Austria

There are many ways of getting currency exchanged in Austria. At the airport, all banks, savings banks, and exchange counters as well as at railway stations exchange foreign currency at the official exchange rates. 

Austria is known for its everlasting culture of music, literature and the arts, which is also a huge part of their daily life. The nightlife in the country is quite flexible differing from city to city offering from trendy club lounges and dance locales to mellow taverns and beer gardens. One can find dingy small bars, cabaret, opera, theatre and many nightclubs in Vienna. One of the favorite pastimes of locals to spend their evening Summers is at beer gardens found all across the country.

Austria is mainly known for its high-quality products such as winter sports equipment, handbags, glassware, and chinaware. In larger cities like Vienna, one will find plenty of options from high-end designer boutiques and huge stores including mall culture to flea markets and local artisansÕ labels. Innsbruck is renowned for its glittering crystals. For souvenirs, one can go for quality craft and art pieces. Stores and shops in Austria are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm including one to two hours of lunch break in small towns. As for Saturday, timings may vary but in general remains as 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. However, the timing for big stores and shops in tourist places are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and during Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Festivals in Austria are all about celebrating music, arts and season of the country. The Vienna International Festival (mid-May to mid-June) is one of the most celebrated festivals in entire Europe where plays and concerts form a major attraction. The Salzburg International Festival, Fasching (Carnival), Christmas, St. Nicholas Day and Midsummer NightÍs celebration are other important festivals one must look out for.

Austria has been the land with several rulers changing the seat of power from time to time. Beginning with the first human settlement in the Danube Valley, many have followed including Celts, Illyrians, Romans and Bavarians, and then the noble Babenberg and the Habsburg dynasties. However, the noble Habsburg family was perhaps the most prominent one, which ruled the country for long six centuries. They expanded their holding all across Europe by 16th century through marriages as well as military conquests. 

With French revolution in late 18th century, people thrived for independence, which resulted in fall of Holy Roman Empire but the Habsburgs were able to hold their flag high. A dual monarchy of Austro-Hungary in 1867 shared by Habsburgs and Hungarian government was the beginning of their diminishing powers, which finally came to an end with WWI. With WWII came the rule of Hitler over Austria oppressing the Jewish community of the country. Austria finally got its independence in 1944, formally established in 1955 and became part of European Union in 1995. 

Austria, in general, is a very clean country with proper measures taken to maintain hygiene. Even tap water is safe to consume. Hospitals and dispensaries are present all across the country but are a bit expensive.

Austria is a country of rich culture and traditions. The people here tend to be quite formal in their demeanor in both business and social setting. Shaking hands is the established form of greeting and use the title and last name while referring someone especially during a business communication or on their first meeting. Punctuality, particularly when you have an appointment with a local, is essential for people of Austria and so apologise if you are running late. There is no particular dress code for visitors or even locals, however, make sure to dress up properly for some occasions such as theatre, operas or concerts. Make sure to greet people saying Guten Tag (good day) while entering restaurant or shop and with Auf Wiedersehen (goodbye) while leaving. Tipping is usually practiced and is customary in hotels even though service charges are included in the bills. Normally, the tip is given to the hotel concierge only for special services, and employees are tipped in family run establishments. In restaurants, tipping is not mandatory although appreciated, as 10% has already been included in the prices.

1. Be prepared for weather change any moment while in Austria. As a precaution, carry a warm sweater and raincoat.

The food in Austria is usually quite delicious and unique with a tradition of being stodgy and filling variety. The popular basics include vela, sausage, pork, eggs, potatoes, and bread. People of Austria take food seriously, and almost every village owns a bakery of their own presenting a great variety of freshly baked products and savory rolls from 6:00 am onwards. Meat with dumplings is their typical meal along with broth-based soups, cheese spread and stewed and breaded meats while their breakfast includes rolls, cheese, cold cuts, and coffee. Confectionary is a real weakness for people throughout Austria and is renowned worldwide. Austrian pies and pastries are must try usually gracing the windows of bakeries adorned with most elaborated icings. Gourmet culture is taken to a new level in the country especially in Vienna, where coffee and cake is the much-loved combination.