Vienna Warning or Danger Tips by longsanborn

Vienna's public transport system operates based on trust. That's why you don't see any barriers or ticket controllers selling tickets on the buses, trams and underground trains. After you buy the ticket from the vending machines, you must validate the ticket (on blue stamping machines) before boarding the underground trains or validate in the buses or trams.

The ticket for one journey is Euro 1.80 which can be used on all the public transport within the Zone 1. One journey is defined as an uninterrupted journey using trains, buses or trams, or the duration of 60 minutes, whichever is shorter.

However tempting it is to just cheat the system and ride for free, be warned that if you get caught by the ticket controllers, you will be fined on the spot, no matter what excuses you give. They don't care if you are a tourist or a resident.

Update: In the past, the ticket controllers would come into the transport and those with no tickets would quickly leave as soon as the vehicle stops. However nowadays, they would be waiting by the exits of the trains; i.e. as soon as you get out of the train and step on the platform, they will be waiting there to ask for your validated tickets. So, if you don't want to pay Euro 50 - 60 fine, just take a few minutes to buy a ticket.

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Be careful with your belongings when you are in the public transports, in crowded public areas, in cafes and restaurants, etc., because there are pickpockets waiting to steal your valuables when you are distracted or unawares. Even though Vienna is relatively safer compared with other major European cities, it is still plagues with petty crimes, especially pickpockets.

Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be alert always. Don't be easily distracted. Don't expose your wallets/purse, don't count your money in the open (you would think some tourists are smart enough not to do this!),

Pickpockets operate in groups and one or two will try to distract you and another will take your money/bag when you are not looking. Also do not leave your bags unattended while sitting in cafes or restaurants. Petty thieves will take the opportunity to grab your bags when you're not looking.

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Be careful where you put your feet down next time. Vienna has a shocking dirty "secret" - dirty as in doggy poo or dog droppings. Dog poops/droppings are litterred on the streets, alleys, pavements and walkways.

Vienna has a lot of dog lovers, and the viennese dogs seemed to be pampered creatures. You can see young and old ladies carry their cute doggies in their arms, in doggy bags, etc., in the metro U-Bahn, restaurants, cafes, parks, etc. You can also see men walking their big dogs in the streets, parks, restaurants, etc.

I was at first shocked, later disgusted to see the dog-owners allowing their dogs to pee and poo everywhere they like, especially againsts building walls, on sidewalks, and near parked cars. I am just glad that the dogs don't drop their smelly droppings in the metro or restaurants.

Vienna has started a campaign against dog poo and dog owners are now required to clean after their dogs. Hopefully, this action will help to make Vienna a cleaner and better smelling city. :-))

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