Americans In Austria: Treatment And Experiences

Austria and the United States have enjoyed strong relations since the post-World War II period. The United States played an essential role in Austria's reconstruction and in the Austrian State Treaty, which declared Austria a free, independent, and neutral state. Austria is a desirable market for US-made products in Europe and is one of the top ten fastest-growing US trade partners. The two countries are bound by people-to-people contacts in business, entrepreneurship, arts, and education. Austria is generally considered a safe place for women, and Americans living in Austria perceive their personal safety situation as very secure. However, there have been reports of anti-American sentiment in Austria, with demonstrations against the US and instances of Americans being deliberately short-changed or overcharged.

Safety and security

Austria is a safe and stable democracy with a social market economy. The country has a very low risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing or minor theft, and a low chance of being a victim of violent crime, including mugging. Confidence in the police force and local authorities is high.

Austria is also considered a very safe place for women. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions when travelling, such as enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security alerts.

When it comes to health, proof of insurance is required for entry into Austria. It is also important to be aware of any necessary vaccinations or health requirements when travelling.

In terms of money, it is common to be short-changed or overcharged in Austria, especially in tourist areas. It is recommended to always state the amount you are giving when paying in the local currency to avoid confusion or being taken advantage of.

Regarding visas, U.S. citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you intend to stay longer or seek employment, you must obtain an Austrian visa before travelling or within the first 90 days of your stay. Overstaying can result in fines and bans on re-entry.

Lastly, it is worth noting that there may be anti-American sentiment in Austria due to political differences. While this may manifest in demonstrations, it is unlikely to result in direct hostility towards American citizens.

Rent and accommodation

Renting a property in Austria is a fairly straightforward process for expats. Apartments are the most common type of property to rent and typically come unfurnished, with only the bare essentials such as hot water and heating included. The cost of rent varies across the country, ranging from €300 to €900 per month. Single expats spend on average $814 on accommodation per month, while expat families spend around $1,396. The national average rent is €400 per month, but this can be as low as €313 in Carinthia and as high as €500 in Vorarlberg.

If you're looking for a short-term rental, you can expect to pay a higher price. The average monthly cost of a short-term, temporary rental in Austria is about €1,600. For a furnished apartment in one of the major cities, such as Vienna, Innsbruck, or Salzburg, the average cost is around €1,380 per month.

When renting a property in Austria, most things are done through a real estate agent who will help you find a place that meets your requirements for neighbourhood, transport, and budget. There are also online portals that allow you to find apartments directly from the owners, such as Provisionsfrei, Privatimmobilien, Jobwohnen, and Willhaben.

Leases in Austria are typically three years long, and it can be difficult to find a regular apartment with a shorter lease. If you need a short-term rental, you may want to look into serviced apartments, which are fully furnished but tend to be more expensive.

When renting an apartment in Austria, you will typically be asked for proof of identity, an Austrian visa, and proof of employment. You may also need to provide references from previous landlords, translated into German if necessary. The security deposit is usually equivalent to three months' rent but can be up to six months' rent.

Finding a place to rent in Austria can be competitive, as there are often multiple renters interested in the same property. It is not common to negotiate rental costs, and landlords typically expect to receive the listed price.

Some popular places to rent in Austria include:

• Vienna: The capital city of Austria, known for its beautiful architecture, great culture, leisure facilities, public transport, world-class healthcare, and low crime rate.
• Salzburg: A stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with Baroque architecture and an eco-friendly transport system. It is also the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of "The Sound of Music."
• Graz: The second-largest city in Austria, known for its universities and more temperate climate.
• Linz: Located on the river, Linz is the country's third-biggest urban area. It has great public transport and is also very walkable. However, living in Linz is easier if you speak German.

Socialising and community

Austria is a safe place for Americans to live, with people perceiving their personal safety situation as very secure. The risk of falling victim to petty crime (such as pickpocketing or minor theft) is considered very low, and the chance of being the victim of violent crime (including mugging) is also deemed very unlikely. Confidence in the police force and related local authorities is high. Female American expats also rate Austria as a very safe place to live.

There is a large expat community in Austria, with InterNations being the largest expat community. It was established in 2007 and is a great platform for international networking among expatriates and global minds. InterNations holds monthly events and activities for American expats to get to know like-minded expatriates, including activities such as the Long Night of Popular Education, Backgammon Stammtisch, and La promessE dE l'aubE.

There are also other expat centres in Austria, including in Linz, Graz, Klagenfurt, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. These centres offer consultations for expats and international professionals.

It is important to note that there have been reports of anti-American sentiment in Austria, particularly during the Reagan administration and the Iraq War. However, many Americans have reported that they did not feel any direct anti-Americanism and that Austrians are generally friendly. Learning some basic German phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals and may make your time in Austria more enjoyable.

Americans living in Austria can also take advantage of the various exchange programs and educational opportunities available, such as the Fulbright educational exchange program and the Marshall Plan Foundation, which was founded to support educational exchanges between Americans and Austrians.

