How To Open A Bank Account In Austria

Known for its hospitality and multiculturalism, Austria is a country that many expats choose to relocate to. One of the first things you’ll need to do if you’re planning to move there is set up a bank account.It’s up to you whether you keep your bank account in your home country open, but many choose … Read more

How To Rent Or Buy Property In Austria

Austria is famous for its architecture, as found in its castles, buildings and palaces. It also has a beautiful, mountainous landscape, perfect for skiing in winter and for hiking during the summer months. If you would like to move to Austria, or else stay there for a prolonged period of time, then you will need … Read more

Dr. Michèle Moriarty, Salzburg

Who are you? / Where, when and why did you move abroad? My name is Dr. Michèle Moriarty and I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa.Due to escalating crime in the country of our birth, my husband and I decided to embark on an adventure overseas, which first took us to London in 2007. I … Read more

How To Apply For A Visa In Austria

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not need a visa to visit, live or work in Austria. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other countries – those that have a treaty with the Schengen area – do not require a visa … Read more

James, Tyrol

Who are you? Hello! My name is James and I am a 35-year-old microbiologist from Canada.am originally from Montreal, which is in the French speaking part of Canada. I am most known by my friends for my cooking, my frequent travels and for my famous cat (lol!). Where, when and why did you move abroad? … Read more

How Does The Quality Of Healthcare In Austria Compare With The USA?

Coming from the US to Europe, one of the most frequently cited advantages is the overall lower cost of healthcare. Once you have registered with the Austrian health system and received your e-card, you will be entitled to public healthcare that is free at the point of service. This is a huge change from the … Read more

How Much Do Health Procedures Cost In Austria?

Austria’s Krankenkasse system means that all basic health procedures, as well as emergency care, are covered by the state. You will not need to pay any costs upfront and you won’t be charged for most healthcare.However, some expats still choose to take out supplementary health insurance in Austria, either to speed up wait times or … Read more

How To Get Your Prescriptions In Austria

You do not need to register with a specific pharmacy in Austria in order to get your prescriptions. You will need to be registered with a local doctor, which you can do by taking your proof of ID and your e-card along to a surgery. Your doctor will then prescribe medication when you need it, … Read more

How To Keep Your Health Insurance Costs Low In Austria

The state healthcare system in Austria means that health insurance is less popular here than in many other countries around the world. However, some expats do choose to take out private health cover, either to upgrade their optional extras, or to ensure that they can visit specific doctors.If you have decided to take out private … Read more

How To Register With The Austrian Health System

Healthcare in Austria is known as Krankenkasse and is run by the state. It covers all necessary basic care.However, many people make the decision to top up their basic health cover with private health insurance, which entitles you to a wider range of options and can bring added peace of mind. Registering For Basic Healthcare … Read more

What Cover Is Available For Sports Injuries In Austria?

Winter sports are very popular in Austria, and plenty of people move to the country after falling in love with it during their winter vacations. Non-winter sports such as football and rugby are also popular hobbies among residents.If you are planning to move to Austria, one of the best ways to keep yourself fit and … Read more

Dental And Ophthalmic Care In Austria: How To Find The Right Options For You

Standards of healthcare in Austria are generally very high, and dental care is no exception. However, there are some differences between the levels of care the state will cover for general medical complaints, and for dentistry.Those without private health insurance in Austria will find that they are not fully covered for dental care, particularly for … Read more

Why Austria’s Healthcare System Is One Of The Best In The World

The national healthcare system in Austria was first developed and implemented in 1956, around 10 years after the introduction of the NHS in the UK, and at a similar time to many other European countries. These systems were the product of new ideas about social welfare and were the first to decree that receiving healthcare … Read more

How To Make Friends In Austria

We all know that it can be difficult to make new friends in a new country. Not only do you have to learn a new language and familiarise yourself with a different social etiquette, but you’ve also got to pluck up the confidence to introduce yourself and make conversation with strangers – a skill that … Read more

What Might Austria’s Labour Shortage Mean For Potential Expats?

