Money in Vienna

  • You will need cash for your private purchases. While cards are accepted at most places, there are always exceptions.
  • But be smart with your cash. Do not carry large amounts of cash; while the likelihood of robbery is small, pickpockets exist in all cities. If you carry cash in large amounts, have a money belt. Never flash large amounts of cash; in cities someone is always looking for distracted tourists.
  • You will need local currency (Euros in Austria and Slovakia; Koruna in Czechia; Florint in Hungary).
  • Many places accept dollars (and Euros in Czechia and Hungary), they generally offer bad exchange rates (you are paying for convenience). The best rates are usually straight out of the ATM. However, the best idea is NOT to make many small conversions. Instead, make a few larger ones since many ATMs have a single straight fee regardless of amount.
    • Example, each time you take out Euros, the machine charges you a 2 Euro fee:
      • You take out 20 Euros, you pay 2 Euros (10%)
      • You take out 200 Euros, you pay 2 Euros (1%)
      • if you took out 200 Euros in ten 20 Euro increments, you would end up paying 20 Euros in fees rather than 2 Euros. That can add up.
  • While rare, never change money on the streets; in some places it is illegal, in others it is possibly a scam.
  • You can look at exchange rates here (rates given below are form 19 September 2023): 
  • Austria and Slovakia (Euro): 1 dollar = ~ 0.94 EUR
  • Czech Republic (Czech Koruna): 1 dollar = ~ 23 CZK
  • Hungary (Florint): 1 dollar = ~ 359 HUF
  • Every option will have a transaction fee. Some options have two fees - a regular transaction fee and an international fee. Research your options carefully:
    • What are the fees and limits?
    • Does my card work in the countries where I will be?
    • Do I need an additional password while abroad?
    • Does my card work universally (ATMs, on-line commerce, point of sale)?
  • ATMs are readily available everywhere we go, including our arrival airport.
  • Confirm that your card will in fact work in the countries you are visiting.
  • Confirm your international password (it may be different).
  • Inform your financial institution of your travel plans (otherwise it might be blocked). We will be in: 
    • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia
    • Include any other country that you will travel through while in transit to and from the program

In general, the same rules apply as in the US, but follow the same steps as above for your ATM cards.

  • These cards are just what they sound like - credit-type cards with a pre-loaded amount of money. They work just like credit/debit/ATM cards. They are password protected. They can be reloaded remotely.
  • Paypal is almost universally useable throughout Europe.
  • Venmo does NOT work outside the US.
  • There are an ever-changing set of other e-commerce options, but you will have to explore these on your own.
  • Much of Vienna is free, especially its gardens and forests, walks through the city, public music events, and many museums on certain days of the week. Many websites offer lists of free stuff; here is one: Traveling Well for Less. As in Marquette, look for posters advertising free events. Your ISIC has numerous discounts and free options.