Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria is a great destination for tourists, with its Alpine views, baroque cities, and modern cities like Vienna. If you're planning a trip to Austria, there are a few things you should know and take with you. Firstly, check your passport and ensure it has plenty of blank pages and at least six months of validity remaining. Secondly, be aware of the local laws and customs. Austria has strict laws against drug possession and face-covering in public. The dialect varies across the nine states, and Austrians value politeness and formality. It's also important to be vigilant in public places due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. In terms of what to pack, bring a photocopy of your passport, a power bank, a durable phone case, and a SIM card from a local provider like A1. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance and carry a copy of your prescription if you're bringing medication. Lastly, don't forget to try the local cuisine, including Wiener Schnitzel and Mozart Balls!
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What You'll Learn
Travel documents
Austria is part of the Schengen area, meaning that citizens of some countries can enter without a visa. However, you should always carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country. Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave. It is recommended that you get your passport stamped on entry and exit. If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add the date and location to your passport.
If you intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or if you wish to work in Austria, you must obtain an Austrian visa. Prospective students should visit the Study in Austria webpage for current information on student visa requirements. You can apply for a visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria or before your 90-day stay has expired.
If you are travelling between Austria and a non-EU country, you must declare funds of more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not just cash. Failure to do so will result in fines. You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.
In addition, there are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Austria. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions, such as powdered baby milk, baby food, and special foods or pet food required for medical reasons.
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Health and safety
Austria has world-class healthcare facilities throughout the country. However, healthcare costs are high, and most healthcare providers only accept cash payments. Before travelling to Austria, it is important to review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. It is recommended that you purchase travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. It is also strongly recommended that you supplement this with insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are a U.S. citizen, be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas, and most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Local hospitals will not settle accounts directly with American insurance companies. You must pay the hospital bill and later claim reimbursement from the insurance carrier in the United States.
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before you travel, no matter where you're going. These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others. If your travel plans in Austria include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip: stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Austria. Take enough legal medication for your trip. Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating the generic names of any medicines you take. Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription. The Austrian Medicine Import Act prohibits the import of most prescription drugs into Austria. However, non-European Union residents are allowed medicines as part of their personal luggage, but only in the quantity required for the period of time they will be in the country.
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Transport
Austria has a well-developed transport system, and you have several options for getting around the country. Here is an overview of the different modes of transport available:
Trains
Trains are a popular way to get around Austria, with the national railway system, Österreichische Bundesbahnen or ÖBB, offering an extensive network of routes. ÖBB operates both international and national routes, connecting the nine federal states in Austria. The company is known for its great service and punctuality, with a punctuality rate of 97%. In addition to ÖBB, another company called Westbahn offers train routes within the country, particularly to smaller towns.
Train tickets can be purchased through the ÖBB Tickets app, the Westbahn app, or the ÖBB website. The ÖBB Standard Ticket offers the most flexibility, as it allows you to take any train route and connection, and is valid for up to two days. For night journeys, the ÖBB Komfort Ticket includes reservations and breakfast. You can also find various discount cards for over-65s, families, under-26s, and frequent travellers. If you plan to take multiple train trips during your stay, consider purchasing the Vorteilscard, which offers a 50% discount on train tickets for 66 euros a year.
Buses
Buses are another option for getting around Austria, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. The national bus company, Postbus, offers routes within the country, while FlixBus provides international bus connections. Bus travel is generally cheaper than train travel, but keep in mind that trains are typically faster and more comfortable for long-distance trips.
Luggage compartments are available on buses for storing suitcases and, in some cases, bicycles, although this is not officially allowed and is at the driver's discretion. Tickets for buses can be purchased directly from the driver or through the respective bus company's website or app.
Flights
Flights between Austrian cities are available, but they tend to be expensive and may not save much time compared to other modes of transport. However, if you are looking to cover long distances or prefer air travel, Austria has 55 airports, including one with paved runways longer than 10,000 feet.
Driving
If you want to explore the Austrian countryside at your own pace, driving can be a great option. The roads in Austria are well-maintained, and outside the cities, there is little congestion. Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a toll pass, or Autobahnvignette, in advance if you plan to drive on the motorways. Winter driving can be challenging due to icy road conditions, so it is recommended to use winter tyres during this season.
Bicycles
Bicycles are a popular choice for getting around Austrian cities, and many cities offer bike-hire initiatives. Vienna and Salzburg, for example, have public bike rental schemes. You can also take your bicycle on trains, but you will need a separate ticket for it, unless it is a foldable bike.
