clinics are modern and well-equipped.
• Pharmacies (Apotheke): Clearly marked with a green cross, and staff usually speak English.
• Emergency pharmacies are available 24/7 in most cities.
• EU Citizens: Can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic medical treatment.
• Non-EU Visitors: Travel insurance with health coverage is strongly recommended.

🏥 Tip: In case of illness or injury, dial 144 for an ambulance, or visit the Notfallambulanz (emergency unit) at the nearest hospital.

1. TYPICAL WEATHER CONDITIONS

Austria has a temperate Central European climate, with four distinct seasons and varied weather depending on altitude and region.

General Conditions:

• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures (10–20 °C), blooming landscapes, and increasing sunshine. Occasional rain showers.
• Summer (June–August): Warm and sunny, especially in lowland areas. Temperatures range from 20–30 °C (68–86 °F). Mountain areas are cooler and ideal for hiking.
• Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, colorful foliage, and temperatures gradually dropping from 20 °C to 5 °C. Great time for wine regions and outdoor photography.
• Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy, especially in the Alps. Temperatures can dip below 0 °C, with heavy snowfall in ski regions. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg also experience frost and occasional snow.

🌧 Rainfall: Fairly evenly spread throughout the year, though summer may bring short thunderstorms, especially in the mountains.

2. BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

Austria is a year-round destination, depending on what type of experience you're after.

High Season:

• Summer (June–August): Popular for city travel, hiking, lake vacations, and music festivals. Expect higher prices and larger crowds in Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and lake regions.
• Winter (December–March): Peak season in ski resorts like Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Also a magical time for Christmas markets in Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck.

Shoulder Seasons (Best Value):

• Spring (April–May): Fewer tourists, mild weather, and blooming scenery. Ideal for city sightseeing and cultural trips.
• Autumn (September–October): Wine harvests, golden landscapes, and fewer crowds. Great for exploring the countryside, Wachau Valley, and Styrian vineyards.

Low Season:

• Late January–March (outside ski towns) and November are quieter months, especially in non-tourist areas. Some rural attractions may close.

📌 Tip: Book well in advance for Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter holidays.

3. NATURAL DISASTERS RISKS

Austria is generally very safe and has low risk of major natural disasters.

Potential Natural Hazards:

• Flooding: Occasionally occurs in spring/summer after heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying areas along rivers like the Danube.
• Avalanches: A risk in alpine regions during winter, particularly off-piste skiing or hiking. Always check local avalanche warnings.
• Earthquakes: Rare and usually minor. Some seismic activity occurs near the eastern Alps but is not typically dangerous.
• No risk of hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, or tropical storms.

🚨 Tip: If you’re hiking or skiing, check local weather and terrain conditions daily. Austria has a reliable early warning system for weather events and avalanche risks.

1. LOCAL DISHES TO TRY (MUST-EAT FOODS)

Austria offers hearty, flavorful cuisine with strong regional influences, especially from the Alps, Hungary, and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Wiener Schnitzel: Breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet; Austria’s national dish.
• Tafelspitz: Boiled beef served with horseradish, apple sauce, and potatoes.
• Käsespätzle: Austrian-style cheesy pasta, topped with crispy onions—perfect comfort food.
• Knödel: Dumplings made from bread, potatoes, or semolina, served sweet or savory.
• Apfelstrudel: Flaky pastry filled with spiced apples and raisins, served warm with vanilla sauce or cream.
• Sachertorte: Rich chocolate cake with apricot jam, invented in Vienna.
• Brettljause: A rustic cold platter with cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and fresh bread—great in mountain huts.

🥨 Drinks to try: Almdudler (herbal soda), Austrian wines (especially Grüner Veltliner), Stiegl beer, and schnapps (fruit brandy).

2. DIETARY RESTRICTIONS (VEGETARIAN, HALAL, KOSHER OPTIONS)

Austria is traditionally meat- and dairy-heavy, but larger cities and tourist areas offer increasing options for various dietary needs.

