Page 244 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Vienna

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Banking and Local Currency technology is fast being Currency Austrian schilling was phased throughout the Eurozone,
adopted across the city The euro (€) is the common out in the same year. each denomination portraying
Outside almost every bank, in every train station and on enabling small payments (no currency of the European EU members using the euro designs of fictional architectural
the streets of every district of Vienna you will find an ATM, more than €25) to be made Union. It went into general as sole official currency are structures. The coins, however,
known in Austria as a bankomat, that accepts international quickly using a contactless- circulation on 1 January 2002, known as the Eurozone. Several have one side identical (the
credit and debit cards. Cash is dispensed in euros. Debit and enabled card or mobile device. initially for 12 participating EU members have opted out of value side), and one side
countries. Austria was one of
joining this common currency.
However, it is advisable to
with an image unique to
credit cards are accepted by almost all shops and restaurants, carry some cash, which is those 12 countries and the Euro notes are identical each country.
though sometimes not for very small purchases. Cards often preferred by smaller
equipped with the contactless function can be used for establishments such as side-
amounts under €25. The use of traveller’s cheques is steadily street boutiques and cafés. Banknotes
being phased out – so cash or card is recommended. Some banks offer credit Euro banknotes come in seven
cards for international travel denominations. The €5 note (grey
that do not incur currency- in colour) is the smallest, followed by
Banks and Currency ATMs conversion surcharges. the €10 note (pink), €20 note (blue),
Exchange Another useful way to carry €50 note (orange), €100 note (green),
A convenient and easy way to money is with a prepaid currency €200 note (yellow) and €500 note
The best place to change change money is at an ATM card. As with a debit card, you (purple). All notes show the stars of €5
money is at a bank. Although (bankomat). Most ATMs accept can use it in shops and restau- the European Union.
you can use travel agents, foreign credit and debit cards rants, and withdraw money
hotels and currency-exchange with 4-digit PIN codes (check from cash machines. It is easy
offices (Wechselstuben), banks with your bank before travelling to top up the cards online or
give a better rate. Commission that you don’t have the with an app. Currency cards €10
applies on all currency changed. older 6-digit code). Normal can easily be obtained online.
The two banks that have the precautions should be used
most branches – Bank Austria to protect your PIN To find a DIRECTORY
and Erste Bank – charge either cash point that accepts your
3% commission or a minimum card, check the logos on the Banks
handling fee of €5.50. machine. Visa and MasterCard €20
Exchanging a larger amount are generally accepted but Bank Austria Creditanstalt
of money at one time can few machines take American Kärntner Ring 1. Map 4 D2 & 6
save on commission. You Express. Instructions are D5. Tel 05 050547150.
can also exchange foreign generally given in English and Stephansplatz 2. Map 2 E5 & 6 €50
bank notes for euros at the some other languages. Be aware D3. Tel 05 050532120.
automatic money-changing that money drawn out using a Stock-Im-Eisen-Platz 3–4.
machines or even in large credit or debit card often incurs Map 5 C3. Tel 05 050532300.
department stores. a considerable fee. The daily €100
Most banks are open from limit for withdrawals is usually Bank Austria Kunstforum
8am to 3pm Monday to Friday £250 (about €350). Freyung 8. Map 2 D5 & 5 B2.
(to 5:30pm on Thursdays). Bankomats can be found Tel 01 537330.
Some banks, generally those outside all banks or within the Erste Bank
located at the main railway bank lobby; these are usually Graben 21. Map 2 D5 & 5 C3.
stations and at airports (see accessible 24 hours a day. ATMs Tel 50 10010100.
Directory), stay open for longer. are also easy to find in Vienna’s
central shopping and main Meinl Bank €200
tourist areas. Train and bus Bauernmarkt 2. Map 2 E5 & 6 D3.
stations, as well as hotels, Tel 01 531880.
usually have an ATM in the €500
vicinty. The website bankomat National Bank of Austria
finder.at is a handy way of Otto-Wagner-Platz 3.
finding your nearest ATM. Map 1 B4
Tel 01 404200.
Credit Cards and Lost or Stolen
Currency Cards Credit Cards
Almost all shops, restaurants,
hotels and petrol stations American Express €2 €1 50 cents 20 cents 10 cents
take major credit and debit Tel 0800 900 940.
cards. Visa and Master Card MasterCard Coins
are very common; American Tel 0800 218 235. The euro has eight coin denominations: €1 and
Express is less widely accepted. €2; 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents and
Shops often require a Visa 1 cent. The €2 and €1 coins are both silver and
minimum spend, such as Tel 0800 200 288. gold in colour. The 50-, 20- and 10-cent coins are
The façade of Bank Austria in central Vienna €20, for card use. Contactless gold. The 5-, 2- and 1-cent coins are bronze. 5 cents 2 cents 1 cent

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