The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided
into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de
change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the
ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but exchange
offices at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven
days a week. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted
though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash.
Travellers cheques are also accepted.
Currency Exchange Rates
EUR 1.00 =
rate 1.36
rate 0.68
rate 1.51
rate 1.66
rate 9.47
rate 1.00
rate 1.85
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Entry requirements for Americans:
US passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Austria
providing they stay no longer than three months. A passport is
required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passport holders require a visa for travel to Austria, but
those with passports designated British Citizen, British Overseas
Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Subject do not
require a visa. A passport is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to
Austria providing they stay no longer than three months. A passport
is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to
Austria providing they stay no longer than three months. A passport
is required.
Entry requirements for South African:
South African nationals require a passport and a Schengen visa
for travel to Austria.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa, but a passport must be
shown.
Entry requirements for New Zeland nationals:
New Zealanders require a passport but a visa is not needed for
a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:The borderless region known as the Schengen area
includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these
countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principle, allows
the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. All visitors
holding proof of sufficient funds to cover intended stay and to buy
an onward ticket need only enter Austria on a one-way
ticket.
Embassy or Consulate in US:
Austrian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895
6700.
Embassy or Consulate in UK:
Austrian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7344
3250.
Embassy or Consulate in Canada:
Austrian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1444.
Embassy or Consulate in Australia:
Austrian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6295 1533.
Embassy or Consulate in South Africa:
Austrian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452
9155.
US Embassy or Consulate:
United States Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 313 390.
UK Embassy or Consulate:
British Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 716 130.
Canadian Embassy or Consulate
Canadian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 531 383 000.
Australian Embassy or Consulate:
Australian Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 506 740.
South African Embassy or Consulate:
South African Embassy, Vienna: +43 (0)1 320 6493.
Health:No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or
general tourism. There is, however, a risk of tick-borne
encephalitis for long-term visitors who expect to be visiting rural
or forested areas in spring or summer. These travellers should
consider vaccination and ensure they take precautions against tick
infestation. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are
excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK -
citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment
at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC). Bird flu was found in dead swans in the
southern province of Styria in February 2006 and stringent measures
are being taken to contain the outbreak. The risk is very low for
travellers, but all close contact with wild, domestic and caged
birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked
as a precaution.
TippingA 10-15% service charge is automatically added to hotel
and restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave another 5% if
satisfied with the service. It is customary to give the money to
the waiter rather than leave it on the table. It is usual to leave
small change for most service personnel. Taxis expect a 10%
tip.
Communications: The international access code for Austria is +43.
The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Vienna is (0)1.
Public telephone boxes can be used for direct dial calls within the
country and overseas. Austria's mobile network operates on the 900
and 1800 bands for GSM. Internet cafes are widely
available.
Duty Free:Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years are
allowed to bring in the following items without paying customs
duty: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of
smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 2 litres
wine, or 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content more than 22%, or
2 litres of alcohol volume less than 22%; 50g perfume and 250ml eau
de toilette; and other goods to a total value of EUR175. Restricted
items include pornographic material and fresh foodstuffs such as
meat and dairy products. Travellers must have a European Firearms
Pass if travelling with firearms.
