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Packing List For Austria 2024

Are you planning a trip to Austria and are wondering what to pack? Here is a tried-and-tested list of everything I’ve found useful during my own visits, including all the things you won’t need to take

Austrian Alps, View from Steinplatte, WaidringAustrian Alps, View from Steinplatte, Waidring © Sorin Itu

Austria has many of the same charms and attractions as the neighbouring powerhouses of tourism, yet it remains relatively unknown in comparison. Alpine views and baroque cities, a cultural legacy that can more than hold its own, and – according to some – the world’s best quality of life in capital Vienna, Austria offers both living history and a thoroughly modern experience. From Lake Constance to Mozart’s Salzburg, apple strudel in a Viennese coffee house to Gustav Klimt’s Kiss, it’s both classy and awe-inspiring, and is a fantastic destination in any season.

Preparing For Your Trip To Austria

There are a few crucial things to prepare well before you pack your bags and organising these will help you get the most from your time in Austria.

  • Passport – Check well in advance that your passport has plenty of blank pages and six months or more until it expires. As one of the most important things you’ll carry, it’s a good idea to protect with a durable passport cover. Choose one with pockets for tickets and other transport documents.
  • Do I Need A Visa For Austria? – Citizens of the European Union will not need a visa. Nor will certain other nationalities need a visa for less than 90 days, including Americans, Australians, and Canadians. Take 10 minutes to read through the details on the Schengen Visa site.
  • Accommodation – The cost of accommodation fluctuates according to demand and how far away the dates are. The sweet spot for price and availability seems to be around three months in advance. The range of options will be limited if you leave it much later than that. A comparison site like Booking.com is invaluable finding exactly what you need at the lowest price.
  • Flight Ticket ? As with accommodation, the optimum time for booking a flight is usually about three months in advance. A comparison site like Skyscanner will find the cheapest ticket for your itinerary. You may be asked to show a return ticket on arrival, so print all tickets out and stash them with your passport.
  • Bus and Train Tickets – You can often save money by buying train and bus tickets in advance. Austria has one of the best train networks in the world, with excellent overnight services, which can save on paying for a hotel, particularly if you’re travelling to another country. The coach service is cheaper but also very reliable.
    • You can book all trains (and coaches) through The Trainline’s easy-to-use site and app. It will find the cheapest tickets without any extra fees or hidden charges. You can manage everything on your mobile device or print an e-ticket out if you’d prefer.
    • If you’re an EU national and are going to be covering a lot of ground, get an Interrail pass. Alternatively, non-EU visitors should get the Eurail Austria Pass instead. Prices vary depending on your age and number of days required.
    • OBB’s Nightjet network offers great sleeper trains between Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria itself. Check the site for special offers.
    • Austrian coaches run through the German Flixbus network. Check the Flixbus site for routes and prices. Fares are about 50% cheaper if you travel overnight on longer journeys.
  • Face mask – COVID is still very active in many countries and you may be required to wear an SFP2 facemask on the plane and in some indoor spaces. It’s also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser when you travel.

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What Do You Need To Pack For Austria?

The shopping experience in Austria is very good, with prices equivalent to other European countries. The price displayed is always what you’ll pay, with all taxes included. The best advice is pack lean rather than use a ‘just in case’ mentality. If you need forget and item or need something unexpected, you can generally buy it.

Opening hours are a bit stricter in Austria than most neighbouring countries. There won’t be much open after 9pm during the week and nearly everything will be closed on Sundays. You’ll find the odd large supermarket open until 10pm and the some places outside the usual hours – at train stations, petrol stations, corner shops, and some bakeries, but don’t depend on it.

  • You Won’t Need Toiletries – These are cheap and plentiful to buy. Leaving them at home will help you pack light and avoid hassle at the airport. Find a local ‘drogerie’ like Rossmann or dm for toothpaste, shampoo and soap, razors, tampons, condoms, toilet paper and deodorant.
  • You Won’t Need Non-Prescription Medication – Travel complaints like diarrhoea (‘Durchfall’) are available from an Apotheke. These Austrian pharmacies are easily found and of very good standard. The pharmacists are often speak English and are highly skilled. Remedies for common complaints and painkillers can be bought over the counter.

