Thinking about a trip to Austria? These Austria Facts & Travel Tips put everything you need, all in one place. Bookmark this site today!
These Austria facts are must-know details that will come in handy as you plan your Bucket List adventure to the land of mountains and the Sound of Music. It’s all in the details, and understanding these Austria facts will definitely boost your travel prep!
Drawing from my extensive travel experiences across the U.S. and beyond, I’m also offering up some essential Kari’s Travel Tips that I wish I’d known before our own trip.
Check out the Table of Contents below to find the specific topics you’re interested in, or feel free to scroll through all the helpful info at your own pace.
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Currency
Austria’s official currency is the Euro (€), which is used throughout the European Union. Euros come in both banknotes (5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€) and coins (1€, 2€, and smaller cent denominations).
While cards like VISA and Mastercard are generally accepted, you’ll still come across places where cash is necessary.
- Small businesses, shops, and restaurants may only take cash.
- Public restrooms might charge a small fee, typically 1€ or 2€.
- When booking accommodations, you often pay via credit card, but the city tax (charged daily) will be due in cash when you arrive.
Currency Conversion
We rely on the Xe app for real-time exchange rate information.
At the moment, the Euro is roughly on par with the US dollar, so we don’t worry too much about conversions. A 3€ snack costs about the same as a $3 snack in the US.
Kari’s Travel Tip: You’ll typically get the best exchange rates at your local bank back home, so we recommend bringing some Euros with you. If you need to withdraw more, bank-owned ATMs offer better rates and lower fees. ATMs at tourist locations or train stations will often charge higher fees.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Always choose to be charged in the local currency when paying with your card. This way, you shouldn’t get hit with conversion fees twice. We also had success using Apple Pay at several major stores.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Be sure to let your bank know your travel dates and destinations. That way, your card won’t get blocked for suspicious activity while you’re overseas.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Try to use up your small change and coins before you leave. We often spend any remaining Euros on snacks or drinks the last day.
Tipping Culture in Austria
Tipping in Europe isn’t as big as in the US, but it still happens in certain circumstances.
In many Austrian restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary, unless the restaurant adds a Service Charge to the bill. Then no additional tip is necessary.
Alternatively, you can just pay in cash and tell the server to keep the change.
Also, don’t forget to tip your Guide at the end of a tour—they always appreciate it
Language
German is Austria’s official language. Thankfully, I remembered just enough of it from my college days to get by without too many troubles.
Thankfully, many Europeans, especially those in the tourist and hospitality industries, speak at least some English. If you’re dining out and speaking English, they might even bring you an English-language menu.
Are you excited to travel internationally, but worried about not knowing the language?
DOWNLOAD our handy Translation Guide HERE
Kari’s Travel Tip: I often greet people with “Hello”—it’s universally friendly and signals that I speak English. And if I need to find the bathroom, I simply ask, “A Toilette?” with a hopeful smile, and they’ll point me the way.
Kari’s Travel Tip: It’s definitely helpful to learn a few key German phrases. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the locals will appreciate that you’re trying! Here are some basic ones to get you started:
- Please = Bitte (“Bit-ta”)
- Thank You = Danke (“Don-kay”)
- Hello = Hallo (“Hall-owe”)
- Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen (“Auf-Vee-der-zane”)
- That is delicious! = Das ist köstlich!
- Good morning = Guten Morgen
- Good evening = Guten Abend
- Where is a bathroom? = Wo ist eine Toilette?
- Where is a grocery store? = Wo ist ein Lebensmittelladen?
Note, in German, the W’s are pronounced like V’s.
Google Translate
For everything else, Google Translate is my go-to app. It lets me translate both ways—either by typing or speaking the words I need using the microphone.
I use it frequently when shopping, asking things like, “I am looking for ham” or “Where are the onions?” I’ll type or speak it, and then show the store employee the translation.
The camera function is also a lifesaver! I can snap a picture of a menu item or a food label, and it translates the text right there for me.
