Group trips to Austria

Find out the entry requirements for Austria, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Austria – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Austria is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, it's Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. If it's noon (12pm) in the UK, it will be 1pm in Austria. If it's noon (12pm) on the East Coast of the USA, it will be 6pm in Austria. Keep this time difference in mind when planning your activities or calls.

Austria uses the Euro as its currency. The exchange rate can fluctuate, but as of now, 1 GBP is approximately 1.16 EUR, 1 USD is about 0.95 EUR, and 1 EUR is equal to 1 EUR. You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, or withdraw Euros directly from ATMs.

In Austria, you can use various payment methods. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payments are also common. For smaller purchases, cash is still popular, so it is a good idea to have some euros on hand. ATMs are prevalent, and you can withdraw euros using your card. Always check with your bank about any fees for international transactions.

Tipping in Austria is customary but not mandatory. Service charges are usually included in your bill at restaurants, but it's polite to round up the amount or leave a small tip of around 5-10 percent for good service. In cafes, bars, and for taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding a couple of euros is appreciated. Hotel staff, like bellhops and housekeepers, typically receive small tips for their service.

In Austria, if you're traveling from within the European Union or Schengen area, you can use your home mobile plan for roaming without extra charges. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, offering good connectivity. If you're coming from outside the EU, you might want to consider buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for convenience. Providers like A1, Magenta, and Drei offer various prepaid options that you can purchase at airports, convenience stores, or online. Wi-Fi hotspots are quite common, so you should have no trouble staying connected.

In Austria, the official language is German. You'll find that most people speak it, and English is commonly understood, especially in tourist areas. Here are some useful German expressions you might hear or want to use:

• Hello: Hallo
• Thank you: Danke
• Please: Bitte
• Goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen
• Yes: Ja
• No: Nein

Austria uses Type F plugs, which have two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses a different plug type, like the UK or the USA, you should bring a universal adapter to charge your devices. This will ensure you can plug in your electronics without any issues. Having a universal adapter is handy for international travelers.

The main religion in Austria is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant denomination. Important religious holidays in Austria include Christmas, Easter, and All Saints' Day. There are no specific dressing requirements tied to religion for visitors, so you can dress as you normally would while respecting local customs, especially when visiting churches or religious sites.

Austria is a beautiful country with a mix of urban and alpine experiences. Packing wisely will ensure you enjoy your trip no matter where you go. Here's what we recommend you put in your backpack:

1. Clothing:
   • Warm layers like sweaters and jackets
   • T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
   • Comfortable jeans and trousers
   • Weatherproof coat, especially in winter
   • Swimwear, if you plan to visit spas or lakes
2. Shoes:
   • Comfortable walking shoes
   • Hiking boots for alpine adventures
   • Dress shoes for evenings out
3. Accessories and Technology:
   • Sunglasses and a hat for sunny days
   • Universal travel adapter for electronics
   • Portable charger and camera
4. Toiletries and Medication:
   • Basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste
   • Sunscreen and lip balm
   • Personal medications and common travel medication like pain relievers and motion sickness pills

Austria can have varied weather, so layering is key.

Austria's weather varies significantly depending on the region and time of year. Here's a quick overview:

• Vienna and Eastern Austria: Generally mild with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is late spring or early fall when temperatures are comfortable.
• Alps Region: Cooler temperatures, with snowy winters perfect for skiing. Summer is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Southern Austria: Warmer temperatures and more sunshine, especially in the Carinthia region. Summer is a great time to enjoy lakes and outdoor pursuits.

For the most pleasant experience, considering visiting Austria in May to June or September to October when the weather is typically mild and enjoyable.