What Clothes To Pack For Austria

Though summers are mild and winters generally cold, Austrian weather can be unpredictable and rain is a threat at any time of year. Packing layers will prepare you for every eventuality. Bring 4-5 day’s worth of clothing if you’re travelling for a week or longer. You’ll be able to do laundry twice a week but always have a spare outfit in reserve. Austria has branches of Primark, H&M, and so forth, so you can head to these cheap chains, if you need something urgently and you’re short of cash.

  • Lower Body – It’s worth packing quality shorts, trousers, and skirts, that can deal cope travel wear and getting washed a lot. Go for lightweight options from April to September, and warmer materials during the colder months of the year.
    • Bring some light-weight trousers during the summer, especially if you’re out in the countryside, to protect against ticks.
    • Shorts with sturdy zipper pockets will help you keep any valuables safe.
    • Cold weather requires simple, durable and comfortable clothing. Pack two pairs of jeans so that you’ve always got something warm that works well with any outfit.
  • Upper body – Packing layers will give you the greatest flexibility for changeable weather and temperatures.
    • You can strip back to a t-shirt on hot days or bulk up with a couple of light long-sleeved tops when things get chilly. Under Armor t-shirts will stay relatively dry and light. Keep your arms covered if you’re out in the countryside during the summer.
    • A cosy, waterproof coat or jacket is vital during winter. Wear it on the plane to keep your luggage light.
    • Base layer tops and thermal tights will warm you up in the coldest weather, without taking up much space in your suitcase. Duofold sells excellent crew neck base layer tops for men. Add a couple of layers to this and you should stay nicely toasty. Duofold also has thermal shirts for women for keeping out cold without adding too much bulk.
  • Underwear – Under Armor underwear, while expensive, is perfect for keeping cool in the summer and also avoiding chafing from the inevitable walking that comes with travel. Lubricants, like KY Jelly, are also a great benefit in the war against chafing.
  • Footwear – As well as chafed thighs, hours of walking can also play havoc with long-suffering feet. It pays to have good footwear to keep you comfortable. Check Amazon for men’s walking shoes and women’s footwear.
    • Good socks also play their part in giving your toes plenty of protection.
    • Lightweight, breathable Keen CNX hiking shoes are recommend over sandals during the summer. Your feet will also be less icky at the end of the day.
    • Make sure trainers or sneakers have plenty of ventilation otherwise you’ll end up with blisters, heat rash and smelly feet.
  • Waterproofing – A waterproof jacket or coat is essential during the winter. Test this out before you travel, to make sure it really does keep the rain and snow out. Get something with lots of insulation.
  • Summer Accessories – If you’re travelling in summer, you’ll want to invest in a decent pair of sunglasses to screen out harmful rays. You can find quality sunglasses listed on Amazon at a reasonable price. A hat or cap can be useful for keeping cool.
  • Winter Accessories – If you’re travelling during winter, pack a scarf, a pair of gloves, and a cosy hat .
  • Swimwear – There are many beautiful lakes in Austria. Pack some quality bikinis or trunks if you fancy taking a plunge.

Health And Grooming Items To Pack For Austria

These items can be bought locally, but better to be prepared with the essentials to keep you healthy and improve your trip.

Electronic Devices To Pack For Austria

  • Plug Adaptors – An IKEA Koppla 3-port USB charger is great for USB devices. The Swedish company has 7 stores across Austria.
    • Austria uses the same plug as neighbouring Germany. The ‘Type F’ (or ‘Schuko’ plug) has 2 rounded pins and grounding clips on the outer edges. ‘Type C’ and ‘Type E’ plugs also work in these sockets.
    • You may need an adaptor with build-in voltage conversion for gadgets from the US like hairdryers. Get a universal power adaptor and check that any valuable electronics like laptops have surge protection.
  • Cellphone – See below for advice on buying SIM cards and data in Austria.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones – A set of noise-cancelling headphones are a great alternative to earplugs during long journeys or when you need to disconnect for a bit.
  • Camera – Cameras still have advantages over smartphones – you can get better results if you know what you’re doing and you won’t drain your batteries so quickly. The Canon Powershot is compact and competitively priced.
    • The GoPro is a great alternative and because they’re waterproof, they can go places no smartphone should venture.
    • Memory cards have a notoriously high failure rate, so pack a bunch, swap them over regularly and backup images as soon as you can.
  • Kindle – Kindle e-book devices are great for travel use. They’re very light but hold an entire library of books. Don’t forget your charger!

