Whether you're planning to wander through the streets of Vienna and visit the Imperial Palaces, or you want to indulge in freshly baked strudel, you're going to need cash to enjoy everything Austria has to offer. But what do you do if your wallet starts feeling a little thin?
At Crown Currency Exchange, we know that you want to enjoy your holiday to the fullest and not have to worry about accessing your hard-earned money. So, today, we're going to take a look at using Austrian ATMs with Australian cards. We'll discuss if it's possible, what fees you can expect, and whether it's best to take as much cash with you as possible instead.
Can I Withdraw Money from ATMs in Austria?
Austria has a very well-connected network of ATMs, and you are able to use them to withdraw cash using Australian debit cards and credit cards. There are also several different types of ATMs to use, and while this may not seem overly important, each has features that are best suited to certain needs.
Bank-Owned ATMs
It's best to avoid bank-owned ATMs if you need to withdraw cash in Austria, as these tend to only allow customers of each specific bank that owns the ATM. Some do accept foreign cards but are likely to have pretty high fees.
Independent ATMs
This type of ATM is operated by companies that aren't affiliated with specific banks, and this means that they accept cards from different banks and countries. However, foreign transactions are still likely to incur a withdrawal fee.
ATMs with Currency Exchange
One of the best options for withdrawing cash with an Australian card, ATMs with currency exchange services make it easy to take out Euros directly from your bank account while taking the exchange rate into account. Of course, there will be a fee for this, but you might find they offer a good deal if you're short on cash.
Mobile ATMs
Austria also has mobile ATMs, which are essentially ATMs mounted on vehicles or trailers that travel to different locations. You'll likely find these at events, festivals, or locations where access to ATMs is usually limited, and using these with an Australian card is also likely to incur a fee.
What Are the ATM Fees and Charges in Austria?
While you will be charged for using Australian debit cards or credit cards in an Austrian ATM, the fees are quite small compared to some other countries.
On average, you'll pay 1.23% of your total transaction amount to withdraw cash. However, it is important to note that this fee is charged per transaction, so if you make multiple visits to an ATM throughout the day, you risk running up quite a few fees!
Top Tip: Even though ATM fees in Austria are relatively low, you can avoid them altogether by exchanging cash before your trip. Visit Crown Currency Exchange for the best rates on AUD to EUR.
Safety and Security Tips for Using ATMs in Austria
Using ATMs in Austria, like anywhere else, requires some basic safety precautions to protect both yourself and your finances.
Choose a Safe Location
Make sure you choose an ATM that is located in a well-lit, populated area, as this will make it much easier for you to keep an eye out for suspicious activity as well as deter thieves.
Inspect the ATM
You should also check the ATM over before using it, looking for any signs of tampering or skimming devices attached to the card reader or loose parts around the keypad. Should you have any doubts, avoid using the ATM and find another that you feel confident inserting your card in.
Cover Your PIN
Take care to shield your PIN from view while using the ATM, too. Position your body to hide the keypad, or if it's a touchscreen, to hide the display. It's also perfectly fine to ask anyone you feel is standing too close to the ATM to give you some space.
Be Wary of Strangers
Take a moment to look around you before you start using the ATM, and if you feel any strangers are acting suspiciously or seem overly interested in your transaction, find another ATM that you feel more comfortable using. You can also report this activity to the police if you feel any other users may be in danger.
Notify Your Bank
It's a good idea to notify your bank before you head to Austria as well, as this will significantly reduce the risk of them thinking that your card has been stolen or is being used fraudulently. You also run the risk of an ATM confiscating your card if you don't let your bank know you'll be using it abroad, so it's definitely worth doing.
Monitor Your Account
After using an ATM, keep an eye on your account for any suspicious activity or unauthorised payments. No matter how vigilant you are, some card skimming devices on ATMs are hard to spot, and if you find anything on your account that doesn't seem right, contact your bank or credit card issuer.
What Should You Do if Your Card is Lost or Stolen in Austria?
Accidents happen, and if you think that you have lost your card while on a trip in Austria, the first thing you need to do is contact your bank or credit card issuer. They will be able to freeze or cancel the card, which ensures that nobody will be able to use it. Some banks also have technology that allows you to still withdraw money if you've lost a card using your phone and a unique code.
Things are a little different if you think your card has been stolen, though. Firstly, you still need to contact your bank or credit card company to get the card frozen or cancelled. Once that's done, you'll likely be asked to file a police report with the Austrian local authorities, which can be used to assist in the investigation if any fraudulent activity takes place.
Should You Take Cash to Austria?
Since you'll be charged for using ATMs in Austria and for using debit cards and credit cards for transactions, it's always best to make sure you have a good amount of cash on you before your trip.
This does mean, however, that you need to plan carefully for your trip and find the best possible exchange rate. You also need to make sure you have a way of keeping your money safe while you travel, such as a money belt.
It's also a very good idea to use any security facilities your accommodation has to offer, including a room safe. That way, you can leave the majority of your cash safely locked away and take what you need with you for the day.
Planning Tips For Your Trip to Austria
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or you're new to globetrotting, good planning lies at the heart of any successful trip. This doesn't have to be overwhelming either, and with these tips, you can guarantee an amazing holiday and keep your money safe.
Create a Travel Budget
The first thing you should do is write down everything you want to do when you visit Austria. Making an itinerary like this means that you'll be able to break down your expenses into a travel budget, and this then makes it clear to see how much spending money you'll need overall and how much you should take out with your each day.
Be Prepared for Arrival
You also need to be able to hit the ground running as soon as you arrive in Austria, and the best way of doing this is to make sure you have Euro banknotes on you. This makes it much easier to grab a taxi to your hotel and start exploring Austria straight away without having to waste time exchanging money.
Travel Insurance
It's also super important to take out a travel insurance policy before your trip, as this will cover you in certain events. While nobody likes to think about losing their luggage or getting sick abroad, you'll get a great amount of peace of mind that you're protected with travel insurance.
Have the Numbers of Your Local Embassy
In a similar vein, it's also important that you have the details of the Australian Embassy in Austria to hand. This is crucial information in the case of losing your passport, are involved in an accident and need a lawyer, or if any other serious issues come up.
Get the Best Exchange Rates on Euros at Crown Currency
Like most countries within the European Union, withdrawing cash from an ATM in Austria comes with fees. While these are smaller than some other countries, they can soon pile up, and you may find that you're spending a huge amount on transaction fees by the time your trip comes to an end.
This is why we always recommend exchanging money and taking it with you before your trip. At Crown Currency Exchange, we offer the best rates on AUD to EUR, with no commission fees or hidden costs. Visit one of our many locations today and start looking forward to your Austrian adventure!
