Austria is where history, culture, and nature come together. Famous for its music, stunning architecture, and breathtaking Alpine landscapes, it offers both vibrant city life and peaceful outdoor escapes. Living here means experiencing safety, tradition, and a uniquely European lifestyle.
Austria is the birthplace of Mozart, Strauss, and Schubert. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg host world-class operas, concerts, and music festivals. Modern open-air events also take place during summer.
Austrian cities mix Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque masterpieces. Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Linz are highlights, but even small towns often feature hidden gems.
The Alps, lakes, and forests make Austria perfect for hiking, skiing, swimming, and cycling. In summer, lakes are popular for swimming and paddleboarding; in winter, villages offer cozy ski retreats. Trails and slopes are well maintained, but always check the weather and conditions before outdoor activities.
Dress Code: Casual clothes are fine daily. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and mosques. Formal wear (suits, dresses) is expected at operas, concerts, and some events.
Politeness: Use Herr (Mr.) or Frau (Ms.) + surname. Academic/professional titles are highly-regarded in Austria.
Communication: Austrians are direct but polite. Small talk is limited. Handshakes with eye contact are standard.
Greetings: “Grüß Gott” (formal, regional), “Servus” (casual, regional), as well as all standard German greetings.
Austria is among the world’s safest countries. Walking alone at night is usually safe, even in cities.
Public transport is reliable at all hours.
Gender equality is strong, and women can generally travel alone safely.
Shops are closed on Sundays (except train station supermarkets and gas station mini-markets).
Usual hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, some until 20:00; Saturdays often close at noon.
Plan weekend shopping in advance.
Night: 22:00–06:00 – no loud music, noise, or parties.
Lunch: 12:00–14:00 in residential areas.
Sundays: The entire day is a quiet time.
Breaking rules can lead to fines or complaints.
Waste separation is mandatory: paper, plastic, glass, organic, & residual waste.
Color-coded bins must be used correctly.
Deposit system (Pfand): Plastic bottles (~€0.25) and glass bottles (€0.08–0.15) can be returned at supermarkets for vouchers.
Punctuality: Arrive ~5 minutes early.
Formal vs. Informal: Use Sie (formal “you”) until invited to use Du.
Rule-following: Jaywalking and ignoring traffic lights are frowned upon.
Public Transport: Always validate tickets; inspections are frequent, fines are high.
Appointments: Required for banks, government offices, and often shops.
Queuing: Strictly observed.
Winter (Dec–Feb): –5°C to 5°C. Essentials: winter coat, waterproof boots, gloves, thermal layers.
Spring/Fall (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Unstable weather, frequent rain. Waterproof jacket recommended.
Summer (Jun–Aug): 15–25°C, with occasional heatwaves. Ideal for outdoor activities.
Cash is commonly accepted; however, small shops may not take credit cards.
Reusable bags: Bring your own; plastic bags cost extra.
Supermarkets:
Budget: Hofer (Aldi), Lidl
Mid-range: Spar, Billa
Public transport is punctual and extensive.
Cycling and walking are very popular.
Cars are usually unnecessary in cities due to high parking & insurance costs.
Health insurance is mandatory.
Register with a general doctor (Hausarzt).
Emergency numbers: 144 (ambulance), 122 (fire), 133 (police).
Learn basic German phrases for daily life.
Respect Austrian traditions, holidays, and café culture.
Join clubs, sports, or hobby groups to meet locals.
Show environmental awareness; sustainability is taken seriously.
Register residence (Meldezettel).
Open a bank account (passport + enrollment confirmation).
Arrange health insurance.
Buy seasonal clothing if needed.
Learn local transport system.
Locate nearest supermarket & pharmacy.
Download apps:
ÖBB (trains)
LinzMobil (public transport)
Wetter.at / Bergfex (weather & hiking)
Be on time: Arrive 5 minutes early for classes, appointments, and meetings.
Validate your ticket: On trams, buses, and trains, always stamp or activate your ticket before boarding.
Greet politely: Use “Grüß Gott” or “Servus” when entering shops, classrooms, or offices.
Use formal address: Say Sie (formal “you”), Herr (Mr.), Frau (Ms.) until invited to use first names.
Respect quiet hours: No noise after 22:00, during lunch (12:00–14:00), or on Sundays.
Recycle properly: Use color-coded bins (paper, glass, plastic, organic, residual).
Carry cash: Many small shops and bakeries prefer cash payments.
Plan ahead for Sundays: Buy groceries before shops close on Saturday.
Take off shoes: If invited to someone’s home, remove your shoes unless told otherwise.
Join outdoor life: Try hiking, cycling, or lake swimming — it’s a big part of Austrian culture
Don’t jaywalk: Always wait for the green pedestrian light — fines are high.
Don’t be loud: On trams, buses, or in residential areas, keep your voice down.
Don’t skip appointments: Banks, doctors, and offices require advance booking.
Don’t ignore titles: Professors and officials value being addressed with their full title.
Don’t expect shops open Sundays: Except at train stations or gas stations.
Don’t leave bottles in the trash: Return them to Pfand machines to get your deposit back.
Don’t cut queues: Austrians take queuing seriously.
Don’t use "Du" too soon: Wait until the other person invites you.
Don’t ignore sirens: Saturday noon sirens are just tests — no need to panic.
Don’t rely only on English: Learn some basic German phrases — it makes everyday life easier.
Don't be surprised by the siren: every Saturday at 12:00 noon, the weekly 15-second test siren is sounded in the city.ur Funktionsüberprüfung dient und keine Gefahr anzeigt.
