Practical Information

Getting into Austria

U.S. citizens need a passport valid for the whole of your stay to enter Austria. No visa is required for tourist visits of up to three months. Note that the total stay within the Schengen area must not exceed three months in any six-month period.

Staying Healthy

If you’re an EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), usually available from health centres, covers you for most medical care. It will not cover you for non-emergencies or emergency repatriation. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Austria. If you do need health insurance, make sure you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.

Good health care is readily available. For minor self-limiting illnesses an pharmacy can give valuable advice and sell over-the-counter medication. It can also advise when more specialised help is required and point you in the right direction. The standard of dental care is usually good; however, it is sensible to have a dental check-up before a long trip.

For general emergencies and ambulance service in Austria, call 112.

Money

The currency in Austria is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. There are coins for one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and €1 and €2. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.

ATMs

Automated teller machines can be found outside most banks, the airport and most train stations. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard/Eurocard are widely accepted, as well as cash cards that access the Cirrus network. Be aware that, if you’re limited to a maximum withdrawal per day, the ‘day’ will coincide with that in your home country. Also note that using an ATM can be the cheapest   way to exchange your money from home –but check with your home bank for service charges before you leave.

Credit Cards

Most major international cards are recognized, and you will find that most hotels, restaurants and major stores accept them. But always check first to avoid disappointment.

Cash

Nothing beats cash for convenience. Plan to pay cash for most daily expenses.

Tipping

Tipping will be taken care of for you throughout the trip where we are together. So, the only time you will need to think about tipping is when having a drink or meal on your own.

Tipping is not essential as restaurants, hotels, bars etc. include a service charge on their bills. A little extra is always welcomed though, and it’s an excellent way to compliment the service (if you feel it needs complimenting). The tip can be anything from rounding up to the nearest euro, to 10% of the bill.

Telephones

The country code for Austria is +43.

Weather

September is the last month of the year to enjoy comfortably warm temperatures in Vienna, temperatures that allow you to walk around in a T-shirt in the afternoon and sweater or light jacket at night. The average temperature in Vienna in September is 59°F but can climb to 66°F in the afternoon.

What to Pack

As you may be doing a lot of sightseeing during the day, your daily dress should have comfort in mind and be in keeping with variable temperatures.  Footwear is of the utmost importance and good rubber-soled flat shoes for the daytime are highly recommended.

Time Zone

During our trip, we will be 6 hours ahead of Cleveland.