Includes information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc.
Last Published: 7/9/2019

Business Customs

Business practice and etiquette is similar in Austria and the United States; however, there are some important differences.  First, it is worth noting the relatively formal environment in which business is generally conducted in Austria.  When making appointments with prospective buyers or clients, it is customary to make initial contact well in advance (either in writing or by phone) and to offer to meet on the business premises of the person in question. Another manifestation of Austrian formality is the widespread use of titles, whether in recognition of a university degree, a position in a firm, or in the government. Finally, remember that Austrians place a high value on a personal relationship as a precursor to a business relationship. 
 

Travel Advisory

There are no general travel advisories specifically for Austria. However, visitors are encouraged to visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Austria.html and learn about their destination prior to departure.

Visa Requirements

A visa is not required for U.S. citizens who wish to stay in Austria for up to 90 days within a six-month period. At the conclusion of the 90-day stay, the visitor must leave the country.  

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links: 


State Department Visa Website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Austria.html

U.S. Embassy Vienna Visa Website:

https://at.usembassy.gov/visas/


Currency

The currency used in Austria is the euro (EUR).  Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though there may be some establishments that choose to accept cash only. 

To tip servers in bars and restaurants, customers traditionally round up small totals to the nearest euro. (E.g. Paying EUR 8.00 for a EUR 7.70 meal is completely acceptable.)  Even on large bills, the tip does not need to exceed ten percent of the sub-total. 
 

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telecommunications services are reliable in Austria and internet access  is widely available. The phone system is fully automated, and direct dialing is available to most countries in the world at varying international rates. Pre-paid calling cards are available at post offices, supermarkets, or tobacco shops (Tabak Trafik). Austria uses the GSM standard for its cellular service. A tri-frequency cell phone will provide service in Austria and the United States. 

To make a direct call outside Austria, the caller should first dial “00” and then the country code (e.g. 001 for the United States and Canada), the area or city code, and the phone number. For credit card calls, the caller should dial 0802 34 56 or 0800 287 874 21 (toll-free). For long distance information, he or she should call 11 88 77 for Austria, Germany and the EU countries, and countries bordering Austria.  For other countries, the caller should call 0900 11 88 77. The Herold Business Data AG also provides online telephone information for Austria: http://www.herold.at/telefonbuch/


Austria uses the EU standard 230 volts/50 Hz power sockets.  Adapters can be found in airports, train stations, and electronic shops throughout Austria.  Although some modern appliances can work with both U.S. and European voltages, any U.S. appliances compatible with only U.S. voltages (110 or 120 volts) will need a voltage converter to prevent a burn-out.


Transportation

Direct flights connect Vienna to several U.S. cities primarily through Austrian Airlines (Star Alliance), with many other routes through other European cities. Austria's modern highways link most cities, and numerous border crossings into neighboring countries are easily accessible. Austrian Railways (Österreichische Bundesbahnen, ÖBB) offers domestic and international rail trips.  Private rail service Westbahn offers rail trips within Austria. 

For travel itineraries, train schedules, and prices please visit: 

ÖBB website: http://www.oebb.at/en  
Westbahn website: https://westbahn.at/en
 

Language

Though German is the official language, most Austrians speak at least a little English.
 

Health

Vienna is one of the safest cities in Europe and the world. Violent crime in Austria is rare.

Pickpocketing and purse-stealing are the most frequent crimes in urban areas.  As in any big city, visitors should take care when walking alone to avoid dark and isolated places. 


Medical care is widely available throughout the whole country and doctors usually speak English. Visitors are encouraged to consult with their own medical insurance company prior to travelling to Austria to determine medical insurance eligibility or if supplemental medical insurance is necessary for travel. Travelers needing to consult a doctor should check with the receptionist at their hotel or make use of the yellow pages of the local telephone directory.

Emergency numbers in Austria are as follows:
Fire (“Feuerwehr”): 122
Police (“Polizei”): 133
Ambulance (“Rettung”): 144
Poison Information Hotline – 1 406 43 43
Emergency Doctor – 141
Mountain Rescue - 140


Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Central European Time (CET) is used in Austria. There is a time difference of +6 hours between Vienna and New York City, except for a few weeks in the spring and fall when European and American daylight savings times differ.  Austrians use the 24-hour clock.  For example, 5 p.m. is written as “17:00 Uhr.” Austria follows European Daylight Savings Time, which begins the last Sunday in March, and ends on the last Sunday of October.

Austrian and American official holidays: https://at.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/
Business visitors should note that the Austrian vacation season is in July and August, and that many decision-makers take extended vacations during that time – sometimes for four weeks or more. Appointments may also be difficult to make during Christmas break (December 20 – January 6).  Many offices are closed Friday afternoons, reflecting the widely implemented 38.5-hour work week. 

 

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

When entering Austria, business visitors should declare valuables. It is advisable to have a copy of the invoice available. The visitor will be issued a Customs document called a “Verwendungsschein,”, which will also include the visitor’s departure date. When leaving Austria, the visitor should go through Customs again for a checkout. 
 

Travel Related Web Resources

U.S. State Department Travel Warning: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
Safe Travel checklist: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go.html
The U.S. Commercial Service in Vienna, Austria: http://www.export.gov/austria or http://www.buyusa.gov/austria/
Vienna International Airport: http://www.viennaairport.com
Schnellbahn Vienna: http://www.oebb.at/en
Vienna City Airport Train (CAT): http://www.cityairporttrain.com/
Austrian National Tourist Office: http://www.austria.info/us
Austrian Trade Portal: Travelling to Austria: http://www.advantageaustria.org/us/zentral/business-guide-oesterreich/reisen-nach-oesterreich.en.html
U.S. Embassy Visa Information: https://at.usembassy.gov/visas/
State Department Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html
Online Telephone Information in Austria: http://www.herold.at/telefonbuch/
Rail Europe: http://www.raileurope.com
Austrian Railways: http://www.oebb.at/en
Westbahn: https://westbahn.at/en
Public Transportation Information in Vienna: http://www.wienerlinien.at
Vienna General Hospital: http://www.akhwien.at/
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.