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Digital Nomad Guide to Austria | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Graz, Austria

Digital Nomad Life in Austria

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Austria is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Austria are Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Digital nomads like living in Austria because of its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and vibrant culture. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around €1,500 in Austria. The culture of Austria is a mix of traditional and modern influences. It is known for its classical music, art, and architecture. Popular foods in Austria include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, and Apfelstrudel.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How do I meet people in Austria?

When we asked people living in Austria about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Austria can join many different clubs and activities to meet people, such as language exchange groups, sports teams, or music and dance classes. Expats can also look for Meetups in their area that may span various topics, from business networking to outdoor activities. Additionally, expats can also attend local festivals or events, take part in university classes or programs, join or start a book club, volunteer in their community, join fitness or meditation groups, or attend seminars or workshops. Expats can enter the vast cultural scene and explore art galleries, theatres, concerts, and operas. By joining clubs and volunteering, expats can make connections with the enthusiastic locals and get to know the culture more deeply," said one person in Austria.

"Going to discos, opera or joining a hiking club are great ways to meet Austrians," said one expat who made the move to Vienna .

What is life like in Austria?

When we asked people living in Austria what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Austria is generally very rewarding. With its bustling cities, stunning countryside and vibrant culture, many expats and digital nomads are drawn towards the alpine nation. The locals are also known to be friendly and welcoming, helping expats to easily integrate into the Austrian culture and lifestyle. The country is also well connected with excellent public transport, making it easy to explore the different cities and regions. Expats and digital nomads will also find plenty to do in Austria with its museums, galleries, festivals and outdoor activities, providing a range of options to suit all interests," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Austria.

"Lives evolve around work during the weekdays and relaxation on the weekends, some people are also fans of the Rapid Austria and Wien soccer clubs," explained one person living in Vienna , Austria.

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Where should I live in Austria?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"There are various ways to find a place to live in Austria. One of the simplest and most effective ways is to use online resources, such as searching websites such as Praktikawelten and Immobilien Scout, which both allow you to search for properties according to your specific criteria and preferences. Additionally, you may wish to contact a local real estate agent who can provide valuable advice and assistance in your search for the perfect home. Finally, it is also possible to look for rental opportunities through networking locals and expats through platforms such as Facebook Groups, online forums, and other online groups dedicated to the particular region or city in which you are looking," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Austria.

What do I need to know before moving to Austria?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Austria, they said:

"Try to accept the local way of life and learn the language. This is perhaps the country in the whole world where speaking the local language and imitating local customs makes the difference between being truly "in" and just getting by," said one person in Vienna .

"Expats looking to retire in Austria should research the country’s residency requirements and the permits needed to stay in the country for a longer period of time. Expats should consider the cost of living in Austria and investigate the tax system to determine how their retirement savings could be affected. It is also important for expats to brush up on their German language skills, as most of the population speaks German fluently. Obtaining health insurance coverage is also essential for living in Austria. Understanding the local culture and traditions can help expats adjust to life in Austria more easily," said one expat who made the move to Austria.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Austria?

"Expats in Austria often appreciate the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere of the country. They marvel at the stunning scenery and feel a strong sense of connection to the natural beauty of the region. Expats also love Austria for its incredible cultural offerings, from classical music to art and architecture. The country also boasts an engaging and vibrant history, with an abundance of castles and palaces and quaint Alpine-style small towns. Moreover, expats appreciate the welcoming and supportive local population. People are known to be polite and friendly and often willing to help out foreigners who have recently settled in the country," explained one expat living in Austria.

"Vienna is a great town with much to do. It is probably among the best cities in the world in which to live. Austrians are not necessarily difficult and English is spoken by virtually everyone now but closeness is still an issue," said one person in Vienna.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Austria?

"Expats in Austria may find the traditional Austrian culture to be conservative and somewhat hard to penetrate. Many may find it difficult to form close friendships with locals, as Austrians tend to take quite a while to break the ice. Additionally, the common formality that is often expected when speaking with strangers may be difficult for those coming from more casual cultures, who may prefer to get straight to the point. Furthermore, Austrians take great pride in their customs, country and language and so expats may find the adaptation process more challenging than other countries if they do not make an effort to completely immerse themselves in the culture," said one expat in Austria.

"Being alone and finding friends who are of like ideas and interests. I am happily married and am not looking for romance but having close friends with which to do things is a challenge," remarked one member in Vienna.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Austria for a while?

"If you plan to extend your stay in Austria for an extended period of time, you will need a valid passport and a residence permit issued by the relevant authorities. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, you may be eligible for a residence permit that can be issued for the purpose of vacation, studies, work, or family reunification or other reasons. In most cases, visas are not required and will be issued automatically along with the residence permit. You may need to complete certain formalities in order to be issued your residence permit, such as attending an interview with the local authorities," said one person in Austria.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Austria?

We asked people in Austria if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"When first here I rode the Tram and wanted to stop. Not knowing what the red handle was for, I chose to pull it, thereby stopping the tram abruptly. The driver came back and scolded me in German. You get the idea," explained one person living in Vienna, Austria.

"One cultural faux pas to avoid making in Austria is to speak loudly in public, as this is considered rude and could lead to embarrassment or confrontations. Additionally, it is considered disrespectful to skip lines and push ahead in a queue, and to do so could be seen as impolite. It is also important to show respect to Austrian customs, traditions and customs and to dress conservatively and respectfully when visiting places of worship. It is also important to avoid giving 'thumbs up' as a gesture as this can be seen as vulgar in some contexts, and to avoid using physical contact such as hugging or kissing when first meeting someone. Finally, it is important to be aware of your table manners and to avoid sprawling on chairs or reclining at the table," said one expat in Austria.

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What are healthcare services like in Austria?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Austria, they replied:

"Well worth the money, which is affordable, and no such thing as pre-existing conditions, for the insurance to give you a reason to be denied," commented a person living in Vienna, Austria.

"Healthcare services in Austria are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is available to all Austrian citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Expats in Austria are eligible to use the public healthcare system, provided they have a valid residence permit. To access public healthcare, expats must register with their local health insurance fund and pay a monthly contribution. Private healthcare is also available in Austria, and is often used by expats who wish to access more specialized services or shorter waiting times," explained one digital nomad living in Austria.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Austria?

"The area is close (within two hours' drive) to major Austrian, German and Swiss cities. The food quality is high. I'm not satisfied with the conservative attitudes and levels of prejudice and discrimination that I and other ex-pats I know have experienced," commented a person living in Lustenau, Austria.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Austria appreciate the country's high quality of life, with its excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and low crime rate. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Alps, the vibrant cultural scene, and the friendly locals. On the downside, expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Austria to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge. Additionally, the bureaucracy can be quite complex and time-consuming," explained one digital nomad living in Austria.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Contribute to Austria Network Contribute
Help others in Austria by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Austria.

William Russell
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