Leslie Massey
Vienna, the capital city of Austria, is a popular tourist destination. It is famous for its picturesque streets, classical music concerts, and architectural buildings, like the Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces. If you're planning a trip to Vienna, it's important to know what currency to use. The currency in Austria is the euro, which has been in use since January 1, 2002, when it replaced the country's previous currency, the schilling. Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, while coins include 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. It's worth noting that smaller shops and markets in Vienna may prefer smaller notes and coins, and some may not accept the larger 200 and 500 euro notes. ATMs, also known as Bankomaten, are readily available in Vienna for cash withdrawals, but be mindful of potential fees when using credit cards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro |
| Currency Code | EUR |
| Currency Symbol | € |
| Euro banknotes | 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 |
| Euro coins | 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents |
| Cents coins | 1, 2 |
| Use of credit cards | Accepted in larger hotels, chain stores, and upmarket restaurants |
| Use of cash | Accepted in smaller shops and simple eateries |
| ATMs | Available throughout Austria, known as Bankomaten |
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What You'll Learn
Euro banknotes and coins
The currency used in Vienna, Austria, is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. The symbol for the euro is € and its currency code is EUR. Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, although the 200 and 500 euro notes are seldom used and may not be accepted by many places. Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros.
When visiting Vienna, it is recommended to carry some euro coins for various purposes, such as using museum lockers, shopping trolleys, and public toilets. While credit cards and travel money cards can be useful for larger purchases, smaller shops and simple eateries may require cash. ATMs, known as "Bankomaten" in Austria, are common in Austrian cities like Vienna, and you can use them to withdraw cash in euros. However, be cautious of additional charges and exchange rates when using credit cards or withdrawing cash with your credit card.
It is worth noting that before the introduction of the euro, Austria used the Schilling (ATS) as its currency between 1925 and 2002. During World War II, from 1938 to 1945, the German Reichsmark was the official currency in Austria. While the transition to the euro went relatively smoothly, some older Austrians may still refer to the Schilling in conversation.
The euro is the official currency in Austria and many other countries within the Eurozone, including Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, and more. Vienna, being a popular tourist destination, has facilities to cater to money exchanges, but it is advisable to carry cash when venturing beyond major cities.
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Exchanging currency
The currency used in Vienna, Austria, is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. You will find euro banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, although the two highest denominations are seldom used and may not be accepted by many stores. There are also 1 and 2 euro coins, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent coins.
When exchanging currency, it is important to be aware of the exchange rate, as well as any fees or commissions that may be charged. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, and post offices in Austria. It is recommended to compare rates to avoid high fees, as these can vary between different providers.
ATMs, known locally as Bankomaten, are common in Austrian towns and cities, including Vienna. They are accessible 24/7 and accept cards such as Maestro, MasterCard, American Express, Visa, and Diners. However, fees for withdrawing cash with a credit card can be quite high, so it is important to check the terms of your credit card contract.
Using a travel money card, such as the Wise euro card, can be a convenient way to avoid unfavourable exchange rates and excessive fees. These cards allow you to top up in your local currency and then switch to euros when spending in Austria.
It is generally advisable to carry only small amounts of cash in case of theft and to plan your expenses in advance. While card payments are widely accepted in larger establishments, smaller shops and simple eateries may require cash. Additionally, some purchases, such as museum lockers and public toilets, may require coins.
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Using cards
Vienna, the capital of Austria, uses the Euro as its currency. Euro banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, while Euro coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros.
When it comes to using cards in Vienna, it's important to note that the city and Austria, in general, do not have a strong culture of credit card usage. While credit cards may be accepted in larger establishments such as hotels and some larger businesses that cater to tourists, small businesses often refuse them. Therefore, it is advisable to carry cash or a debit card as a backup.
Debit cards are widely accepted in Vienna, and many locals prefer using them for transactions. ATMs, known as "Bankomaten" in German, are easily found throughout the city and accept a variety of cards. However, be cautious when withdrawing cash with a credit card, as fees can be variable and sometimes high.
To get the best exchange rates and avoid excessive fees when using your card in Vienna, consider using a travel money card like the Wise euro card. This card allows you to top up in your local currency and then switch to euros when making purchases in Vienna.
Additionally, if you plan to use public transportation or visit museums and tourist attractions, consider purchasing the Vienna City Card. This card offers free unlimited travel on public transport within Vienna for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or 7 days, depending on the option you choose. It also provides discounts at various attractions and can be purchased online or at tourist information offices, hotels, and transport ticket offices.
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ATMs
Vienna, Austria uses the Euro as its official currency. Euros come in notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros.
If your card issuer has a partnership with a bank in Austria, you may be able to avoid ATM fees. You can also check with your card issuer to see if they have agreements with banks in Austria to void the ATM fee. Using a travel money card, such as the Wise euro card, can also help you avoid poor exchange rates and excessive fees.
It is recommended that you use a 4-digit PIN for your ATM card, as some people have reported problems with 6-digit PINs at European ATMs.
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Coins from other countries
The currency used in Vienna, Austria, is the euro, which has been the case since January 1, 2002. Before this date, the Austrian schilling was used, and you may still hear some of the older generation refer to this in conversation.
As each country's coins are accepted across the Eurozone, you will find coins in Vienna featuring designs from many different countries. German-minted coins are particularly common in Vienna, perhaps due to the proximity of the two countries and the number of German tourists visiting the city.
If you are interested in foreign or historical coins, there are specialist coin shops in Vienna, such as Schoeller Muenzhandel, which deals in precious metals and contemporary and historical coins. Schoeller Muenzhandel can be found at Renngasse 14, A-1010, Wien. There are also several branches of Dorotheum, which deals in precious metals and coins, across the city.
If you are looking for a gift or souvenir, the Austrian Mint produces a Silver Vienna Philharmonic coin in a festive blister pack for Easter, as well as a Gold Savings Plan, Gold Reserve, and Gold Depot.
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Frequently asked questions
The currency used in Vienna, Austria is the Euro.
Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500. However, the 200 and 500 euro notes are seldom used and may not be accepted by many stores.
Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros.
