Shopping On Austrian Websites: What You Need To Know

Online shopping has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering convenience, speed, and a wide range of products. With the rise of global e-commerce, consumers are no longer limited to physical stores in their local areas. This begs the question: can individuals outside of Austria purchase from Austrian websites? The answer is yes! Services like forward2me provide European shipping addresses, enabling individuals worldwide to shop on Austrian websites and forward their orders internationally. This has opened up access to a variety of Austrian products, from renowned brands to local specialties. So, whether you're seeking fashion, electronics, furniture, or unique delicacies, exploring Austrian websites can offer a diverse and exciting shopping experience beyond your own borders.

Popular Austrian websites

Online shopping has become an integral part of our daily lives, and Austria is no exception. The online shopping scene in Austria is vibrant and diverse, with several online shops vying for the top spot. Here is a list of some of the most popular Austrian websites:

Amazon.de

The multinational technology company Amazon has secured the top spot as the most popular online shop among Austrian consumers. Known for its vast selection of products, user-friendly interface, and efficient delivery services, Amazon has managed to capture the hearts of online shoppers in Austria.

Shop-apotheke.at

Coming in second is Shop-apotheke.at, a popular online pharmacy in Austria. This online store offers a wide range of health and wellness products, from vitamins and supplements to prescription medications and beauty items. Its user-friendly interface, secure payment options, and prompt delivery services make it a preferred choice for health and wellness products.

MediaMarkt

MediaMarkt is a renowned electronics retailer that offers an extensive selection of electronics and appliances. Whether you’re looking for the latest smartphone, a new laptop, or a high-quality television, MediaMarkt has it all. The online store’s user-friendly interface, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews make it a favourite among tech-savvy Austrians.

Zalando

Zalando is a leading European online fashion platform that caters to the fashion needs of Austrians. The platform features a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories from various brands, both well-known and emerging. Zalando’s easy-to-navigate website, detailed product descriptions, and flexible return policy make it a popular choice for online shopping.

XXXLutz

XXXLutz is a prominent furniture retailer that offers a vast selection of furniture and home decor items. From stylish sofas and comfortable beds to elegant dining sets and functional office furniture, XXXLutz has something for everyone. Their user-friendly interface, detailed product descriptions, and home delivery and assembly services ensure a hassle-free shopping experience.

Ikea.com

Ikea.com, the online platform of the Swedish furniture retailer, is a favourite among Austrians looking for affordable and stylish home furnishing products. The website offers a wide range of furniture, home accessories, kitchen appliances, and home decor items. Ikea.com provides a user-friendly interface, detailed product descriptions, and high-quality images to make shopping convenient and enjoyable.

In addition to these popular websites, there are numerous other online shops that are well-loved by Austrians, including Hm.com, Eduscho.at, Aliexpress.com, eBay, Obi.at, Bonprix, Conrad, and Ottoversand.at. These websites offer a diverse range of products, from fashion and electronics to home improvement and gardening supplies, catering to the varied needs and preferences of Austrian consumers.

International sites Austrians use

Austrians have a wide range of international sites to choose from for their online shopping needs. Amazon.de, the German version of the multinational company, is the most popular marketplace in Austria, accounting for 53% of the online retail market share. It offers a diverse selection of products, from electronics and fashion to groceries, and provides services like Prime membership and Kindle e-books.

Following Amazon, the next most popular international sites include Zalando, a leading European online fashion platform; Ikea, the well-known Swedish furniture retailer; and eBay, the global auction and shopping website. These sites offer Austrians a vast array of options, from clothing and accessories to collectibles and antiques, with various features and flexible selling options.

Other notable international sites that Austrians use include Aliexpress, a global marketplace offering products from international sellers; MediaMarkt, an electronics retailer; and Temu, a new social commerce platform. Universal, an Austrian online department store, and Conrad, an online retailer of electronic products, are also among the top choices for Austrians.

Austrian food and drink

When it comes to drinks, Austrians are known for their coffee culture, with the Viennese coffee house described as a "unique institution, unlike any other in the world". The country also has a long tradition of producing fine spirits, with companies that have been distilling exquisite spirits for generations.

