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LIVING IN AUSTRIA

EXPLAINED: Everything that changes in Austria in November 2021

Covid rules are changing, and there are also new requirements for motorists, Christmas markets, and political developments to be aware of in Austria this November.

Published: 28 October 2021 10:17 CEST
Updated: 1 November 2021 09:20 CET
Hallstatt Austria autumn mountains
It's not just the leaves and clocks that change when October turns to Novvember. Photo: Tomáš Malík/Unsplash

Covid-19 rule changes

There are a lot of these on the cards, but here’s a summary of the key ones we know about:

  • From November 1st, proof of 3G (vaccination, recovery, or a negative Covid test) will be required to enter workplaces, unless you have no possibility of coming into contact with others. There’s a transition period until November 14th, during which you can instead where an FFP2 mask if you do not have 3G proof, but after that you and your employer could face fines if you don’t follow the new rule.
  • From November 8th, Styria will have tighter Covid restrictions including a 2G entry rule (only proof of vaccination or recovery accepted) for evening dining and bars, and an FFP2 mandate in more areas
  • From November 15th, the 3G rule will also apply on cable cars, unless you are a local resident using them like public transport.

Be aware that these could change further depending how the Covid situation develops. We’ll keep you updated with the latest changes to Austria’s Covid-19 rules on The Local, and you can find more details on the November changes at the link below:

Sebastian Kurz to lose parliamentary immunity

In November we may also see the next stages of corruption investigations into ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

His move to Austria’s National Council means he currently has parliamentary immunity from prosecution, and even though both Kurz and his party (the governing centre-right ÖVP) have said that the immunity should be lifted, this can only come into effect during the next plenary session of the National Council (November 16th to 19th).

Christmas markets

The festive season starts in November in Austria, with the first Christmas markets opening up midway through the month. A 3G requirement will be in place at the markets.

In Vienna, markets will open up in several locations on November 12th, including at the Vienna Rathaus, the Alten AKH university campus, Stephansplatz and Spittelberg, followed by markets at the Türkenschanzpark on November 13th, at Maria-Theresien-Platz on the 17th, at Belvedere Palace on November 19th, and at Schönbrunn Castle on November 20th.

Innsbruck’s old town Christmas market opens on November 15th, and you can visit the Panorama Christmas Market at Hungerburg from November 27th.

Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt at Residenzplatz and the markets at Schloss Hellbrunn and Mirabellplatz kick off on November 18th, with another opening at the Hohensalzburg Fortress from November 26th.

In Graz, the festivities start in the Hauptplatz in front of the Rathaus, on the Glockenspielplatz and around the Franciscan Church from November 19th.

And in Linz, markets open on the main square and at Volksgarten on November 20th.

Winter tires

Attention, car owners: from November 1st, winter tires need to be used in “wintry” conditions – i.e. if there is snow, slush or ice.

When driving on in snow, mud or ice, cars must be fitted with winter tires or, alternatively, have snow chains fitted on at least two wheels.

Buy the 2022 vignette

More news for motorists. You can buy your 2022 vignette – the small toll sticker you need in order to drive on most of Austria’s motorways – starting from November, although it is only valid from December 1st.

Vignettes are available at around 6,000 outlets across the country, so anyone who fails to get one will have few excuses. A list of outlets is available here. This year the sticker is an apricot colour, and it will cost €93.80 for drivers and €37.20 for motorcyclists.

PayPal business fees for UK will rise 

One for businesses to keep in mind: PayPal is introducing new fees for payments between businesses in the UK and those in the rest of Europe following Brexit. From November 10th, payments between the European Economic Area (EEA) and British businesses will be charged a 1.29 percent fee. 

The current rate is around 0.5 percent. That has remained unchanged since before the UK left the EU Customs Union and Single Market. But PayPal said it was now facing extra costs, such as the rise in interchange fees between the UK and EEA.

Payments between EU and associated state countries and countries outside the EU are charged a 1.99 percent fee. Within the EU the fee for businesses is 0.5 percent. 

Public holidays

November 1st is a national public holiday in Austria, and three states have another holiday this month: November 11th in Burgenland; November 15th in Lower Austria and Vienna. The latter three holidays most likely won’t get you the day off work, but it depends on your job. Schools and government authorities are usually closed on these days.

If you’re new in Austria or simply inclined to forget the quirks of life here, consider this your reminder: most shops will be closed on national public holidays, and you can expect queues shortly before closing time the day before, so try to stock up in advance.

