Before You Book

PREPARING TO GO TO AUSTRIA

 

CAPITAL

Vienna

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

German

RELIGION

The country has a sizeable population of Roman Catholics and Protestants. Other minority religions include Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

ELECTRICITY

220 volts - Sockets are of the European, two-pronged round pin variety

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

A valid passport is required by all nationals. All Passengers are responsible for securing proper documentation prior to joining the tour. Please ensure that passport/s are valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended date of return and contain between 2-6 blank “Visa” pages. You should have at least two free pages in your passport. Please access the Travel & Visa Requirements Section on the top of this page for the latest visa entry requirements for the country/ies you are visiting. Passports are required; in addition, travelers are also advised to check with local consulates for full details regarding visa requirements. Please note securing a valid visa for entry is the sole responsibility of the traveler.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The monetary unit in Austria is the Euro (€).

Austrian Currency information:

Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

MONEY EXCHANGE, ATMS & CREDIT CARDS

The best place to change money in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria is at a bank – it is strongly suggested that you compare current rates and fees before exchanging money.  If you decide to use a private exchange office, check their rates and fees carefully as they can be misleading. 

Banks and ATMs are widespread in the major cities and tourist centers.  Most major credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels, but it is best to check, particularly in more remote areas.

Austrian Banking Hours:

Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 0800-1230 and 1330-1500; Thurs 0800-1230 and 1330-1730. Different opening hours may be kept in the various federal provinces. The exchange counters at airports and at railway stations are generally open from the first to the last flight or train, which usually means 0800-2200 including weekends.

CLOTHING

As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed. In Europe's hot summer months, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon.  The Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria have relaxed attitudes about dress and for the most part shorts and short sleeved tops are perfectly acceptable. However, if you intend to visit churches and monasteries it is important to dress more conservatively (i.e. cover shoulders and knees).   Make sure you allow for climate changes and remember that even in the summer, night-time and early morning temperatures can be cold. You will generally find it is better to have several thin layers rather than one thick layer as it gives you more flexibility and warmth.  A waterproof garment is also strongly suggested, even during the summer months and particularly in areas of higher altitude.

COMMUNICATION & EMAIL

Email

There are many internet cafes in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria, particularly in larger towns and cities.  Wi-fi is increasingly available in more densely populated areas, often for a fee, but you might not find internet access in hotels in more rural areas

Telephone
It is easy to make international calls in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria.  The most economical method to make telephone calls is with a telephone card - these cards can be purchased from a variety of outlets, including newsstands, post offices, and sometimes from supermarkets. 

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Medical Service      155

Police                                     158

Municipal Police                       156

Fire and Rescue Service            150

Mail
Post offices are widely available in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria and the mail is generally very efficient.  Stamps can be bought from post offices or newsstands.

WEATHER & CLIMATE

Austria lies within the Central European climatic zone and boasts very distinct seasons, while the eastern part of the country has low rainfall, hot summers, and mild winters. The Alps have high rainfall, short summers and long winters, and visitors should be prepared for all temperatures there. Summer falls between June and August and has the highest temperatures, but also the highest levels of rainfall. Winter (December – February) can particularly cold while spring and autumn bring changeable weather, but quite often the most comfortable temperatures.

MEAL COSTS

Breakfast is provided each day on most. Approximate costs for meals and snacks not included are shown below, but please note that the exact cost varies widely depending on whether you are in the capital cities or smaller regional towns.

• Simple snack - $US 10-15
• Light meal – $US 20-30
• Fancy restaurant - $US 40-50

FOOD AND DRINKS

Austria is situated in the heart of Europe and its cuisine boasts influences from many of its neighbours including Italy, Germany, and the Balkans.  It is famous for its well-balanced variations of beef and pork and countless vegetables, but perhaps the country’s most well-known dish is the Wienerschnitzel (thin, breaded and deep fried veal).  Austria is particularly renowned for its sweet treats, from Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) to Sachertorte (chocolate cake), with a host of mouth-watering pastries and cakes in between.

Austria is often credited with introducing coffee to Europe, and the Viennese café tradition is still an important part of the city's identity.  If sweet drinks are more to your taste, than the rich, thick Viennese hot chocolate is a must.  As in much of Central Europe, beer and wine is widely drunk by the locals; wine is mainly cultivated in the east and some wines have garnered international attention for their high standards.  If you are looking for a drink to finish your meal then you should look no further than a glass of schnapps; made from a variety of fruits, schnapps provides the perfect end to any delicious meal.

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE:

Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation and will be welcomed by the recipient, although if you decide not to tip in a particular circumstance, this doesn’t mean you’ll receive a lower level of service. Ultimately, tipping is discretionary and should be done at a level that feels comfortable.

Here are some guidelines that you may find helpful:

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends and should have a minimum of three (3) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. Holders of U.S. and Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Austria, Czech Republic, and Hungary for stays of up to 90 days. Hungarian law requires that you carry photo identification, such as your passport, at all times.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Your home country health plan may only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable.