Forget to Tip Waiters
Waiters in Vienna have a reputation for being uppity and unfriendly. However, you can keep them on your side if you follow a few simple rules. Tipping is very important in Austria, with 10% being the recommended amount. If you are always courteous, you shouldn’t meet the sharp edge of a Viennese waiter’s tongue.

Ignore the Highway Code
Austrians take their Highway Code very seriously. Fines can be issued for jaywalking in Vienna, and so you’ll often see people waiting at a red light, even if the roads are clear. Remember to stay out of cycle lanes during rush hour, and obey the green man.

Expect Stores to be Open on Sundays
Although it may seem antiquated, supermarkets and most major shops in Austria close on Sundays, even in the capital Vienna. Make sure you stock up on food on Saturday. Keep in mind that many restaurants and cafés will remain open.

Be Too Snap Happy
It is always tempting to photograph every landmark you see while you are on holiday, especially in a city as beautiful as Vienna. However, make sure to be aware of your surroundings before embarking on a photography session. A busy pedestrianised street, for example, won’t be an ideal location.

Mention The Sound of Music…
Although it may be hard to believe, the film was a complete flop in Germany and Austria when it premiered in 1965, and neither country has succumbed to its charms since. The Austrians resented the historical inaccuracies depicting their heritage, while the Germans found the Nazi theme difficult to swallow so soon after World War II. Vastly preferable in both countries is the 1956 German-language film Die Trapp-Familie, which was the original inspiration for the Broadway musical.

Mention Arnold Schwarzenegger
Despite having lived away from Austria for over 30 years, he’s still considered one of the only famous Austrians, and his association with the country is not unfounded. However, there are other far more relevant popular Austrian cultural figures, such as celebrity Conchita Wurst, the winner of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.