Currency The euro (EUR). Austria has been fully integrated into the eurozone since 2002.
Cash Carry EUR 200 to 400 per week for small Heuriger taverns, markets, tips and public toilets at stations.
Cards Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere: hotels, restaurants, museums and public transport. American Express has more limited coverage.
ATMs Bankomat machines are everywhere. Avoid currency exchanges in tourist areas, which typically charge up to 12% above the official rate.
Public toilets Usually cost EUR 0.50 to 1. Keep small coins to hand.
Gratuities 5–10% in restaurants; round up in cafés. State the total amount when paying — do not leave change on the table.
Schengen Area Austria is part of the Schengen Area. Tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period are permitted.
ETIAS From 2026, visa-exempt travellers must obtain the ETIAS electronic travel authorisation, at approximately EUR 7 and valid for three years.
Latin America Colombians, Mexicans and most South Americans do not require a tourist visa — only ETIAS and a valid passport.
Spain Spanish citizens enter without any immigration formality.
Passport Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Verify immigration rules before travel.
Vaccinations No compulsory vaccines are required from Latin America or Europe. Keep tetanus, measles and hepatitis vaccinations up to date.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) Relevant only if your itinerary includes extended trekking in Alpine forests in summer. Use repellent and check your skin.
Insurance International travel insurance with European medical cover of at least EUR 30,000 is strongly recommended. Allianz, IATI and Assist Card provide good Austria coverage.
Water Tap water is excellent throughout the country. Vienna's water has been piped from Alpine springs without chemical treatment since 1873.
Emergencies The European number 112 operates at all times and in any language. Austria's healthcare system is among the best in the world.
ÖBB trains The backbone of the transport network. Connects all cities with strict punctuality. Sparschiene fares from EUR 9 when booked in advance.
Westbahn Private operator on the Vienna–Salzburg route, with competitive fares from EUR 9.99.
Car Recommended for road trips through the Wachau, the Salzkammergut and the Tyrol. Unnecessary for Vienna and Salzburg — the train is superior.
Urban apps Bolt and FreeNow are the main taxi apps. Uber operates in Vienna. WienMobil integrates metro, tram and bike.
Transfers CocoVolare includes a private driver in a premium saloon or van with a welcome sign and an on-board briefing.
Official language Austrian German, with its own distinct accent and vocabulary. It is not identical to German as spoken in Germany.
English Under-50s speak it fluently. In rural areas and among older generations it may be more limited.
Local greeting Grüß Gott is the formal hello; Servus is informal. Making the effort to pronounce it opens doors.
Useful vocabulary Danke (thank you) · Bitte (please) · Entschuldigung (excuse me) · Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye) · Prost (cheers).
Our approach CocoVolare prioritises guides with strong English fluency for all English-speaking clients.
Punctuality Arrive on the dot. Five minutes late is late; ten is rude. Send a message if you are running behind.
Not Germany Austrians and Germans share a language, not a nationality. Calling an Austrian German is offensive. The Schnitzel is Austrian — it comes from Vienna.
Silence Speak quietly on public transport. Video calls and raised voices draw immediate stares.
At table Do not start eating until everyone has been served. Toast with Prost maintaining eye contact with each person.
History Do not make jokes about Nazism, the Anschluss or the war. It is painful history, not comedic material.
01 · Capital
3–5 nights
