Austria: Fast Facts

Language

• German
  • Nein = no (nine)​
  • Ja = Yes (yah)
  • Please = Bitte (BIHT-tuh)
  • Good day = Guten tag (GOO-ten-tahk)

Money

• Currency: euro
• Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants.  
• Expect to pay cash at small restaurants and hotels.

Toilets

• Expect to pay (50 cents) to use some restroom facilities.

Etiquette​

• Greet others with a handshake or a “hello” with direct eye contact
• Austrians are reserved and avoid public affection
• Stand to the right on escalators

Tipping

• Restaurants
  • Tax and service charge is included in the bill
  • It is customary to round up the total when paying or tip 5%. Tell the waiter the amount you want to pay.
• Tour guides: 2 euro per day
• Bar Tenders: round up the bill
• Taxis: 10%

​​Dining

• You must ask for the bill
• Don't cut dumplings with a knife, hold it in place with a knife and tear off pieces with a fork
• Keep your knife in your right hand and fork in the left, don’t switch
• Hands stay visible above the table​

Food & Beverage

• Apfelstrudel
• Beer
• Cheese danish
• Cheese dumplings
• Coffee
• Mozart chocolate cream liquer
• Potato salad
• Sacher tarte
• Spaetzle noodles
• Wiener schnitzel
• Wine

Shopping

• Most stores close at 6:00 pm and are closed on Sundays

Souvenirs

• Riedel glassware

Safety

• Pickpockets on public transportation