Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From October to March often you won't need to book ahead except during the ski period
in resorts. Book three days to a week ahead in May, June and September and for Friday
and Saturday nights, earlier for July and August.
»
Hotels
Anything from basic places with cheap laminate woods to stylish five-star re-
sorts. Occasionally breakfast costs extra.
»
Pensionen
Smaller, usually not purpose-built but family-run establishments, many vir-
tually indistinguishable from hotels. Breakfast always included.
»
Private rooms
Tourist offices keep brochures with lists of these, or see tourist-office
websites. Similar to a low-budget B&B.
Money
ATMs are located in even the smallest towns, but not all are open 24 hours. Travellers
cheques are not accepted; expect to pay cash in many restaurants. Most Austrian ATMs -
including Bank of Austria and BAWAG P.S.K. (Postsparkasse) - accept Amex credit
cards as well as Visa and MasterCard for cash withdrawals.
For more information,
Click here
.
Bargaining
Bargaining in shops is not really part of Austrian culture. Flea markets are the exception,
or when negotiating a longer-than-usual period of rental for, say, a kayak or a bicycle.
Ask whether there's a cheaper rate for that period.
Tipping
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Hotels
One or two euros per bag for bellboys is sufficient. The same in top-flight ho-
tels for valet parking. Leaving loose change behind for cleaners is not expected but ap-
preciated.
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Restaurants
Tip unless the service is abominable. About 10% is common, done by
rounding up the bill (eg by saying
zwanzig euro, bitte
) or, if the bill comes in a leather
folder, either by stating the amount as you hand it over or leaving the tip in the folder
when you leave.
