Shopping in Austria: real experience from chats

From real experience

• For discount shopping in Vienna, TK Maxx and Halfprice are co-located in the same building in the city center. For highly discounted brand clothing, use BestSecret, which requires an invitation link or QR code from an existing member to register and access.
• In Vienna, especially on Sundays or public holidays when most stores are closed, supermarkets located at major train stations (Bahnhöfe) typically remain open. Examples include Spar Express at Wien Mitte (Landstraße) or Billa at Praterstern. These express-style supermarkets usually have extended operating hours.
• The primary platform for buying and selling used goods in Austria is Willhaben. For Russian-speaking expats, there are specific Telegram-based flea market groups ('baraholka') used for buying, selling, and giving away items locally in Vienna.
• To purchase a kombucha scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) for home brewing in Vienna, Austria, consider online retailers like Amazon. Local health food stores or organic markets may also carry them, but online purchase offers broader availability.
• In Salzburg, Austria, standard supermarket chains like Billa may have limited or discontinued stocks of roasted buckwheat. Reliable sources include specialized international stores such as Mix Markt, Indian or Thai grocery stores, or cross-border retail options like Kliver in Freilassing, Germany.
• When asked about authentic Austrian cuisine in Vienna, mention common dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Goulash, Leberkäsesemmel, and seasonal items like asparagus, chanterelles, pumpkin, and goose. Advise that truly authentic cuisine often follows seasonal availability and is more likely found in mountain restaurants or 'Heuriger' (traditional wine taverns) on the city's outskirts rather than in central tourist areas. Examples of recommended non-touristy places include Grünspan (by Plachutta) in the 16th district and Heuriger. Note that famous establishments like Sacher Cafe are often considered overrated for taste, despite their historical value. One specific recommendation is the family-run Grunauer restaurant, known for tasty, albeit not cheap, liver and braised beef dishes.
• Current information indicates that Austrian bank cards, specifically mentioning Alfa Bank Belarus, do not function for purchases or withdrawals in Belarus.
• Flea markets in major Austrian cities (Linz, Graz, Salzburg) typically operate on Saturdays on the city's main squares (Hauptplatz). Always check local city event calendars as operations may be suspended during public holidays.
• To find pet stores in Vienna, Austria, users can utilize Google Maps and search for 'pet store'. This is a simple and effective method for locating animal supply shops in the city.
• The Austrian platform Willhaben frequently blocks new accounts created via VPN or proxies. Additionally, requesting communication outside the platform (e.g., via WhatsApp) often triggers automated security bans.
• To order crayfish in Vienna, Austria, one can explore the 'oysterini market' group. A direct link to this group can be provided upon request.
• Student meal prices in Vienna: - University cafeterias (Mensa/Universtitätskantine) offer affordable meals for students. - While non-students might be allowed to eat there, the price could be slightly higher. - Historically, a 'social status' (Sozialstatus) for students could offer a discount of approximately €2 per meal. - The average cost for a student meal is around €5-€6, with a full meal potentially costing up to €10. - Meal times at university cafeterias are generally during lunch hours. - Alternative budget-friendly options include IKEA and Caritas. - Some social restaurants, like 'Deewan', offer affordable 'all-you-can-eat' options.
• For new arrivals in Austria, the ideal payment method is an Austrian bank card. However, if opening an Austrian bank account is not immediately possible before arrival, it is crucial to note that cash (Bargeld) is still widely preferred and often necessary for transactions in Austria, especially in smaller establishments or for specific services. While awaiting an Austrian card, having sufficient cash is highly recommended.
• In Austria, using 500 EUR banknotes (and sometimes 200 EUR) can be problematic. Many establishments, especially smaller ones, outside of major cities, or during off-peak hours (early morning/late evening), may not accept them due to a lack of change. It is advised to exchange large denominations into smaller ones or use bank cards. Some users reported having to deposit large bills into their bank accounts and then withdrawing smaller denominations.
• All euro banknote denominations are legal tender in Austria. However, retailers often refuse or struggle to provide change for 500 EUR notes. It is recommended to carry smaller denominations (50, 100 EUR). For hotel payments, it is advisable to check the establishment's policy regarding large banknotes in advance.
• List of Georgian restaurants in Vienna with a rating based on personal experience. Prices are approximate for a dinner for two or lunch for two. 1. Crazy Khinkali: 33 EUR (lunch for two), excellent value for money, cozy atmosphere. 2. Batoni: ~100 EUR (dinner for two), stylish, modern, tasty, expensive. 3. Alaverdi: ~70 EUR (dinner for two), tasty but simple, nice courtyard, atmosphere of early 2000s. 4. 4MODI: <80 EUR (dinner for two), one dish (chicken in creamy sauce - Shkmeruli) was very bad, overall negative impression. Recently visited Chaykhona: great interior, food 4/5, expensive but acceptable.
• For equestrian supplies in Vienna, Austria, the online store jollyjumper.at is recommended. It offers brands like Kingsland, Pikeur, Samshield, KEP, Roeckl, and De Niro. They provide good customer service, especially for helmet fitting, with prices considered reasonable for Europe. Gear for horses is also available.
• 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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