Culture and language

Language

Austria is a German-speaking country, with 98% of the population speaking German as their mother tongue. However, there are distinct differences between the many regional dialects, and also a wide variation in the 'standard' Hochdeutsch spoken from region to region.

Austrians are proud of their language and dialects, and you may be able to impress the locals by learning some dialect words and phrases. However, almost everyone will speak pretty good English, especially younger people.

Culture

Austrians are generally conservative, prudent and moderate in their behaviour. They are also quite formal, and greetings are no exception. A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting, accompanied by eye contact. Some older Austrian men may kiss the hand of a woman, but a male visitor from another country should not do this.

Austrians are generally quite reserved and withdrawn, and it can take a while for them to open up to you. They consider it polite not to be intrusive or demanding towards someone they have just met, and they may not speak up if you unwittingly commit a mild social faux pas.

Austrians tend to keep their work and social lives separate, and it can be difficult to make friends with colleagues. However, doing something together outside of work, such as playing volleyball or going hiking, is a good way to get to know people.

Austrians are very proud of their homes, which are always kept neat and tidy. They are also very houseproud, and only close friends and relatives are invited inside.

Austrians are serious about their food. Wiener Schnitzel is the quintessential Austrian dish, and apple strudel is a common dessert.

Austria is famous for its classical music, and Vienna is known as the European capital of classical music. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss Jr. are among the composers associated with the city.

Austria is also known for its winter sports, with skiing being a particularly popular pastime.

Food and dining out

Austrian cuisine is known for its rich flavours and meat and carb-heavy dishes. Here's what you need to know about food and dining out in Austria:

Austrian Cuisine

Austrian cuisine varies across different regions, with Vienna's cuisine influenced by the cooking traditions of the Habsburg Empire, while other states have their own independent culinary traditions. Austrian food shares similarities with neighbouring countries in Central Europe, especially Hungary, Bavaria, Bohemia, and Northern Italy.

Austrian cuisine is known for its pastries, such as the Kaiserschmarrn and the Apple Strudel, as well as meat dishes like Tafelspitz and Wiener Schnitzel.

Breakfast

Breakfast in Austria is typically "continental", consisting of bread rolls with jam, cold meats, or cheese, accompanied by coffee, tea, or juice.

Lunch

Traditionally, lunch was the main meal of the day, but with longer work hours, the main meal is now often eaten in the evening. A mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, called a Jause, typically consists of a slice of bread topped with cheese or ham. A more substantial version, similar to a British ploughman's lunch, is called a Brettljause, and is served on a wooden board.

Popular Dishes

Some popular Austrian dishes include:

• Rindsuppe: Clear beef soup with a golden colour.
• Tafelspitz: Beef boiled in broth, often served with apple, horseradish, and chives sauce.
• Gulasch: A hotpot similar to Hungarian pörkölt, often eaten with bread, dumplings, or rolls.
• Liptauer: A spicy cheese spread eaten on bread.
• Selchfleisch: Smoked meat cooked and served with Sauerkraut and dumplings.
• Powidl: A thick, sweet plum jam.
• Wiener Schnitzel: Breaded and fried veal cutlet, served with potatoes and sour cream.
• Käsespätzle: Egg noodles with cheese, similar to macaroni and cheese.
• Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy pancake with raisins, flambéed in butter, sugar, and rum.
• Marillenknödel: Apricot dumplings with a potato or quark dough coating.

Seasonal Eating

Austrians eat seasonally, with dishes featuring wild garlic in April, asparagus in May, apricots in June, pumpkins in October, and goose in November.

Dining Out

When dining out in Austria, you may notice that vegetables are less prominent on the plate than meat and potatoes. Portion sizes are typically generous, and it's common to be served enough food for two meals. If you don't finish your meal, don't be shy to ask for a doggy bag to take leftovers home.

While dining out, you may encounter the custom of paying to use the toilet, which is common across Europe.

Alcohol

Alcohol laws in Austria are more relaxed than in the US, with the drinking age being 16 or 18, depending on the beverage. Beer is typically served in sizes ranging from 0.2 litres to 1 litre, with larger sizes available at festivals. The most popular types of beer are pale lager, cloudy Zwicklbier, and wheat beer. Wine is principally cultivated in the east of Austria, with the most important wine-producing areas being Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, and Vienna.

Tips for Americans Dining Out in Austria

If you're an American dining out in Austria, be prepared for some cultural differences. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Austrians don't tend to apologise if they bump into someone, and they may not say "excuse me" when reaching across your space.
• When you order coffee, it will typically be served with a small glass of water.
• Most stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly.
• You may find a wider variety of milk and food items in Austrian grocery stores, such as goat milk, sheep milk, and spelt flour.
• Certain baking products that are common in the US, like vanilla extract, brown sugar, and chocolate chips, can be challenging to find in regular grocery stores. You may need to visit an international store or substitute with alternative ingredients.
• Drinking alcohol is more accepted and prevalent in Austria, with alcohol often served at events and gatherings.
• It is common to pay a small fee to use public toilets in Austria and other European countries.

Frequently asked questions