Shopping
Austria offers a mix of international chains, traditional specialty stores, and local specialties.
Supermarkets
- Billa / Billa Plus (formerly Merkur) — Austria's largest supermarket, found everywhere
- Spar / Eurospar / Interspar — second largest chain, often a good selection of regional products
- Hofer — the Austrian Aldi (same group), cheap and popular
- Lidl — as in Germany, widespread in Austria
- Unimarkt — regional chain in Upper Austria
Typical Souvenirs
- Mozartkugeln — the original Salzburg ones (Fürst, handmade) vs. the industrial ones (Mirabell, Reber). The real ones are recognized by the silver-blue packaging
- Manner Schnitten — the pink wafer from Vienna, an institution since 1890
- Styrian pumpkin seed oil — only genuine with the g.g.A. seal (protected geographical indication)
- Schnapps — apricot brandy from the Wachau, pine schnapps from Tyrol, Williams from Vorarlberg
- Traditional costume — dirndl and lederhosen from specialty stores (Loden Plankl, Tostmann) are quality products for generations
- Augarten Porcelain — Vienna porcelain manufactory since 1718
VAT Refund (Tax Free)
Travelers residing outside the EU can get a VAT refund (20%) for purchases over 75.01 € per store. Ask for the Tax-Free form in the store, have it stamped by customs at the airport, refund at the Tax-Free counter or by mail.