Time Zone
Austria operates on Central European Time, which puts it 6 to 9 hours ahead of the US, depending on your location. They follow Daylight Savings Time, so the clocks shift in Spring and Fall, just like in many other parts of Europe.
I use Salzburg as the city in the World Clock on my phone to see the time in Austria.
Are these Austria Facts making your trip planning easier? Keep reading for more tips!
Date Format
Austria uses the DD-MM-YYYY format for dates, unlike the MM-DD-YY format that Americans typically use. For example, September 23, 2026 would be written as 23-09-2026 in Austria.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This becomes crucial when you’re completing forms or applications. Double-check that your birthdate, passport issue date, and expiration date are written correctly. Pay attention to how the form asks for date entries!
Driving
In Europe, they drive on the right side of the road, just like in the US. Bill and I always rent a car when we travel there since it fits our style. The roads in Austria are in great condition, although a bit narrow in spots.
If renting a car isn’t your thing, there’s an extensive transportation network, including trains, buses, ride-sharing, flights, and ferries, to help you get around the country or travel to other European countries.
Rome2Rio is a fantastic app many travelers use to figure out transportation options.
It tells you travel times and estimated costs, which makes planning your trips much easier.
International Phone Code
The country code for Austria is +43 (followed by the local number).
To get the + sign on your mobile, just hold down the zero key for a second while in dialing mode. This will automatically input the plus sign. Then, add the country code (43) and the local number.
In Europe (and many other places), WhatsApp is the go-to app for texting, calling, and file sharing.
Europeans really don’t use the texting, iMessage, or calling services we use in the US. It’s all WhatsApp!
Kari’s Travel Tip: I highly recommend downloading WhatsApp before your trip. It’s a must-have for staying in touch with local drivers, tour guides, accommodation hosts, and anyone else you meet while traveling.
We use WhatsApp to stay connected with our family while we’re on the road. As long as I have Wi-Fi or data through my Airalo eSim, I don’t incur any international roaming fees from my US carrier.
WhatsApp works with your US phone number, but it only works for communicating with other WhatsApp users. Also, if you share your phone number, be sure to add the +1 before your area code.
Airalo eSim
I use an Airalo eSim to access affordable data while traveling abroad. Having an eSim saves me hundreds of dollars in International Roaming fees.
They offer an Austria specific eSim called Galli if you’re staying there for a while, or the Eurolink Regional eSim covers 42 European countries if you’re visiting multiple places.
It’s super easy to install and activate. You can choose which apps you want to use with your data. I usually turn off apps I won’t need while traveling, like local weather or apps for businesses back home.
If you run out of data, it’s easy to “top it off” to add more.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Buy and install your eSim before leaving home, but don’t activate it until you arrive at the airport and connect to Wi-Fi. Then, you’ll have data available when you head out to your first destination.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Make sure your phone is set up for international roaming and that it’s unlocked to use the eSim. Contact your cellular provider to make sure this happens.
Plug Adapter
In Austria, you’ll need a Plug Adapter Type C, which is the standard across most of Europe. A multi-country adapter kit should include this type.
I recommend the Ceptiks Universal Travel Adapter Kit. It has worked great for me all over the world, in many countries.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Many phones and computers already support dual voltage, but if you’re traveling with a hair dryer or other high-powered electronics, make sure they’re dual voltage compatible to prevent damage
I hope these handy Austria Facts will streamline your travel preparations and make everything go a bit smoother!
Can I drink the water?
Yes, you can drink, cook, bath and shower with water out of the tap in Austria.
Visa Requirements
According to the US State Department, for US citizens traveling to Austria, a visa isn’t necessary.
However, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date, and you need two blank pages in your passport.
Schengen Zone Limits
But, you can only stay in the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Once you’ve been in the Schengen Zone for 90 days, you must leave and stay out for at least 90 days before returning.
