Vienna Tourist Information

View breaks >>

Before arriving in Vienna, it's important to familiarise yourself with the local way of life. Discovering more about the language, etiquette and practical travel matters will ensure that you make the most of your short break in the city. The official lanuage in Vienna is German, however many people also speak the secondary languages of Croatian, Hungarian and Slovenian.

Read more information on this destination in the AA Spiral Guide to Vienna.

Useful information

Passports and Visas: British citizens do not require a visa to enter Austria, however they must hold a full valid passport. For stays of up to 90 days your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and you do not need any additionallength of validity beyond this. Those wishing to stay longer than 90 days can simply leave the country and re-enter or apply for a visa from their national Embassy.

Embassies and Consulates: The British Embassy in Vienna can be found at Jauresgasse 12, 1030 Vienna. Opening hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm (local time).

Customs: The restrictions on goods for British nationals returning from the EU are: 3,200 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 3kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine (only 60 may be sparkling), 20 litres of fortified wine and 110 litres of beer (all for personal use only).

For non-EU visitors, the restrictions are much tighter and the the limits are: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of table/fortified/sparkling wine and 60ml of perfume. Please note that you cannot buy duty-free goods if you are touring within the EU.

Money matters: The local currency in Austria, like much of Europe, is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, with coins in denominations of €2 and €1, plus 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent coins. ATM's or bankomaten as they are known in Austria, are widely available across Vienna and the surrounding areas and can be identified by horizontal green and blue stripes. Many places in Vienna will accept credit cards for payment, however a significant number of bars and restaurants will only accept cash so be sure to have some Euro's at hand just in case.

Medical: No compulsory vaccinations are required for entry into Austria, however, it's advisable to check that your Tetanus and MMR injections are up to date. EUm and British nationals are entitled to a certain amount of free health care in Austria by producing an EHIC (formerly E111) card. These can be obtained free of charge by applying at any UK post offices or health centres. For medical emergencies in Vienna either call 144 for an ambulance or go to the nearest A&E hospital department. Your hotel can advise you on your nearest medical facility.

Visitors with disabilities: Vienna has worked hard to provide better access for visitors with disabilities and wheelchair users, especially on public transport, at major attractions and in hotels. Some restaurants also provide menus for people with visual impairment. Vienna's airport is wheelchair friendly with special buses that can accommodate up to two people with wheelchair and six escorts. The City Airport train is also fully accessible.

Lost property: If you are unfortunate enough to lose personal belongings in Vienna during your short break you can visit the Vienna Central Lost Propery Office at Bastiengasse 36-38, A-1180 Vienna. Opening hours are Monday - Friday 8am - 3.30pm (Thursdays until 5.30pm). For lost or stolen passports you will need to contact the nearest police station. Be sure to obtain a report if you intend on claiming your less, however, please be aware that they are only free of charge for stolen passports and lost reports will incur a charge. For lost or stolen credit cards, contact your bank or card issuer.

Emergency numbers: