City of Salzburg

Flying to Austria
There are plenty of very convenient options when it comes to choosing a flight to Austria. Our national carrier, Austrian Airlines, offers direct flights to Vienna from several locations in the US. Direct flights take approximately eight hours.

Flying directly into Vienna
Austrian Airlines is setting high safety and service standards right from the start. It refurbished its long haul fleet and boasts completely new seats and entertainment systems in both economy and business class. Austrian Airlines' business class is famous for its excellent cuisine and bar service, offering choice Austrian wines and a Viennese coffee menu.

Within Austria, connections to the regional airports are available. Flight times from Vienna to the regional airports range from thirty minutes to an hour.

Flying into Munich and Zurich
If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg, flying into Zurich or Munich are great alternatives. Flights with many gateways from the US are offered by Lufthansa and Swiss. Or take direct train connections from Munich and Zurich to any major city in Austria.

Arriving in Vienna
Getting from the airport to the city center is easy: A cab ride to the city center takes thirty minutes to an hour and costs between 40 and 50 Euros. Or take the City Airport Train (CAT), which takes you directly into the city center in 16 minutes. Bus service is also available and takes you to various destinations in Vienna.

The best time to travel depends on the traveler. The peak season includes the months of July and August, as well as Christmas and Easter. Should weather be a determining factor, usually May - October are relatively mild and warm (summer) months and the snow/ski season runs from mid-December to the end of March.

Currency: The Euro

As a member of the European Union, Austria is also part of the Economic and Monetary Union – with the EURO as the common currency.

The following Euro-banknotes and coins are in circulation:

Banknotes with face values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro

Coins of 1 and 2 Euro denominations as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents

Banking Hours (General)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am to 12:30pm & 1:30pm to 3pm
Thursday: 8am to 12:30pm & 1:30pm to 5:30pm

ATMs
ATMs are widely used in Austria and are called "Bankomat". You will find outdoor venues at most branches of Austrian banks. Please check with your local bank if your bank card is equipped with the necessary code.

Credit cards
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, major restaurants and stores, however some smaller shops, cafes, or grocery stores prefer cash. We recommend asking before you purchase.

Foreign Currencies
The respective exchange rate (purchase or sales rate) is valid for all other foreign currencies transactions.

*Important Note* Travelers entering or leaving any EU member state carrying any sum equal to or exceeding €10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies or easily convertible assets such as checks drawn on a third party) must make a declaration to the customs authorities. Customs authorities are empowered under this regulation (signed by the European Parliament and Council on 26 October 2005 and entered into force on 15 December 2005) to undertake controls on natural persons, their baggage and their means of transport and detain cash that has not been declared.

Austria's official language is German, which is spoken with a variety of different dialects within the country. English is by far the most prevalent second language. Most Austrians have at least a rudimentary understanding of English and a majority, in fact, speak it quite well, especially people working in hotels or restaurants.

Medical Service, Pharmacies

Austria has a vast medical system with great doctors and pharmacies. Pharmacies operate a rotation system for night and Sunday duty; when closed a notice is displayed giving the addresses of the nearest pharmacies that are open.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance/Doctor on call: Tel. 144
Mountain rescue service: Tel. 140

Tipping is traditionally expected in professions like restaurants & bars, taxis, hairdressers, etc. Usually, the tip amounts to about 5 to 10 percent, but the size of the tip should be according to your satisfaction with the services rendered. As in most European countries, a service charge is already included to your restaurant bill.

By Boat
A beautiful way to see the sights along the Danube river is by boat. DDSG Blue Danube offers daily trips to/from Budapest and Bratislava, special rides to Passau and day trips to Dürnstein and Hainburg including a visit to Schloss Hof and Donauauen national park. There are also a variety of themed boat cruises available.

Brandner Schiffahrt takes you on scenic cruises along the Danube in Wachau, between Melk and Krems.

Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Köck offer rides between Passau, Linz and Vienna, as well as a great selection of day trips, themed cruises and weekend excursions.

By Bus
Another great way to explore and enjoy Austria is by bus. The vast fleet of ÖBB-Postbus offer some 30,000 routes across the country.

By Train
Comfortable trains offer frequent service on 3,600 miles of rail tracks. Most trains have First- and Second-Class seating. We suggest making seat reservations.

Traveling times on intercity train between major Austrian cities:
Vienna - Salzburg: 2 hrs. 22 min.
Salzburg - Innsbruck: 1 hrs. 49 min.
Innsbruck - Bregenz: 2 hrs. 23 min.
Vienna - Graz: 2 hrs. 30 min.
Graz - Linz: 3 hrs. 26 min.
Graz - Innsbruck: 6 hrs.

ÖBB - Austrian Railways Discount Cards
VORTEILScard is a great way to save money while traveling comfortly throughout Austria. The card is valid for a year and gives you a 45% discount on the standard fare. The VORTEILScard can be obtained at all major Austrian train stations – all you need is a passport and a photo.

VORTEILScard <26
Offers 45% discount on all rail travel within Austria for travelers under 26 years.

VORTEILScard Senior
Women over 60 and men over 65 will receive a 45% discount on all rail and many bus travels within Austria. Inquire at the local train station or contact the VORTEILScard Service Line for more information.

Traveling on a budget?
The OeBB “Sparschiene” offers point-to-point tickets starting at Euro 9.90 for travels within Austria.

By Car
An excellent motorway, highway and road network connects Austria with all its neighboring countries. All main border check points (motorway and federal-road check points) are open day and night.

In general, Austrian traffic regulations and traffic signals are similar to those in other European countries.

Attention! All expressways and highways in Austria are subject to toll and your vehicle must have a correct sticker! (see Vignette below)

Regulations for motor vehicles

Headlights
Driving with your lights on is optional during daylight hours and compulsory at night. You will be stopped by the police and possibly fined if you do not comply.

Driving in Winter
All vehicles driving on snow-covered roads must have winter tires during the winter season (Nov - April) or risk a fine. Alternatively, all-season tires (if marked for M&S: mud and snow) are also acceptable during the winter season. Snow chains are not compulsory but must be carried in areas under advisory. Snow chains on summer tires – as an alternative to winter tires - are only accepted if the entire road is heavily covered with snow and no damage to the road is caused by the snow chains.

IMPORTANT: Driving on motorways requires a VIGNETTE (toll sticker)
The toll sticker “Vignette” can be purchased at most gas stations and at border entry points. 10-day / 2 months / 1-year Vignettes are available for purchase and must be displayed on the internal side of the car's windshield and permits travel on all motor- and highways within Austria. This is strictly enforced by highway patrols and failure to comply will result in heavy fines. Most rental cars will come supplied with a vignette. However: please check before hitting the road.

Customs documents for the vehicle are not needed for crossing the border. Travelers from non-European countries need an international driving license. Please ask your automobile club to determine whether your license is recognized.

Excluding the gas in the tank of the car, an additional 10 liters (about 3 gallons) of gas may be brought into the country in a reserve canister free of duty charge.

Speed limits
Maximum speed limits (if not otherwise indicated on road signs):

Automobiles and Motorcycles
in town: between the local road signs: 50 km/h
on country roads: 100 km/h.
on highways: 130 km/h.

Mobiles up to 3.500 kg
in town: 50 km/h
on country roads: 100 km/h
on highways: 130 km/h

Passenger cars with light trailers up to 750 kg; towing vehicles of a maximum total weight of up to 3.5 tons:
in town: 50 km/h
on country roads and highways: 100 km/h

Passenger cars with trailers of over 750 kg
(towing vehicles and trailers together up to a maximum total weight of 3.5 tons):
in town: 50 km/h
on country roads: 80 km/h
on highways: 100 km/h

Buses
in town: 50 km/h
on country roads: 80 km/h
on highways: 100 km/h (however between 22:00 pm and 5:00 am only 90 km/h).

