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Austria uses the Euro as its official currency, just like many other European countries. This means you can use Euros to pay for goods and services, and exchange rates with other countries will be the same.
The Euro is divided into 100 cents, making it easy to calculate prices. You can find Euros in various denominations, including 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Euro notes.
In Austria, you can easily find ATMs and currency exchange offices in major cities and tourist areas. Just look for the signs that say "Bankomat" or "Wechselstube" to find one.
History of Austrian Currency
The history of Austrian currency is a long and fascinating one. The Carolingian coin reform in 794 AD introduced new units of account, including the schilling, which initially only existed as a coin of account but later became a real coin produced in many European countries.
The schilling has its roots in medieval Austria, where short and long schilling coins were valued at 12 and 30 pfennigs respectively. The Austrian groschen, also known as the Kaisergroschen, was a silver coin worth 12 pfennigs.
Before the modern schilling, several currencies preceded it, including the florin, which was divided into 8 Schillings. The florin was used as a currency of the Holy Roman Empire since the 16th century.
The Austro-Hungarian gulden was introduced in 1857 and was divided into 100 Neukreuzer. The krone, introduced in 1892, was a gold standard currency.
Austrian Currency Types
Austrian euro coins come in the standard eight denominations.
These include one cent, two cents, five cents, ten cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1, and €2.
All coins bear the same design on the reverse 'national' side, although this design has been modified three times since Austria adopted the euro.
Coins
Coins in Austria are a fascinating topic. The coins in circulation at the time of the changeover to the euro included coins from Austria, Europe, Money, and Numismatics.
You can expect to find Austrian euro coins in the standard eight denominations: one cent, two cents, five cents, ten cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1, and €2. The common side of the coin features the numerical value of the coin and a map of the European Union.
On the reverse side, all coins bear the same design, although it has been modified three times since Austria adopted the euro.
Banknotes
Be sure to bring banknotes in good nick, as some exchange services reject defaced or damaged banknotes.
In Austria, the official currency is the Euro, so make sure you have plenty of Euros to exchange.
You can exchange your money at currency exchange counters, but be aware that those at airports and hotels often give poor exchange rates.
Bureaus in popular tourist destinations, especially around famous landmarks, often give poor exchange rates and add on high or hidden fees.
It's a good idea to compare options in town before exchanging your money.
Series
Austrian Currency Types were in circulation before the euro. The coins available at the time of the changeover to the euro were a mix of different types.
The coins in circulation included various types, but none of them were specifically Austrian or European coins, as those terms were not associated with coins.
Using Austrian Currency Abroad
If you're traveling to Austria, it's essential to know how to pay for things. Fortunately, many forms of payments are widely accepted, including credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in touristy establishments, making it easy to make purchases. Debit cards linked to your bank account can also be used to make purchases and withdraw cash from point-of-sale terminals.
Having some euro banknotes can be helpful for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
Here are some popular payment methods to consider when traveling to Austria:
- Credit cards: VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted.
- Debit cards: Linked to your bank account, they let you make purchases and withdraw cash.
- Cash: Euro banknotes are accepted for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies.
- Mobile payments: Services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are increasingly popular, but check availability beforehand.
- Prepaid travel cards: A reloadable debit card with a euro balance offers good value, security, and convenience.
Travelling
Travelling to Austria can be a breeze if you're prepared for the local currency. The Euro is the official currency of Austria, and you can spot it with the symbol € while the code is EUR.
You'll be happy to know that many forms of payments have become widely accepted around the globe, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, mobile payments, and prepaid travel cards. Credit cards from VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in Austria, especially in touristy establishments.
Debit cards linked to your bank account can also be used to make purchases and withdraw cash at point-of-sale terminals. Having some euro banknotes can be helpful for small purchases, tipping, and emergencies. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange bureau before or upon arrival.
Mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Alipay are also an increasingly popular way to pay, but you'll need to check beforehand how available these methods are in Austria. A prepaid travel card is almost always the best way to pay in Austria because they generally incur lower fees on euro currency exchange than credit cards or bank debit cards do.
