Salzburg Travel Tips

Business Offices: 09:00-15:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 09:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00, Monday to Friday, except Thursday when they close at 5:30 p.m.
Post Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00, from Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: varies depending on store and area
Museums: check individual museums for opening times

Salzburg is a very safe city crime wise and you should have no fears about walking most places on your own. The tourist areas are very well patrolled by the police. It is important however, to remain vigilant at all times as petty crime does exist. It is a good idea to keep your valuables and jewellery in the hotel safe if possible.

The Euro is the official currency in Salzburg and is available in seven different bills and eight separate coins. The bills are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 denominations. The coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 and currency exchange booths can be found at the airport. ATM’s can be found throughout the city. 

Businesses in Salzburg accept most major credit cards for purchases, however, you should always keep a small amount of cash with you to use for taxis, buses and small shops.

It is required that vehicles are driven with their lights even in the daytime. Smoking is not allowed in many public places.

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The European round 2-pin plugs are standard.

Salzburg is a little more formal than many other European cities. Business attire consists of suits for both men and women, but casual dress is appropriate for after hours. Austrians take great pride in their appearance and a good quality, well-fitting suit for men and women should be worn to make a good first impression.

Many Upscale restaurants usually require men to wear a coat and tie. Formal attire is the norm at the theatre or opera. Winters tend to be quiet cold, so make sure that you pack warm clothes and a coat if you are travelling in the winter months.

Handshakes are a common greeting in Salzburg. Titles are very important, so when you are introduced to someone, use their last name and title when addressing them. Women are referred to as "Frau" and men are referred to as "Herr" (Herr Smith).

While dining in a formal setting, wait until the host nods or picks up his knife and fork and then follow his cues. It is typical in Salzburg to begin the meal with the host saying "Guten Appetit" (bon appetite) and everyone else chimes in. However, in very formal situations, this may be inappropriate. It is wise to wait and take cues from your host. Make sure that you keep your hands (not elbows) on the table at all times. 

A 10-15% service charge is automatically added to hotel and restaurant bills, but if you are satisfied with the service, another 5% is appreciated. It is customary to give the money to the waiter rather than leave it on the table.

No vaccinations are necessary for visitors; however, there is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for those visiting rural or forested areas. It is highly recommended that travellers receive a vaccination and ensure they take precautions against tick infestation.

Because of Austria's high elevation, travellers are most likely to suffer from altitude sickness, hypothermia and sunburn. Good medical care is widely available, but doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Comprehensive medical coverage 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).

Landeskrankenanstalten (St. Johannsspital)
48 Mullner Hauptstrasse, Salzburg
Telephone: 43 662 44820

Emergency services: 112

Ambulance telephone: 144
Police telephone: 122
Fire telephone: 133

The official language in Salzburg is German and is spoken by 99% of the population. English is the second language, and is taught widely in schools.

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Code Country: 0662

Tourismus Salzburg GmbH (Tourist Office)
Auerspergstraße 6, A-5020 Salzburg
Tel: +43 (0) 662 / 88987-0,
Fax: +43 (0) 662 / 88987-32,
tourist@salzburg.info

US and Canada passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Austria providing they stay no longer than three months. A passport is required. 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.

Passport holders from all other countries are advised to check with your local embassy for visa requirements.