Some European countries—like the UK, Albania, and Serbia—are not part of Schengen, which is why long-term travelers often have to do the “Schengen Shuffle” to extend their time in Europe.
Generally, you won’t need to show your passport when crossing borders in Europe, except when flying. I was hoping to collect stamps from every country, but that didn’t happen as often as I expected.
If you’re staying in Europe for several months, it’s essential to understand Schengen rules. While the State Department offers thorough details, this website breaks them down in a more understandable way.
Safety
For anyone traveling internationally, I strongly recommend visiting the US State Department’s website for helpful tips on safety and potential hazards. They rank all countries by their level of risk: Level 1 (travel with normal precautions), Level 2 (travel with increased caution), Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Level 4 (Do not travel).
They also offer the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to register your travel info, including where you’re staying. In case of an emergency, they’ll send you updates about safety risks, demonstrations, or changes at the embassy. We’ve avoided several protests thanks to their timely alerts.
Embassy Assistance for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Vienna
U.S. Consular Section
Parkring 12A
1010 Vienna, Austria
Telephone +43-(0)1-31339-7535
Emergency +43-(0)1-31339
Fax +43-(0)1-5125835
Email ConsulateVienna@state.gov
Website https://at.usembassy.gov/
Are you starting to feel that getaway excitement? I hope these Austria facts are helping you get ready!
Vaccine Requirements
None are required at this time. It’s smart to check with your personal physician before traveling internationally or check the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) site for International Travel.
Metric System Conversions
Austria, as is common across most countries, uses the metric system to measure distance (meters and kilometers), temperature (Celsius), weight (grams and kilograms), and volume (liters and milliliters).
Kari’s Travel Tip: To make things easier, I’ve saved some conversion charts in a note on my iPhone for quick access. Feel free to use them if you wish.
Temperature: Celsius to Fahrenheit
- 0 C = 32 F
- 10 C = 50 F
- 15 C = 59 F
- 20 C = 68 F
- 25 C = 77 F
- 27 C = 80 F
- 30 C = 86 F
- 40 C = 104 F
- 45 C = 113 F
- Formula for calculating: C x 1.8 + 32 = F
Weight: Kilograms to Pounds
This is especially useful for checked and carry-on luggage limits on different airlines. Internationally, the limits are often quite a bit smaller than on US Airlines so it’s important to check. And they do tend to weigh the carry-ons sometimes.
- 7 kg = 15.4 pounds
- 10 kg = 22 pounds
- 15 kg = 33 pounds
- 20 kg = 44 pounds
- 25 kg = 55 pounds
- 30 kg = 66 pounds
- 32 kg = 70 pounds
- 35 kg = 77 pounds
- Formula for calculating: kg x 2.2 = Pounds
Area: Square Meters to Square Feet
This is helpful when you are looking for accommodations to know how big the space is. A standard hotel room in the US is about 300-350 square feet. Rooms in Europe are often quite a bit smaller.
- 20 square meters = 215 square feet
- 25 square meters = 269 square feet
- 30 square meters = 323 square feet
- 40 square meters = 430 square feet
- 70 square meters = 753 square feet
Distance: Kilometers to Miles
At first, we were constantly trying to convert all the kilometers over to miles. But after a while, we just adapted to thinking in terms of kilometers.
- Precise calculation: km x 0.621371 = miles
- Rough calculation: km x .6 = miles or km x 2/3 = miles
Conclusion: Austria Facts
I hope these Austria Facts and Travel Tips have provided you with some helpful info to make your Bucket List trip a little easier to plan!
If you think there’s anything else worth adding to the list, feel free to get in touch with me to share your suggestions!
More Information About Austria
More posts to come soon about Austria and Salzburg. If you’d like to get notified when new content is posted to Achieve Your Bucket List (about any topic), enter your name and email in the form above.
- Coming Soon: Things to do in Salzburg
- Coming Soon: Day Trips out of Salzburg
- Coming Soon: Where to stay in Salzburg
- Coming Soon: The Sound of Music Experience