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Travelers Digest Austria Page
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Austria Fact Sheet
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Austria is a highly developed stable democracy
with a modern economy.
Austria's Overall Rating. 3 Out of 5.
Austria's Expense Level. 3 1/2 Out of 5.
 
Austria's Crime Level. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
 
Austrian's Overall Friendliness Rating. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
 
Austria's Nightlife Rating. 2 Out of 5.
Visas: EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand
citizens do not require visas for stays of up to three months. Nationals of
African and Arabic countries generally require a visa - also valid for up to
three months.
Health risks: Altitude sickness, hypothermia and sunburn
Time: GMT/UTC +1
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
Tourism: 19 million visitors a year
Currency: euro (EUR), formerly Austrian schilling (AS). Currency Converter
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. A visa is not required for
business or tourist stays up to three months. For further information concerning
entry requirements for Austria, travelers should contact the Embassy of Austria.
CRIME: Austria has a low crime rate, and violent crime is rare.
However, crimes involving theft of personal property have increased in recent
years. Travelers can become targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers who
operate where tourists tend to gather; favorite spots include Vienna's two
largest train stations and the pedestrian shopping area in the first district.
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to
local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for
assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find
appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how
funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the
crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can
help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an
attorney if needed.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INSURANCE: Good medical care is widely
available. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with
their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether
their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a
medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs
incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased.
Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical
services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private
companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred
overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider
that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to
providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may
cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas
often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your
departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas
healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you
incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment
and for the disposition of remains in the event of death.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITONS:
Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Excellent
Road conditions in Austria are generally excellent. During the winter,
however, roads in alpine areas may become dangerous due to snowfall, ice, or
avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods, and tire
chains are often required. Drivers should exercise caution during the heavily
traveled vacation periods (December-February, Easter, and July-August). Extra
caution is recommended when driving through autobahn construction zones,
particularly on the A-1 East/West Autobahn. Reduced lanes and two-way traffic in
these zones have resulted in several deadly accidents in recent years. Traffic
information and road conditions are broadcast on the English language channel
fm4, located between 91 and 105 FM depending on the locale.
A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. The U.S.
driver's license must be accompanied by an international driver's permit
(obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American
Automobile Touring Alliance) or by an official translation of the U.S. driver's
license, which can be obtained at one of the Austrian automobile clubs (OAMTC or
ARBO). This arrangement is only acceptable for the first six months of driving
in Austria, after which all drivers must obtain an Austrian license.
Austria requires all vehicles using the autobahn to display a highway tax
sticker "Autobahn Vignette" on the inside windshield of the vehicle.
The sticker may be purchased at border crossings, gas stations in Austria, as
well as small "Tabak" shops located in Austrian towns. Fines for
failing to display a valid autobahn vignette on the windshield of the car are
usually around $120.00.
Austrian autobahns have a maximum speed limit of 130 km/hr, although drivers
often drive much faster and pass aggressively. The use of hand-held cell phones
while driving is prohibited. Turning right on red is also prohibited throughout
Austria. The legal limit for blood alcohol content in Austria is .05 percent,
and penalties for driving under the influence tend to be stricter than in many
U.S. states.
Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions
of their rental contract. Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented
vehicles into eastern European countries. Drivers attempting to enter countries
listed as "prohibited" on the car rental contract may be arrested,
fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft. The vehicle can be held by
Austrian police for the car rental company.
Emergency roadside help and information may be reached by dialing 123 or 120
for vehicle assistance and towing services (Austrian Automobile Clubs), 122 for
the fire department, 133 for police, and 144 for ambulance.
Full country name: The Republic of Austria
Area: 83,854 sq km (32,367 sq mi)
Population: 8,139,000
Capital city: Vienna (pop: 1.64 million)
People: 97% Germanic origin, 2% Slovene & Croat and 1% Turkish
Language: 97% German, plus some Turkish, Slovene and Croat
Religion: 88% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant
Government: Federal Republic
Average Income: US$25,000
Member of EU: yes
Euro zone participant: yes
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