Austria is part of the Eurozone, so the official currency is the euro. It's uncommon to pay for goods in any other currency, and you'll need to notify your bank that you'll be travelling to avoid your account being frozen. There are two types of ATMs in Austria: official ones bearing a blue-green logo, and private ones that charge a fee for cash withdrawals. You can use any machine, but you'll need to check that it works with your card's network. It's also worth noting that Austrian ATMs routinely dispense €100 notes, so select your amount accordingly.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Currency | Euro |
Cash withdrawals | In Euros with a fee |
ATM fees | Major banks don't charge ATM fees to foreigners, but privately-operated ATMs may charge high fees |
ATM locations | On every corner, inside banks, supermarkets, and post offices |
Card networks | Cirrus, PLUS, STAR, Co-Op, Moneypass |
PIN code | 4-digit |
Withdrawal limits | 400 Euros per transaction |
Exchange rate | 1 € = 1.19 $US |
What You'll Learn
Ensure your card is compatible with the ATM
To ensure your card is compatible with the ATM, you should first check with your card issuer to see if they have agreements with banks in Austria to waive the ATM fee. You should also check the logos on the back of your card to see if it is part of a network that Austrian ATMs are part of. Common logos include PLUS, STAR, and Co-Op. If your card is a Visa or Mastercard, it will likely work at most Austrian ATMs. Additionally, make sure that your card has a 4-digit PIN, as 6-digit PINs are not compatible with Austrian ATMs. It is also a good idea to bring more than one card, from different banks, in case you encounter any issues.
ATMs are prevalent in all Austrian cities and even smaller towns. They are linked to a national network that most likely includes your bank back home. Both the Cirrus and PLUS networks have automated ATM locators listing the banks in Austria that will accept your card. You can also use any machine with your network's symbol on it. If your card is not compatible with the ATM, it will simply give you an error message.
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Avoid private ATMs
When using an ATM in Austria, it's important to be aware of the different types of ATMs available and the potential fees associated with each. There are two types of ATMs in Austria: "official" ATMs, which are usually found within banks or bearing a blue-green logo on the street, and "private" ATMs, which are often located in supermarkets or other convenient locations. While official ATMs typically do not charge a fee for cash withdrawals, private ATMs may impose significant charges.
To avoid unnecessary fees, it is generally recommended to steer clear of private ATMs. These are often found in tourist areas and can charge high fees for the convenience of accessing cash. For example, Euronet ATMs are known to charge a fee for cash withdrawals, and other private ATMs may follow suit. By avoiding these private ATMs, you can minimize the risk of incurring unexpected charges.
It's worth noting that even within official ATMs, there can be variations in fees. While major banks in Austria typically do not charge ATM fees to foreigners, your own bank or card issuer may levy charges for using a different bank's ATM. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your bank about any potential fees before initiating a transaction.
Additionally, when using an ATM in Austria, it is crucial to pay attention to the currency conversion options offered. If given the choice between being charged in your home currency or the local currency (euros), always opt for euros. Choosing to be charged in your home currency may result in unfavorable exchange rates and additional fees.
In summary, to avoid unnecessary fees when using ATMs in Austria, stick to official ATMs belonging to major banks, be cautious of private ATMs that may charge higher fees, and always select the local currency (euros) when given the option. By following these guidelines, you can minimize fees and have a more pleasant travel experience in Austria.
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Notify your bank
It is important to notify your bank when you plan to travel to Austria, or any other country for that matter. This is because, if you don't, and they see withdrawals from another country, your account could be frozen. Banks do this to protect your money from potential fraud.
You should tell your bank which countries you will be visiting and the dates of your trip. It's also a good idea to check your daily withdrawal limit and make sure your PIN is only four digits long, as six-digit PINs are not accepted in Austria. If you have a six-digit PIN, you will need to go into your bank and get a new one before your trip.
It's also worth bringing more than one card, from different banks, if possible. That way, if one card is blocked or swallowed by an ATM, you still have access to cash.