• Wiener Schnitzel: A thin, breaded, and fried cutlet, usually made with veal. It is often served with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions.
• Vienna Sausage: A type of sausage made with pork and beef, parboiled, and then smoked at low temperatures. It can be used in main dishes or simply fried and served in a bun.
• Knödel: A type of dumpling that can be sweet or savoury. Savoury Knödel are often served as a side dish or in soups, while sweet Knödel are made with plums.
• Tafelspitz: A classic Austrian dish made with beef boiled in a broth of vegetables and spices, served with minced apples and horseradish or sour cream with chives.
• Tiroler Gröstl: A comforting pan-fried dish of potatoes, chopped beef or pork, butter, and onions, often topped with a fried egg.
• Käsespätzle: Austria's answer to mac and cheese! Soft egg noodles are layered with generous amounts of cheese and usually served with a side of salad or potato salad.
• Potato Gulasch: A hearty and spicy stew, originally from Hungary but now a staple of Austrian food culture. It typically includes potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and sausages, seasoned with hot paprika.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy shredded pancakes served as a dessert or a meal. They are topped with jams, sweet sauces, fruit compotes, or caramelized dry fruits.
• Sachertorte: A famous cake from Viennese cuisine, consisting of chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze.
• Marillenknödel: Dumplings made from potato, cottage cheese, or flour dough, stuffed with apricot halves. They are typically served with melted butter and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
• Einspänner Coffee: A traditional Viennese coffee drink consisting of a shot of espresso or regular black coffee topped with whipped cream.

Non-food Austrian products

Austria's online shopping scene is vibrant and diverse, with several online shops vying for the top spot. Here is a list of non-food Austrian products that you can consider shopping for:

Health and Wellness

Shop-apotheke.at is a popular online pharmacy in Austria, offering a wide range of health and wellness products. From vitamins and supplements to prescription medications and beauty products, you can find everything you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Electronics and Appliances

MediaMarkt is a renowned electronics retailer in Austria, offering an extensive selection of electronics and appliances. Whether you're looking for the latest smartphone, laptop, or television, MediaMarkt has you covered.

Fashion

Zalando, a leading European online fashion platform, caters to a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories from various brands. With both well-known and emerging brands, Zalando offers a diverse selection of fashion items for all tastes.

Furniture and Home Decor

XXXLutz and Ikea.com are popular choices for Austrians looking to furnish and decorate their homes. XXXLutz offers a vast selection of furniture and home decor items, while Ikea.com is known for its affordable and stylish furniture and accessories.

Coffee and Lifestyle

Eduscho.at offers a unique shopping experience with a range of high-quality coffee machines, coffee beans, tea, chocolates, clothing, and home accessories.

Books, Maps, and CDs

Online stores like OnlineFromAustria.com offer a range of Austrian products, including books, maps, CDs, and souvenirs.

When shopping online in Austria, you can explore a variety of websites, compare prices, and take advantage of the convenience and diversity of products offered by these online platforms.

Shipping from Austria

Shipping internationally from Austria can be done through various carriers, such as Aramex, DHL, FedEx, and UPS. The cost of shipping will depend on the chosen carrier and delivery speed. For example, shipping from the US to Austria through UPS ranges from $11.38 to $271.91, while shipping through DHL Express Smallbox ranges from $11.38 to $9,992.

When shipping to Austria, it is important to be aware of the prohibited and restricted items. These include prescription medications, medical devices, perishable products, poisonous substances, explosives, firearms and accessories, self-balancing boards, and certain animal products, among others.

Additionally, there are specific requirements for shipping certain items. For instance, articles made of precious metals must meet Austrian regulations for fineness, and shipments containing meat and animal products must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and plant health certificate.

Shipping to Austria can be done either by air freight or sea freight. Air freight is faster, reaching Austria in just two to three days, but it is also more expensive. Sea freight is the more affordable option, but it can take several weeks for cargo to arrive. If choosing sea freight, your belongings will be shipped in a 20ft or 40ft container, depending on the volume of your cargo.

Frequently asked questions