Vienna: Money & Costs

• Currency

  Name

  Euro

  Symbol

  €

  Like other members of the European Monetary Union (EMU), Austria's currency is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of Euro5, Euro10, Euro20, Euro50, Euro100, Euro200 and Euro500.

  There are coins for one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents and for Euro1 and Euro2.

• Changing Your Money

  Banks are the best places to exchange cash, but it pays to shop around as exchange rates and commission charges can vary a little between them. Normally there is a minimum commission charge of €2.00 to €3.50 , so try to exchange your money in large amounts to save on multiple charges. Banks at train stations often have longer hours, and Wechselstuben (money-exchange offices) - usually found in the centre of large cities or at train stations - even longer, but commissions are often high.

• Money Tips

  Mehrwertsteuer (MWST; value-added tax) in Austria is set at 20% for most goods. Prices are always displayed inclusive of all taxes.

  All non-EU tourists are entitled to a refund of the MWST on single purchases over €75 . To claim the tax, a U34 form or tax-free cheque and envelope must be completed by the shop at the time of purchase (show your passport), and then stamped by border officials when you leave the EU. To be eligible for a tax refund, goods must be taken out of the country within three months of the date of purchase. The airports at Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz and Graz have a counter for payment of instant refunds. There are also counters at major border crossings. The refund is best claimed as you leave the EU, otherwise you will have to track down an international refund office or claim by post from your home country.

  Before making a purchase, ensure the shop has the required paperwork; some places display a 'Global Refund Tax Free Shopping' sticker. Also confirm the value of the refund; it's usually advertised as 13% (which is the refund of the 20% standard rate of value-added tax after various commissions have been taken), though it may vary for certain categories of goods.

• Sample Price Guide

  box of Mozart Kügeln chocolates

  € 7.50

  cheese sausage at a sausage stand

  € 3.50

  20-minute horse and carriage ride

  € 50.00

  slice of Sacher Torte

  € 4.00

  Average Room Prices
  Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
  €50-100	€100-150	€150-250	€250+
  Average Meal Prices
  Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
  €5-15	€15-30	€30-60	€60+

• Tipping

  Hands in pockets? Tipping is part of everyday life in Vienna; tips are generally expected at restaurants, bars and cafes, and in taxis. It's customary to add a 10% tip, or round up the bill, while taxi drivers will expect around 10% extra. Tips are handed over at the time of payment: add the bill and tip together and pass it over in one lump sum. It doesn't hurt to tip workers, hairdressers, hotel porters, cloakroom attendants, cleaning staff and tour guides a euro or two.

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