Everything you need to know before visiting Austria in 2024
Vienna, Austria
Austria Travel Details 🇦🇹
Austria, located in the heart of Europe, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning alpine landscapes, and historical cities. With a population of approximately 8.9 million, the country offers a blend of imperial history and modern charm. The capital, Vienna, is famous for its historic architecture, classical music scene, and vibrant cultural life, while Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, enchants visitors with its baroque beauty and musical traditions. Austria is also renowned for its outdoor activities, particularly skiing and hiking in the Alps. The official language is German, and the currency is the Euro (EUR).
Country
Austria 🇦🇹
Capital
Vienna
Country code
AT
Region
Europe (Central Europe)
Population
~8,900,000 people
Calling code
+43
Currencies
Euro (€)
Timezones
UTC+01:00, UTC+02:00
Check if need a visa to visit Austria
Essential Details to Know Before Visiting Austria in 2024
Electrical Plugs
Austria uses Type C and F plugs with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.
Languages
The official language is German. English is widely taught and understood, especially in tourist areas.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR).
Payment Methods
Major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Contactless payments and mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly used.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Most accept international cards.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is customary in Austria. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if service charge is not included.
Internet Connectivity
Austria has excellent internet coverage with high-speed connections available in urban areas.
Telecom Providers
Major telecom companies include A1 Telekom, Magenta, and Drei.
International Calling
The international calling code for Austria is +43.
SIM Cards for Travelers
SIM cards for travelers are readily available at airports, electronics stores, and convenience stores. Popular providers include A1 Telekom, Magenta, and Drei.
Austria Visa
To visit Austria, travelers generally require a visa, unless they come from visa-exempt countries. Various visa types are available depending on the purpose and duration of the stay. The most common visa is the Schengen Visa (Category C), which allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family. For longer stays, such as for study or work, the National Visa (Category D) is required. Applicants must submit essential documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means. The Austrian consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country handles the visa application process.
The best time to visit Austria largely depends on your interests. For winter sports enthusiasts, the ski season typically runs from December to March. If you prefer warmer weather and exploring the cities and countryside, consider visiting between April and October. June to August is the high season for tourist activity with the warmest weather, whereas late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing and hiking.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Austria?
To truly experience Austria, you should plan to spend at least 7-10 days in the country. This will give you enough time to explore key cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, as well as to enjoy day trips to places like Hallstatt, the Wachau Valley, and the Austrian Alps. If you have specific interests such as skiing or hiking, you might want to extend your trip to two weeks or more to fully immerse yourself in these activities.
How Much Money Do I Need For Austria?
The cost of a trip to Austria can vary depending on your travel style. On average, a mid-range budget traveler should expect to spend around €100-€150 per day. This budget includes accommodations in budget to mid-range hotels or hostels, meals in mid-range restaurants, local transportation, and entrance fees to attractions. If you plan to ski or partake in other adventure activities, your costs will be higher. Additionally, Vienna and Salzburg are generally more expensive, so budget accordingly if those cities are part of your itinerary.
What Should I Pack For My Trip to Austria?
When packing for a trip to Austria, consider the season and activities you plan to engage in. Essentials include: comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing to adapt to varying temperatures, a waterproof jacket, a travel adapter for European sockets, sunscreen and sunglasses (especially if visiting during the summer or for skiing), a reusable water bottle, and a small backpack for day trips. If traveling in winter, don't forget warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and thermal layers. Additionally, having travel insurance is always a wise precaution, especially if you plan on skiing or hiking.
How to Stay Safe During Your Trip to Austria
Traveling to Austria is generally safe and pleasant, yet it's always wise to be informed. Whether you're strolling through the streets of Vienna or hiking in the Alps, ensuring your health, safety, and awareness about local regulations will help make your trip more enjoyable. From understanding COVID-19 protocols to respecting cultural norms, staying in the know can enhance your Austrian adventure.
Health Tips and Rules
Ensure that you're carrying any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit. Pharmacies are well-stocked, but it’s better to be prepared. Always have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you're an EU citizen.
Discover Austria's stunning landscapes and charming cities with ease thanks to its top-notch public transportation system. Whether you're zooming through the Alps on a train, catching a city tram, or cruising the Danube, you'll find plenty of ways to get around. This guide has everything you need to know about how to travel around Austria, so you can kick back, relax, and focus on the sights instead of the logistics.
Trains
Austria has a reliable and extensive train network operated by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways). Trains connect major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, as well as smaller towns and rural areas. The ÖBB also provides international routes to neighboring countries. You can easily book tickets online, at the station, or through the ÖBB mobile app. Consider getting an ÖBB Vorteilscard if you plan on traveling frequently, which offers discounts on most tickets.
City Transport - Vienna
If you're exploring Vienna, the Wiener Linien operates an efficient network of trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (subway). The city is well-covered, and public transport runs frequently throughout the day and night. Single tickets and day passes can be bought at stations, from ticket machines, or via the Wiener Linien app. Make sure to always validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
Buses
Bus services in Austria complement the train network and are particularly useful for reaching areas not accessible by train. Regional and intercity bus services are operated by several companies, with Postbus being one of the largest. They offer comprehensive connections across the country, including to remote mountain regions. For longer journeys, consider checking out FlixBus, which provides affordable intercity travel options.
Ferries
Austria may be landlocked, but river ferry services are available, particularly along the Danube. These river cruises can be a scenic way to travel between cities like Vienna and Linz and offer a unique perspective of Austria's picturesque landscapes. DDSG Blue Danube and hydrofoil services by Twin City Liner are popular choices for travelers.
Cycling
Austria is very bike-friendly, offering numerous cycling paths and bike rental options. Cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz have well-marked cycling lanes and bike-sharing programs such as CityBike in Vienna. For those looking to explore the countryside, there are scenic routes like the Danube Cycle Path that provide breathtaking views.
Airport Transportation
Austria's major airports, including Vienna International Airport, offer multiple transportation options to get you to the city center or other destinations. The City Airport Train (CAT) takes you directly from the airport to Vienna's city center in just 16 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for buses, taxis, or the S-Bahn (rapid transit). Similar amenities are available at other key airports such as Salzburg and Innsbruck.
Salzburg
In Salzburg, the local transport provider (Salzburg Verkehr) operates a convenient network of trolleybuses and buses. This system makes it easy to visit attractions like the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace without needing a car. Day tickets are available, and the Salzburg Card offers unlimited travel within city limits along with free entry to attractions.
