Money in Austria

Carry Cash — Austria Is Still a Cash Culture

Despite Austria's high standard of living, many restaurants, bakeries, market stalls, and smaller shops in Vienna and across the country still prefer or require cash. A good rule of thumb: keep at least €50 on you, particularly outside the capital. Urban supermarkets and hotel chains invariably accept cards, but smaller businesses often do not.

ATMs (Bankomaten) Are Plentiful and Reliable

Austria's ATM network — operated under the Bankomat brand — is dense and reliable. You will find machines in every city centre, train station, supermarket entrance, and most small towns. ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards. Austrian ATMs generally do not add a surcharge to the withdrawal, though your own bank may charge international fees — check before you travel.

Card Acceptance Is Growing but Not Universal

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, department stores, and chain shops. Contactless payments via tap-to-pay cards or mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at modern terminals. American Express has limited acceptance. Many traditional coffee houses, wine taverns (Heurigen), and market traders remain cash-only — always confirm before ordering.

Currency Exchange

Austria uses the Euro (€). If you are arriving from outside the Eurozone, exchange at your home bank before departure or withdraw Euros directly from an Austrian Bankomat on arrival — rates are typically better than airport or hotel exchange desks. Avoid dynamic currency conversion if offered at a terminal; always choose to pay in Euros.