Page 242 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Vienna

240  SUR VIV AL GUIDE PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  241

Personal Security and Health on your front with the strap called in all medical DIRECTORY
worn across your shoulder. emergencies by
Vienna is one of Europe’s safest capital cities and visitors There are a few places to dialling 144. Emergency Numbers
are unlikely to encounter any violence. Crime rates are low steer clear of in Vienna. Unlit Ambulance
(although there has been an increase in petty crimes such parks should be avoided at Minor Hazards Tel 144.
as pickpocketing in busy tourist areas). Most incidents night. Prostitution is legal in Most visitors to
Austria, but Vienna has no
involving tourists are crimes of opportunity, involving theft designated “red light” district. Police car Vienna will only ever Dentist
of personal belongings. Visitors should take the normal Always avoid street gambling need medical advice Tel 5122078.
precautions, such as not leaving baggage unattended and illegal money changers, for minor ailments, Night and weekend line.
Austrian police are trusted and are easy to contact for both as they are likely to be using such as sunstroke Doctor on Call
minor incidents and in the case of an emergency. Pharmcists counterfeit notes. Street cons during the city’s Tel 141.
and late-night petty theft are
hottest months.
are respected and their advice is often sought by locals. common in the Bermuda More common is
A visit to a pharmacy, unless the problem is serious, is Triangle area (see p86). Walk ing altitude sickness Emergency Services (all)
probably the easiest choice if you are feeling unwell. in Vienna’s cycle lanes is among high Tel 112.
forbidden and dangerous mountain hikers Tel 0800 133 133 (SMS for deaf).
at any time of day or night. Ambulance and skiers venturing
Police To report a crime, go in well above 3,000 m Fire
Vienna police are part of person to the nearest police In an Emergency (9,850 ft). The symp­ Tel 122.
the national force, called station or call the emergency toms are nausea Police
Bundespolizei, and are number: 133. You will need Austrians are approachable, and headache, and
generally armed. Most speak to give a detailed community-minded the only cure is a Tel 133.
English and are happy to assist account of the incident and often more quick return to valley
tourists with directions and and any items stolen. than willing to help level. Hotels will be Lost and Stolen
questions. They wear blue The police will prepare a person in need. able to recommend Property
uniforms and often patrol on a statement, which Before you arrive in a doctor.
bicycles. It is not uncommon you will need to Austria, make a list Fire engine Lost Property (Fundbüro)
to see strong security forces, sign. You can ask of the emergency Am Modenapark 1–2.
including officers armed for an interpreter to numbers you may contact the issuing company’s Travel and Health Tel 40008091.
Insurance
with advanced weapons, at translate any German- Red Cross sign require for events office (see p242). For items Open 8am–3:30pm Mon–Fri (to
airports and train stations. language documents or such as credit card lost elsewhere, call the Lost Medical care is expensive in 5:30pm Thu).
Often trains will be patrolled terms you don’t understand. theft, emergency repatriation Property Bureau (Fündburo) Vienna, so it pays to be fully
by teams with dogs. In rare Should the police need to or any specialized critical and consult your embassy for insured for health purposes, Police Station
cases, police will ask for detain you for questioning, medical care you may need. help (see p239). however short your visit. Stephansplatz, 1010. Map 2 D5.
identification, which by be sure to request the services Also take a photocopy of Britain, like many other
Austrian law, should be of a solicitor. You are also your passport, medical European countries, has a Tel 31347202.
carried at all times. A national entitled to contact the local insurance and ID cards. Your Hospitals and Pharmacies reciprocal arrangement with Westbahnhof
identity card or photo branch of your country’s country’s consulate in Austria Vienna’s many pharmacies are Austria whereby emergency Europaplatz 1.
identification like a driving embassy or consulate for will be able to help in the a good source of information hospital treatment is free upon
licence will suffice. assistance (see p239). The first instance with most on medicines and the presentation of a British Hospitals and
police also run lost property emergency situations. All treatment of minor ailments. To passport. Keep all receipts for Pharmacies
departments (Fundbüro), which under-ground stations have locate an Apotheke (pharmacy), medical services, as you may
can be found in any district SOS points for emergencies look out for a bright red “A” need to claim costs back after Internationale Apotheke
police station. from which you can call the sign; there is generally one on you return home. EU citizens
station supervisor. There is every major street. Pharmacies with a European Health Kärntner Ring 17. Map 4 E2 & 6 D5.
also a special SMS emergency operate a night and Sunday Insurance Card (EHIC) are Tel 5122825.
What to be Aware of
service for the deaf. rota system. Closed pharmacies entitled to state­provided
Vienna is ranked as the safest will display the address of the healthcare at a reduced fee Pharmacy Information Line
capital city anywhere in Europe. Lost and Stolen Property nearest one open, and the or sometimes free. The card Tel 1455.
Nonetheless, Vienna police number of the Pharmacy comes with a booklet of advice Schweden-Apotheke,
report a rise in petty crime Victims of theft should visit the Information Line. and information on the
such as pickpocketing at city police station in Stephansplatz For more serious illnesses procedure for claiming free Pharmacie-Internationale
train stations and aboard trains as soon as possile to file a and injuries, call the medical treatment. Schwedenplatz 2. Map 2 E2 & 6 E2.
themselves. The area around crime report. The report will ViennaMed doctors’ hotline A travel insurance policy will Tel 53329110.
St Stephan’s Cathedral has take some time to complete, for visitors. Vienna has several also provide cover for other
also had incidents. For the but you will need a copy to private hospitals, clinics and expenses and losses. Health and Vienna General Hospital
latest advice, consult a hotel claim against an insurance medical centres, but the main travel policies vary dramatically, Währinger Gürtel 18–20.
concierege or speak to your policy for stolen property. For facility is Vienna General, so be sure to shop around for a Map 1 C4 & 5 A1.
host for local advice. Keep your items misplaced on the rail- the largest hospital in Austria. policy that suits your particular Tel 40400.
cash in a discreet money belt ways or the Schnellbahn, go in Most doctors, paramedics needs, especially if you are
and other valuables, such as person to the lost-and-found and clinic staff in Vienna planning on participating in ViennaMed Hotline
Viennese police officers cameras and mobile phones, office at the Westbahnhof. speak English. An ambulance adventure sports, or if you have Tel 513 95 95 (24 hours).
in uniform well out of sight. Carry bags For lost or stolen credit cards, (Rettungsdienst) should be an existing medical condition.

240-241_EW_Vienna.indd 240 03/10/17 11:13 am 240-241_EW_Vienna.indd 241 03/10/17 11:13 am