Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria's official currency is the euro, which is accepted everywhere in the country. Euros can be withdrawn from ATMs (called bankomats in Austria) and exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and post offices. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and petrol stations, especially in cities and tourist areas. Card payments are also generally accepted, but not everywhere, so it is recommended to carry some cash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro |
| Currency Code | EUR |
| Symbol | € |
| Banknotes | €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 |
| Coins | €2, €1, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents, 1 cent |
| Exchange Rate (1999) | €1 = 13.7603 Austrian Schilling |
| Card Options | Revolut, Wise |
| Cash Declaration Limit | €10,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Exchanging currency in Austria
Austria's official currency is the euro, which was adopted in 1999. Before this, the official currency was the Austrian schilling. Euros can be withdrawn from ATMs ("bankomats" in Austria) across the country, particularly in larger towns and cities such as Vienna and Salzburg.
ATMs rarely charge fees for cash withdrawals, but your home bank may impose charges for using your card overseas, including ATM withdrawals, foreign transactions, and currency conversions. It is recommended to let your bank know you are travelling to avoid having your card frozen due to foreign transactions.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and petrol stations in cities and tourist areas. Mastercard and Visa are the most commonly accepted, but American Express and Diners Club cards are also accepted in some places.
If you are exchanging currency, it is worth comparing rates to avoid high fees. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and post offices. Bureaux in popular tourist destinations often give poor exchange rates and add high or hidden fees, so it is better to use an inner-city bureau where there is more competition. Exchange rates and fees can vary dramatically between providers, with The Change Group and Interchange being the two main currency exchanges in Austria.
Mobile payment services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Alipay are becoming more popular in Austria, but it is recommended to check their availability before travelling. Prepaid travel cards are a good option as they generally have lower fees on euro currency exchange than credit or debit cards, and many allow you to hold multiple currencies.
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Using credit cards in Austria
Austria's official currency is the euro, and credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas. However, it is worth noting that Austria does not have a strong tradition of credit card use, and many locals prefer to use cash or debit cards.
Credit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and petrol stations in cities and tourist areas. Major card networks, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely recognised in Austria. American Express cards may be used for purchases, but they are not accepted at local ATMs. Additionally, keep in mind that credit card companies typically charge an annual fee, and foreign transactions may incur additional charges.
Before travelling to Austria, it is advisable to inform your bank to avoid potential issues with foreign transactions. When using your credit card, you may be asked to insert your card or provide a signature for security purposes. Card taps are usually restricted to low amounts, ranging from €25 to €50, and a PIN may be required for higher-value transactions.
To optimise your spending power in Austria, consider using a prepaid travel card, which often provides better exchange rates and lower fees than credit cards. These cards can be loaded with euros in advance, allowing you to manage your budget effectively. Additionally, some prepaid travel cards support multiple currencies, which can be beneficial if you plan to visit other countries as well.
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Using debit cards in Austria
The official currency in Austria is the euro. While it is possible to exchange other major currencies, such as US dollars and pounds sterling, for euros at bureaux de change in big cities like Vienna and Salzburg, it is generally recommended to carry euros in cash for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.
Regarding the use of debit cards in Austria, here is some information to consider:
Debit Card Acceptance
International debit cards are widely accepted at major retailers, restaurants, stores, and hotels in Austria, particularly in touristy establishments. However, smaller businesses and remote locations may prefer cash transactions due to the fees associated with card transactions. It is always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup.
ATM Availability
ATMs, known as "bankomats" in Austria, are readily available throughout the country, especially in larger towns and cities like Vienna and Salzburg. You can use your foreign debit card to withdraw cash from these ATMs, but be aware of potential fees and currency conversion charges. Some ATMs may offer to charge you in your home currency; it is generally recommended to choose to be charged in euros to avoid unfavourable exchange rates.
Card Security
When using your debit card in Austria, be vigilant against potential card skimming, where your card's magnetic stripe is copied and your PIN is captured. Austrian banks generally maintain high security standards for debit cards, but it is always important to be cautious.
Prepaid Travel Cards
Consider obtaining a prepaid travel card, such as Revolut or Wise, which offer excellent exchange rates, multi-currency balances, and low or no fees on transactions and withdrawals. These cards can provide a more cost-effective and secure alternative to traditional bank debit cards when travelling in Austria.
Mobile Payments
Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are becoming more popular in Austria. Check with your service provider to see if your mobile payment method is widely available in the country.
In summary, while debit cards are widely accepted in Austria, particularly in urban and tourist areas, it is advisable to carry some euros in cash for smaller purchases and remote locations. Be mindful of potential fees and charges associated with ATM withdrawals and foreign transactions, and consider using a prepaid travel card or mobile payment service for added convenience and security.
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Using cash in Austria
Austria's official currency is the Euro, which was adopted in 1999. Each Euro is divided into 100 cents. You will see the symbol € used to show prices in shops and restaurants.
Euro banknotes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 denominations, and there are €2, €1, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents and 1 cent coins.
ATMs are widely available in Austria, and foreign debit cards can often be used to withdraw cash. However, it's a good idea to always carry cash with you as Austrian stores are known for only accepting cash at smaller shops and grocery stores. ATMs in Austria rarely charge on-site withdrawal fees, unlike in many other countries.
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 ID as long as you can answer a test question provided by the sender.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Austria, with American Express, Visa, and Diners Club being the most common. However, it's important to note that when you make purchases with your card, or withdraw money from an ATM, you may encounter Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This means you will be offered the option to be charged in your home currency rather than euros, but you will often get a poor exchange rate and pay additional fees.
If you want to exchange cash, you can do so at banks and exchange venues. Exchange places at airports and hotels often advertise "0 fees" or "no commission", but this is usually false advertising.
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Sending money to Austria
Austria's official currency is the euro, and it's good to have some euro banknotes on hand for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies. Credit cards are widely accepted in numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, and petrol stations in cities and tourist areas. VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, and you can also use American Express, though local ATMs won't accept it.
If you're sending money to Austria, you can use a service like Wise or Western Union. These services offer online money transfers, as well as apps, and agent locations where you can pay in person. Wise is available in the US, UK, EU/EEA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Chile. Western Union serves over 200 countries and territories, including Austria.
When sending money to Austria, you'll need to provide the name and account details of the recipient, as well as the purpose of the transfer. You can pay for your money transfer using a bank account, credit or debit card, or cash. It's important to note that your bank may impose high rates and fees for using your card overseas, including for ATM withdrawals, overseas transactions, and currency conversions.
To get the best exchange rate, it's recommended to use a prepaid travel card, which generally incurs lower fees on euro currency exchange than credit or debit cards. These cards let you hold multiple currencies and avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. One recommended option is the Wise Travel Card, which offers the same exchange rates as Google or XE.com, without purchase, load, or reload fees.
If you're exchanging currency in Austria, it's best to avoid currency exchange counters at airports and hotels, as they often have poor exchange rates and high or hidden fees. Instead, opt for a bureau de change in the city centre, where competition is likely to drive rates down.
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Frequently asked questions
The official currency of Austria is the Euro.
There are several ways to exchange your money for Euros. You can exchange currency at a bank, exchange bureau, or post office before or upon arrival in Austria. You can also order Euros online to be delivered or picked up. If you are in a big city like Vienna or Salzburg, you can easily exchange major currencies like US dollars and British pounds for Euros at bureaux de change.
Card payments are widely accepted in Austria, but not everywhere. Look for card logos at the entrance of shops and restaurants. It is recommended to always have some cash on hand for small purchases. ATMs are everywhere in Austria, particularly in larger towns and cities, so you will have no problem finding one when you need to withdraw cash.
