review of current tipping protocol

You can pay virtually everywhere with your credit/debit card or NFC-capable mobile phone (e.g., ApplePay).

The number of exceptions, i.e., cash-only places, is constantly diminishing (other than in Germany). Supermarkets are no problem, most of the take out stands also, as well as restaurants and cafés. Very old and traditional Viennese pubs (called Beisl) insist on cash, but normally this is clearly communicated. Even at modern public restrooms cashless payment is provided.

For public transport it is expected that you have already a ticket when boarding or for the U-Bahn (metro, subway) when crossing the colored bars in the station. There are no turnstiles or gates, and you need not to show your ticket. But when you are checked, this happens suddenly and randomly, and you do not have a ticket there is no mercy and no excuses are accepted. The fine is €135 upfront.

Best is to buy a public transport pass online (via a PC or mobile phone app), most common is the "7 Days Vienna digital" for about €25, giving you unlimited access to all means of public transport, day and night, within the area of the State of Vienna.

@OP
Maybe it would be a good idea to adjust the title of this thread to match the content.

I always like to have some cash and coins on hand. Credit cards are great until the card readers don’t work.

When I was in Vienna last March, the credit card machine was down at the toilets at the Vienna main train station. So, it was accepting coins only.

Euros will be easy to spend in Austria or other countries on future trips if you end up having some leftover cash.

I spend a great deal of time in Vienna.

Supermarkets, most restaurants, metro and just about anywhere in Vienna takes credit cards or Apple/Google Pay.

You might find a market stall, or an individual restaurant that doesn't take them, but it is becoming very rare. If you are there for Christmas markets you may also find a few that are cash only or prefer cash.

Have some cash on you but you won't need a lot.

I have never tipped anybody in a supermarket in Vienna or anywhere else in Austria. I had never considered doing such a thing.

Nigel, did you read the question.

Where do you need cash to pay for items in ...

I know, the title doesnt match ...

I live in Vienna. I never use cash and I definitely do not use cash at the supermarkets, take out stands, metros or sit down coffee shops.

As for tipping, I round up. If the bill is 8.40, I leave 10. If the bill is 35.20, I leave 40. If the bill in 157, I leave 165. Never leave the tip on the table. When paying, just tell the server the total amount you want to pay, including the tip and they will either reflect that amount on the credit card machine or (if paying in cash) hand you the change. In other words, if your bill is 157 with an 8 Euro tip and you are handing the waiter 180 in cash, just say you want to pay 165 and then they will give you back 15. You shouldn't hand money back and forth - that is uncomfortable.

"...until the card readers don't work." How true .

If that WC in Wien Hbf had its card reader not working in March of 2025 I know which WC it is. I found that to the case in June of 2025....looks as though "they" still didn't get around fixing it.

Other than paying the hotel bill using the credit card, plus day trip train tickets, and buying the city public transport pass from the machine, I pay in Vienna cash for everywhere else...postal stamps, post cards, groceries, museum admissions, cafes, restaurant meals plus the round-off tip, and there are cash only restaurants still around.

Fred, Vienna is really becoming cashless. I can't even remember the last time I needed cash.

Emily
8.40, I leave 10. About 20%
If the bill is 35.20, I leave 40. About 15%
If the bill in 157, I leave 165. About 5%
The first two love you, not too sure about the third. Maybe as the day goes on it gets smaller? LOL, but to be fair, you did about what I would.

@ Emily....In Vienna I know of establishments ie, hotels, and restaurants, that are "cashless" (3 star hotel not for from Westbahnhof and "cash only." From my observations the tourists , overwhelmingly foreign pay with the credit card, maybe just about exclusively, the Austrians, depending on the generation. The particular district where the transaction is taking place also is a factor. I saw that having 2 meals at :"Cafe Napoleon" (nice, spacious restaurant offering traditional cuisine) in the Aspern area , non-foreign tourist cliente .

Ive been to Vienna a few times and never needed a penny in cash. Hsllstatt is nearly 100% cash and parts of Germany its hard to eat without cash. Here 99.95% is fine without cash. But since you never know, I still carry cash.

For Cafe, Street food etc. I would just have 100 EUR in cash. Five twenty EUR is nice. You are ready for anything. Round-up plus how satisfied you are. With cash that usually means have a few 1 and 2 EUR coins if you want to be local. No stress.