Travel to Austria

Plan your trip to Austria

With FOREX, you can easily prepare and plan your trip to Austria through services such as currency exchange for euros (EUR, €), booking activities and experiences, as well as finding flights and travel insurance.

Currency and payments in Austria

The currency in Austria is the euro (EUR): Austria is part of the eurozone.

Have euros ready on arrival: You may need cash immediately for transport, cafés or small purchases.

Cash is still widely used:

• cafés and traditional restaurants
• bakeries and small shops
• markets and local businesses
• taxis and smaller services

Austria is more cash-oriented than many other Western European countries, and it is common to pay with cash in everyday situations.

Cards work – but not everywhere: Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and stores, but smaller businesses may prefer cash or not accept cards at all.

Cash is appreciated in traditional settings: Smaller cafés, alpine villages and local restaurants often rely on cash.

Avoid unnecessary fees: Card payments and ATM withdrawals often come with exchange fees and surcharges. Having euros in advance gives you better control over your budget.

Payment tips

• Exchange euros before departure
• Carry cash for restaurants, cafés and small purchases
• Use cards as a complement in larger businesses
• Always pay in the local currency (EUR)

Price level in Austria

Austria is generally slightly more expensive than Sweden, especially in tourist areas and ski resorts.

• More expensive: restaurants, hotels, ski resorts
• Mid-range: transport and activities
• Cheaper: some cafés and simple meals

Prices vary depending on region and season.

Budget tips and information for your trip to Austria

• Exchange currency before you travel

Having cash ready on arrival makes it easier to handle small expenses.

• Carry cash in daily situations

Many cafés and smaller restaurants still prefer cash.

Avoid common mistakes

• Not having cash in smaller towns
• Assuming cards are accepted everywhere
• Underestimating costs in tourist areas

Adjust your budget

You can save money by:

• eating at local restaurants
• avoiding tourist hotspots
• traveling outside peak season

Tipping

Tipping is common in Austria. It is typical to round up the bill or leave around 5–10% for good service, often in cash.

Cash in Austria – when is it needed?

Cash is needed for cafés, restaurants, markets and smaller shops. Even though cards are accepted in many places, cash remains an important part of everyday payments.

Exchange currency before your trip

Find your nearest FOREX store and exchange euros for Austria