Imagine channelling your energy on a scenic adventure through the beauty of the Alps and then relaxing your mind with the harmony of classical music concerts by the end of the day. No other place in this world can give such a unique experience than Austria. Yes, this country deserves to be your next travel destination. But before you start all the planning, maybe take a look at these guidelines first:
1. Always Bring Cash and Coins
You can’t always use credit or debit cards in Austria. Many places only accept cash payments, especially those selling goods at low prices. Besides the paper currency, you will need some coins ready for various purposes, such as renting a museum locker, accessing a public toilet, and using a shopping trolley.
2. Austrians Speak German, But They Are NOT Germans
Some tourists think Austrians are similar to the Germans, but locals would strongly disagree. Be careful not to make this trivial mistake if you want to socialize well with the locals. Even the language of Austrian German has distinct features from the original German. In culture, history, and political identities, Austrians also feel far different from Germans.
3. Public Transports Are Mostly Better Than Driving
With advanced technology and development, public transport in Austria is more reliable than driving a car yourself. Train rides are cheap, sometimes free, fast, and scenic.
Since most places are accessible by public transportation, you might need to hire a car if you plan to go to off-beaten tracks. Bear in mind that Austria has a lot of traffic rules, including getting a vignette for your car. Unfortunately, many tourists missed this one and got into legal trouble for it.
4. Cigarettes Are Almost Everywhere
Don’t get surprised to see cigarette butts laying around all over the place because smoking is still prevalent among Austrian people. It is considered a social activity. Many even started smoking at a young age. This will feel uncomfortable, especially for people with sensitive respiratory systems, but chances are there will be a lot of people smoking near you in public places.
5. Indulge Yourself with Desserts
Austrians have sweet teeth. It is not uncommon to see locals eating desserts as a snack, a treat, a companion for tea or coffee, and sometimes even a meal. They have a variety of cakes and pastries, which they mostly bake with local and seasonal ingredients. Some traditional desserts that you must try in Austria are Apfelstrudel, Sachertote, Mozarttorte, and Vanillekipferl.
6. Most Places Close on Sunday
Sunday is culturally considered a rest day, so most people do not work on this day. Hence, many business owners also stop operating on Sundays. When planning your itinerary for a Sunday, you must make sure the establishment will be open by then. Otherwise, you might spend the day doing nothing meaningful.
Bonus Tips: It is Better to Get Your Austria Mobile Number from MySecondLine Than a SIM Card
Texting is crucial to keep in touch with your Austrian friends during your visit. Hence, you should consider downloading MySecondLine now and getting an Austrian mobile number. Compared to conventional SIM cards, the number you get from MySecondLine has much lower rates, thus allowing you to continuously text back and forth without worrying about spending too much money for it.