Other Options
Austria also offers other unique modes of transport, such as cable cars and boats. Passenger ferry routes and boat tours operate along the Danube River, providing a scenic way to travel between Passau, Linz, Wachau, and Vienna. Additionally, daily boat services are available on several larger lakes in the Salzkammergut region, including Wolfgangsee, Hallstätter See, and Tirol's Achensee.
So, whether you choose to travel by train, bus, plane, car, or bicycle, Austria's transport system will help you navigate the country's stunning landscapes and cultural destinations with ease.
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Food and customs
Austria is predominantly Roman Catholic, but many Austrians living outside the country may be Jewish or Protestant and celebrate their religious holidays accordingly. Austrians are proud of their excellent wines, beers, and spirits, so be sure to sample regional beverages whenever possible. After a meal, you are likely to be offered a shot of Schnaps, Austria's favourite digestive.
A typical Austrian meal is a long-running affair, with at least three courses and no rush to leave after the last bite. It is common to linger at the table and enjoy a drink before giving up the table. When dining in a group, it is polite to wish each other 'Guten Appetit' or 'Mahlzeit', which means 'mealtime' and is also used as a general greeting around midday. At traditional restaurants, especially in the countryside, it is considered polite to greet other diners with 'Mahlzeit'. When clinking glasses, Austrians make eye contact and say 'Prost' to each person. You could also say 'Zum Wohl' or 'Prosit', which both also mean 'to your health'.
Mealtimes are mannered and orderly, with the father being served first, leading the conversation, and giving his eagerly anticipated opinion on the food. Dinner guests are always on time and bring a bouquet of flowers for their hostess. Austrians like to spend time over their meals, discussing various topics, and afterwards, they spend an equal amount of time finishing their conversations over a cup of coffee and dessert. This behaviour is referred to as Austrian Gemuetlichkeit, which describes a sense of belonging, cosiness, and social acceptance.
A typical day of food in Austria might start with small crisp rolls, preserves, and butter, with good coffee. This is followed at 10 am by a small bowl of hot gulyas, or a sausage with bread and pickles, and a beer. Lunch at 1 pm is usually a 'real' meal of soup, roast meat or chicken, bread, dumplings or noodles, and a small salad. This is followed by cheese, fresh fruit, or compote. In the afternoon, Austrians might enjoy coffee and pastries, and at 7 pm, businesses close and families come together for dinner, which is often similar to lunch. After dinner, they might go to the theatre or opera, or visit friends, and it is common to chat over a simple late-night snack of sandwiches, cold salads, pastries, and coffee at 11 pm.
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Shopping
Austria is known for its fine crystal, with a range of glassware, lighting, fashion, and jewellery available. Head to Innsbruck, where the world-famous Swarovski crystal is manufactured, or visit showrooms and retailers across the country. Vienna is also home to the family-run glassmakers J. & L. Lobmeyr, who have been creating glassware, chandeliers, and lamps since 1823.
If you're looking for something delicious to eat, Austria has plenty of options. Sample the famous Mozart Balls (Mozartkugel) in Salzburg, where they were first created by Paul Fürst in 1890. These chocolate confections feature a marzipan centre with pistachio and nougat, wrapped in distinctive blue and silver foil. Vienna is known for its confectionery, with beautiful packaged chocolates and unique creations found in Konditorei (café-confectioneries) throughout the city. Manner wafer cookies are another popular treat, widely available in supermarkets and Manner flagship stores. For something truly special, visit Altmann & Kühne, a traditional confectioner known for their gorgeous packaging—miniature chests, books, drawers, and hat boxes filled with chocolate and pralines.
Austria also boasts its own local spirit: Schnaps. This fruit brandy is produced in small batches by individual farmers and those with fruit trees in their backyards. Keep an eye out for local farmers selling Schnaps and liqueurs at Christmas markets or farmers' markets.
Lastly, for fashion-conscious shoppers, Austria offers some unique options. Waldviertler shoes are known for their quality and durability, while Greencult's safety razor and Haslinger shaving soap are recommended for those interested in wet shaving. You can also check out the Riedel glass showroom in Austria, although transporting the glass may be challenging.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. Citizens of the European Union will not need a visa. Nor will certain other nationalities, including Americans, Australians, and Canadians, need a visa for less than 90 days. U.S. citizens who intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or who wish to be gainfully employed in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa.
It is recommended to carry a copy of your passport at all times along with a second form of ID. You should also carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor if you plan to bring medication. Additionally, you may want to bring a cellphone and a power bank.
Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transportation. There is also an ongoing threat of terrorism in Austria, so remain vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.
Healthcare standards are high, but medical costs can be expensive. Make sure you have travel insurance before your trip, and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Ticks carrying encephalitis are common in forested and rural areas from spring to autumn, so check your body for ticks and remove them as soon as possible.
