Moving to Austria

"Prepare to learn this language, and this slang. Go to the district office for help in finding a place, but do this as soon as possible, also look in the paper, or go to virtual vienna site, there is alot of help there," said one expat in Graz.

"Vienna is not such a friendly place if you come from America - very "provincial and suspicious nature abounds here. If you are staying a long time...+5 years consider to try and integrate, if less than 5 years then move to 18th or 19th districts, expats slums. In the 18th & 19th you have lots of Eng speaking temp families with which you have things in common," remarked one expat who made the move to Vienna.

"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 expat in Austria.

"Expat homes and apartments in Austria tend to be modern, spacious and meticulously maintained. Many have tasteful decorations and colorful accents that give a warm, homey feel. Many expats find that having access to public transportation, supermarkets and other amenities nearby is key when choosing a home. Expat housing in Austria also tends to be quite secure, making it a great option for those looking for a safe and comfortable place to call home," remarked one expat who made the move to Austria.

"The average cost of housing in Austria varies by location and property type. Generally, rental costs are higher in the larger urban areas, such as Vienna and Graz, while renting or purchasing property in the country’s smaller cities and rural regions typically tends to be more affordable. Renting normally costs an average of €740-950/month in Vienna and €560-830/month in Graz, while buying an already constructed apartment or house in Vienna or Graz averages about €4,300 to €4,900 per square meter," explained one expat living in Austria.

"Higher, and the average is about 8 -1200 American Dollars per month WITHOUT the ammenities, and you need to purchase your own kitchen. I am not kidding," said one expat in Graz.

"Whether to buy or rent a home in Austria is a personal decision that should be based on your circumstances and needs. If you are planning to stay in Austria for a long time, buying a home may be advantageous as it will provide a stable long term investment. On the other hand, if you plan on staying in Austria for a relatively short time, renting a home may be more beneficial and cost-effective, as it requires no long term financial commitment. Additionally, you should also consider factors such as the current property market trends and your budget when making your decision," explained one expat living in Austria.

"Well, every time we return to the States we brings loads of our favorites things. But we never forget our vitamins which cost a fortune in Austria, our over the counter meds, also expensive here and spices. Thank You Sam's and Costco! The biggest mistake was shipping our Volvo 6cyl over here, it cost us 22,000 euros in customs fees when we had been told it might be 6000 euros… ugh. We also brought too many clothes for fitting into their Schranks, it's just not necessary. And the best piece of advise is sign up for Amazon.de, they have everything," commented one expat who made the move to Austria.

"Wish I brought a variety of Ziplock bags and containers. Wish I brought Uncle Dans Ranch Dressing, and also Best Foods Mayo. And my 12 cup Cuisinart coffee maker. I have too long a list. 3 things I should not have brought , I cannot think of even one," remarked one expat in Graz, Austria.

"Bring clothes suitable for the climate in Austria, including layers for colder months and rain protection for wet weather. Consider packing a passport and other important documents, such as visas and other identification papers. Remember to bring a small bag of essentials such as toiletries, medications and contact lenses, as these may be difficult to find or purchase in Austria. Pack a first-aid kit, a power adapter and an international charger. Finally, bring cash or bank cards to make payments in the local currency," said one expat in Austria.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Vienna.

"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," remarked one expat in Austria.

"Austria is an attractive destination for expatriates looking for a high quality of life in a safe, picturesque and culturally rich location. With a strong economy and low unemployment, it can provide excellent job opportunities and a good standard of living. Expats will find an efficient transportation system, excellent health care, and affordable housing in urban, rural and mountain areas. Austria also has a number of beautiful cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz, which all have lots of cultural attractions to explore, while the Alps and numerous ski resorts attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Additionally, Austria is home to some of the best universities in the world, which draw thousands of international students each year," remarked one expat in 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," remarked one expat in Austria.

"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," wrote one expat living in Vienna.

"In Austria, medical services are of a high standard. The country has a comprehensive public health system, which provides free or low-cost medical care to all citizens. Austria also has a well-developed private health care system, which offers a wide range of services. The country has a number of highly-regarded hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Austria also has a number of specialized medical centers, which provide specialized treatments and services," stated one expat who made the move to Austria.