Austria

Flight.co.uk Overview

Being landlocked in the very heart of Europe, there are hundreds of flights to Austria from points all around the world each day, most headed for the country's atmospheric historic capital city, Vienna. Historically this Alpine country was the centre of the powerful Hapsburg Empire, which controlled today's eastern European countries of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, the Balkans and a large chunk of Romania. Tourists often use flights to Austria as a gateway to exploring this charming region of the world. Discount flights to Austria are particularly popular with winter sports' enthusiasts, who flood into the picturesque Alpine resort villages in the west each winter. Others book flights to Austria to absorb the culture of the Baroque-inspired city of Vienna, with its romantic musical heritage, inviting café society, magnificent palaces, cosy inns and captivating churches. Another favourite destination for tourists taking flights to Austria is the quaint city of Salzburg, birthplace of the great classical composer, Mozart, set in a beautiful valley and dominated by an impressive castle. Many flights to Austria land at Salzburg's international airport, which is named after Mozart. Spring and summer in Austria are glorious, with the strains of Strauss waltzes bringing dancers swirling around glittering outdoor patios, while cruisers ply the wide Danube River and cyclists and hikers take to the hills and flower-bedecked meadows. Austria flights also tempt travelers with an appetite for a good time, the country's cuisine and hospitality being legendary.

Overview

Landlocked in the heart of Europe, Austria runs from the Alps in the west down to Vienna and the Danube in the east. For six centuries it was the heart of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, which at its peak included what is now Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic along with much of Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkans. The country's imperial inheritance is particularly striking in the grand buildings and cultural institutions of the Baroque-flavoured capital, Vienna, resplendent with palaces and captivating churches, cosy coffeehouses and inns, and grand ballrooms where Strauss waltzes still draw dancers onto the floor.

Another of the great classical composers spawned by Austria was Mozart, born in Salzburg, a beautiful historic city where stunning Baroque churches rise up against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. The Alps stretch west to Switzerland and in winter skiers come from all continents to carve the slopes and experience the charm of the alpine villages and their welcoming inhabitants.

The charm of Austria may lie in its preservation of a romantic classical past, but this does not mean modern Austria has stood back from development. Behind the stunning scenery and antique architecture a vibrant industrial and commercial society goes about its business in the cities and towns. Austrians work hard, but they also know how to play hard. Austrian hospitality and cuisine are legendary. From a cruise on the magnificent Danube River to a cycle tour through the Alpine meadows or a breath-taking day's sightseeing in busy Vienna, visitors to Austria find it impossible to fit in a dull moment.

Local Customs

From 15 November 2005 it is compulsory that vehicles are driven with their lights on throughout the year. Wearing of military or other uniforms of foreign countries is not allowed, unless in transit or with a special permit obtained from Austrian diplomatic representation abroad.

Business

Business protocol is very important in Austria and business is formal, structured and conservative, more so than many other Western European countries; all correspondence such as faxes and emails should also be formal. Dress is conservative, yet elegant; Austrians take great pride in their appearance and a good quality, well-fitting suit for men and women should be worn to make a good first impression. Austrians are also very title-conscious; always use last names with a preceding title such as Herr (Mr), Frau (Mrs) or Fräulein (Miss), along with their professional or academic title where applicable (e.g. Herr Professor Kaufmann). It is vital to arrive punctually for meetings and to be thoroughly prepared, as meetings are brief and to the point. Be prepared to engage in preliminary small talk, including a knowledge of current affairs, before getting down to business. English is widely spoken in business, but printed literature should be in German if possible. Offices open at 8am and close promptly at 5pm Monday to Friday.

Health

No vaccinations are necessary for business visits or general tourism. There is, however, a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for long-term visitors who expect to be visiting rural or forested areas in spring or summer. These travellers should consider vaccination and ensure they take precautions against tick infestation. Water and food are safe. Medical facilities are excellent. Medical insurance is advised unless from the UK - citizens of EU countries can get free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals in Austria on production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Bird flu was found in dead swans in the southern province of Styria in February 2006 and stringent measures are being taken to contain the outbreak. The risk is very low for travellers, but all close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution.

Safety

Travel to Austria is generally trouble-free, however visitors are advised to take sensible safety precautions particularly in larger cities.

Duty Free

Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years are allowed to bring in the following items without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 2 litres wine, or 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content more than 22%, or 2 litres of alcohol volume less than 22%; 50g perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to a total value of EUR175. Restricted items include pornographic material and fresh foodstuffs such as meat and dairy products. Travellers must have a European Firearms Pass if travelling with firearms.

Tipping

A 10-15% service charge is automatically added to hotel and restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave another 5% if satisfied with the service. It is customary to give the money to the waiter rather than leave it on the table. It is usual to leave small change for most service personnel. Taxis expect a 10% tip.

Language

The official language is German.

Communications

The international access code for Austria is +43. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Vienna is (0)1. Public telephone boxes can be used for direct dial calls within the country and overseas. Austria's mobile network operates on the 900 and 1800 bands for GSM. Internet cafes are widely available.

Time Zone

GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The European round 2-pin plugs are standard.

Money

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but exchange offices at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven days a week. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash. Travellers cheques are also accepted.