Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 2.25 liters of liquor, beer or wine; and 200 cigarettes.
Currency Exchange
Banks in cities operate from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. weekdays (until 5:30 p.m. Thursdays). Exchange offices at airports and major rail terminals are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (in Vienna to 10 p.m.). Banks apply a uniform conversion rate while exchange counters at transport terminals take an added commission. Stores, hotels and restaurants accepting payment in dollars apply a lower rate. Banks charge for cashing travelers checks, so convert enough for several days'' expenses at a time.
Tipping
A service charge of 15 percent is often included in restaurant bills, but it''s customary to round off the bill. Where gratuity is not included 5-10% will suffice. Higher percentages should be reserved for more deluxe establishments. It is kind to recognize the efforts of porters and bellhops at a rate of €.50 - €1 per bag. It''s also customary to tip gas station attendants approximately €1, chambermaids €1 per day and lavatory attendants €.50. Taxi drivers generally expect 10%, but you may wish to round up for shorter rides. Keep in mind the general rule for tipping internationally: the amount should always reflect the level of service you have received. Higher tips will be accepted and appreciated, but may be reserved for exceptional service!
Business Hours
Shopping: Food shops are open 7 or 8 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. weekdays and until noon or 1 p.m. Saturdays. Other stores are open 8 or 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m. weekdays (until 8 p.m. Thursdays and noon or 1 p.m. Saturdays.) In downtown Vienna shops do not tend to close for lunch. Grocers, florists, candy stores and bookstalls operate at railway stations from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Local Tax
21%