Clocks go back

Daylight saving time will end at 3am on October 31st, but make sure to turn your clocks back in time for November. This means more light in the mornings, but an earlier sunset.

The European Parliament voted in 2019 to end the practice of changing the clocks forward in spring and back in autumn from 2021. However, it is up to each member state to decide, and Austria is still following the clock changes.

Member comments

  1. Is monoclonal antibody infusion available in Austria for tourists who test positive and have been advised by their home dr. that they should seek it as treatment?

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LIVING IN AUSTRIA

‘Haushaltsversicherung’: How does Austria’s home insurance work?

'Haushaltsversicherung' is one of Austria's most popular types of insurance. It is not mandatory, but it is certainly worth evaluating, especially as it comes with many possible add-ons.

Published: 2 May 2024 15:22 CEST
'Haushaltsversicherung': How does Austria's home insurance work?

Austrians are certainly obsessed with insurance coverage, and one of the most popular and common ones is known as the “Haushaltsversicherung”—if you don’t have it already, you have certainly heard of it. Here’s what you need to know about household insurance.

Firstly, this insurance covers damages to “all movable objects within your own four walls,” as Austria’s Chamber of Labour (AK) explains. This includes furniture, carpets, and electrical appliances. It would also cover damages caused by fire, storms, water, burglary, and glass breakage. 

Certain types of insurance, such as private liability insurance or mandatory dog liability insurance, are almost always combined with household insurance—another reason why the Haushaltsversicherung is so popular in Austria.

READ ALSO: What kind of insurance do I need to have in Austria?

However, there are enormous differences in premiums and benefits, so experts suggest you check precisely what you need before taking out insurance. The AK also says you should talk to an insurance advisor to learn more about your specific case and needs, particularly if you have any valuables in your home. 

Additionally, they said: “It makes sense to check your policy every few years to ensure that you are properly insured. This guarantees that the sums insured and the risks included are up-to-date and sufficient”.

What should I keep an eye on when reviewing policies?

Of course, different companies have their own offers, and they are often highly customisable to fit your apartment and lifestyle—some things you need to be aware of, though.

Certain policies are tied to the size of your apartment, while others will have a lump sum regardless of the size of your place. Policies also usually differ depending on whether you live in an apartment or a house. 

While most insurance will cover glass breakage (such as when a hail storm breaks your window, for example), some might have it as an add-on (wahlweise mit Glasbruch). 

You may also add other types of insurance to your household insurance, the most common being mandatory dog liability insurance (Hunde-Haftpflicht), legal insurance (Straf-Rechtsschutz), and sports insurance.

READ ALSO: Should I take out insurance before skiing in Austria?

It’s worth it to read each policy, but you should know some common clauses beforehand. For example, insurance often won’t cover burglary costs if your house has not been properly secured and locked. This might seem obvious, but since door knobs don’t open from the outside without the key, people often leave their homes, especially for short errands, and don’t lock the doors all the way. Insurance and safety experts recommend you get in the habit of locking your home doors.

It’s also important to check if your insurance will pay you “Neuwert” or “Zeitwert” in case of damage. 

A Neuwert means the insurance will pay for a replacement object, regardless of how old the stolen or broken one was. However, many insurance policies still contain the so-called “Zeitwert”, something like “current value”, so you wouldn’t receive an amount that could pay for a new product. Instead, a loss of value of around 10 percent per year could be expected for most objects.

What should I do if there is damage to my home?

If you see any damage to your home from burglary, accident or other types, you need to notify your insurer immediately and report the damage you have suffered. 

The insurance conditions usually stipulate a maximum period of three days for reporting a claim in property insurance. The Chamber of Labour also recommends that you send a written notification of the claim (preferably by registered mail, they add).

“Make a list of all items that have been destroyed or lost and enclose it with your report to both the insurer and the security authorities”, they said. And, of course, in the event of fire burglary or robbery, always inform the fire department or police authorities.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: The Austrian insurance for if you get sued – or want to sue someone

How long does the insurance last, and how much does it cost?

The insurance term is usually specified in the counteract. In general, though, you can terminate it after the third year with one month’s notice if the contract has not already expired.

If you move house or move abroad, you can terminate your household insurance contract. You can cancel the insurance the day before the move begins (preferably by registered letter).

If you do not exercise your right of termination, the insurance will remain valid during the move and in the new home.

Regarding prices, they can be as low as a few euros a month (such as insurance specifically tailored to students living in shared flats) to several hundred a month if you have a large place with plenty of valuables or include several add-ons. 

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