Business Hours
 Banks: 08:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday Department Stores and Shops: 09:30 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 16:00 Saturdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Cautions
Austria is reported to have one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Violent crimes are infrequent, and any crimes of this type are mostly confined to Vienna. Provincial villages and national park areas are considered safe at any time.
Petty criminals are typically found in areas frequented by tourists. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers find their prey in crowded places, such as transportation centres, busy shopping areas and around major attractions. Bicycle theft is also a problem in cities throughout Austria: it’s important to lock your bike to a permanent fixture when you leave it.
Racism does exist in the country, and you might encounter attitudes that could make for an unpleasant experience. Sentiments are almost never expressed violently, however, and may be evident in strange looks or comments in provincial areas where there isn’t any ethnic or racial mix.
Electricity
 Electricity:220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs have two round pins.
Health
 There are no inoculations required for entry into Austria and no special health precautions that visitors to Austria must take. Any minor injuries or illnesses can usually be dealt with at a pharmacy (apotheke). The country’s healthcare system is of a high standard, and clinics and hospitals are clean, modern and well-equipped. Should you experience an emergency situation, all of Austria’s main cities have excellent hospitals able to deal with all types of illness and injury. Ambulance: 144 Police: 133
Language
The official language of Austria is German, which is the mother tongue of more than 98 percent of the country’s population. You’re likely to encounter many regional dialects as you travel around the country, however. In Carinthia, a province in the south of Austria, Slovene is an official language. Other languages spoken by small portions of the population in various parts of the country include Croatian, Hungarian and Slovak.
Currency
 Austria’s national currency, as a member country of the EU, is the euro (EUR). One euro comprises 100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are minted in denominations of €2 and 1; and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency Exchange
 Austrian banks offer the best rates available for exchanging foreign currency into euros. ATMs are found throughout Austria – even in small rural villages - and are known as ‘bankomats,’ readily identified by a sign bearing a green stripe over a blue stripe. Most bankomats accept cards issued abroad. Debit cards are also accepted by numerous restaurants and shops for purchases.
Customs
On entering or leaving the European Union (EU), anyone carrying €10,000 or more in cash must declare this amount to customs officials. Although persons entering Austria from another EU country are seldom checked for dutiable goods, there are regulations in place regarding permissible quantities: 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars are allowed, as are 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer per person.
For those entering the country from a non-EU country, the following maximum permissible quantities apply: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 litre of spirits; 2 litres of sparkling wine or aperitifs; 2 litres of still wine; one-quarter litre of eau de toilette and a reasonable quantity of medication for personal use.
Etiquette
Austrians customarily greet each other using the words ‘grüss gott.’ People tend to be somewhat formal, and this is particularly true with older generations. Dress is typically conservative, especially when attending the theatre or opera.
It is very helpful to learn a few word of everyday German before you arrive. Words and phrases that are most useful include: bitte (please), danke (thank you), enschuldegung (excuse me), guten tag (daytime greeting), guten abend (evening greeting) or gruss gott (a greeting that’s suitable any time of day).
 When shopping, whether you’re in a small shop, a department store or even an outdoor market, it’s customary to greet the salesperson. Austrians will typically use their standard ‘gruss gott’ greeting in this situation.
Dining Etiquette
If someone invites you to their home for a meal, there are a number of rules of etiquette that should be followed. Punctuality is important and a sign of respect, so arrive on time. Dressing conservatively and smartly is also expected. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. This custom isn’t as prevalent as it used to be, but is still practiced in some homes.
 You should remain standing until your host or hostess invites you to sit down, as the seating will probably be planned in advance. You should place your napkin on your lap as soon as you’re seated and should not start to eat until the host or hostess says: ‘mahlzeit’ or ‘guten appetit.’ Table manners are quite formal and important to Austrians. The continental style is followed here, with the fork held in your left hand and the knife held in your right.
The host will offer the first toast: everyone lifts their glass and clinks the glass of a person nearby, while looking them in the eye, and saying ‘prost!’If you use your fork to cut your food, this is a compliment to the cook, as it indicates that the food is tender. It’s considered proper etiquette to finish all the food on your plate, and you can indicate that you’ve finished eating by placing your knife and fork in a parallel position on top of your plate with the handles facing right.
Visa and Passports
 A citizen of a member country of the EU only requires a valid national ID card to enter any other member country. Citizens of member countries may also stay in another member country as long as they wish, but if the intention is to become a permanent resident, registration with the police is required. Citizens of Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand must be in possession of a valid passport to enter the country, but do not require a tourist visa. Stays of three months are permitted. Nationals of all other countries should contact the nearest Austrian consulate or embassy for information on visa requirements.
Tourist Information Offices
The country’s main tourist information offices and tourist board are located in Vienna, but there are branches located in all cities and in villages that are on the tourist route. The staff in these offices are typically helpful and knowledgeable, and will provide information, travel directions and recommendations on itineraries and lodgings. Austrian National Tourist Office, Vienna: +43 1 588 660.
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