As the capital city of Austria, Vienna is a very popular spot for expats thanks to its thriving quality of living. Ranked first for eight consecutive years running in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey Vienna offers the expat great restaurants, stunning architecture and prominent careers (both the United Nations and OPEC are situated here). There is also a huge number of conferences held in Vienna each year, bringing in some of the 3.7 million tourists each year.

Vienna is Austria’s largest city and is situated close to the borders of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. It houses around 1.8 million of the Austrian population and has a thriving economic, cultural and political centre.

If you think Vienna could be the location for you, here are some essential facts and figures.

Language: The national language of Austria is German. The Viennese accent and some vocabulary may be different to that spoken in Germany. You will also be able to speak English here as Austrians learn it at school.

Currency: As in much of Europe the official currency in Vienna is the Euro. For more information on the current exchange rate, see here.

Accommodation: Most expats choose to live in rental apartments in Vienna, rather than buy a property here. Renting is fairly straightforward in Vienna but experts recommend using a Real Estate Agent in order to navigate the rental agreements which can be binding. They can also give guidance on which of the 23 districts best suits your needs.

Healthcare: If you are moving to Austria long-term you’ll need to register with one of the public health insurance providers. They do not have an NHS as the UK does. It is the responsibility of the employer to register you with a health insurance provider, and once they’ve done this you will receive an Austrian health card, referred to as an e-card. You’ll need to take this with you when you visit the doctor or hospital. As a member of the EU you’ll also have access to healthcare with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Employment: With Austria’s unemployment rate standing at over 10.6% there is stiff competition for jobs. Some public sector jobs are being cut but there is an increase in technology and marketing roles for those seeking work. Tourism is big news in Vienna so finding work within these sectors – although much is seasonal – will be easy for most. Find more information here.

Climate: Austria has a very temperate climate with winters (December-January) hitting the -1’s to summer seeing the dizzy heights of 19 degrees. You’ll also find the most rainfall in June and July. During the summer you’ll see nine hours of sunshine in July, but just one in December.

Education: It’s compulsory to send your child to school in Vienna on the September after your child’s sixth birthday. They are required to stay at school for nine years going through primary, secondary and then higher school. Many expats send their children to international schools in Vienna. For a full list, see here.

Transport: The transport system in Vienna is second-to-none. Reliable, clean and cheap experts stress that it’s easier for people to travel around the city on public transport. Buses, trams, trains and subways are all available. Cabs are also on hand and remain reasonable compared to other European cities.

If you are considering a move to Vienna PSS International removals can help. We are a family run company, which has specialised in international removals for over 34 years. We are committed to providing a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move for all our customers. Whether you’re sending a full or part household removal to Austria, excess baggage or a vehicle, we will ensure that you receive the highest level of care and attention.