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Travellers Essentials
Currency
Austrian Schilling (ASch) = 100 groschen. Bank notes are in
denominations of ASch5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins
are in denominations of ASch20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50, 10 and
5 groschen.
Communications
The international dailing code for Austria is 43.
Getting Around
City taxis
are equipped with officially sealed meters; surcharges apply
for luggage carried on the trunk, but these are clearly posted
in the cab. In resort areas, zone or other set charges generally
apply over frequently traveled routes.
Motorcycles
The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for rider and passenger.
Dipped headlights must be used at all times.
Austrian traffic regulations are similar to those in force
in other European countries (righthand traffic). For driving
in Austria during the winter months, winter tyres are essential
and in extreme cases snow chains have to be used. These can
be hired at all major border crossings.
Duty Free
The following goods can be taken into Austria without incurring
customs duty by travelers over 17 years arriving from countries
ourside the EU:
(a)200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, and 250g tobacco.
(b)2 liters of wine, fortified wine or spirits up to 22%.
(c)1 liter of spirits.
(d)1 bottle of eau de cologne (up to 250ml)and
(e)60ml of perfume.
Currency exchange
Foreign currencies and travelers cheques are exchanged at
all banks, savings banks and exchange counters at airports
and railway stations at the official exchange rates.
Credit cards
Most major credit cards and Eurocheque cards are accepted
in large cities and tourist areas. However, credit cards are
less widely accepted in Austria than they are in the USA or
the United Kingdom and some smaller hotels may require bills
to be paid in cash.
Travelers cheques
These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate
charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in
Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions :
No restrictions except for export of more than ASch100,000
in Austrian currency, for which a permit is required. Gold
coins to a limit of 200g per person per trip may be exported,
providing the coins do not have legal tender status.
Banking hours
Banks in Vienna are open 0800-1230 and 1330-1500 Monday-Wednesday
and Friday and 0800-1230 and 1330-1730 Thursday (head offices
do not close for the break). Different opening hours may be
kept in the various Federal Provinces. The exchange counters
at airports and at railway stations are generally open from
the first to the last plane or train, which usually means
from 0800-2200 including weekends.
Passport
Valid passport required by all except Nationals of EU countries,
Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland who
may enter with a valid national ID card.
Visa
Required by all except the following:
(a)Nationals of Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Iceland,
San Marino and Switzerland for an unlimited time.
(b)Nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays
of up to 3 months.
(c)Nationals of Japan for a period of up to 6 months.
(d)Nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa
Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Ecuador, Guatemala, Israel, Jamaica,
Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San
Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Uruguay and
Venezuela for stays of up to 3 months.
(e)Nationals of Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Hungary, Korea
(Rep. of), Latvia and Lithuania for stays of up to 90 days.
(f)Nationals of Czech Republic for stays of up to 30 days.
(g)Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same
or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward
or return documentation and not leaving the airport (except
nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Somalia and Sri Lanka who always require a transit visa).
As the preceding list is liable to change at short notice,
visitors are advised to check transit regulations with the
relevant Embassy or Consulate before traveling.
Social Conventions
Austrians tend to be quite formal in both their social and
business dealings. They do not use first names when being
introduced, but after the initial meeting first names are
often used. Handshaking is normal when saying hello and goodbye.
It is considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop without
saying Guten Tag or, more usually, Gruss Gott, similarly,
to leave without saying Auf Wiedersehen can cause offence.
Social pleasantries and some exchange of small-talk is appreciated.
Tipping
Large amounts are usualy not expected. On restaurant bills
a service charge of 10-15% is included, but it is usual to
leave a further 5%. Attendants at theatres, cloakrooms or
petrol pumps, expects to be tipped $ASch 2-3. Railway and
airports have fixed charges for portering while taxi drivers
expects $ASch 3-4 for a short trip and 10% for a longer one.
Getting There
Air: Austria has three national airlines, Austrian
Airlines (OS), Lauda Air (NG) and Tyrolean Airways (VO).
Rail: The quickest way by train from the UK is through
the channel tunnel and connecting from Brussels or Paris to
Austria. Eurostar operates direct high-speed trains through
the channel tunnel from London to Parisand to Brussels.
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