Practical info for a trip to Austria
The things to check before you leave for Austria, in short.
Documents and visa
EU citizens can enter and stay visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid ID or passport. US and UK citizens also enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days; UK citizens should carry a valid passport (post-Brexit requirement).
Currency
Austria uses the Euro (EUR).
Open the currency converterPlugs and sockets
Type C and F, 230V
Driving
People drive on the right.
Emergency numbers
112
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Austria, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants and for good service.
Indicative information: always check official sources before you leave.
When to go
The months we recommend going: January, February, April, May, July, August, December.
- January
Vienna3°C
January is the heart of ball season, with hundreds of waltz nights in palaces and grand halls.
Kitzbühel0°C
In January the Hahnenkamm downhill races fill this Tyrolean town with fans and party atmosphere.
- February
Hallstatt1°C
In February the lakeside village is wrapped in snow and almost free of the tour groups that crowd it in summer.
- April
Wachau Valley16°C
In early April thousands of apricot trees bloom along the Danube, between vineyards and abbeys.
- May
Vienna20°C
The Wiener Festwochen arts festival starts in mid-May, and café terraces and Prater chestnuts come back to life.
- July
Bregenz25°C
From mid-July the Bregenz Festival stages opera on a giant floating stage on Lake Constance, under the stars.
- August
Salzburg24°C
The Salzburg Festival runs all August, with opera, concerts and Jedermann staged in front of the cathedral.
- December
Vienna3°C
Magical Christmas markets and imperial palaces in winter atmosphere.
Salzburg3°C
Advent brings markets below the fortress, Krampus runs and the Silent Night chapel in nearby Oberndorf.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Austria?
EU citizens can enter and stay visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid ID or passport. US and UK citizens also enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days; UK citizens should carry a valid passport (post-Brexit requirement).
What currency is used in Austria?
Austria uses the Euro (EUR).
What plugs are used in Austria?
Type C and F, 230V
Which side of the road do they drive on in Austria?
People drive on the right.
What is the emergency number in Austria?
112
Do people tip in Austria?
Tipping is not obligatory in Austria, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants and for good service.
When is the best time to visit Austria?
The months we recommend going: January, February, April, May, July, August, December.