Austria's Currency: The Euro (€) Since 2002

Austria uses the euro (€, EUR). Adopted January 1, 2002, replacing the Austrian schilling (ATS) at a fixed rate of €1 = 13.7603 ATS.

Quick Facts

• Eurozone founding member (1999 virtual, 2002 cash)
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50¢, €1, €2 (Austrian designs: alpine flowers, buildings, Mozart)
• Notes: €5–€500 (Europa series); identical across eurozone
• ATMs/banks: "Bankomat" — widely available
• Cards: Visa/Mastercard universal; Amex/Diners less so
• Cash still common for small purchases, markets, cafés

Before the Euro

Schilling (1925–2001): 100 groschen. Famous coins: 10 Schilling (gold ring), 50 Schilling (silver). Nostalgic but obsolete.

Traveling to Vienna, Salzburg, or the Alps? Bring euros or a no-FX card. No schillings accepted.