SHOPPING

High-quality goods such as handbags, glassware, chinaware and winter sports equipment represent the cream of specialist items found in Austria. A 20-32 per cent value-added-tax (called MwSt) is included in the list price of items sold.

Shopping hours
Shops and stores are generally open from Mon-Fri 0800-1800 (with a one- or two-hour lunch break in the smaller towns). Some shops are open until 1930 on Thursday and on Saturday opening hours are until 1700.

Currency Information:

Single European currency (Euro)
The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Austria). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Austrian Schilling was in circulation until 28 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (&Euro;) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of &Euro;500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of &Euro;2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange
Foreign currencies and travelers cheques can be exchanged at all banks, savings banks and exchange counters at airports and railway stations at the official exchange rates.

Credit & debit cards
Most major credit cards and Eurocheque cards are accepted in large cities and tourist areas. However, credit and debit cards are less widely accepted in Austria than they are in the USA or the UK and some smaller hotels may require bills to be paid in cash.

Travelers cheques
These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in a major currency (Euros, US Dollars, Pounds Sterling).

Currency restrictions
No restrictions except for export of more than &Euro;7267.28, for which a permit is required.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar: