Austria has used the euro as its currency since 2002. The best way to get cash is at an ATM. If you need to exchange foreign currency, you can do so at exchange offices located at the airport, at post offices or at train stations. You will be ensured a fair rate, although commissions can apply and will vary. The best way to convert foreign money, however, is to go to a bank, such as Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederosterreich-Wien AG, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Raiffeisen-Platz 1 (Second), Vienna. Phone 211-360.
Banking Hours
Generally Monday-Friday 8 am-3 pm (Thursday to 5:30 pm). Neighborhood branches often close 12:30-1:30 pm for lunch.
Taxes
A value-added tax of 20% (known as Mehrwertsteuer, abbreviated as MwSt) is included in the price of almost all purchases. It's possible for non-European Union residents to have some of that reimbursed if at least 75 euros were spent in one store on one day. The salesperson needs to fill out a special form, so carry your passport with you when shopping. If you've purchased items from different departments, the store's customer-service staff can put all of them on a single customs form for you.
To get the refund, you must show the unused items to customs officials as you depart Austria (or another EU country if you're visiting various places in Europe). Customs officials will stamp the form provided by the store. (They may ask to see the merchandise, so do this before you check your bags.) At the airport and at many border-crossing points, it's possible to get your refund immediately in cash. Or you can mail the stamped form back to Austria to have the refund transferred to a credit card or bank account.
Tipping
The standard tip is 10% but can increase for larger groups or excellent service. Also, check your bill first before tipping, because a gratuity may already be included in the bill. If tipping, be sure to hand the tip to the server, rather than leaving it on the table.
