The bank card has become an indispensable means of payment. When shopping, it is increasingly replacing cash, and at the checkout, it says, ‘Please enter your PIN’ or ‘Your signature, please’. Customers have no say in the matter, but why is that? Paying with a bank card: what customers need to knowAnyone who hasn’t already switched to mobile payment via smartphone or smartwatch will often use their bank card, giro card or EC card (the old term). If you haven’t heard of one or the other yet, don’t worry: the…
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New telephone scam: ‘PayPal account was debited with 999 euros’
Spam calls have become an everyday nuisance for many Austrians. The scammers always adapt their approach slightly to deceive their victims. A scam circulating in a similar form in Germany for several weeks apparently spreads to Austria. ‘Your Paypal account will be debited with a payment of 999 euros. Press 1 to authorise the payment and 2 to cancel it,’ says the message on the tape. It doesn’t matter what you press, and you will be forwarded to a call center in any case. A supposed PayPal employee then tries…
Read MoreSerious health risk: why you should never wash eggs before cooking them
Washing eggs before cooking them can harm your health under certain circumstances. Washing fruit and vegetables before cooking or eating them is generally considered good hygiene practice to remove any dirt, bacteria, or pesticides on the surface. However, washing all types of food before cooking is unnecessary. In fact, washing some foods can be detrimental to your health. For example, you should never wash chicken before cooking it. This generally applies to all types of raw meat. According to Reader’s Digest, eggs are also one of the foods that should…
Read MoreWhich fruit contains the most sugar?
When discussing healthy and balanced diets, we cannot ignore fruits, as they are known for their numerous benefits and contributions to the desired nutrition of the human body, such as vitamins, essential minerals, fiber, water, and antioxidants.The promotion of fruit consumption for a healthy diet has been recognized worldwide, even by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has promoted its well-known campaigns for the consumption of 5 portions of fruit per day. Despite the described benefits of eating fruit, we must not forget one element they contain: natural fructose (sugar),…
Read MoreBe careful: heavy fines for traffic offenses in popular holiday destinations
Sometimes heavy fines for traffic offenses in popular holiday destinations, new EU directive on cross-border prosecution The traffic regulations and the costs for traffic offenses abroad can differ from those at home. ‘Before setting off on holiday, you should learn about local traffic regulations. In principle, what is taboo at home should also be taboo abroad,’ says ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner. Anyone who drives too fast in popular holiday destinations or parks incorrectly or is under the influence of alcohol can face heavy fines, vehicle confiscation, or even imprisonment. Drinking…
Read MoreSun, rain and thunderstorms on Pentecost weekend in Austria
The weather in Austria will remain changeable over the Whitsun weekend. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected in the coming days, experts Geosphere Austria forecast on Thursday. In sunny periods, temperatures will reach up to 26 degrees.Low pressure will cause mostly unsettled weather in Austria on Friday. In addition to only brief sunny spells, dense clouds, heavy rain, and showers will dominate until well into the afternoon. There will also be frequent heavy thunderstorms. The wind will be mostly weak to moderate in the north and east, initially still partly…
Read MoreAvoid common mistakes: How to wash your hair properly
Washing your hair seems simple, but it’s surprisingly easy to make common mistakes that can lead to hair damage instead of cleanliness. From the harsh ingredients in your shampoo to your washing routine, there are several important factors to remember to ensure you don’t inadvertently damage your hair. Choosing the right shampooThe first step in your hair care routine is choosing the right shampoo. Avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, often found in dandruff treatments, as it can irritate your scalp. Instead, choose products formulated for sensitive…
Read MoreDon’t throw them away: How you can still use onion skins
For most of us, onion skins end up straight in the bin. This is a big mistake, as the dry skin and outer husk contain many healthy substances that can be utilised in various ways.A good way to utilise onion skins and their healthy ingredients is to add them to the soup. Wash the onion skins well and cook them in the soup. The skins are full of fibre and phenol, giving the soup a strong, hearty flavour and a beautiful, appetising colour. This addition is particularly recommended for vegetable…
Read MoreDo you drink too much sparkling water? These are the risks
Carbonated water is a popular thirst quencher, but we often hear it could be unhealthy. But what is the real truth behind this assumption? Carbonated water does contain carbon dioxide, but only a small amount. Most of the CO2 is present as a dissolved gas.Nevertheless, there are concerns about the effects on the body’s acid-base balance, tooth enamel, and even weight. Severe acidosis in the body can lead to hair loss, brittle nails, and aching joints. Dentists warn that carbonated drinks can lead to erosion in children and teenagers. Scientists…
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