How Things Work in Austria
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Round up or add 5-10% and state the total amount directly to the server when paying cash.
Updated 2025-06
Vienna has an excellent integrated network of U-Bahn, trams, and buses; ÖBB covers national rail with fast Railjet trains between cities.
Updated 2025-06
Austria has excellent public healthcare; EU citizens can use their EHIC card, but all visitors should carry travel insurance for full coverage.
Updated 2025-06
Austria is law-abiding and strictly enforces rules including a total ban on Nazi symbols, noise ordinances, and traffic regulations.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 112 for the pan-European emergency line, 133 for police, 144 for ambulance, 122 for fire, and 140 for alpine rescue.
Updated 2025-06
Austria is generally more formal than Western Europe; smart casual is expected at Vienna's opera and fine dining, and modest dress is required in churches.
Updated 2025-06
The drinking age is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for spirits; public drinking is legal and Heuriger wine tavern culture is a cherished tradition.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not part of Austrian culture; prices are fixed in virtually all shops and restaurants.
Updated 2025-06
Photography is generally unrestricted in public spaces, but individual museums and galleries have their own rules you should check on entry.
Updated 2025-06
Most shops are closed on Sundays; restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions remain open, and the Naschmarkt is closed on Sundays.
Updated 2025-06
Taxis are metered and reliable; Uber and Bolt operate in Vienna; for the airport, the CAT train or S-Bahn is far cheaper than any taxi.
Updated 2025-06
Austrian tap water is exceptional — Vienna's supply comes directly from Alpine springs and is among the finest drinking water in Europe.
Updated 2025-06
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; ATMs are plentiful but avoid Euronet machines, which charge high fees.
Updated 2025-06
A1 offers the best nationwide coverage including Alpine areas; EU SIM cards work with no roaming charges; Airalo eSIM is a convenient option.
Updated 2025-06
Austria uses Type C/F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz — the same as most of continental Europe; UK and US visitors need adapters.
Updated 2025-06
Austria has very low scam rates, though Vienna sees occasional pickpocketing on busy U-Bahn lines and charity petition scams near major sights.
Updated 2025-06
Austria is extremely safe; Vienna consistently ranks among the world's top five most livable and safest cities.
Updated 2025-06
Austrians value formality, punctuality, and politeness; greet with titles and surnames initially and observe coffee house culture's unhurried pace.
Updated 2025-06
Austrian German is the official language, but English is very widely spoken in Vienna and tourist areas; a few German phrases are warmly appreciated.
Updated 2025-06
Austria is landlocked but offers excellent lake swimming in summer; the Wörthersee, Attersee, and Vienna's Danube beaches are popular.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right; an Autobahn vignette is required for motorways (€10.90 for 10 days); speed limits are strictly enforced.
Updated 2025-06
Austrian cuisine centres on hearty classics like Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Sachertorte, served in traditional Gasthäuser and celebrated coffee houses.
Updated 2025-06
Austria's religious sites are primarily Catholic churches; covered shoulders and quiet behaviour are expected, and photography rules vary by site.
Updated 2025-06
April to October is ideal for Vienna and sightseeing; December brings magical Christmas markets; Alpine skiing is best December through March.
Updated 2025-06
Use the Vienna City Card for transport and museum discounts, eat at Würstelstände and supermarkets, and linger guilt-free in coffee houses on a single order.
Updated 2025-06