Currency & Payment

Austria uses the euro (EUR), like most of its neighbours, which makes budgeting simple if you are travelling around the eurozone. Notes come in denominations from 5 to 200 euros and coins from 1 cent to 2 euros. Prices are clearly displayed. There is no need to change money between Austria and other euro countries, so one currency covers much of your trip.

If you come from a non-euro country, banks, exchange offices and airport counters change money at fair rates, though paying by card usually gives the best rate with no need to carry much cash. Avoid exchanging at hotels, which tend to be poor value. When a card terminal offers to charge in your home currency, decline and choose euros to sidestep dynamic currency conversion.

Cards are widely accepted in Austria, especially Visa and Mastercard, and contactless and mobile wallets work in most places. However, cash culture remains strong: small cafes, bakeries, market stalls, some restaurants and rural shops may be cash-only or prefer cash. Carry some euros as a backup even though cards cover most spending. American Express is accepted less widely than Visa and Mastercard.

ATMs, called Bankomat, are everywhere in Austria at banks, stations and shopping streets and dispense euros. They are safe and reliable; where possible use machines attached to banks. Your own bank may add foreign fees, and if the ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and choose euros for a better rate. Withdraw a sensible amount at once to reduce per-transaction fees.

Apple Pay and Google Pay work almost everywhere that accepts cards in Austria, so you can tap your phone or watch in shops, cafes, transport and taxis. Contactless is common and fast. There is no single dominant local wallet that visitors need. Just link your usual card to your phone wallet before you travel, and keep a little cash for places that are card-shy.

Tipping is customary but modest in Austria, usually rounding up or adding around 5 to 10 percent for good service in restaurants, cafes and taxis. Tell the server the total you want to pay when you settle the bill rather than leaving coins on the table. In cafes it is polite to tip a little. Tipping is appreciated for good service but never obligatory.

Austria sits around the western European average: not cheap, but more affordable than Switzerland. Vienna and ski resorts cost more than smaller towns. A coffee and cake, a casual meal or public transport are reasonably priced. Save with lunch menus, supermarket picnics, free tap water and city cards that bundle transport and museums. Alpine resorts in high season are the priciest.

Visitors living outside the EU can reclaim value added tax on shopping above a minimum spend per receipt at participating stores. Ask for a tax-free form when you buy, then get it validated by customs as you leave the EU, and claim your refund. Keep goods, receipts and forms handy at the border or airport. Rules and minimum amounts can change, so confirm details in store.