Paying in Vienna how it works

You’ve just landed in Vienna, strolled past the majestic buildings of the city centre, and spotted your first café terrace. A waiter brings you a creamy Mélange, and you reach for your wallet, only to wonder: do I need cash, or is a card fine here?

In most cases, paying in Vienna is straightforward. Austria is part of the eurozone, so the euro (€) is the official currency. If you’re arriving from another EU country, there’s no need to exchange money or worry about conversion rates, everything works just like at home.

Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2. Banknotes range from €5 to €100 and beyond, though most daily payments involve notes of €10 or €20.

Prices in Austria are written with a comma instead of a dot (so €3,50 instead of €3.50), which is something to keep in mind when reading menus or receipts.

Although the euro makes things simple on paper, day-to-day payments in Vienna can still have their quirks, especially when it comes to card use and cash preference.

Cash or card?

One of the most common surprises for visitors in Vienna isn’t the architecture or the pastries, it’s how often they still need cash. While card payments are widely accepted, especially in hotels, supermarkets and larger stores, you’ll quickly notice that cash still plays a major role in daily life.

Many smaller cafés, independent shops, market stalls, and even public restrooms only accept cash (Nur Barzahlung). And even when cards are accepted, it’s not always guaranteed that your credit card will work, Austrians tend to rely more on debit cards, and some places don’t take foreign cards at all.

The safest approach? Always carry a small amount of cash, especially if you’re planning to visit more traditional or local spots. A €10 or €20 note can go a long way when buying coffee, a tram ticket, or something from a bakery.

You can usually pay by card in restaurants, but it’s still common to ask before you order: “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” Just in case.

ATMs and withdrawing cash

Need cash while exploring Vienna? ATMs (Bankomaten) are easy to find. You’ll see them in bank foyers, near shopping streets, in metro stations and even in supermarkets. Most machines accept foreign cards and offer an English-language menu. But while withdrawing money is straightforward, there’s one thing you should watch out for: not all ATMs charge the same.

In popular tourist areas, especially near Stephansplatz or the main train stations, you’ll come across freestanding ATMs operated by companies like Euronet. These machines aren’t run by banks and are known for charging high fees or offering poor exchange rates. They often try to tempt you with a seemingly simple option: “Would you like to be charged in your currency?” It might sound convenient, but this option usually comes with a worse exchange rate than your bank would offer.

It’s best to decline currency conversion and always choose to be charged in euros. That way, your bank, or card provider handles the conversion, typically at a fairer rate.

If you want to avoid unexpected costs, use ATMs inside or directly attached to bank branches. Reliable names include:

• Erste Bank / Sparkasse
• Bank Austria
• Raiffeisenbank
• BAWAG

These bank ATMs are generally more transparent and don’t add surprise fees. That said, your home bank may still charge a withdrawal fee for using a foreign ATM, so it’s worth checking before your trip.

Travel cards like N26, Revolut or Wise can also help you minimise fees, especially if you’re planning multiple withdrawals during your stay.

A note on credit cards

While debit cards are widely accepted in Vienna, the same can’t always be said for credit cards. Visa and Mastercard usually work fine in hotels, larger restaurants and international chains, but don’t be surprised if a small café or boutique shop doesn’t accept them at all, especially outside the tourist hotspots.

American Express is rarely accepted, even in higher-end places. Austrian businesses often prefer payment methods with lower transaction fees, which is one reason why credit cards are less common here than in many other countries.

If you plan to rely on a credit card, it’s a good idea to ask before ordering or shopping, just to be sure. And if you’re using your credit card to withdraw cash at an ATM, keep in mind that your card issuer may treat this as a cash advance, often with extra fees or higher interest rates.

In short: bring a debit card for everyday use, keep some cash on hand, and use your credit card as a backup, not as your main method of payment.

Tipping culture in Vienna

Tipping in Vienna is part of everyday life, but it’s not something to stress about. Austrians are generally relaxed when it comes to service tips, there’s no strict rule, but a small gesture is always appreciated.

In restaurants and cafés, it’s common to round up the bill or add a tip of about 5–10%, depending on the level of service. If your coffee costs €3.50, you might give €4. Had a lovely dinner for €42? Leaving €45 is perfectly fine. There’s no need to leave coins on the table, tips are usually given directly to the waiter when you pay.

Taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or adding one or two euros is enough. Hotel staff or tour guides also appreciate small tips, but again, nothing is expected. A euro or two for the person who carries your luggage or a helpful concierge is a nice touch.

If you’re visiting from the US or Canada, it’s good to know that tipping in Austria (and much of Europe) works differently. Service staff in Austria are paid a fair wage, and tips are considered a bonus, not a necessity. They’re not used to making up for low base pay. In many places, tips are pooled and shared among the whole team, including kitchen staff and dishwashers.

In short: tipping is appreciated, but not required. A small thank-you goes a long way, nd it’s considered a genuine sign of appreciation rather than an obligation.

Shopping, taxes and refunds

When shopping in Vienna, what you see is what you pay. All prices in stores already include VAT (called Mehrwertsteuer in German), so there are no hidden costs at the checkout. The standard VAT rate in Austria is 20%, and it’s already factored into everything from clothing to electronics.

For travellers from outside the EU, tax-free shopping is available at many larger stores. If you spend over a certain amount, usually around €75 in one shop, you can ask for a tax-free form. This form, along with your receipt, allows you to claim back part of the VAT when you leave the EU.

Just keep in mind:

• You need to show your purchases and paperwork at the airport before departure.
• The process takes time, so plan for it if you’re flying out of Vienna.
• You won’t get the full 20% back, handling fees are deducted.

Tax-free services are often handled by companies like Global Blue or Planet, and you’ll usually see a sticker in the shop window if they participate.

Final tips for paying in Vienna

Paying in Vienna is generally smooth and stress-free, especially if you know what to expect. The euro is the local currency, most places accept cards or mobile payments, and tipping is simple and relaxed. Still, it’s smart to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting local spots off the beaten path.

Avoid high-fee ATMs, know when to use your card, and don’t worry if you’re not sure about tipping, Austrians are friendly and don’t expect perfection from visitors.

Looking for more practical tips? Take a look at our guides to:

• Using public transport in Vienna
• What to eat in Vienna
• Cultural etiquette and dos & don’ts

With the right info in your pocket, you’ll feel at home in no time.