According to the most recent survey conducted by the Austrian Economic Chamber, a skilled labour shortage is hitting almost 90 percent of Austrian companies. This increases the workload for business owners and current staff, compromises the quality of service and decreases customer satisfaction. The situation has the potential for a decline in the economic success … Read more

How To Get Accreditation To Teach English In Austria

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has long been recognised as a successful passport to working abroad. Native English speakers are preferred by language schools for obvious reasons, meaning it’s usually straightforward for properly-qualified, native speaking EFL teachers to find work.Austria is a popular destination. It is a beautiful, peaceful country with a high … Read more

Moving To Austria As A Disabled Expat: What You Need To Know

Emigrating is stressful enough without having to micro-manage every second, but when you have a disability, all decisions must be thought out and planned in minute detail. Failure to do so can lead to the exacerbation of already heightened stress and frustration. In order to limit such negative scenarios, research and planning is a must.According … Read more

An Expat Guide To Banking In Austria

The origin of modern day Austria, which has a population of 8.7 million people, can be traced back to the times of the Holy Roman Empire. It shares boundaries with Germany and Czech Republic on the northern side while to the south, we have Slovenia and Italy. Austria is flanked by Hungary and Slovakia to … Read more

Nine Places You Should Visit While Living In Austria

Bright blue skies, high green fields, glassy lakes, fresh mountain air, and rolling countryside will all immediately remind you of the picture perfect Austria. However, there is a lot more than meets the eye to this forward-looking, landlocked European nation than its scenic beauty. This country is located in Central Europe and is bordered by … Read more

Austria – Recommended Social Media Accounts

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Austria and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.American Expats in Austria and SlovakiaFacebook Group … Read more

Moving To Austria? Here’s How To Plan For The Winter

The EU state of Austria is a founding member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Austria offers its residents a high standard of living and good job opportunities. The country’s appeal is further enhanced by virtue of its warm and friendly population. Austria is a multicultural country and is home to a … Read more

An Expat Guide To The History And Culture Of Austria

Austrian culture is often mistaken for that of its neighbour Germany’s, a faux pas that expats living in the region should be careful not to make. With German being the official language of Austria, some of the country’s literature, art and even people can be (and often are) wrongly labeled by outsiders.Austrians are quite proud … Read more

How Much Does It Really Cost To Live In Austria?

The Republic of Austria is famous all over the world for its Alpine mountains, vast forests and glassy lakes. Situated in Central Europe, it is bordered by Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, and Italy. This EU State has its origins in the Celtic Kingdom as well as the Roman Empire. Today, … Read more

Austria – Recommended Blogs

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Austria and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. The Viennese Girlhttp://theviennesegirl.com/ Growing up by the Grecian sea, Silia had … Read more

Ten Things To Do In Austria In Winter

Located pretty much in the centre of Europe, with the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary and Slovakia around it, Austria is one of the most popular destinations on the continent for both tourists and expats. The country has a high per capita GDP, a high standard of living, and is home to … Read more

Michelle, Vienna

Who are you? Hey everyone! I’m Michelle from the United States, living in Vienna, Austria — so I’m an American in Vienna (hence the blog name!). Besides being a blogger, I am also busy as the creator and co-organizer of the Facebook group,”Women of Vienna” (womenofvienna.org). Where, when and why did you move abroad? I … Read more

How High Is The Cost Of Living For Expats In Austria?

