Austria is an execellent destination for travellers of all ages and interests. Here are some basic facts for people visiting Austria.

Official Language

German  

Currency

Euro (EUR)  

Weather  

The climate is moderate. Winter brings snow to most parts of the country from December through March (longer in the higher elevations). Summers are comfortable, averaging a daytime temperature of 71° F (21° C) in Vienna, for instance, and bringing occasional thunderstorms. Annual precipitation is distributed evenly.  

Taxes  

A value-added tax (VAT) of 20 percent is included in the list price of goods and services. It can be claimed back either when you leave or when you get back home, so it is worth asking the shop to give you the relevant refund papers.  

Money Exchange  

Travelers' cheques are widely accepted and can be changed for a small commission at banks, post offices and exchange bureaux. Rates and fees tend to be higher in smaller banks and exchange offices so it is worth shopping around for the best deal. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign or local currency brought in or taken out of the country. ATMs are available almost everywhere and most major credit cards are widely accepted.  

Business Hours  

Most stores are open Monday–Friday, from 8 or 9 AM to 6 PM or 7:30 PM, but some may close for a 1- or 2-hour lunch break during the day. On Saturdays, hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM. In resort areas stores are generally open on weekends.

Holidays

Business holidays include New Year's Day (1 January), Epiphany (6 January), Easter Monday (March or April; date varies), Labor Day (1 May), Ascension Day (May; date varies), Whit Monday (May; date varies), Corpus Christi (June; date varies), Assumption (15 August), Flag Day (26 October), All Saints' Day (1 November), Immaculate Conception (8 December), Christmas Day (25 December), and St. Stephen's Day (26 December).  

Electricity  

The electrical current in Austria is 220V at 50Hz AC. Wall sockets take the continental, two-pin plugs.  

International calls to Austria  

The international country code for Austria is 43. Calls to Vienna are prefixed by 1 from outside the country and by 01 from within Austria.  

Local Cuisine  

There are many delicious traditional Austrian dishes, including Wiener Schnitzel, Gulasch, Kaiserschmarrn and Palatschinken. Viennese cuisine tends to have southeast European influences. Austria is famous for its coffee houses and the delicious cakes and pastries they serve.  

Time Zone  

Austria operates on Greenwich mean time (GMT) plus 1 hour (GMT +2 during daylight saving time). This is +6 hours from Eastern Standard Time or + 9 hours from Pacific Standard Time. Austria is in the same time zone as Paris, Berlin, and Rome.