Austria

1. Austria thrives on tourism, so you are visiting a place that is one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

2. Vienna, the capital is one of the world's great cities; Salzburg is a living baroque museum and Innsbruck is dramatically situated in a perfect panorama of peaks. They are going to be a feast for your eyes.

3. English is widely understood in the main cities and tourists resorts. Austrians speak German with pockets of Croatian speakers in Burgenland and Slovene speakers in Carinthia.

4. Knowledge of some German phrases is an asset; you can buy a language guide and check the book of useful words, phrases and pronunciation.

5. Precautions should be taken, especially around major railway stations after dark.

6. Drug laws are stringent. Possession or trafficking of drugs will be met with strict penalties and a lengthy prison sentence.

7. Keep your visa, passport and other credentials in a safe place. Beware of pickpockets in popular tourist areas.

8. The standard of healthcare is high.

9. Full travel insurance is nevertheless recommended. In-hospital treatment attracts a nominal daily charge, which varies from hospital to hospital. You should seek adequate travel and medical insurance before arriving in Austria.

10. Seek advice on weather and safety conditions before traveling. You need to be aware that off-piste skiing is dangerous.

11. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the danger of avalanches in some areas.

12. Get funds required for your stay. Exchange rates and commission charges can vary between banks, so it pays to shop around. Many banks give cash advances with a Visa card, Eurocard or MasterCard. Austria is well-stocked with ATM's.

13. Expenses are average for Western Europe and prices are highest in big cities and ski resorts.

14. It is customary to tip 5 to 10% in restaurant (pay it to the waiter directly, don't leave it on the table). Taxi drivers will expect tips of 10%.

15. Obtain a motorway vignette before using Austrian motorways. Heavy fines are levied on the spot to offenders.

16. Leave a copy of your passport and travel insurance details. Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport. Seek out information on avalanche conditions and follow instructions given to you by local authorities at all times.

17. The main meal is taken at midday. Most restaurants offer a Tagesteller or Tagesmenu (menu of the day), which gives the best value for money. The cheapest deals around are mensas (university cafeterias).

18. If you love food-Austrian soups are great. Wine taverns are fairly cheap places to eat.

19. It is customary to greet everybody, shop assistants, waiters etc… when you are introduced to someone, shake hands.

20. Traditional costumes are still worn in rural areas. The best known form of dress for women is the Dirndl: pleated skirt, apron and white pleated corsage with full sleeves.

Austria's cultural heritage, historic cities, winter sports and stunning scenery are a hard combination to beat. Vienna offers awe-inspiring public buildings, art treasures and music. You must go to an opera. That's a great score.

Contacts-Austria

 

TIME ZONE

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September)

TELEPHONE SERVICES

Country Code: 43
IDD: International dialing is available
Outgoing Code: 00

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Additional local numbers:- Police - 133; Ambulance - 144; Fire - 122.

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION

Österreich Werbung (ANTO); Margaretenstrasse 1; A-1040 Vienna; Austria Tel: (1) 58866 Fax: (1) 588 6620.

PASSPORT INFORMATION

Valid passport required by all. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure.

VISA INFORMATION

Visa required by all except: Nationals of EU countries with a valid ID card.

HEALTH MATTERS

Typhoid, Malaria, Yellow Fever
Other Health Risks: Rabies,Ticks.

FOOD AND DRINK

Water is considered drinkable; normal precautions should be observed with food.

CURRENCY

Austrian Schilling (Ssch) = 100 Groschen. Exch: All banks; exchange counters at airports; railway stations. Credit cards are not as widely used in Austria, however most major cards will be accepted in large towns. Travelers cheques are accepted in towns and tourist areas.
ATM availability: Over 3000 locations.

MONEY WIRING SERVICES

MoneyGram: 022 903 011 Western Union: (0222) 798 4400

CREDIT CARD EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Amex: +44 1273 696933
Diners Club: (43) (1) 5046667
Austria Visa: (1) 410 581 9091

TRAVELERS CHEQUES EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Austria Thomas Cook: 0660 6266 Austria

BANKING HOURS

0800 - 1230 and 1330 - 1500 Mon.; Tues.; Wed and Fri. Thurs. 0800 - 1230 and 1330 - 1730 . Various provinces will have different opening times.

COST OF LIVING

Relatively expensive; similarly to other Western European countries.

LANGUAGES

German

WEATHER

Moderate continental climate.
Winter - high snow levels but sunny.
Summer - warm days cool nights.

RELIGIONS

Mostly Roman Catholic; some Protestant.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2000: Jan 01; 06; Apr 24; May 01; Jun 01; 12; Aug 15; Oct 26; Nov 01; Dec 08; 25; 26.
2001: Jan: 01; 06; Apr 16; May 01; 24; Jun 04; 14; Aug 15; Oct 26; Nov 01; Dec 08; 25; 26.

POST

2 - 4 days within Europe.

RADIO FREQUENCIES

BBC: 11.78 9.410 6.195 3.955 VOA: 15.20 9.760 6.060 5.995.

TRANSPORT
RAIL: An efficient rail service operates throughout Austria. Special offers / discounts can often be found.
ROAD: Excellent network of roads. There is free assistance from the Austrian motoring association. (OAMTC). Hitching: Institutionalised.