Vegetarian/Vegan:

• Most restaurants offer at least one vegetarian dish (like Käsespätzle or veggie Knödel).
• Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz have plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafes, markets, and health food stores.
• Look for menu items marked with "vegetarisch" or "vegan".

Halal:

• Halal restaurants are mainly found in Vienna, especially Turkish, Lebanese, and Balkan cuisine. Halal butchers are also available.
• Always confirm with staff, as not all meat is certified halal even if it’s pork-free.

Kosher:

• Vienna has a small Jewish community, kosher markets, and one or two kosher restaurants.
• Outside of Vienna, kosher options are extremely limited, so self-catering is often best.

📌 Tip: Most servers speak English—don’t hesitate to ask about ingredients or dietary options.

3. STREET FOOD SAFETY (TIPS FOR AVOIDING FOOD POISONING)

Austria has very high hygiene standards, and foodborne illnesses are rare.

Safe Eats:

• Popular street food includes Würstelstände (sausage stands), Leberkäse sandwiches, and market snacks.
• Farmers' markets (like Vienna’s Naschmarkt) are great places to sample fresh, safe local foods.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Eat from busy, well-maintained vendors—high turnover usually means fresher food.
• Avoid raw meat dishes if you’re unsure about the source (e.g., raw minced pork called “Mett”).
• Use hand sanitizer before eating when out and about.

💧 Tap water in Austria is perfectly safe to drink, including from public fountains in cities and mountain regions.

4. RESTAURANT ETIQUETTE (EATING CUSTOMS, SERVICE CHARGES)

Dining in Austria is relaxed but polite, with some cultural norms to be aware of.

Customs:

• Greet staff when entering with a “Grüß Gott” or “Hallo”.
• Water is often not free unless requested from the tap.
• It’s common to sit and wait for the check to be brought only when requested.
• Dining is slower-paced—don't expect the “fast” in fast service.

Tipping & Service Charges:

• A small service charge is usually included in the bill.
• It’s customary to round up or leave a 5–10% tip—hand it directly to the server when paying.
• For example, say: “Make it €25” for a €22.80 bill.

📌 Tip: Austrians value quiet, calm conversation at the table—keep your voice down, especially indoors.

1. AVERAGE DAILY BUDGET

Austria is not the cheapest destination in Europe, but it offers excellent value for money, especially with smart planning. Your daily budget depends on your travel style:

💼 Backpacker:

€50–€80/day

• Hostel dorm (€25–€40)
• Cheap eats, supermarkets, or sausage stands (€5–€10 per meal)
• Free walking tours, public transport, and museums on discount days

🎒 Mid-Range Traveler:

€100–€180/day

• 3-star hotel or private Airbnb (€70–€120)
• Restaurant meals (€15–€25), local transport, museum entries
• Occasional tours or concerts

👑 Luxury Traveler:

€250–€500+/day

• 4–5 star hotels or boutique stays (€200+)
• Fine dining, private guides, spa experiences, premium activities
• Taxis or car rental, skip-the-line museum tickets

2. COST OF MEALS, TRANSPORT, AND ATTRACTIONS

Meals:

• Budget meal (e.g., kebab, sausage stand): €5–€10
• Casual restaurant: €12–€20
• 3-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €25–€50
• Coffee & cake at a Viennese café: €6–€10
• Beer or glass of wine: €3–€5

Transport:

• Single metro/tram/bus ticket (city): €2.40–€2.60
• 24-hour pass (Vienna): €8.00
• Weekly city pass: €17–€30
• Intercity trains (e.g., Vienna to Salzburg): €25–€60 (book in advance for lower fares)

Attractions:

• Museum entry: €8–€15
• Schönbrunn Palace (Vienna): €20–€30 (depending on tour)
• Mozart Concert: €40–€100+
• Ski pass (day ticket): €40–€70, depending on resort

3. WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

Austria is budget-friendly if you plan ahead and use discounts smartly:

🎫 City Passes & Discount Cards:

