Interesting customs and traditions in Austria

Austria is a laid back country compared country, maybe because it is quite small compared to the like of the UK with just a population of 8.8 Million.

Not so much in the bigger cities like Vienna, or Graz. But the more you travel into the countryside you will often be greeted while walking down on the road (Grüß Gott!), even if you don't know them, so it's only polite to return the greeting.

Saying that it is still custom when entering a shop or a public building to say, Grüß Gott!

Grüß Gott! > Greetings, Hello

When going out, whether for a meal or just a drink, its pretty much the norm, to take a seat and the server will come to you and take your order. Especially in bars, coffee shops, you normally pay at the very end. If the establishment is small, they normally don't take Credit or Bank Cards. So it's worth checking before you start eating or drinking to save embarrassment. It's always a good idea to have a reserve of banknotes in your wallet/purse.

Unlike other countries, shops are closed on a Sunday and public holidays, so it's a good idea to know when public holidays are happening so you don't get stuck without any food in the cupboards or no milk for your cup of tea or coffee. some Petrol stations do sell the milk etc, but expect to pay over the odds for them.