Tipping In Austria: A Guide to Austrian Tipping Customs
Jarrod Suda
Guide
A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.
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Read moreOne aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Austria to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get EUR in cash in Austria, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.
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Is Tipping Expected in Austria?
Tipping in Austria is usually expected in small amounts. You can use your discretion to tip anywhere from around 5% to 15%.
Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes
When dining out in Austria, it is common to leave a small tip of 5% to 10% for the service. You can even consider 15% for exceptional service. Locals often tell the wait staff to keep the change. If your meal was €18, consider paying with a €20 bill.
When visiting bars and cafes, rounding up the bill or letting the staff keep the change is generally expected. Tipping at smaller places can be flexible. Oftentimes, patrons simply round up to a convenient number.
Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Austria?
For hotel staff in Austria, tipping is not mandatory but expected by service staff. It is a nice gesture to tip €1 or €2 to porters, valet, and cleaning staff.
Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Austria
For taxi drivers in Austria, tipping is generally expected (especially in Vienna). You can round up to the bill or leave gratuity of around 10%.
Tour guides in Austria may expect a small tip for walking tours, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. It is not a hard and fast rule, since pricing rules will vary by each provider. However, a tip of 5-10 euros per person is typical (especially for free walking tours).
Practical Tips for Tipping in Austria
By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Austria, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:
- Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Austria.
- Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
- Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Austria, you'll be prompted to pay in EUR or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (EUR) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
- Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.
Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad
Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Austria:
Wise Multi-Currency Account
With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.
The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.
Wise Multi-Currency Account | Switzerland |
N26
Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.
Starling Bank
The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.
Travel Money Guides For Your Trip to Austria
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