Innsbruck Travel Tips
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Banks: 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30 Thursdays
Post Offices: 07:00 to 21:00, Monday to Friday; 07:00 to 15:00 Saturdays; 10:00 to 19:30 Sundays and holidays
Department Stores and Shops: 08:00 to 21:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 18:00 Saturdays and Sundays
Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, daily; closed Mondays during winter
Business Offices: 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Innsbruck, like most of Austria, is a very safe travel destination. Violent crimes against foreigners are rare compared to other European cities. There is, however, a small problem with theft during the tourism high seasons. Pickpockets tend to ply their trade in places like the train terminal or crowded tourist attractions, but even so they aren’t pervasive. If you leave your bag, camera or other valuables unattended they will be probably wander off, so use all the normal precautions you would for a trip to any new destination.
Innsbruck does an excellent job of patrolling its streets and keeping them well-lit and safe day and night. Visitors can feel confident walking the streets of the Old Town after dark, and there are usually foot police hanging around the popular restaurant and bar districts to help with any troubles.
Police: 133
Electricity:240V AC, 50Hz; round two-pin European plugs are the norm.
Innsbruck has some of the highest levels of public sanitation in the world, so visitors should not experience any of the common health issues found in developing countries. The tap water is completely safe to drink though you may want to stick with bottled water for drinking. The kitchens in Innsbruck’s restaurants are also kept at the highest standards. So feel free to enjoy anything on the menu. Even the ubiquitous streetside sausage stands are perfectly fine, just make sure your sausage is thoroughly cooked.
The main health concern for visitors to Innsbruck is the strong alpine sun. On a clear day, the UV radiation is incredibly intense so be sure and wear plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses if you are venturing out for the day. Even if the weather is cool, the sun can burn your face to a crisp if you don’t protect it. Dehydration can also set in quickly if you are hiking in the mountains so drink plenty of water if you are exerting yourself.
If you get a common cold or other minor illness, there are excellent pharmacies in the city. Your hotel can easily help you with this. For more serious medical emergencies, Innsbruck’s hospitals and clinics are up to the highest international standards and can treat virtually any ailment. The doctors and staff all speak English, but the cost of medical care in Austria is quite steep.
EU citizens should be covered by their universal health care programme, but it pays to check on this before travelling to Innsbruck. If you are not covered in Austria, it is highly recommended that you buy travel insurance to cover the high costs of any unexpected trips to the hospital.
Ambulance: 144
University Clinic: +43 512 504
The official language spoken in Innsbruck and throughout Austria is German. Although not many locals can speak English, those working in the tourism industry probably can.
Since Austria is part of the EU it has adopted the euro (€) as its currency. There are 100 cents in a euro. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins come in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
If you aren’t arriving with euros in your pocket you’ll need to exchange your foreign currency into euros. This can easily be done in any of the banks located in the city’s commercial districts. You can also exchange money at the tourist office and the train station. Although you’ll need cash to pay for taxis, transport and sundry shopping, credit cards are widely accepted in Innsbruck.
ATMs are also a convenient way to withdraw daily amounts of cash, as Austria’s banking network is well-connected to the global system. Banks can be found virtually everywhere in the city. Traveller’s cheques are as widely accepted as cash; just make sure you get them in euros or US dollars for the best rates.
All visitors to Austria from a non-EU country over the age of 17 can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine, 500 grams of coffee, 100 grams of tea, 50 grams of perfume and goods with a value up to €175 without incurring a customs duty tax.
Austria has a fairly formal society and tends to follow the established rules. Innsbruck is no exception though visitors will find conditions in this cosmopolitan city more relaxed than in the smaller Austrian towns and villages. Greetings are always formal affairs, consisting of a brief firm handshake. Titles are frequently used when greeting someone in Austria as a sign of respect. When you enter a room, shake hands with everyone present.
Austrians are generally conservative people. Presentation and dress are important qualities, and even when they are in casual mode they look clean and sharp. If you want to impress the locals, keep your appearance tidy and modest. Although you can wear just about anything when going out in Innsbruck, you’ll notice that most of the locals dress smartly whenever they venture out in public. Conservatism here isn’t based as much on religion as on social convention. Even so, consider your behaviour such as displays of affection and public intoxication while on your holiday.
Dining Etiquette
An Austrian’s home is an important reflection on the person and the family. If you get invited to dine at someone’s house in Innsbruck be sure and arrive on time. Dress conservatively and smartly, and be prepared to take off your shoes if requested. When dining, let the host show you where to sit. Table manners are continental, so most visitors will be familiar with the protocol.
When your food has arrived do not begin eating until the host indicates, usually by saying guten appétit or mahlzeit. If you are eating at someone’s home, use your fork to cut the food as much as possible as this indicates the food is tender and well-prepared. Try and finish everything on your plate, again to suggest the food was excellent and enjoyed. When you finish eating, lay your fork and knife together on your plate to signal you’re done.
Toasts are common in Innsbruck, with the host traditionally giving the first one. With a cheer of prost, everyone looks to the toast-giver and drinks. You can certainly offer a toast to the host at the end of the meal if you are a guest of honour.
Citizens of the EU can travel through Austria for as long as they like by simply showing their passport or ID card. Travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia can receive a 90-day visa upon arrival by presenting a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the entry date.
You can pick up brochures and ask questions about any aspect of tourism in and around Innsbruck at the Innsbruck Tourism Office, which is open everyday from 08:00 to 18:00.
Innsbruck Tourism Office
Burggraben 3
Innsbruck
Phone: +43 512 598 50
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