Exploring Austria: Cashless Or Cash-Centric?

Austria is a country that largely operates on cash, with many small businesses, restaurants, and bars only accepting cash payments. However, card payments are becoming more common, especially in larger businesses and those in tourist areas. It is recommended that you carry some cash on you, particularly if you are travelling to rural areas, but card payments are widely accepted in most supermarkets and larger stores. If you need to, you can withdraw cash from an ATM, but be aware that some ATMs charge fees for withdrawals.

Card acceptance in Austria

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Austria, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly recognised providers. In fact, cards are accepted in almost all shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels, restaurants, and ticket machines. However, in remote locations and cheaper, family-run establishments, cash is often preferred or required.

Some smaller, local markets, restaurants, and cafes may only accept cash. Additionally, some businesses may require a minimum purchase amount for card transactions.

ATMs (called "Bankomats" in Austria) are found everywhere in cities, especially in banks and at supermarkets. It is recommended to use these to avoid fees, as independent ATMs, such as Euronet, often charge high fees for withdrawals.

It is always a good idea to carry some cash when travelling, and this is no different in Austria. While cards are widely accepted, there are enough places that require cash to make it worthwhile to carry some.

Cash for tips

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it is always a good idea to be aware of the local customs before travelling to a new country. In Austria, tipping is customary in restaurants, taxis, hairdressers, and filling stations, among other service areas. The general rule of thumb is to tip between 5% and 10% of the total bill, depending on the level of service you received. If a service charge is already included in the bill, an additional tip is not required.

When it comes to carrying cash in Austria, it is generally recommended to have some on hand, as while cards are widely accepted in larger businesses and tourist areas, smaller businesses and local markets may only accept cash. Additionally, some establishments may require a minimum purchase amount when paying by card. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards to ensure you are prepared for various payment situations.

If you need to exchange money or withdraw cash, it is best to do so at a bank or a bank-operated ATM, as foreign exchange booths and independent ATMs can charge high fees. Be sure to notify your bank before travelling to avoid any unexpected charges or blocks on your account.

In terms of how much cash to carry, this will depend on your spending habits and the duration of your stay. As a general guideline, consider bringing 50-100 euros per day per person, which should cover meals, drinks, tips, and incidental expenses. However, if you plan to visit rural areas or places outside of the typical tourist hotspots, you may need a higher amount of cash, as ATMs and card payment options may be less readily available.

Cash for smaller businesses

Smaller businesses in Austria often require cash payments. This includes family-owned restaurants, takeaways, small cafes, ice cream parlours, small beer gardens, and independent shops.

Some businesses will only accept card payments if the bill exceeds a certain amount, such as €10, €20, or €30.

ATMs are common in Austria, especially in larger cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and foreign debit cards can often be used to withdraw cash. However, it is recommended to use ATMs at banks, as independent cash machines may charge fees.

It is also possible to exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange venues, although it is recommended to shop around for the best rates.

Major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted at major retailers and restaurants in Austria. However, smaller shops and grocery stores often only accept cash.

It is important to note that some establishments in Austria may not accept large denomination notes, such as €500 and €200, due to associations with money laundering or the inconvenience of breaking down larger notes.

Therefore, it is advisable for travellers to carry a mix of larger and smaller denomination notes and coins to cater to a range of payment situations they may encounter in Austria, especially when visiting smaller businesses or rural areas.

Cash for rural areas

If you're planning a trip to Austria, it's worth noting that while cards are widely accepted in larger cities and businesses frequented by tourists, you may encounter some places that only accept cash, particularly in rural areas. Here are some tips to ensure you have the cash you need when travelling to Austria's rural regions:

• It's recommended to carry some cash with you, especially if you plan to visit rural or remote locations. While cards are widely accepted in bigger cities, smaller towns and villages may rely more on cash transactions.
• The euro is the currency of Austria, so make sure you have some euros with you before venturing into rural areas. You can exchange money at banks or specific ATMs, but avoid unregulated currency exchange booths as they may charge high fees.
• If you need to withdraw cash, look for ATMs located within banks, as these are generally safer and have lower fees than standalone ATMs. Some recommended banks with ATMs include Raiffeisen, Volksbank, and Sparkasse.
• It's a good idea to carry a mix of denominations, including smaller notes and coins. This will come in handy for smaller purchases, tipping, and using public restrooms, some of which may require coins.
• While cards are becoming more widely accepted due to the pandemic, it's still a good idea to have cash as a backup. Some businesses may have card machines that are not working, or there could be connectivity issues in remote areas.
• If you plan to visit Christmas markets, be prepared to use cash. These markets, even in larger cities, often require cash for purchases.
• If you're concerned about carrying large amounts of cash, consider using a money belt or neck wallet for added security.
• Always let your bank know that you'll be using your card abroad and which countries you'll be visiting. They can advise you on any fees or limitations and ensure your card works overseas.
• If you're travelling with a partner or a group, it's a good idea to split your cash. That way, if one person loses their money, you still have some funds available.
• Keep your cash secure in your hotel safe, along with your passport and a spare credit or debit card. Only carry what you need for the day, and consider replenishing it daily from your safe.

Cash for Christmas markets

Austria is a country that has a love for cash, and while cards are becoming more widely accepted, it is still a good idea to carry some cash when travelling there. This is especially true if you are visiting smaller, local businesses, or if you are travelling outside of the big cities.

How Much Cash to Bring

The amount of cash you bring will depend on your spending habits, but it is generally recommended to have enough to cover meals, drinks, tips, and any souvenirs you might want to buy. For meals and drinks, it is recommended to budget around 300 euros per week, per person, on top of accommodation costs. For souvenirs, it depends on what you want to buy, but it's always good to have some extra cash in case you see something you like.

Where to Get Cash

If you don't want to bring a lot of cash with you, you can easily withdraw cash from ATMs in Austria. Be sure to use an ATM that is operated by a bank, as these are more likely to be safe and have lower fees. Some recommended banks include Raiffeisen, Volksbank, and Sparkasse. It is also a good idea to let your bank know that you will be using your card abroad, and to check if they have any partner banks in Austria that will allow for easy and free withdrawals.

Card Payments

While cash is still king in Austria, card payments are becoming more common, especially in larger businesses and those that cater to tourists. The most popular credit cards are usually accepted, although sometimes their use is subject to a minimum purchase amount. Maestro cards (bank ATM cards) are also widely accepted, even for small amounts.

Tipping

In many service areas, such as restaurants, taxis, and hairdressers, a tip of 5 to 10 percent is traditionally given, depending on the level of satisfaction with the service. However, if the tip is already included in the bill, there is no need to pay it again.

Frequently asked questions