Safety in Austria: real experience from chats

From real experience

• In Austria (and similar legal systems), when a landlord requests early termination of a lease, tenants should ensure all agreements, especially regarding deposit return, are in writing. Verbal promises (e.g., via WhatsApp) are less enforceable. Tenants forced to move early might be entitled to claim moving expenses or even a prorated broker's commission. If a landlord withholds a deposit for alleged damages (e.g., 400 EUR for a tea stain) without providing itemized invoices or proof, it may be disputable. Tenants should check if they have legal insurance ("Rechtsschutzversicherung") or household liability insurance ("Haushaltversicherung" which includes "Haftpflichtversicherung") as these can cover legal costs or damages to rented property.
• Dual citizens (RF/EU) traveling to Russia face potential border scrutiny, including mobile device inspection. Travelers are advised to exercise digital self-censorship, as contacts or social media activity involving citizens of countries deemed 'unfriendly' may be flagged. There is no standard statistical predictability for these inspections, and many residents choose to meet family members in third countries to mitigate risks.
• When planning a trip on the SchafbergBahn cog railway starting from St. Wolfgang, check the high-altitude weather forecast for the Schafberg mountain peak beforehand. High winds and thunderstorms make the peak hazardous. It is recommended to combine the train trip with local ferry connections from Strobl or Gschwandt.
• Russian-speaking community groups for specific Austrian cities like Graz, Linz, and Salzburg exist on WhatsApp, but they are often dominated by advertisements. While some believe there aren't enough Russian speakers for city-specific groups outside Vienna, Vienna itself has a significant Russian-speaking population.
• For socialization in Vienna, Austria, consider alternatives to expensive co-living spaces. Recommendations include engaging in local clubs, bars, and meetups. Utilizing apps like Meetup.com and Nomadtable (though activity might be less compared to major Asian hubs) can connect individuals with shared interests. Pursuing hobbies such as sports (football, hiking, volleyball) or intellectual activities (chess) are effective ways to build social circles. Public transport in Vienna is efficient, allowing easy access to various social events.
• Austrian customs regulations for postal packages coming from non-EU countries (such as Russia) are extremely strict. Commonly shipped items like chocolate, gingerbread, traditional sweets, slippers, and ornaments are frequently rejected and returned to the sender. Verify strict foodstuff and material import regulations before shipping via national post or private couriers.
• When interacting with Austrian police regarding the abbreviation "EVE," the correct German pronunciation of the abbreviation itself is "Efe" (phonetically: "EH-feh"). However, the full term it stands for is "Elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung." It is advisable to know the full term for clarity, especially in official contexts where limited German proficiency might be an issue. If questioned about limited German, the police may not proceed with the interaction.
• In Vienna, Austria, public transport (metro, trams, buses) operates on an honor system but is subject to frequent ticket controls. Traveling without a valid ticket, even being on the platform without one, can result in a significant fine, typically around 120 EUR. It is strongly advised to purchase and validate tickets to avoid penalties.
• Public transport in Vienna costs 3 EUR for a single ticket, valid for 80 minutes with transfers (no return trips). Tickets bought offline must be validated (stamped) upon boarding. Ticket controllers often dress in plain clothes and check passengers after the vehicle starts moving. Fines start at around 105 EUR. In ÖBB trains, ticket checks are highly frequent and strict. It is recommended to buy tickets or passes (daily/weekly) via the WienMobil app.
• When asked about perfume authenticity in Austria: 1. BIPA is considered a reliable retailer where perfumes are generally authentic. 2. For specific brands like Saint Laurent, Douglas is a recommended retailer known for selling original products.

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