Is cash still widely used?
Yes, widely. Like its neighbor Germany, Austria has a strong cash culture. Many restaurants, cafes, and smaller shops prefer or only accept cash. Even in Vienna, it’s common to encounter cash-only establishments.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs (Bankomat) are widely available in cities and towns. Erste Bank and Raiffeisen Bank machines are the most common.
- Fees for foreign non-EU cards are typically around 3 EUR per withdrawal
- Good availability throughout Austria including ski resorts
- Many ski resort lifts and mountain huts are cash-only
Card acceptance
Moderate. Cards are accepted at larger hotels, chains, and tourist-oriented restaurants. Smaller establishments, traditional Gasthäuser, and markets often prefer cash.
Tips for travelers
- Always carry €30-50 in cash when exploring Austria
- Vienna’s Naschmarkt and most outdoor markets are cash-only
- Mountain huts (Schutzhütte) in the Alps almost always require cash
- Tipping 5-10% is customary — usually given directly to the server in cash