Austria’s rich cultural tapestry, from the grandeur of Vienna to the serene beauty of the Alps, offers travelers a harmonious blend of history and nature. Whether you’re attending a classical concert in Salzburg, skiing in Tyrol, or exploring the Danube Valley’s vineyards, managing your finances wisely ensures a smooth journey. This guide provides comprehensive details—what currency to bring, the best methods for obtaining and using money in Austria (Euro – EUR), cash safety tips, and crucial dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll navigate Austria’s financial landscape effortlessly, avoiding unnecessary fees while immersing yourself in its refined charm.
How to pay in Austria – cash or card?
In Austria, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, with a notable shift towards cashless transactions in recent years. A lot of establishments are friendly to accepting cards.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: While major cities offer card payment options for buses and trams, some regional or rural transport services may still require cash.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Traditional markets and street vendors often prefer cash, though card acceptance is increasing.
Small restaurants: Many small restaurants have a minimum spend limit so you may need cash for this.
Small Businesses: Some small or family-run shops and eateries might favor cash transactions, but this is becoming less common.
Tips and Gratuities: Tipping is customary, and cash is often preferred for this purpose.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Most hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept major credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets widely accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Austria
Euro (EUR) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Austria. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some merchants may accept US Dollars or Pounds, they are not obliged to do so, and change will most likely be given in Euros. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in EUR to avoid losing money.
US Dollars or British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Austria
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Austria. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Austria
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Austria
If you’re withdrawing money in Austria from an ATM, ATMs commonly all major types of cards – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus. Cards like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners cards, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Austria
Bringing a small amount of Euros (EUR) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases.
Withdrawing EUR from ATMs in Austria is a convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check your bank’s international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in Austria at banks or authorized exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount to cover initial expenses.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable and it’s best to pay in EUR when possible. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is useful for smaller transactions.
Where to withdraw money in Austria
You can withdraw money in Austria at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Austria are those owned by popular banks such as:
Deniz Bank,
Volksbank,
Raiffeisen, and
Sparkasse.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Where to exchange currency in Austria
You can exchange currency in Austria at licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
In Austria, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as “Wechselstube”. These can be found in major cities, tourist hotspots, and transportation hubs such as train stations and airports. Notable and reliable providers include Western Union, Interchange, and Change Group, particularly in places like Vienna’s city center or Salzburg’s old town. As in most countries, airport exchange rates tend to be less favorable, so it’s generally better to withdraw money from local ATMs or exchange currency in the city.
Banks: Major banks such as Sparkasse, Bank Austria, Erste Bank, and Raiffeisen offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app—it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Austria.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Austria safe?
Carrying cash in Austria is generally safe due to the country’s low crime rate. However, petty thefts like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. It’s advisable to carry only the cash you need for daily expenses and keep your valuables secure.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Austria
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
