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Credit cards only and other questions when traveling in Vienna

Posted by on

Hello fellow travelers,

(I)
I wonder if I can make all, or most, purchases in Vienna by using credit card (chip-n-signature) only.

My expenses are:
1 tickets for sight-seeing
-my understanding is that all museums/palaces accept credit cards.
-do churches accept credit cards too?
2 public transportation (pass or special tickets)
-I think I can purchase the transportation pass at a metro station with a credit card.
3 bakery, supermarkets and/or fast food
-I think supermarkets and fast food restaurants usually accept credit cards.
-But I am not certain whether bakeries accept credit cards.

The hotel has been pre-paid, except tax.

Do taxi drivers accept credit cards too?
It is not likely I will take a taxi, but I like to know, just in case I need it.

(II)
Another question is whether the public toilet has a fee.
If there is a fee, then I would guess it is cash only.
And how much is it typically?

(III)
Is there any free wifi near the State Opera House?

(IV)
I think the Parliament building is under renovation, is it still worthy of visiting?

Thank you

FJ

Posted by
1906 posts

(1) Credit cards are widely accepted now. Look at the stickers on the entrance door. If you are unsure, just ask. Nevertheless, you should have a little amount of cash with you. Cash in Euros is obtained best from ATMs. Never exchange foreign currency at the airport's exchange office, it is a rip-off. Go to a bank in the city if you must exchange cash. Not all, but a lot of taxis accept credit cards, just ask.

(2) Public toilets in subway stations are normally free, as well as in most parks. Privately run toilets may charge you between €0.50 and €2.00 depending how touristy the area is.

(3) Free WiFi is everywhere, on the main streets provided by the City of Vienna, virtually in every café or restaurant.

(4) You can visit the parliament building from outside only during the renovation phase which will last for years to come.

Posted by
23267 posts

You cannot go completely cash free if that is your question. While credit cards are widely accepted they are not accepted everywhere. Sometimes a min purchase is required before the card is accepted. Sometimes they just say, "No." No legal requirement that a card must be accepted. Sometimes the credit card machine is "broken." Especially true with taxi drivers -- even in the US. Therefore do NOT assume a credit card is acceptable until you have asked. You should always carry cash as a back up. AND -- what happens if your credit cards goes bad????? Plan B??

Posted by
32 posts

Hello wmt1,

Thank you very much for your time and sharing of your wealth of knowledge and suggestions!
Much appreciated!

Hello Frank,

Thanks for your time and bringing up good points to keep in mind!
Yes, I wanted to know whether I could go cash free in Vienna.

Best regards!!!

FJ

Posted by
14507 posts

Regarding the toilets in Vienna: be prepared to pay, usually 50 cents. The toilets in the train stations cost 50 cents. Cash only, obviously.

Food markets may not accept a credit card, I wouldn't bet on it.

Posted by
14507 posts

You're welcome. Sometimes in Vienna toilet facilities have a coin changer machine, but not always.

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