Austria Local Customs

Local Customs

Like its closely related neighbor Germany, Austria is a federation, with each of its nine federal states having a unique and distinct culture.

The average Austrian on the street is likely to be friendly yet somewhat reserved and formal, softly spoken and well mannered, law abiding, socially conservative, family oriented, conformist and somewhat nepotistic, a Catholic at heart, not particularly religious but a follower of tradition, well educated if not as cosmopolitan as his/her European cousins, cynical, and equipped with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. Austrians tend to be moderate in their outlook and behaviour. Being at Europe's crossroads, their culture is influenced from several sides.

Many Austrians derive their identity from their Bundesland, or province first, and being Austrian second. National patriotism as a whole is seldom shown. This can be explained partly by the experience of World War 2. Since that time Austrians have tended to be reluctant to engage in overt displays of national pride.

Most Austrians like to enjoy the good life; eating, drinking and having a good time in a comfortable environment, and are very hospitable. Although Austrians enjoy one of the highest living standards in the world there doesn't seem to be a well defined class system. However, cultural differences between the urban and rural populations can be quite noticable. Culture also varies from region to region, but to a lesser extent. As a very general rule, the further to the West the location and the more rural the environment, the more socially conservative people become, especially those over 50.

As in most European countries, tipping has its place in Austria. Although restaurants and taxis do generally include a service charge, it is customary to round the price up to the nearest Euro, which generally amounts less than 10% . If, for example your meal or taxi fare amounts to 12.60 Euro, it would be customary to pay 13 Euro. Also be aware that in Austria, if you say “danke” or thank you when presenting your payment, it is the Austrian equivalent of saying “keep the change”

When shopping for goods and services it is not customary to bargain, although there is no harm in asking for a better price at a flea market for instance. Be prepared to take no as a final answer.