Get Cash In Vienna: Tips For Accessing Money In Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a beautiful city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. When it comes to accessing cash in Vienna, there are several options available to travellers. It is important to carry some cash, especially for smaller transactions, tips, and emergencies. ATMs, also known as Bankomaten, are readily available in Vienna, especially in retail centres, airports, and rail stations. It is advisable to carry a four-digit PIN for your ATM card and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with withdrawals. Currency exchange services and traveller's cheques are also widely available, but it is recommended to compare rates and commissions as they can vary. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is always good to have some cash on hand as some establishments may have real or pretended issues with their technology.

Using an ATM in Vienna

Vienna, Austria, is part of the European Union and Eurozone, so the official currency is the Euro. It is a good idea to always carry cash with you in Vienna, as Austrian stores are known for only accepting cash at smaller shops and grocery stores.

ATMs are prevalent in Vienna, particularly in retail centres and other large cities. You can use any ATM machine, but it is important to note that there are different types of ATMs designed for different purposes. If you want to withdraw cash, look for the word "Auszahlung" on the machine. If you see the word "Kontoauszug", this ATM is for bank account statements and will not work for cash withdrawals.

It is recommended to use a 4-digit PIN for your ATM card, as some people have reported problems with 6-digit PINs at some European ATMs. Additionally, Austrian ATMs routinely dispense €100 notes, so select your amount accordingly to avoid receiving large denominations.

Most debit cards from American credit unions and banks work with most European ATMs, but it is a good idea to bring a backup card from a different bank or credit union in case of network compatibility issues. You can use VISA's global ATM locator website to find ATMs throughout Austria. Additionally, your bank may have a partner bank in Austria that allows for easy and free withdrawals, so it is worth checking your bank's website for this information.

Finally, when withdrawing money from an ATM, be mindful of dynamic currency conversion (DCC). If you are offered the option to be charged in your home currency instead of euros, always select euros to avoid steeper fees and poor exchange rates.

Exchanging currency

The official currency of Austria is the euro, used in 12 other countries across Europe.

It's a good idea to exchange at least some money before travelling to Austria, as you'll get a better exchange rate at the point of departure. However, you may get a better rate if you exchange currency at a bank in Austria, rather than a currency exchange service, hotel, or shop.

ATMs (known as Bankomaten in Austria) are prevalent in all Austrian cities, even smaller towns, and you can use these to withdraw cash 24/7. You can use VISA's global ATM locator website to find ATMs in Austria. Be sure to check the fees for withdrawing cash with your credit card, as these can be high. You should also make sure that your bank cards have a four-digit PIN, as this is required for ATMs in Austria. If you have a six-digit PIN, you'll need to visit your bank to change it before you travel.

You can also buy traveller's cheques from most banks, which are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. You'll pay a service charge for these, which is typically between 1% and 4%. You can also get a refund if your traveller's cheques are lost or stolen, but only if you have a record of their serial numbers.

It's worth noting that some merchants in Austria may refuse to accept damaged or torn banknotes, so make sure that any cash you bring into the country is in good condition.

Using a credit card

Credit cards are widely accepted in Austria, with American Express, Visa, and Diners Club being the most common. Major providers such as Mastercard are also widely accepted at major restaurants, stores, and hotels in Austria. However, it is important to note that credit cards are not as popular in Vienna and Austria as in other countries like the USA. Many Austrians prefer to use cash, and some shops, restaurants, and cafes in Vienna may only accept cash or their Bankomat card, which is a debit card attached to their bank account. Therefore, it is always good to carry some cash, especially for seasonal open-air markets, museum lockers, and occasional cafes.

ATMs are prevalent in all Austrian cities, even in smaller towns and retail centers of larger cities such as Vienna. You can use your credit card at these ATMs to withdraw cash. However, make sure that your credit card has a four-digit PIN code as six-digit codes are not accepted in Austria. Additionally, watch out for offers to be charged in your home currency instead of the local one. Always select the option to be charged in euros to avoid higher fees and poor exchange rates.

If you need emergency cash, you can have money wired to you from Western Union. You must present valid ID to pick up the cash, but in most countries, you can pick up a money transfer without valid identification as long as you can answer a test question provided by the sender.

It is also worth checking if your bank has a partner bank in Austria, as this may allow you to make easy and free withdrawals while in Vienna.

Carrying traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques can be a useful way to carry money when travelling to Vienna, Austria. They are offered by American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa, and MasterCard and can be purchased at most banks. Traveller's cheques are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.

It is recommended to exchange currency or traveller's cheques at a bank, where you will get a better rate than cash, rather than at a currency service, hotel, or shop. Foreign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at all banks, bureaux de change, and post offices in Vienna. Commissions vary, so it is worthwhile to compare prices.

There is an American Express office in Vienna on Kärntnerstrasse, where you can cash AmEx cheques for no charge. Additionally, you can cash Thomas Cook cheques for free at Sparkasse branches.

It is important to keep a record of the serial numbers of your traveller's cheques separate from the cheques themselves in case they are lost or stolen. This will make it easier to get a refund.

While traveller's cheques can be a secure way to carry money, it is worth noting that their acceptance in the Eurozone, including Austria, is very limited away from airport locations. ATMs are prevalent in all Austrian cities and even smaller towns, so having a debit or credit card may be a more convenient option for accessing cash in Vienna.

Tipping in Vienna

Tipping culture in Vienna is similar to that of other major European cities. While tipping is not compulsory, it is customary to leave a tip for restaurant and bar staff, porters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and cleaning staff.

In restaurants, it is common to tip between 5-15% of the bill, rounding up to the nearest convenient number. For example, if the bill is €9, you might round up to €10, or if it's €25, you could round up to €28. While it is not expected, you are free to tip more if you wish. When paying, state the total amount, including the tip, rather than leaving coins or notes on the table after paying the bill.

If you are paying by card, you can ask if you should add a tip to the total. Alternatively, you can pay the bill with your card and then give some coins or notes as a tip. It is worth noting that credit card payments are not very common in Vienna, and some cafes only accept cash. Debit cards are more widely accepted, but it is a good idea to carry some cash with you.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is generally considered rude not to leave a tip at all, unless you are extremely dissatisfied with the service. A smaller tip can be given as an expression of disappointment, but leaving no tip may be seen as offensive.

It is important to note that service charges are not standard in Vienna, as they are in some countries like the US. Service staff in Vienna are paid wages, and the cost of service is included in the menu prices. However, their salaries are considered low, and they do rely on tips to supplement their income.

In other service contexts, such as bars, it is customary to leave a smaller tip, especially if the person taking your money is also preparing your order. In self-service situations, such as takeaway food joints or airport self-service restaurants, a tip is typically not expected.

Frequently asked questions