Austria
A1, Magenta Telekom, and Drei are the main network providers. Prepaid SIMs are available at phone shops and supermarkets. Your passport is required for registration.
Internet access and Wi-Fi are widely available throughout Salzburg.
The Austrian Post operates post offices throughout Salzburg for sending postcards, letters, and parcels.
The official language is German. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Even a few German phrases demonstrate respect for the local culture and contribute to warmer interactions.
Plan your visit around typical Austrian operating hours for various services and attractions.
Shops generally open Mon-Fri 9/10 AM - 6/7 PM, Sat until 5/6 PM. Most supermarkets and retail stores are closed on Sundays.
Lunch typically 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Dinner service starts around 6:00 PM, with kitchens closing 9:30/10:00 PM.
Most museums and major attractions open around 9/10 AM and close 5/6 PM. Check individual websites for seasonal variations.
Banks typically operate Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, often with a lunch break. They are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Austria has numerous public holidays, many with religious origins. On these days, most shops, banks, and public offices are closed.
Restaurants, tourist attractions, and public transport generally operate on reduced holiday schedules. Always verify specific operating times if your visit coincides with a public holiday.
Engaging respectfully with local customs enriches your visit to Salzburg.
"Grüß Gott" is a common and polite greeting. It is customary to offer a greeting when entering or leaving smaller shops, cafes, or bakeries. A firm handshake is common when meeting someone.
Wait to be seated in most restaurants. Austrians value punctuality. Tipping 5-10% or rounding up the bill is customary for good service.
Avoid discussions of Nazism or World War II unless in an appropriate academic or historical context. Do not use or display Nazi symbols, as this is illegal.
Austria is generally a progressive country regarding gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex marriage recognized and legal.
Using a few German phrases, even simple ones, demonstrates politeness and is generally well-received by locals, fostering positive interactions.
Salzburg endeavors to enhance accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges, though its historic nature presents some inherent considerations.
Newer buildings and public transport are increasingly accessible. However, the historic Altstadt (Old Town) retains many cobblestone streets, narrow passages, and steps.
Many public buses and trolleybuses are low-floor and equipped with ramps.
Specific services tailored for tourists with visual or hearing impairments may be limited. Some museums might offer audio guides or tactile exhibits.
Contact the official Salzburg Tourist Information office before your trip. Always check the individual websites of attractions you plan to visit for detailed accessibility information.
If you have specific accessibility needs, plan your routes in the Altstadt carefully. Focus on accessible attractions and utilize the low-floor public buses for easier movement.