Children on board
Children under the age of 12, who are below a height of 150 cm, must be seated in child-safety seats. Only one child per seat is permitted and must be secured according to age and height.

Drinking and Driving
Permissible alcohol limit 0.5 per mill! Exceeding this limit is punishable with heavy fines or even with the confiscation of the driver’s license.

Seatbelts
In Austria, wearing seat belts is mandatory.

Cellphone use in the car
The use of cell phones while driving is only allowed when using the hands-free system. The hands-free system must be mounted in such a way that all elements can be operated with one hand and the driver is not affected in any way. Disregarding this law is punishable with a fine.

Regulations for Motorcyclists
When driving two-wheeled vehicles the wearing of helmets is compulsory in Austria. While driving, the dimmed headlight must be turned on even during the day. Toll stickers are compulsory.

Gas
In Austria, unleaded regular-grade 91 octane petrol as well as Euro-Super (unleaded 95-octane) petrol are available at all gas stations. The sale of leaded petrol is forbidden in Austria.

Get visible!
All motorists must carry a high visibility vest and must wear it in the case of a vehicle break down, whenever a warning triangle is used and in case of poor visibility. If you need to exit the vehicle on a motorway or highway the vest must be worn (when stopping on allocated parking places the vest does not need to be worn).

The vest needs to be of fluorescent color (yellow, orange or red) with white reflective stripes. Logos and any writing should not dominate. The vests must comply with the European standard EN471, visible on a sewn-in label. This rule was implemented with security in mind and benefits everyone on the road. The vest can be obtained at most gas stations, ÖAMTC and ARBÖ Service stations in Austria. When renting a car please check to ensure the car is equipped with the vest.

Traffic Accident, Breakdown
Traffic accidents involving injury to persons must immediately be reported to the police; accidents involving material damage must only be reported when mutual identity has not been established. The ÖAMTC and ARBÖ automobile clubs operate a 24-hour emergency breakdown service, which may be utilized by anyone (non-members must pay a fee).

Emergency numbers (without area code)
Euro-emergency number 112
Fire brigade: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
Doctor-on-call 141
Mountain rescue 140
ÖAMTC emergency breakdown service: 120
ARBÖ emergency breakdown service: 123

Traffic News
Traffic news for Austria as well as the main connecting roads to neighboring countries are broadcast every half hour on the radio station Ö3. The radio program is interrupted in case of imminent traffic issues

Passport & Visa Information

US and Canadian passport holders do not require a visa in order to enter Austria. However, if you have any questions please contact the Austrian Embassy or the Austrian Consulate General.

Austrian Consulate General
New York: (212) 737-6400
Los Angeles: (310) 444-9310

Vancouver: (604) 687-3338
Toronto: (416) 967-4867
Montreal: (514) 845-8661

Austrian Embassy
Washington DC: (202) 895-6700
Ottawa: (613) 789-1444

Due to the topographical diversity and the relatively large west-east expanse, there are three quite different climatic regions:

East: Pannonian climate with a continental influence – low precipitation, hot summers and moderately cold winters.

Alpine Region: Alpine climate - high precipitation (except inner Alpine valley regions such as the upper Inntal), short summers, long and cold winters.

Remainder of the country: transient climate influenced by the Atlantic (in the West) and a continental influence in the south-east. Before starting any outdoor activities in the mountains please inform yourself about the weather conditions, danger of avalanches or route conditions. Warnings of locals should not be disregarded.

Best time to travel: For hiking and walking tours or to visit a city: April to October. The peak season for summer vacation is July and August. The best time to enjoy your winter vacation is from December to March.

Temperatures: in summer up to 95-degree Fahrenheit / average: 68-degree Fahrenheit in winter up to - 4-degree Fahrenheit / average: 32-degree Fahrenheit