Some people also recommend bringing two cards from different banks to avoid issues with network compatibility. However, in practice, this doesn't seem to be a major issue. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Austria, so if your card is one of these, you shouldn't have any problems.
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Withdraw in the local currency
Withdrawing money in Austria is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best exchange rates and avoid unnecessary fees. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to withdraw money in the local currency from ATMs in Austria:
- Be mindful of the local currency: Austria uses the Euro as its official currency, so ensure that you are familiar with the Euro banknotes and coins. Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. However, you may rarely come across a €500 note, and some merchants may be reluctant to accept the higher denominations of €100 and €200. Euro coins are available in denominations of €1, €2, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.
- Locate an ATM: ATMs in Austria are known as "Bankomats" and can be found everywhere, especially in larger towns and cities like Vienna and Salzburg. You can use Google Maps to search for "ATM near me," which will show you the nearest ATM and provide directions. It is recommended to use bank-run ATMs located just outside the bank during their opening hours, as they usually do not charge usage fees and are more secure.
- Check for fees: While ATM providers in Austria rarely charge fees for ATM use, privately-operated ATMs may sometimes impose high fees. The machine should inform you about any charges, and you can choose to cancel the transaction if you wish. Additionally, remember that your home bank may charge fees for using an ATM overseas and for currency conversions.
- Insert your card and follow the instructions: When using the ATM, insert your card and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure that you have a 4-digit PIN for your card, as this is the standard in Austria. If you have a 6-digit PIN, you will need to contact your bank to obtain a new PIN for your trip.
- Choose to withdraw in Euros: If given the option, always choose to withdraw money in Euros (the local currency) rather than your home currency. This will help you avoid unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees.
- Be mindful of your daily withdrawal limit: Remember that ATMs have withdrawal limits, and your home bank may also have set a daily cash withdrawal limit. If you cannot withdraw your desired amount in one transaction, try making several smaller withdrawals or using a different ATM.
- Keep a record of your transactions: Note down the amount you withdrew and the exchange rate used. Many ATM receipts do not list the exchange rate, and some machines do not dispense receipts. This record-keeping will help you stay within your budget and avoid any unexpected fees.
- Be cautious with large bills: In some cases, ATMs may dispense high-denomination bills, such as €100 or €200. These larger bills can sometimes be challenging to use for smaller purchases, so consider requesting odd amounts (e.g., €2,800 instead of €3,000) or exchanging the large bills for smaller denominations at a bank.
- Keep your cash secure: Always be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing cash, and keep your money secure. Use a money belt or a secure bag to carry your cash and other valuables.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans: Before your trip, remember to inform your bank or card issuer that you will be travelling internationally. This step will help prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and potentially being frozen.
By following these steps, you can confidently withdraw money in the local currency from ATMs in Austria, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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Be aware of withdrawal limits
When using an ATM in Austria, it's important to be aware of any withdrawal limits that may apply. These limits can vary depending on the bank and the type of account you have. Most banks in Austria have a standard withdrawal limit of 400 euros per transaction, but there may be some exceptions where you can withdraw up to 1000 euros. It's always a good idea to check with your bank before travelling to know your daily withdrawal limit.
To avoid high fees, it's best to use "official" ATMs that are usually found within banks or bear a blue-green logo on the street. These ATMs typically don't charge a fee for cash withdrawals if you're using a debit card. On the other hand, private ATMs may charge a high fee for cash withdrawals, so it's important to be cautious when using these machines.
If you're using a credit card for cash withdrawals, be aware that your credit card company may penalize you with a fee, typically around 3%. Additionally, some e-wallet cards may have specific withdrawal limits and costs associated with them. For example, using a Skrill prepaid MasterCard in Italy has a daily withdrawal limit of 250 euros for non-VIP users and a commission fee of 1.80 euros.
To minimize fees, it's recommended to withdraw larger amounts less frequently. It's also important to notify your bank before travelling to avoid any issues or freezing of your account due to suspicious activity. By taking these factors into account, you can make informed decisions about your cash withdrawals and avoid unexpected charges when using ATMs in Austria.
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