Other Things To Pack For Austria

  • German Phrasebook – Though English is widely spoken in Austria, there may be circumstances where a phrasebook gets you out of a jam. Get familiar with pronunciation before you go and how the language deviates from use in Germany, and learn the most useful basic phrases.
  • Journal – Perhaps the most useful thing about keeping a physical travel journal is that you can scrapbook maps, drawings, and other bits of printed memorabilia you pick up. I use Leuchtturm1917’s A5 dotted notebooks. They’re not cheap but they’re thoughtfully and solidly made.

Other Documents To Prepare For A Visit To Austria

  • Document Scans – Keep photos of your passport, cards, and any other important documents saved as JPEGs with a service like Gmail or Dropbox. If anything gets stolen or lost, you’ll have details and documentation on your phone and online. You can zip them up with a strong password if you’re nervous about security. Keep a list of banks and medical contacts, as well, so you know who to talk to in an emergency.
  • Student Card – Any students, teachers, or those under 30 should get an International Student Identity Card. The many discounts and travel savings it offers makes it very worthwhile.
  • Driving Licence – Get familiar with the details on the RAC website for driving in Austria. You’ll need a valid licence and passport, proof of insurance and ownership, and to be over 18.

Luggage For A Visit To Austria

  • Backpack or Suitcase – A backpack needs to be comfortable, with the full harness support on your hips rather than your shoulders. Look for a trusted brand like Osprey and try it out in the shop first. Then look online to see if you can get a backpack bargain from Amazon.
    • If you’d prefer a suitcase to a backpack, get something durable with plenty of space and factor in airline restrictions, especially if you’re only taking cabin luggage. Leave room for items you pick up while away.
    • You’ll need a day bag to keep everyday essentials like a water bottle and battery pack with you at all times.
    • Travel Wallet – It’s a good idea to stash valuables where opportunists can’t get at them. The Lewis N. Clark RFID Security Wallet will keep your passport, cards, and cash safe, but comfy under clothing.
    • Travel Cubes – Easy-to-identify travel cubes will keep your luggage in well-organised groups, and save you having to dump everything on the bed when you’re looking for something. The same result can be achieved with Ziploc bags or even carriers, but the little extras on some well-designed cubes will make all the difference
  • Wash Bag – As with travel cubes, a leak-proof holder for toiletries will help you stay organised and potentially save the rest of your luggage from disaster. The Magictodoor travel kit has loads of pockets and a hook for hanging on the back of a door. Don’t pack it full of liquids if you’re bringing it through customs in your hold luggage – see next point.
  • Luggage Locks – Luggage locks will keep your bags safe from thieves and other opportunists. Get TSA-approved locks when travelling to or from the United States.

Preparing Your Cellphone For Austria

EU citizens should be able to use their existing contract under a fair usage policy whilst in Austria. Check with your phone provider before leaving to check your handset is properly enabled for overseas use and to make sure you’ll get the same minutes and data abroad at no extra cost.

Visitors from outside the European Union will need to bring an unlocked phone in order to buy a SIM card, or to buy a cheap handset before they leave. Buying a SIM is straightforward – you should be set up and ready to go in no time at all. However, by the time you read this, it may be necessary to provide photo ID.

The network in Austria is considered one of the best in the world, even in more remote parts of the country. The three main phone providers are A1, T-Mobile, and 3 and, as they all have shops across the country, going with one of these is going to be the fastest route to getting a SIM.

A1 is the largest provider with the most comprehensive coverage and is probably the best bet for travellers to Austria. If you visit an A1 store in person, they’ll be able to talk you through your specific needs and get everything set up for you. Although they don’t have a store at Vienna airport, you can find a branch close to where you’re staying using the website and also get some idea of tariffs and offers in advance. Although the site is in German, the information is fairly easy to understand.

