Relocation Tips

Passport

Ensure each family member's passport is valid for at least 6 months from the time of your departure. Make certified photocopies of your passports and leave one copy with a trusted person in your home country and bring the other copy with you to Austria. These copies can be helpful in the case of loss or theft of the original passport.

Important Documents

Documents such as passports, birth certificates, marriage licence, medical records, certificates, etc. should be brought with you when relocating, as they may be required for formalities in Austria.

Medical Issues

It is advisable to have a medical check-up, including dental, before leaving your home country, as it may be some time before you find a doctor with whom you feel confident. However it has to be said, that the Austrian Health system is one of the best in the world. If you are on prolonged medication, obtain a prescription and letter from your home country doctor explaining your illness and medication so that you can be provided continuing treatment from a local doctor or chemist in Austria.

Immunisations

Apart from the usual European immunisations, it is advisable to be immunised against FSME (an illness spread by ticks) Please contact a doctor in Austria.

Change of Address

Notify the relevant people of your change of address. If you are unable to provide an Austrian address, have a trusted friend collect your mail and forward it when you have settled.

Cash

In Austria, it is not always customary for hotels, shops and restaurants to accept credit cards. As it may take some time to set up a bank account in Vienna, ensure you have enough cash or travellers cheques with you in order to be able to cover your start-up expenses. If you prefer you may also use an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) drawing money from your home country bank. However there is a daily limit on these overseas cash withdrawals and a fee involved so enquire at your own bank before your departure for the best solution.

Electricity / Plugs / Adapter / Converter

In Austria, plugs have 2 round prongs and run on 220 Volts. For small appliances, buy adapters or converters.

Video

The video system in Austria is PAL. Nevertheless, many video libraries do have tapes in NTSC for rent. If you decide to buy a new recorder, please make sure it is able to play NTSC tapes if you bring them with you.