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Currency:  euro

In January 2002, the Austrian Shilling was replaced by the Euro.
The official fixed exchange rate as set by the European Central Bank is ATS 13.7603 for Euro 1.00

Exchanging cash and travellers' cheques is rarely a problem in Austria. Changing cash attracts a negligible commission but the exchange rate is usually 1% to 4% lower than for cheques. American Express is the best place to change, especially if you have its cheques. Post offices have low commissions but not great exchange rates. A surprising number of Austrian shops and restaurants refuse to accept any credit cards but Bankomats (ATMs) are extremely common in Austria, even in small villages: you can withdraw cash from credit and debit accounts 24 hours a day. ATMs are linked up internationally and have English instructions. Daily withdrawal limit: Euro 400.

Under the Single Market arrangements, if you are travelling to Austria directly from another EU country, you do not need to go through a Red or Green channel.
Duty free allowances on goods bought within the EU ceased on 1 July 1999.
You can buy as much as you want to bring back from Austria provided you can prove that it is for personal, rather than commercial use.

Value Added Tax is charged on most goods bought in shops in Austria and obtaining relief from VAT can save you money.
(Not all shops operate the Retail Export Scheme, and those that do often set a minimum purchase level.)
The appropriate form (U34) is completed in full at the time of purchase. You must present the form to Customs at the final point of departure from the EU and have your goods available for inspection.
(Visitors leaving Austria for a final destination within the EU are not eligible to receive VAT refunds under the scheme.)

Hotel and restaurant bills include a service charge, but hotel porters and cleaning staff usually expect something for their services. It is also customary to tip in restaurants and cafes. Round up smaller bills and add an extra 5% to 10% to larger ones: simply say the total amount you want them to take when handing over the money (it's not usual to leave the tip on the table). Taxi drivers will expect around 10% extra. Tour guides, cloakroom attendants and hairdressers are also usually tipped. Bargaining is not common except in flea markets, but you can try for a discount if paying for major purchases in cash and it never hurts to haggle for a better hotel rate in the low season if you're staying for more than a few days