If you’re staying in Austria, the B.free Welcome Package will cost €10. You get 4GB of LTE data over a month, plus 1000 minutes, and 1000 SMS. €15 takes the data up to 15GB. There are also variations that includes EU roaming, if you’re travelling to other countries. There are other options, which is why it’s good to talk it through with a sales rep in the shop.

The T-Mobile Klax deals are unusual in that costs are spread across all usage rather than broken down into individual functions. The plan automatically renews after a month, so make sure you close your account down if you go for one of these. You can find a shop via the T-Mobile website.

3’s plans include the attractive Travel Klassik, which charges only on actual use. However, you may have trouble buying a SIM-only plan in one of their stores, as we have reports that they only sell monthly contracts. All the same, they should be able to advise you if you do talk to a rep.

Free wifi is fairly ubiquitous in the big Austrian cities, though you’ll generally find it referred to as WLAN. The wiman site and app lists over 200,000 free hotspots, but you can always find an Apple store, Starbucks, or McDonald’s if you can’t find anywhere.

Health Considerations For A Visit To Austria

  • Travellers from EU countries should apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the holder the same state healthcare as any Austrian resident. The EHIC phone app is very good and will guide you through the whole process.
  • Keep all medical receipts and contact your provider as soon as any emergencies arise.
  • Make sure you have key emergency numbers within easy reach. Dial 112 for English-speaking emergency services.
  • The FitForTravel website has the most up-to-date advice for travel to Austria. Note the advice on the dangers of altitude sickness if you’re going to the mountains.
  • Vaccinations – Austria is a safe destination and it should be sufficient to be up to date with basic vaccinations. It doesn’t hurt to check with your doctor or nurse roughly 6 weeks before you leave.
  • As with other European countries, there is a risk from tick-borne diseases if you’re spending time in the countryside. Keep your arms and legs covered and use insect repellent. See the CDC website for instructions on how to deal with a tick.
  • Prescription Medicines – Be sure to bring prescription medicines to cover your entire visit. Keep everything sealed with the prescription label attached, or carry written documentation.
  • Allergy Card – If necessary, carry a statement in German to warn restaurants of any food preferences. Select Wisely sells cards for a range of allergies in German.

Money For Visiting Austria

As with many European countries, the Austrian currency is the Euro. This is useful if you’e also planning to nearby countries like Germany and Italy. The Euro should be easily available at a good exchange and low commission before you leave, though be wary of damaged banknotes, as we’ve had reports of some Austrian shops refusing to accept them. I advise you buy about €100 in advance.

Although Austria has a modern economy and plastic is widely accepted, it’s definitely worth keeping some cash in your wallet for situations where cards aren’t welcome. Once you’re there, it’s cheaper to withdraw from ATMs instead of changing more money, especially with a no-fee debit card. Ask if your bank is partnered with a local equivalent and use these for cheaper withdrawals. Otherwise, use ATMs in major banks or post offices, which will exchange at the market rate. transactions at the EUR rate rather than in your home currency. Use this location map for Visa-friendly ATMs or this local ATM finder for MasterCard. It’s always cheaper to conduct all financial

Inform your bank of your travel plans and never assume that your plastic will work abroad, even if it has in the past. Make sure you have either Visa or MasterCard debit and / or credit cards, with chip and four-digit PINs. Your bank may also offer a card designed specifically for overseas use. All banks have a break down of travel fees to clarify before you leave.

There’s a phone number on the back of every credit and debit card. Take a photo of this or keep a record of it, as well as all the information on the front of the card. If you find your card doesn’t work, you can call the number to get it unfrozen. It’s also wise to carry a backup card with a different bank, if possible, with online backing so you can transfer money into a working account if necessary. This has saved my skin on a couple of occasions.

It’s also worth investigating pre-paid cards, such as Western Union’s TravelWise card, designed especially for travel. Similarly, a new breed of app-based banks are focused on dissolving national borders – Revolut’s accounts have zero fees for overseas use.

The Best Time To Visit Austria

Despite the extremes of weather, Austria is a great country to visit all year, and every season has something to offer. April to October are the warmer months, but Vienna and the more picturesque cities are charming at Christmas and New Year, and the Alps have distinct hiking and skiing seasons. Spring is vibrant and verdant, and Autumn brings the harvest and wine season. Decide what you want from the experience and plan accordingly.

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