Capital: Vienna

Time: Austria uses Central European Time (CET). Hence, clocks are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Currency: Currency is the Euro (EUR). The notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 euro. The denominations of coins are 2 euro, 1 euro, 50 euro cent, 20 euro cent, 10 euro cent, 5 euro cent, 2 euro cent, and 1 euro cent.

Weather: Vienna experiences quite pleasant weather during the summer. However, winters can be cold and icy, so be prepared by bringing warm clothing and high-grip shoes.

Custom Regulations: Customs have become even easier with membership in the European Union. EU citizens need an ID card, while all others require a valid passport. Americans can stay in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days. However, arrivals from neighboring EU members (Germany, Italy) are rarely checked, regardless of citizenship.

Electricity: Austria uses 220 volts AC and the continental-style plug. If your appliance has a 120/240-volt switch, all you will need is a plug adapter. Otherwise a current converter is required. Pay attention to sockets in bathrooms and on trains marked "Shavers Only!" While these put out 110 volts, they will burn out with a more powerful appliance.

Tipping: Offer a 10-15% tip to taxi drivers and attendants at theatres and cloakrooms. Restaurants and cafés are generally 'Bedienungszuschlag inbegriffen' (service included). Vienna service staff, however, seem to ignore this and expect something extra.

Dress Code: Austria is no different than the rest of Western Europe. Business attire, of course, consists of suits for both men and women. Outside business hours, Austrians are generally casual dressers, with young people often wearing shorts and t-shirts. A jacket and tie are usually worn to exclusive restaurants and for a night out at the theatre or opera.

Greetings: Address people by their title, and offer a handshake. Take a small gift of wine or chocolates if you are invited to someone's house.

Getting Around: Car: Austrians are renowned for their law-abiding traits, and this is most evident in their polite driving habits. Roads are well-marked Drivers in Austria require their national driving license, all relevant car documents, and proof of car insurance. In addition, all vehicles require a first-aid kit. Keep in mind that all of Austria's highways are toll roads. Tickets are available at border crossings and must be presented on demand to avoid a fine.

Public Transport: Vienna has an excellent subway system that is very easy to understand. Buy tickets from machines in subway stations. Be sure to purchase normal tickets, and not discounted ones, even if you have an international student ID. The buses and trams use the same tickets. Large maps are near every tram stop detailing routes throughout the city. Day tickets are available, and are a good buy if you plan to see a lot of sights.

Bicycles: Cyclists, rejoice! Vienna's streets are very bicycle friendly, and offer a perfect way to see the city in no time. Rent bicycles at the Westbanhof.

Taxis: Taxis in Vienna are nearly impossible to hail. Try taxi stands in front of hotels.

Trains: Austia's rail system is right on par with neighboring Germany and Switzerland in quality. Vienna has several stations, but most people arriving from the West arrive at Westbahnhof. Trains heading east and south usually depart from Sudbahnhof. Trains from Germany generally arrive at Ostbahnhof. The major train stations offer information services.