Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Motorcycles Motorcyclists and passengers must wear a helmet. Dipped lights must be used in daytime. You must carry
a first-aid kit. The National Austrian Tourist Office ( www.austria.info ) has an Austrian Classic Tour brochure, which
covers 3000km of the best roads for motorcyclists in the country.
Motorail trains A number of train services allow you to transport a car with you ( Click here ).
Automobile Associations
Two automobile associations serve Austria. Both provide free 24-hour breakdown service to members and have recip-
rocal agreements with motoring clubs in other countries; check with your local club before leaving. Both have offices
throughout Austria, and it is possible to become a member, but you must join for six months or a year; expect to pay
around €38 or €75 respectively. For a small fee, the associations also translate non-German-language driving licences.
If you're not entitled to free assistance, you'll incur a fee for call-outs, which varies depending on the time of day.
ARBÖ ( 24hr emergency assistance 123, office 050-123 123; www.arboe.at ; Mariahilfer Strasse 180, Vienna;
office telephone 6am-7pm daily)
ÖAMTC ( 24hr emergency assistance 120, office 01-711 99-0; www.oeamtc.at ; Schubertring 1-3, Vienna;
8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat)
Bring Your Own Vehicle
You need to have proof of ownership papers and third-party insurance. The car must display a sticker on the rear indic-
ating the country of origin.
Driving Licence
A licence should always be carried. If it's not an EU licence or in German, you need to carry a translation or Interna-
tional Driving Permit (IDP) as well. Automobile associations can translate licences for a fee.
Hire
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum age for hiring small cars is 19 years, for prestige models 25 years. A valid licence issued at least a year ago
is necessary. If taking the car across the border, especially into Eastern Europe, let the rental company know before-
hand and check for any add-on fees and possible age requirements. Although companies accept any licence that is writ-
ten in Latin letters, a translation or International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for any non-EU licence not in Ger-
man.
WHERE TO HIRE
It is much easier to hire in large cities. Small towns either have no hire companies or a limited number of vehicles that
can be expensive or booked out. If you have time, shop around for small companies as they can be cheaper (but more
restrictions often apply).
INSURANCE
Third-party insurance is a minimum requirement. All companies offer personal accident insurance (PAI) for occupants
and collision damage waiver (CDW) for an additional charge. PAI may not be necessary if you or your passengers hold
personal travel insurance.
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