If you are planning to move to Austria, you will find its high cost of living a small premium to pay for the excellent standard of life. Expats from the UK in France actually find Austria cheaper than their home countries, while those from Spain and The Netherlands find it more expensive. So how much … Read more

5 Great Restaurants For Expats In Austria

If you love food, you’ll love Austria. The country has an endless list of restaurants that you’ll want to eat at, from little cafes to fine dining establishments, and from authentic Austrian dishes to innovative international cuisine. As a tourist, it’s rather heartbreaking – there’s absolutely no way to leave without feeling that you should … Read more

An Overview Of International Schools in Austria

Expats moving to Austria with their families can expect to find a good number of international schools in various different cities. These schools follow the national curriculum of their respective home countries, which is an advantage for expats who may be staying in Austria for a limited period of time before returning home. The fees … Read more

5 Great Golf Courses For Expats In Austria

Austria has about 140 registered golf courses and its golf clubs have a combined membership of more than 95,000 members. Golfing in Austria is a unique experience as the courses are surrounded by some of the most spectacular views of nature. These international quality courses are set amidst lakes, vineyards, hills and mountains and are … Read more

Kelly Bembry Midura, Vienna

Who are you? Kelly Bembry Midura, spouse of an American Foreign Service Officer for the last 25+ years. I blog about the Foreign Service, our many travels, and several other subjects at wellthatwasdifferent.com. Where, when and why did you move abroad? Our first assignment was to La Paz, Bolivia in 1989. Since then we lived … Read more

Carly Hulls, Vienna

Who are you? I’m an aussie expat blogger at AustrianAdaptation.com who loves travelling and brunch in equal measure! I work for the travel startup TourRadar (an online tour booking site) and am originally from Melbourne, Australia, now living in Vienna, Austria. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I first left Melbourne in 2011 … Read more

Holly Kooi, Vienna

Who are you? I’m Holly Kooi, a 25-year old American expat living in Vienna, Austria with my husband, son and cat. Where, when and why did you move abroad? My little family and I moved to Vienna, Austria in May of 2012 to do mission and non-profit work with two other families who were already … Read more

Austria – Five Recommended Expat Blogs

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Austria and some of the bloggers who write about living there.Comedic Grievanceshttp://www.comedicgrievances.com A self-confessed caffeine addict and American expat in Vienna, Holly writes about … Read more

5 Foods You Must Try When Living In Austria

Austria has a varied cuisine that has evolved over the centuries. The country is known for its delectable and creamy dishes that constitute the ideal comfort food for many around people the world. Many Austrian specialties have originated in countries belonging to the former monarchy, including Hungary, Italy and Bohemia. But while the dishes may … Read more

Stefan Gassner, SAGE Immobilien

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company Our company is one of the leading real estate agencies in the federal state of Salzburg and Tyrol in Austria, offering more than 450 properties. The area covered includes all major skiing destinations in Salzburg and Tyrol. 17 full time employees provide a full-service real … Read more

What Expats Need to Know About Broadband in Rural Austria

Across Europe and the rest of the world, superfast broadband is harder to find in the countryside than the towns. Whilst 99.9% of households in Europe have access to basic broadband services, that number nearly halves for Next Generation Access (NGA) technologies. The United Kingdom is far ahead of the curve, with the latest figures … Read more

Where Should You Move To In Austria?

Internationally known for Freud, Mozart and The Sound of Music, Austria is a hub of arts and culture and often quoted as one of the best places to build a new life. If anything, it can feel like there are too many options here; flicking through guidebooks on each city proclaims all of their advantages … Read more

Surviving The Office Jungle Abroad

There are a plenty of helpful articles focusing on how an expatriate can find a dream job abroad, get a work visa, and settle into the adopted country. All of these represent big hurtles needing guidance in and of themselves, but what happens when you start actually working? What are the real challenges? And how … Read more

The Beauty of Austria

by Martha Andrus As you drive from Germany into Austria, you begin to see the outline of the Alps in the far distance. As you get closer to Austria, the Alps are more prevalent and are the absolute most awesome sight one can behold. The closer you get to these mountains, the more you begin … Read more

Kerry Smith, Vienna

My name is Kerry Smith and I was born in Brighton on the south coast of England (UK) where I have lived for most of my life. I write the blog a new girl in vienna. I like to take photographs, cook, eat out and write about my daily experiences as I try to settle … Read more