Vienna, Austria used to be the leading city in central Europe, and today is a modern city with 18th-century charm and 19th-century splendor. The Old World ambience of the city is created as much by attitude as by architecture. The Viennese invented cafe society, and they continue to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation. Nowhere else in Europe is there such a sense of warmth and friendly comfort. This feeling is so prized by the Viennese that they refer to it by name, gemutlichkeit (literally, coziness). To get the true sense of the area, spend some time in the coffeehouses, where you'll see the residents lingering over newspapers, chatting with friends and relaxing over a whipped-cream confection and a rich cup of coffee. Dress for the climate, as Vienna's weather runs from warm (and sometimes humid) summers to cold, blustery winters that blanket the city in snow. Even in summer, you may want to take along a raincoat and warm sweater. If you're traveling into the countryside, you'll want to have a warm sweater for occasional cool evenings. If you plan to go hiking in the spring or summer, be sure to pack long pants to protect your legs from ticks.

Tipping
The standard tip is 10% but can increase for larger groups or excellent service. Be sure to hand the tip to the waiter, instead of leaving it on the table.

Driving in Austria
The minimum age to drive is 18 years old. Children must be at least 12 years of age to sit in the front seat, and the use of seat belts is compulsory for both front and rear seat passengers. Those without a European license must carry an International Driving Permit.

Speed Limits

Area	Limit
Expressways	130 KM/H
Outside the City	100 KM/H
In the City	50 KM/H

Remember that Police are able to collect fines of up to €36 on the spot. The officer must issue an official receipt. You can request to bring the case before a court, but you may be asked to make a security deposit.

Drinking and Driving
The maximum legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg, and penalties for driving under the influence tend to be stricter than in many U.S. states.

Parking
Except for when quickly loading and unloading, don't park in the following areas: where you see a sign saying Halten Verboten, where you see crosses on the road in front of houses, within 15 metres of pedestrian crossings or public transportation stops, in front of fuel stations or any entrances, on narrow roads, on the left of one-way streets, or on priority roads outside built-up areas during conditions which significantly reduce visibility. In Vienna it's illegal to park between 8pm and 5am from 15 December to 31 March on roads with tram rails; this rule allows for snow removal. Blue Zones or Blaue Zones are marked on their boundary by the No Parking sign bearing the word Kurzparkzone (short-term parking) or zone. Fees are associated with Blaue Zones and tickets for the Blaue Zones can be purchased at machines in the parking area or at banks or tobacconists. Unless otherwise indicated by a sign, parking in Blaue Zones is allowed for 3 hours.

Fuel
Unleaded petrol is known as blyfrei normal or blyfrei super. Regular unleaded petrol has an octane rating of 91; the octane rating of super is 98. As for leaded petrol, super is no longer sold; super plus (98 octane), containing a lead additive, should be used instead. Diesel goes by its English name, and LPG is called autogas.

Tolls
The word for toll is Mautstelle. To use expressways other than the A13 Brenner, A9 Pyhrn, A10 Tauren, and S16 Arlberg Tunnel you must purchase and display on your vehicle a tax disc. The penalty for not displaying a disc is €120 for cars and €65 for motorcycles.

Helpful Contact Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your trip in Vienna.

• Emergency: 112 / 122
• Emergency roadside help: 123 or 120 for vehicle assistance and towing services (Austrian Automobile Clubs)
• Fire Department: 122
• Police: 133
• Ambulance: 144