In Austria, the standard time is Central European Time (CET = world time + 1 hour). During the validity of the summer time the clocks are to be advanced by 1 hour (Central European Summer Time CEST = world time + 2 hours).
Currency
The official currency in Austria is the euro (EUR).
Language
German is the national language. Most citizens speak English as a foreign language.
Payment methods
Cash and debit cards are the most common means of payment. In general, credit cards are also widely accepted. However, some bars and wine venues only accept cash.
Electricity
The electrical current in Austria is 230 V/50 Hz and round, two-pin European plugs (type F) are used.
Business Hours
Shops are usually open Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00/8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00/6:00 p.m., and are closed on Sundays.
Supermarkets are usually open Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and are closed on Sundays.
Banks operate Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
On Sundays, some bakeries are open until noon, as well as some shops in major train stations and at the airport.
Telecommunication and internet
The international dialing code for Austria is +43. The code for outgoing calls is 00 followed by the respective country code. Hotels usually offer free WiFi. Many Cafés offer this as well, for restaurants and bars this is usually not the norm.
Public transport
The easiest way to get around Vienna is by public transport. The well-developed network operated by Wiener Linien consists of metro, tram and bus, which allows to get anywhere in Vienna quickly. The WienMobil App (Application for Apple and Android) makes it easy to get directions. Alternatively, the public transportation function in GoogleMaps can be used.
Tickets can be purchased directly in the WienMobil app or at vending machines in metro stations as well as in some trams. There are 24, 48 and 72 hours tickets for 8, 14.1 and 17.1 euros. The tickets are valid from their time of validation for the respective period. However, this does not apply to tickets purchased in the online store and WienMobil app. Some tickets, such as the 24, 48 and 72 hours tickets, must be validated. Where this can be done depends on the means of transport. Tickets must be validated before entering the metro, however, tickets can be validated in trams and buses. Typically, tickets can be validated in the immediate proximity of vending machines.
Operating hours
Metro operates from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. On Friday and Saturday the service is provided 24 hours.
Busses and trams usually have shorter operating hours.
Night busses operate daily from 0:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
In the spirit of the sharing economy workshop, the bike sharing offer by Wiener Linien may be appealing, consisting of over 200 stations within Vienna. The service is also displayed via the WienMobil app. For more information please visit: this link
Restaurants
Restaurants are usually open every day. However, some are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Fast food places have long operating hours, such as the typical Viennese sausage stand.
Tipping
Tipping is not a must, but it is the norm. Between 5-10% is common, but depends on the satisfaction of the customer.
