Austria🇦🇹
Austria, a landlocked East Alpine country in the southern part of Central Europe, shares its borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, Austria offers a unique mix of architectural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The country's relationship with its neighbors is largely stable, built on elements of shared history, trade and cooperative policies. The capital city, Vienna is renowned for its baroque architecture, opera houses, and legacy of classical music; the most famous of which is attributed to Austrian-born Mozart. Other notable landmarks include Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Belvedere, and Vienna State Opera. Besides its museums and architectural sites, Austria's picturesque alpine landscapes and ski resorts in Tyrol provide ample opportunities for hiking and winter sports.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid using the bike lanes for anything other than biking. These lanes are strictly for cyclists and pedestrians can be fined for using them.
- Avoid hiking alone in remote areas. Always inform someone about your hiking plan and expected return time.
- Avoid getting into an unlicensed taxi. Always use a registered taxi service for safety.
- Avoid illegal substances. Austria has strict laws concerning drugs, especially cannabis.
- Avoid being disrespectful or causing disturbance in religious places.
- Avoid public drinking. While it's not forbidden, it could be frowned upon in certain places.
- Avoid discussing World War II and the Holocaust casually. These topics are sensitive and are treated with great seriousness in Austria.
- Avoid going off-piste when skiing. Avalanches are common in Austria, it’s safer to stick to the marked slopes unless you are experienced and well-prepared.
- Avoid leaving your belongings unattended in public places. While Austria is relatively safe, pickpocketing can still occur.
- Avoid littering. Austrians take pride in their cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Always dispose of your litter properly.
Overall
8
Crime 🔫
7
Austria has a relatively low crime rate, contributing to the overall sense of safety in the country. In general, crime rates are higher in larger cities like Vienna and Graz, but even there, violent crimes are rare. Most crimes are related to petty theft and burglary. Travellers are advised to take normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded public places.
Terrorism 💣
8
Austria has a low risk of terrorism, but like all countries, is not completely immune. The most notable incident was the Vienna terrorist attack in November 2020, where four civilians were killed and 23 others were injured. The country has since implemented stringent security measures to counteract terrorism threats.
War ⚔️
9
Austria has been a peaceful country for decades with no recent history of war or ongoing conflicts. The country has been a member of the United Nations since 1955 and adheres to a policy of neutrality, further mitigating any risks of war within its borders.
Natural Disasters 🌊
7
Austria is prone to certain natural disasters such as landslides and flooding, particularly in alpine regions. It occasionally also witnesses extreme weather conditions such as harsh winters and heatwaves. The country however, has a well-developed disaster management system which is prepared to respond to various natural disasters.
Medical Care 🏥
8
Austria has a high-quality healthcare system, with well-equipped hospitals and highly skilled medical staff. It offers both public and private healthcare sectors, and even the remote areas have access to good medical care. Pharmacies are well stocked and doctors are usually bilingual.
Tap Water Quality 💧
10
The tap water in Austria is of excellent quality and is safe to drink. In fact, much of it comes directly from the alpine springs, making it some of the best tasting tap water in Europe. Bottled water is widely available but not necessary.
Disease Burden 🤒
9
Austria has a low disease burden. The country has a high vaccination rate and most infectious diseases are rare. The medical system is highly efficient and able to handle public health challenges.
Corruption 💸
8
Corruption in Austria is relatively low compared to other countries. However, it does exist, mainly in the form of political corruption. Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Austria as 15th out of 180 countries, indicating a lower level of corruption.
Safety for Women ♀️
9
Austria is generally safe for women. Crime rates are relatively low and women, both locals and tourists, are able to traverse freely and safely. However caution is advised as with all other places, especially during nighttime and in less crowded areas.
Safety for Queer People 👬
8
Austria is considered as a gay-friendly country. There are laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights and Vienna proudly hosts the annual Rainbow Parade, a local LGBTQ+ pride event. However, attitudes can vary outside of urban areas, and discreet behavior is recommended in small towns and rural areas.
Censorship 📺
9
There is little censorship in Austria. The country ensures the freedom of speech and press as fundamental rights. However, these are accompanied by responsibilities and protected by laws against any form of discrimination and hate speech.
Public Transportation 🚌
9
Austria has a highly efficient and safe public transport system. It includes services from trams, buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate through the cities. Major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz have developed networks and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) provide efficient train services across the country.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Austria is considered a very safe country. While crime exists, the rates are relatively low and violent crime is rare. The healthcare system is robust and the risk of natural disasters is medium. Sensible precautions should be taken to ensure personal safety, particularly against petty crime in cities and winter sports safety in mountain areas.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries maintain embassies in Vienna, the capital of Austria. This includes major powers like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, India, and many others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends travellers to be updated with routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, influenza, and others. For some travellers, vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, and rabies might be recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Austria is home to relatively few dangerous animals. Watch out for adders, the only venomous snakes in Austria. In mountainous regions, there can be aggressive chamois during the breeding season.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Austria is part of the Schengen Agreement. Nationals of EU countries do not require a visa. Many other countries like the USA, Australia, Canada also do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. It is recommended to check the visa requirements before planning your visit.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Austria is the Euro (€). Currency can be exchanged at banks, post offices and currency exchange offices.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Austria, though there are some small shops that only accept cash. It's advisable to always carry some cash with you.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Austria provides a great opportunity for working while exploring the country. Teaching English, au pair work and seasonal tourism jobs are some options. However, formal work may require a work permit.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living varies depending upon the city, with Vienna being the most expensive. The cost of travel and accommodation are generally affordable but can spike during peak travel periods like Christmas and summer.