• Vienna City Card: Free public transport + discounts at 200+ attractions (~€17–€29 for 24–72 hrs)
• Salzburg Card: Free entry to attractions + public transport (~€28 for 24 hrs)
• Innsbruck Card: Includes public transport, museums, and mountain lifts (~€43 for 24 hrs)
• ÖBB Vorteilscard: Rail discount card (~€66/year), good for long stays or rail-based travel

🆓 Free or Cheap Activities:

• Explore Old Towns: Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are open-air museums you can enjoy for free.
• Free walking tours available in most cities (tip-based)
• Hiking & nature: Austria has stunning free-access hiking trails, lakes, and mountain views
• Free museum days: Some museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month or on national holidays
• Bring your reusable bottle—tap water is high-quality and free

📌 Money-Saving Tip: Book trains in advance at www.oebb.at for discounts up to 50% with the “Sparschiene” offers.

1. GESTURES & BODY LANGUAGE (WHAT’S CONSIDERED RUDE?)

Austrians are generally polite, reserved, and respectful—especially in public spaces. While they’re friendly, they value proper manners and subtle communication.

✅ Acceptable:

• Firm handshake with eye contact when meeting someone (common in both business and social settings)
• Nodding as a polite acknowledgment
• Maintaining personal space and speaking in a moderate tone

❌ Avoid:

• Pointing with your index finger—use your whole hand or nod instead
• Putting your feet on seats or furniture—seen as disrespectful
• Speaking loudly in public or on public transport
• Overly animated gestures or physical touch (especially with strangers)

📌 Tip: Austrians are formal by default—especially with strangers and older people. Stick to respectful gestures and avoid being overly casual too soon.

2. SOCIAL ETIQUETTE (HOW TO GREET PEOPLE, PERSONAL SPACE)

Greetings:

• Use “Grüß Gott” (southern Austria) or “Hallo” in casual settings; “Guten Tag” is neutral and polite.
• Handshake is the standard greeting—even with women and children.
• Address people formally using “Herr” (Mr.) or “Frau” (Ms.) followed by their last name, especially in business or with elders.

Personal Space & Manners:

• Keep about an arm’s length of space when talking.
• Being late is considered impolite.
• Always say “Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you)—manners matter.

🥂 Dining etiquette: Wait for the host to say “Mahlzeit” or “Guten Appetit” before eating. Don’t clink glasses without making eye contact.

3. RELIGIOUS CONSIDERATIONS (DRESS CODES, PRAYER TIMES)

Austria is predominantly Roman Catholic, but the society is secular, tolerant, and diverse.

Places of Worship:

• When visiting churches, abbeys, or monasteries, dress modestly—cover shoulders and avoid short skirts/shorts.
• Silence is expected inside churches; photography may be restricted.
• You do not need to follow specific religious customs unless attending a service.

For Muslim Travelers:

• Major cities like Vienna, Graz, and Linz have mosques and halal food options.
• Prayer rooms may be available at airports, train stations, or through local mosques.

🕌 Tip: While prayer times are not publicly broadcast, you can use apps like Muslim Pro or IslamicFinder to locate nearby mosques and prayer schedules.

4. WORKWEEK & HOLIDAYS (PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, BUSINESS HOURS)

Typical Workweek:

• Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Many offices and banks close for lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM
• Shops are usually open Monday to Friday (8:00/9:00 AM – 6:00/7:00 PM) and Saturday until 5:00 PM

🛒 Note: Shops are closed on Sundays, except for some at train stations, airports, or tourist zones.

Major Public Holidays (2024 Examples):

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• Easter Monday – March/April (date varies)
• May 1 – Labor Day
• May 9 – Ascension Day
• May 20 – Whit Monday
• August 15 – Assumption of Mary
• October 26 – Austrian National Day
• November 1 – All Saints’ Day
• December 24–26 – Christmas Eve & Holidays

📌 Tip: On public holidays, many businesses, banks, and museums may be closed or operate on reduced hours. Always check in advance.