Austria: Practical Information to Prepare Your Trip

Majestic mountains, imperial palaces, charming alpine villages, beautiful nature, and a history that has shaped Europe for centuries... Austria is a dream travel destination.
However, as with any trip, careful preparation is your best ally for traveling with peace of mind. In this short guide, we give you some useful tips and information to help make your stay in Austria a success.

Emergency numbers: who to call in case of a major problem?

• European emergency number: 112
• Police: 133
• Ambulance or fire brigade: 112
• Card Stop (lost or stolen credit cards): +32 78 170 170
• Doc Stop (lost or stolen Belgian ID card or passport): + 32 2 488 21 23

Assistance: Redion (Belgium)

In case of an emergency, always contact the local emergency services first!

– Want to reach Redion for a medical or technical problem (e.g. a car breakdown)? Do so via the Redion app (downloadable from the Apple Store or Google Play)

– Want to reach Redion for an administrative request or a contract change? Do so via the site's Customer Area: https://www.redion.be

How to travel through Austria with peace of mind?

Before your trip to Austria, take the time to find out about administrative formalities and local regulations. Good planning will also let you enjoy a climate and activities suited to your plans.

What travel documents are required for Austria?

Like Belgium, Austria is a member state of the European Union. As a result, if you're a citizen of the Union, you benefit from free movement to this country.

To travel around Austria, however, you must have your ID card (the Kids-ID for young children) or your passport. These documents must be valid when presented.

What is healthcare like in Austria?

Austria poses no particular problems in terms of hygiene and health. However, if you do run into a health issue during your trip to Austria, you can get the care you need by visiting a doctor or going to the nearest hospital. For minor health issues, it's recommended to consult a general practitioner (Hausarzt). This professional will then refer you to a specialist if necessary.

You'll be covered for all or part of your healthcare costs by presenting your European Health Insurance Card, and you'll enjoy optimal coverage by taking out supplementary travel insurance. You can choose either a temporary plan, or an annual policy, depending on your needs.

How safe is Austria?

Austria is a safe destination. But even in the safest countries, small accidents can happen at any time, and the most touristy spots can carry a risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing. A few simple measures and precautions will let you enjoy your stay safely.

Here are some general recommendations:

• always carry a valid ID document on you (passport, adult or child ID card);
• make a copy of your essential documents and keep them somewhere safe;
• never carry valuables or large amounts of cash; it's best to only carry a small amount on you and keep the rest in a secure safe (at the hotel);
• be vigilant when paying with a bank card or withdrawing money;
• always exercise caution on the road, at rest areas, and when driving at night;
• if you're driving on the highway, only stop at designated rest areas.

Always keep an eye on your belongings, wherever you are. In a car, avoid leaving your personal items in plain sight. To prevent bank card fraud, stay alert when making purchases. Always pay for your purchases yourself, without handing your payment card to anyone else. Never share personal information with a third party.

It's always wise to check the current security measures provided by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What are the driving rules in Austria?

Getting around in Austria is made easy by a wide variety of transport options. Buses, (urban) trains, subways, and trams make it easy to get around the different cities. For longer distances, you can take the train or a plane. That said, the car remains the recommended way to travel for more comfort and freedom, even though at certain times you may need to allow for heavy to very heavy traffic or, in winter, snowy or impassable roads.

Speed limits

• in built-up areas: 50 km/h;
• on national roads: 90 km/h;
• on expressways and highways: 130 km/h.
• follow the road signs posted along the way, as they may indicate different values.

Mandatory equipment

Click here to find all the useful information on mandatory equipment via a downloadable app from the European Commission.

Winter tires

In Austria, winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15. This requirement also applies to vehicles registered abroad. In mountain areas, this requirement may extend beyond this period and is then indicated by road signs. The same applies to the mandatory use of snow chains.
So take your precautions if you're heading to Austria in winter conditions!

Tolls

In Austria, all vehicles driving on the highway must display a suitable toll sticker (vignette). This is a requirement that, if not complied with, is subject to a fine. You can buy a vignette at most shops or petrol stations near the border. If you're planning to rent a car in Austria, the vignette is provided with the vehicle. Note, however, that extra fees may be charged.

Electric cars

Like most European countries, Austria is increasingly equipping itself with charging points for electric vehicles. Plan your route carefully if you're driving an electric vehicle, and be aware that during peak tourist season it isn't always easy to immediately find a free charging point in busy areas.
Several websites let you locate charging points, including this one: https://blog.chargemap.com/fr

What can you visit in Austria depending on the season?

To make the most of Austria, it's essential to choose the ideal time to go, depending on your plans. The best season, weather-wise, generally runs from May to October. It's an ideal time to visit the country, its nature, and its cultural riches. Winter sports enthusiasts will of course choose the winter period.

Austria in summer

Summers are warm in lower-altitude regions such as Vienna, with the thermometer reading 25°C. This season can be splendid, particularly in mountainous regions. It's the ideal time to go rafting, swim in the lakes, and take leisurely bike rides through the valleys. Thrill-seekers can try paragliding, zip-lining, and rock climbing. The ideal season depends on your wishes and preferences. To make the most of tourist activities, the months of May to September are recommended. This period also applies to those wanting to go on excursions and hikes.

Austria in winter

In winter, the temperature can drop to 4°C in Vienna in January. It's even colder in mountainous regions. Moreover, December is the season of Christmas markets, a tradition still very much alive in Austria. A large alpine city like Innsbruck is also charming during this season, not to mention Schönbrunn (Vienna) under the snow.
Winter sports enthusiasts, meanwhile, will find what they're looking for at numerous ski resorts. You can also go snowboarding there.

Did you know?

Austria is the only continental EU country that is not a member of NATO. It has given the world many famous classical music composers, including Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Liszt, J. Strauss, Mahler, and Bruckner. It is also the country of the legendary Empress Sisi.

Other practical information about Austria

• Capital: Vienna
• Language: German
• Currency: euro
• Area: 83,879 km²
• Population: more than 8.9 million
• Tourist Office: https://www.austria.info/fr
• Embassy and consulates: https://austria.diplomatie.belgium.be/fr

What are Austria's culinary specialties?

Your holiday in Austria is a great opportunity to sample local specialties. If you stay in the country for a week, you'll have plenty of time to try the essentials.

Austrians are particularly fond of the Vienna sausage. It remains a fixture on Austrian tables during barbecue season. That said, Austrian cuisine offers many other must-try specialties.

• Wiener Schnitzel: the country's most famous dish
• Tafelspitz: the Austrian version of pot-au-feu
• Goulash: a simple but very delicious dish
• Sachertorte: Austria's best-known chocolate cake
• Knödel and gnocchi: delicious dumplings
• Apfelstrudel: the Austrian dessert not to be missed
• Erdäpfelsalat: Viennese-style potato salad
• Schweinebraten: the traditional Sunday and holiday dish
• Kaiserschmarrn: the delicious "emperor's pancake"

An Austrian meal wouldn't be complete without dessert. There's a wide choice between fruit tarts, Apfelstrudel, Salzburger Nockerln, and thick pancakes made with whipped egg whites, also known as Kaiserschmarrn. For enthusiasts, don't forget to also try Austria's fine wines.

Some basic words and expressions

• Guten Tag - Grüss Gott, Grüss dich: Hello
• Guten Abend: Good evening
• Gute Nacht: Good night
• Auf Wiedersehen: Goodbye
• Ja: Yes
• Nein: No
• Danke: Thank you
• Bitte schön: You're welcome
• Bitte: Please
• Wieviel kostet das?: How much does that cost?