Imagine wandering through the cobbled streets of Vienna, a city steeped in imperial history, and paying for your Sachertorte with Bitcoin.
Or picture yourself skiing down the slopes of the Austrian Alps, then using Ethereum to buy a steaming mug of Glühwein at a cozy mountain hut.
This is the reality of Austria today – a country where centuries of tradition blend seamlessly with the cutting-edge that digital currencies bring.
The State of Crypto Adoption in Austria
Image by TripSavvy
While Austria might be better known for Mozart and Sachertorte, it’s quietly becoming a hub for digital innovation. Austria boasts a relatively progressive stance on cryptocurrencies, with the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) treating them as capital assets.
A 2022 study by the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) estimated that 3% of the Austrian population owns crypto assets. This suggests a growing awareness and interest in digital currencies.
Likewise, Austria’s crypto infrastructure is steadily developing. Bitcoin ATMs are becoming increasingly common, especially in major cities like Vienna and Salzburg, providing convenient access to cryptocurrencies.
Austria is also home to Bitpanda, a crypto exchange that allows residents to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.
This combination of supportive regulation, rising adoption rates, and accessible infrastructure suggests a bright future for crypto in Austria.
Where to Spend Your Cryptocurrency in Austria
Image by Britannica
From savouring coffee to touring castles, Austria is any tourist’s delight. And you can enjoy these using your crypto assets.
Here’s a curated guide on where to spend your digital currency across Austria:
1. Accommodations
a. Kryptohotel.at
Image by Kryptohotel
Experience the comfort and convenience of a family-run hotel with a modern twist at Kryptohotel.at in Vienna. Located in a historic district between St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna Prater, this family-owned establishment, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can feel right at home.
As a special service, Kryptohotel.at allows you to pay for your stay with cryptocurrency. Simply notify them in advance by phone or email to make arrangements.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin
b. Hotel Schani Wien
Image by Hotel Schani Wien
Hotel Schani Wien is a Design hotel near Vienna’s Central Station. Located a short walk from Belvedere Palace, the hotel uses smart technology and friendly service to create a cozy atmosphere.
What’s more? You can pay for your accommodation, food, drinks, and even shopping at their “Greissler” hotel shop using cryptocurrency.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
2. Dining
a. 42Café
Image by Stadt Wien Bekannt
Drown yourself in specialty coffee using Bitcoin at 42Café in Vienna-Simmering. This café offers a curated selection of coffee beans, including unique options like Indian Monsooned Malabar, available for pre-order and takeaway.
Enjoy the cozy atmosphere while sipping your favorite brew and pay with Bitcoin. Don’t forget to browse their shop, where you can find unique items like Bitcoin enamel cups, perfect for showcasing your crypto enthusiasm.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
b. Bar and Restaurant Strandperle Seefeld in Tyrol
Image by Bar and Restaurant Strandperle Seefeld in Tyrol
Escape to a lakeside haven at Bar and Restaurant Strandperle Seefeld, where breathtaking views of the Tyrolean Alps meet culinary delights.
This romantic restaurant offers a modern, international menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a notable selection of fish dishes inspired by the restaurant’s idyllic location on Wildsee Lake.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
3. Transportation and Logistics
a. airBaltic
Image by European Design Awards
Travel to Austria with airBaltic, a Latvian airline that offers convenient and affordable flights to Vienna International Airport (VIE).
Whether you’re starting your journey in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, or any of their other numerous destinations across Europe and beyond, airBaltic provides a crypto-friendly way to reach Austria. They also offer flight e-vouchers that can be purchased with points earned through their loyalty program.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, through BitPay.
b. ShuttleFare
Image by ShuttleFare
ShuttleFare.com is an online platform that helps travelers find, compare, and book airport transportation globally.
Founded in 2008, they’ve become a trusted resource for those looking for reliable and convenient airport transfers. Their services are also available from the Vienna Airport and you can pay with your cryptocurrency.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
c. Ara’s Bitcoin Taxi
Image by Vienna.info
If you’re a crypto enthusiast, you should book a ride with Ara’s Bitcoin Taxi if you come in through the Vienna International Airport.
Ara, a passionate Bitcoiner, offers a personalized transportation experience where you can enjoy insightful conversations about Bitcoin and the future of finance while paying for your ride with Bitcoin or the Lightning Network.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
d. Takeaway Food Delivery
Image by XQTS Special
Through its website and a Bitpay gateway, Just Eat Takeaway allows customers to use crypto to pay when they order food. This feature allows users to pay with popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others supported by Bitpay, making the payment process faster and more accessible for you.
4. Shopping
a. Newegg
Image by Retail Customer Experience
For all your tech needs, look no further than Newegg, a global online retailer that accepts a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Though they don’t have a physical store in Austria, you can order electronics online and have them shipped to your Austrian address.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, and other popular cryptocurrencies
b. Sockenschuhe.at
Image by Stern
This online store specializes in “sock shoes,” a unique footwear concept combining the comfort of socks with the practicality of shoes.
They offer a variety of styles for men, women, and children, focusing on comfort, functionality, and sustainability. They also recognise crypto as a payment method, catering to the crypto-savvy consumer.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
c. Donaulife
Donaulife is an online headshop that sells smoking accessories, including bongs, pipes, and much more.
They pride themselves on providing high-quality products, unbeatable goodwill, and excellent customer satisfaction. In 2018, Donaulife also opened a physical CBD coffee shop in Vienna for like-minded individuals to connect, share their passion for cannabis, and learn about hemp products.
Crypto accepted: Bitcoin
5. Entertainment
a. Vienna State Opera
Image by Vienna State Opera
Witness world-class opera performances in a magnificent setting. They accept all methods for ticket purchases, including Bitcoin, allowing you to experience high culture with digital currency.
Tips for Crypto Tourists in Austria
Image by NBCNews
Ready to tour Austria while spending your cryptocurrency? Here’s a handy guide to ensure a smooth experience:
1. Fund your wallet
Make sure you have sufficient funds in your preferred cryptocurrency wallet before arriving in Austria. Use reliable exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, or Bitpanda to acquire your digital assets.
2. ATM Awareness
Austria has a growing network of Bitcoin ATMs, particularly in major cities. Use online directories or dedicated ATM locator apps to find the nearest ones.
3. Consider a crypto debit card
For wider acceptance, consider using a crypto debit card like Crypto.com Visa Card or UPay Card. These cards allow you to spend your crypto at any merchant that accepts Visa, even if they don’t directly accept cryptocurrencies.
4. Download useful apps
Explore apps like Bitpanda or UEEx for managing your crypto on the go. You can also use exchange rate trackers and local payment apps for added convenience.
5. Keep records of your transactions
Austria, like many countries, has tax implications for crypto transactions. Keep detailed records of your crypto spending to ensure compliance with local tax laws.
6. Be mindful of price fluctuations
Cryptocurrencies can be volatile. Consider using stablecoins, like Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC), to mitigate the risk of price swings.
A Warm Welcome For You and Your Crypto in Austria
With more businesses and individuals openly embracing cryptocurrencies, you can experience the best of Austria while using the currency you believe in. Clearly, Austria values innovation and welcomes those who embrace it.
So next time you’re touring Austria, remember to experience the exciting possibilities of spending your crypto.
And when you do, we’d love to hear about your crypto adventures in Austria! Share your stories and tips in the comments below.
