Europe
Austria
Safe and orderly, with Vienna's café culture, Alpine hiking and skiing, and fast trains between cities. Costs are mid-to-high, and small towns are traditional and quiet, especially on Sundays.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level82%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent alpine water; Vienna's comes from mountain springs.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityVienna is very open, with Vienna Pride in June; rural areas are more conservative but rarely hostile.Details
- Internet107 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 113 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightNon-EU visitors should carry an IDP with their licence; motorways and expressways need a vignette.
Where to go in Austria
8 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ViennaCapital city | 5/5 | $2,590–3,600 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 26/100 |
| SalzburgCity | 5/5 | $2,360–3,380 | May–Sep | 33/100 |
| InnsbruckCity | 5/5 | $2,250–3,260 | Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep | 34/100 |
| HallstattTown | 5/5 | $2,700–3,830 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 21/100 |
| GrazCity | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 41/100 |
| Zell am SeeMountain town | 5/5 | $2,700–3,830 | Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep | 22/100 |
| KitzbühelMountain town | 5/5 | $3,150–4,500 | Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep | 12/100 |
| St. AntonMountain town | 5/5 | $3,150–4,500 | Jan–Mar | 11/100 |
When to visit Austria
June–September for hiking and lakes; December–March for skiing; late November–December for Advent markets. Vienna is pleasant April–October.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across the whole area; days spent in other Schengen countries count.
- The EU Entry/Exit System is live: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry, so expect longer queues.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
- Renting a flat? Register the address (Meldezettel) within three days of moving in; hotels do this for you.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Motorways and expressways need a vignette; driving without one brings steep fines.
- Nazi symbols and salutes are serious crimes.
- Riding public transport without a valid ticket brings an on-the-spot penalty fare.
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Grüß Gott' or 'Servus'
- Titles like 'Doktor' still matter in formal settings
- Most shops close on Sundays
- Lingering for hours over one coffee is normal
Tipping
Round up or add about 5–10%, telling the server the total when you pay.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
- KlimaTicket Österreich
- ÖBB Austrian Federal Railways
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Austria
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.