Health and Safety
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Reviewed by: Editorial Staff
Overall rating: |
A vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis is strongly recommended when visiting the regions of Carinthia, Styria and Lower Austria (especially in the spring and summer). Tap water here is quite safe to drink.
Austria is one of the world’s safest nations. Violent crimes are rare and are usually confined to the capital, although one must beware of pickpockets and bicycle-robbers in the big cities. Tourists are advised to be cautious of their belongings in public places. Small towns are considered to be quite safe during the daytime.
In Austria, littering is unacceptable and it is advisable to take off one’s shoes when entering an Austrian household. Racism could be a slight (but tolerable) problem in certain areas of the country.
When interacting with a local, it is customary to always make eye contact and keep your voice at a respectable level (especially in public transport). Austrians are sensitive to anyone referring to them as German.
