Time
Austria uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Language
German.
Travel documents
Austria is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
There are no special regulations for caravans.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Austria if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm .
Currency
The currency in Austria is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Austria. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks are genereis open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 08:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 15:00, Thursdays from 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30 (with regional differences). Closed on Saturdays.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ .
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Austria (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/ .
Post
Post offices are genereis open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Post offices are open in most towns on Saturdays from 08:00 to 10:00. In other towns they are closed all day. Main and station post offices in large cities are open continuously including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Currency transactions at all post offices Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00.
Shops
Shops may open Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 19:30 and on Saturdays from 06:00 to 17:00. As a rule most shops open 08:00 to 18:00 with a 1½ hour lunch break, and on Saturdays till 13:00.
Doctors and chemists
Doctors and chemists are to be found in all towns, municipalities and larger conurbations. Chemists have a night and weekend rota. When closed they display a sign with the name of the nearest chemist on duty. Information about doctors on call from the local police or in the telephone directory. All villages have their own mountain rescue service.
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- 6 January (Epiphany)
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- 1 May (Labour Day)
- Ascension Day
- Whitsun
- 15 June (Sacrament Day)
- 15 August (The Assumption)
- 26 October (National Holiday)
- 1 November (All Saints)
- 8 December (Immaculate Conception)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Road system
Remember, all traffic in Austria drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Austria uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Roads are genereis very good. In the Alps, inclines of 6 to 15% and more are common. Most mountain roads have crash barriers on the valley side. Snow chains are compulsory in heavy snow; this is indicated by signs on the roadside. Without these you are not allowed to continue. Chains must be fitted to the driving wheels.
Traffic regulations
Speed limits when not otherwise indicated:
- in built-up areas; 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- other roads 100 km/h (± 62 mph)
- on motorways 130 km/h (± 81 mph).
Cars with caravans/trailers up to 750 kg may not exceed 70 km/h (± 44 mph) outside built-up areas, on motorways 80 km/h (± 50 mph). Cars with caravans/trailers over 750 kg may not exceed 60 km/h (± 37mph) outside built-up areas, on motorways 70 km/h (± 44 mph).
Take note of the following regulations: Children under 12 must sit in the back (with seat belts). Children under 12 and shorter than 1.50m (± 5 feet) must use a child seat. Drivers who wear glasses must carry a spare pair. Crash helmets are compulsory on motorised two-wheel vehicles in Austria. Dipped headlights must be used during the day.
A first aid kit, emergency triangle and the use of seat belts is compulsory for everyone. Possession and use of anti-radar equipment is forbidden. Use of phones by drivers is only permitted hands-free. You are advised to fit winter tyres to your car if visiting Austria in winter. Certain cities have so-called blue zones where parking is restricted. The permitted parking time can vary from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Check the signs. Parking discs are available free of charge from tobacconists. In some towns parking tickets are required in blue zones, these can be obtained at banks, service stations and automobile clubs etc. The alcohol limit is 0.05%. If you are over 0.08% your driving licence will be confiscated.
Useful translations of traffic signs
Nur für Anrainer: local traffic only
Kurvenreiche Strecke: numerous bends
Gebührenpflichtiger Parkplatz: paid parking
Langsam fahren: drive slowly
LKW: HGV
PKW: car
Mautstrasse: toll road
Überholen verboten: overtaking prohibited
Vorfahrt: priority
Bei Nässe ... km: when raining ... km
Radweg kreuzt: cycle track crosses road
Toll roads /vignet
The main toll roads are: Arlbergstrassentunnel, Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse, Felbertauernstrasse, Brenner-, Tauern and Pyhrnautobahn.
An ‘Autobahnvignet’ (sticker) is compulsory for cars driving on motorways and main roads (S routes). These can be bought for € 7.60 for 10 days, € 21.80 for 2 months or € 72.60 for 14 months, depending on the weight of your vehicle. There are new regulations for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. You will find more information on http://www.go-maut.at/ . The toll vignet is also compulsory for motorbikes. No extra vignet is necessary for caravans. Vignets can be purchased from your motoring organisation and at Austrian service stations, tobacconists and ÖAMTC (Austrian motoring association) offices.
In the event of breakdown
Members of UK motoring organisations can use the services of the sister organisation in Austria (ÖMTC, telephone 120) subject to their membership conditions. Other Emergency numbers: Fire 122, Police 133, Ambulance 144.
Reflective jackets must be worn by drivers and passengers who are standing by the side of the road following a breakdown in Austria. They have a fluorescent colour and white stripes (logos and other text must only be small). Permitted colours are fluorescent yellow or orange. They can be recognised by the EU safety standard EN471 which can be found on the label in or on the jacket.
Overnight stays in caravans and motorhomes are permitted, except in Vienna, Tyrol and National Parks, for one night only when in transit. You are not allowed to treat it as a camp site. For example tables and chairs may not be placed outside. Free camping is forbidden.
Austrian Embassy
18 Belgrave Mews West
London SW1X 8HU
Tel: 020 7235 3731
Fax: 020 7344 0292
e-mail: embassy@austria.org.uk
internet: http://www.bmaa.gv.at/embassy/uk/
Austrian National Tourist Office
13-14 Cork Street
London W1S 3NS
Not open to personal callers. Telephone enquiries only
Tel: 020 7629 0461
Fax: 020 7499 6038
e-mail: tourism@austria.org.uk
internet: http://www.austria-tourism.at/