Category: Austrian News

Since 24 December 2024 is a Tuesday and working day, parking tickets are generally required in Vienna at Christmas, remind the ÖAMTC traffic experts. As 24 December is not a public holiday, parking tickets are required in Vienna’s nationwide short-term parking zones between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. or a parking sticker in the zones with parking space management. All regulations concerning shopping streets, train stations, hospitals, and parking lots for residents are also in force in Vienna at Christmas. Beware of short-stay parking and residents’ parking lots in Vienna…

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Now that amalgam fillings will be banned at the end of the year, the struggle to find a free alternative is proving tedious. An agreement was reached just before Christmas, but not for all patients in the country. While no solution has yet been found with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the Insurance Institution for Public Employees, Railways, and Mining (BVAEB) and the Dental Association have now agreed on amalgam fillings. From 1 January 2025, filling materials, glass ionomer cement, and alkalies will be covered by health insurance instead…

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The weather remains exciting, with temperatures well below freezing and a varied mix of sun, clouds, and precipitation. Here is a detailed preview of the days leading up to Christmas. Sunny Saturday morning, cloudy afternoonThe influence of an intermediate high will initially calm the weather, but this will not last long. After local patches of early morning fog clear in the south, the sun will appear everywhere. However, from the afternoon onwards, denser clouds will move in from the west, especially along the northern side of the Alps. Above around…

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A change in the weather shortly before Christmas will most likely result in snowfall across Austria. This means the chances of a white Christmas are extremely good—even in Vienna. Chances of a white Christmas are decreasingAustria has a good chance of a white Christmas this year. As the experts from Geosphere Austria forecast, an area of low pressure will cause snowfall—even heavier—in the west on Monday. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday, there should also be scattered snowfall in the eastern lowlands. In the first half of Friday, it will be widely…

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Every year again: Even if you have firmly resolved to have done all the important shopping by Christmas, you can always forget something. After all, the pre-Christmas stress should not be underestimated.Whether it’s a few last presents or missing groceries for the holidays, local retailers have the following opening hours on 24 December. Generally, shops are open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This is because workers are employed; therefore, regular working hours end at 1 p.m. on 24 December.However, confectionery shops and flower stores can stay…

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On average, consumer prices in Austria were 1.9% higher in November than a year ago—as expected in the flash estimate just under three weeks ago. According to Statistics Austria, the average price level rose by 0.3% compared to October 2024. Inflation was below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target for the third month. Household energy as a price damperIn October, the year-on-year price increase was slightly lower at 1.8%. Once again, lower household energy prices proved to be the strongest price dampener in November 2024, with cheaper fuel also…

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Numerous warnings are currently circulating on Facebook. It’s about a scam involving apartments. This is how the trick works.Facebook groups warn people about a new scam being used to scam people looking for an apartment. The perpetrators have other people view apartments that they themselves have booked at short notice via platforms. They then apparently demand a furniture deposit or a deposit. The internet tip is: “Please check whether the apartments have a key box.” If so, you shouldn’t pay anything.“ Please spread the word to anyone you know who…

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Next year, Austria’s pensioners will not only be able to look forward to more money, but the protection clause will also be extended and the aliquotation further suspended. This will bring many advantages, especially for new pensioners. In just a few days, 2024 will be over again, and the new year will also bring some changes. While many things will become more expensive, some social benefits and salaries will increase. Pensioners in Austria will also receive more money, with pensions rising by 4.6 percent. In addition, the safeguard clause will…

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Most Austrians say they spend too much time on their cell phones. A survey of 500 smartphone users conducted by the consulting firm Deloitte revealed that they use their digital devices an average of 36 times daily. Almost a third also stated that they spend at least four hours daily on their phones.According to the survey, the device is particularly popular among 14- to 29-year-olds, who use their cell phones for more than five hours daily. “At the same time, many people are increasingly critical of consumption, with almost two-thirds…

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