Banks warn: High risk of phishing around Christmas

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Austrian banks warn that phishing attacks increase during the Christmas season. The number of phishing attacks increases during the Christmas season: Austrian banks are currently seeing an increase in such attacks and are warning customers not to disclose confidential information or authorize unwanted transactions. In phishing incidents, perpetrators often pose as bank employees and attempt to obtain customers’ passwords, account information, or credit card details via telephone, text message, or email. Victims are often lured to fake websites. According to the Austrian Banking Association, fake messages referring to alleged account…

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Auroras Could Appear in Austria Once or Twice in 2026, Experts Say

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Despite the Sun gradually moving toward its next activity minimum, scientists still see a realistic chance of auroras being visible from Austria in 2026. According to space‑weather researcher Christian Möstl of the Austrian Space Weather Office at GeoSphere Austria, three to five geomagnetic storms strong enough to trigger auroras over Central Europe are expected next year. If weather conditions cooperate, this could translate into one or two opportunities to witness the aurora borealis from Austrian skies. Solar Activity Declining After 2024 Peak The Sun reached the maximum of its current…

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Austrians still have 6.8 billion schillings hidden away

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The amount of un-converted schillings has only decreased marginally compared to last year. At the end of November 2024, there was still 6.822 billion of the old currency (494.5 million euros), and at the same time this year, there was still 6.805 billion schillings hidden away in forgotten hiding places and elsewhere. From December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, 17.4 million schillings were exchanged for 1.26 million euros, according to an APA inquiry to the Austrian National Bank (OeNB). Converted, the outstanding amount of schillings fell from 495.8 to…

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Filipino Catholics in Vienna Flock to Churches for Simbang Gabi Traditions

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Since December 15, 2025, mostly at 19 Hours, Filipino Catholics across Vienna have been gathering in large numbers at various churches to celebrate Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine‑day novena Mass deeply rooted in Philippine tradition. Despite the winter chill and the busy holiday season, the devotion remains strong, echoing the same spirit found in parishes throughout the Philippines. Simbang Gabi, traditionally held before dawn in the Philippines, has been adapted to evening schedules in Vienna to accommodate work and school commitments. Yet the essence of the celebration remains unchanged. Many…

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Italy, Slovenia, Croatia: Snow and Storms Expected at Christmas

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As Christmas approaches, winter is tightening its grip across Central Europe — and this year, the holiday weather will be particularly dramatic for Austria’s southern neighbors. While much of Carinthia is expected to enjoy a white Christmas, Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of northern Italy are bracing for a mix of snowfall and powerful winds. Ljubljana and Zagreb Set for a White Christmas Tuesday will still bring mild, grey, and mostly calm conditions across the region, with only occasional light rain. But according to meteorologist Nikolas Zimmermann from the weather service…

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What Will Change for Travellers in 2026

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Early‑bird discounts, expanded summer flight schedules, and an undiminished appetite for travel: 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for tourism. Austria’s automobile club ÖAMTC expects high demand and has outlined the most important changes holidaymakers should be aware of in the coming year. According to ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek, many of the new regulations will require additional planning. One major simplification, however, will be Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro. The Southeast European country will introduce the common currency on 1 January 2026. For the first month,…

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Also in Vienna: The chances of a white Christmas in 2025 are very good

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The chances of a white Christmas this year are quite high. Light snowfall is possible on Christmas Eve, especially in southern and eastern Austria. In Vienna, it would be the first white Christmas since 2012. Snow could also fall on Boxing Day and Christmas Day, according to forecasts by meteorologists at Geosphere Austria. New week starts with fog and black ice On Monday, however, the sky will still be gray. At the beginning of the week, the lowlands in the eastern half of the country will continue to be covered…

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Saint Mutter Teresa von Calcutta Center in Vienna welcomes over 120 Homeless Guests for 24‑Year Filipino Christmas Tradition

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Vienna, Austria — More than 120 homeless and hungry brothers and sisters found warmth, food, and community at the Saint Mutter Teresa von Calcutta Center in Vienna, continuing a heartfelt Christmas tradition that began 24 years ago with one Filipino’s simple act of compassion. The initiative started when Mr. Wilson “Bebot” Tan Ho, a Filipino living in Vienna, decided to cook and personally serve meals to people experiencing homelessness. What began as a small gesture has grown into an annual Christmas mission of generosity, now known as “Regalo ni Wilson…

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Store opening hours in Vienna on December 24, 2025

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On December 24, 2025, numerous stores in Vienna will be open, as Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year. We have compiled an overview of the opening hours of supermarkets, drugstores, and shopping centers for last-minute Christmas shopping. On December 24, Vienna’s shops are traditionally still bustling with activity as many people rush to buy last-minute gifts, food, or decorations. Christmas Eve falls on a Wednesday this year, and although it is not a public holiday, special rules apply to opening hours. Shortened opening hours in shops on Christmas Eve…

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