Unspoken Rules while in Public and other Vienna, Austria Local Custom Tips

Austrians get offended easily if the Unspoken Public Rules of Etiquette are broken. Thus, if you want to avoid being an offensive tourist, it's best to know of these rules.

1. NEVER EVER put your feet on a seat in ANY public transportation. Even if you've been walking for days and are totally exhausted, resist the tempation to put your feet up on the seat in front of you. It will only shock and upset the locals around you. Even if you do try, I can bet that a local will be prompt to tell you to put your feet back on the floor.

2. ALWAYS ALWAYS stand on the right side of the escalator and pass on the left side. It's like the "driving on the autobahn" rules but on escalators. When I lived in Vienna it took me awhile to get used to this concept but when I did, I found myself getting EXCESSIVELY frusterated when I would be in a hurry and a crowd of tourists would be blocking the escalator not having read the sign at the bottom that says "Pease stand right."

3. If you're in a group and not speaking german, keep the conversation noise level down. This isn't imperative, but don't be surprised if you get looks of disgust from older Austrians and you're speaking too loudly.

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