Euro is the official currency in Austria. The symbol of the euro is a stylized E: €.

Language The language spoken in Vienna is German. This German is more or less the same as the one used by the Germans. The only differences are accent and some vocabulary. English is also spoken in Vienna.

Climate Vienna lies within a transition of oceanic climate and humid subtropical climate (hovering just below 22°C in July and August), and features, according to the Köppen classification, a Cfb (oceanic) -climate. The city has warm summers with average high temperatures of 24 to 33 °C (75 to 91 °F), with maximum exceeding 38 °C (100 °F) and lows of around 17 °C (63 °F). Winters are relatively dry and cold with average temperatures at about freezing point. Spring and autumn are mild. Precipitation is generally moderate throughout the year, averaging 550 mm (21.7 in) annually, with considerable local variations, the Vienna Woods region in the west being the wettest part (700 to 800 mm (28 to 31 in) annually) and the flat plains in the east being the driest part (500 to 550 mm (20 to 22 in) annually). Snow in the winter is not uncommon, but rare compared to Western and Southern regions in Austria.


Dont’s Don’t assume everyone can speak English Don’t dress down The Austrians are a dressy, polished nation and enjoy getting dressed up to go out in the evening. Don’t order tap water, high-quality tap water draining straight off the Alps Don’t get drunk in public, Viennese do not appreciate anybody being drunk in public. Don’t forget the Vienna Card Don’t talk politics, The Viennese don’t appreciate jokes about the Nazi past of Germany and Austria Don’t leave tips on the table Getting around Easy to use, inexpensive and punctual, Vienna’s public transport network is fast and efficient, a trip from the outskirts to the centre takes half an hour.

Tube, tram and buses The Vienna Card includes three days of unlimited travel on the whole network (including tubes, trams and buses), plus a number of reductions in museums, shops and other institutions, for 18.50 euros. You can buy it online (www.wien.info/en/travel-info/vienna-card). If you think you might not need a 3-day travel ticket, there are other options. The cheapest single day “shopping” ticket costs 4.60 euros, it’s valid for multiple rides from 8am – 8pm, Monday to Saturday. A 24-hour ticket 5.70 euros; 48-hour for 10 euros; and a 72-hour ticket costs 13.60 euros. A single ride ticket can be pre-purchased for 1.80 euros or you can buy a ticket directly on buses and trams (look for the orange-coloured ticket vending machine located behind the driver; tickets cost 2.20 euros). Online ticket can be bought at www.shop.wienerlinien.at and from here you can also purchase an additional airport transfer ticket.

Taxis In Vienna all official taxis have a TX on the number plate, are metered and can be hailed down if the roof-top sign is lit, just make sure you can be seen and raise your hand. If that doesn’t work look for a taxi-stand – these are located close to all the big hotels and major sites – or call for one on 60160, 40100 or 31300.

City bikes Bike paths cover quite a large area of the city, and at 61 stations you can find city bikes to hire for any length of time, taken from and returned to any station. You’ll need a Citybike Tourist Card, available for two euros a day, which allows access to bike terminals where a bike can then be taken from the station; the first hour is free.

Emergency numbers Police: 133 Ambulance / rescue: tel. 144 Emergency doctor: tel. 141 European emergency: tel. 112 ViennaMed doctor’s hotline for visitors (0-24): tel. +43-1-513 95 95 Evening and weekend dental service (taped service): tel. +43-1-512 20 78 Evening and Sunday drugstores (0-24): tel. 1455