Here's a quick rundown of the best payment methods to consider:
- Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard)
- Debit cards
- Cash (euro banknotes)
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay)
- Prepaid travel cards
If you're looking for the most convenient and cost-effective option, consider using a prepaid travel card like Revolut or Wise Account, which offers excellent exchange rates and multi-currency balances.
Atms
ATMs in Austria are called 'bankomats' and are widely available, especially in larger towns and cities like Vienna and Salzberg.
You can easily find an ATM when you need to withdraw cash. In fact, some ATMs give you the option to be charged in euros or your home currency. Always choose euros to avoid the often atrocious exchange rate.
ATM providers rarely charge fees for ATM use, but you may still have to pay fees to your home bank for using an ATM overseas and for currency conversions. Don't forget to let your bank know you're travelling, or they might freeze your card if they detect a foreign transaction.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind when using ATMs in Austria:
- ATMs are widely available, especially in larger towns and cities.
- Some ATMs give you the option to be charged in euros or your home currency.
- Always choose euros to avoid poor exchange rates.
- ATM providers rarely charge fees for ATM use.
- You may still have to pay fees to your home bank for using an ATM overseas and for currency conversions.
- Let your bank know you're travelling to avoid your card being frozen.
Euro and Austrian Currency
The euro is one of around 180 currencies worldwide, giving us exchange rates to consider when traveling to or sending money to Austria.
The euro trades against all other official currencies, making exchange rates essential for travelers and those sending money abroad.
You can follow live exchange rates to the euro with tools like Monito's currency pages, which also allow you to see which providers offer the best deals and set up smart email alerts to track fluctuations.
A higher exchange rate means the value of one currency has increased compared to another, while a lower exchange rate means the opposite.
The euro is the official currency of Austria, with the currency symbol being € and the ISO code being EUR.
Here are some key facts about the euro:
In Austria, you'll find facilities to exchange money, especially in popular tourist destinations like Vienna and Hallstatt.
Payment Methods in Austria
Payment methods in Austria are convenient and widely accepted. Most Austrian businesses are well set up to receive card payments.
You can use your debit card across Austria, but be aware that your home bank may impose high rates and fees for overseas transactions. The Wise Travel Card is a good option, as it doesn't have purchase, load, or reload fees and offers competitive exchange rates.
It's also worth noting that Austria uses the Euro as its official currency, and you can use coins with national designs from other eurozone countries in Austria.
Sending Money
Sending money to Austria can be a costly affair, with international bank fees often constituting more than 10% of your transfer amount.
High fees and exchange rates are a reality with global money transfers, but there are alternative providers that offer better rates.
Many people send money to Austria for various reasons, including supporting friends or family, paying for tuition, or settling business transactions.
You can find the cheapest provider to send money abroad by using a live comparison tool, which takes into account factors such as where you're sending from and the amount you're sending.
Bank Card Usage
Most Austrian businesses are well set up to receive card payments, making it a convenient option for tourists.
Debit cards can be used across Austria, but be aware that your home bank may impose high rates and fees for overseas transactions.
Using your bank card in Austria is relatively straightforward, but it's worth reading up on the fees and charges you might incur.
The Wise Travel Card is one of the best travel money cards for Austria, as it doesn't have purchase, load, or reload fees and offers the same exchange rates as those you see on Google or XE.com.
ATM withdrawals may incur additional fees, so it's a good idea to check with your bank beforehand to understand their policies.
Money in Austria
Money in Austria is pretty straightforward, but there's a little twist - there's no such thing as an "Austrian" euro, technically speaking.
You can use Austrian coins with a national design on one side anywhere in the eurozone.
Coins from other eurozone countries with national designs can also be used in Austria.
In fact, you can use any euro coins in Austria, as long as they're valid for circulation in the eurozone.
Just remember, the design on one side of the coin might be different from the others you're used to, but the value is the same.
Austrian Currency Facts
In Austria, you'll find that the official currency is the Euro, with the ISO code of EUR and the symbol €. The Euro has been the official currency of Austria since 1924.
The Euro is divided into 100 cent units, and you can exchange it for various denominations, including €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 banknotes.
The Central Bank of Austria is the ECB (European Central Bank).
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