I%26#39;ll be travelling with a small college class to Vienna at the end of May and I%26#39;m VERY excited, I have a few questions that I hope someone can shed light on for me..
I%26#39;m told we%26#39;re staying at the Palottihaus.. some sort of conference hall/retreat? I think anyway. Is anyone familiar with this? How is it? And not as important, but more of convenience, do they possibly have wireless internet?
How is the weather in late May, early June? We%26#39;ll be in Vienna for most of the trip, but will also be taking a cruise to Dürnstein.
Where is the best place to do a currency exchange? I%26#39;m assuming probably the airport would be easiest, but I%26#39;m wondering if rates are much different elsewhere?
I%26#39;ve been reading about the VAT tax.. am I correct in reading that this applies only to locals, and that if I save my receipts, I will get a refund of this on departure through customs?
I%26#39;ll be flying from Washington DC to Vienna on Austrian Airlines.. comfortable? Nice service? I was mildly distressed to read they allow only 1 carry-on and 1 small extra (blanket or jacket or small camera or purse, etc) and I%26#39;m used to being able to carry my laptop AND my regular carry-on bag, but thankfully I found a good combo backpack to hold everything.
Of course these are all things I%26#39;m sure my instructor will review with our class in May before we go, but like I said I%26#39;m real excited about this trip so I want to know all I can..
Thanks for any info!
|||
The Pallotihaus is a seminar/ retreat center formerly with religious theme.
Many student study groups use it as a base , as it has a meeting room and is not too expensive.
I think it has rooms holding 2- 4 students.
No idea about it having wireless internet - but with the nature of the place assume some type of internet access is possible.
it is located on Auhofstrasse in the 13th District of Vienna known as Hietzing.
Hietzing is a desirable residentil area of Vienna and is not far from Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. The official residence of the U S Ambasador is not too far away.
Auhofstrasse is a busy street ( the streetcar #58 ) runs on it. many older villas in the area .
Some shopping not far away.
I only know this as the good Cafe Dommayer is very close to this address and offers a nice atmosphere of old Vienna. Good music sometimes too.
The subway U-4 - Hietzing stop is about a 5-7 minute walk and offers quick access to the city center.
Austrian Air is a good airline - normal lack of space in economy as with all airlines - food generally good as is the service.
Most airlines will have the one carry on rule now.
The VAT tax is charged to everyone- not just locals.
Tourists buying goods can apply to have a portion or almost all of this tax refunded when you leave the country. Tax is usually 20 %- you will not receive the full amount back - but still a good savings.
But , you must have the proper forms completed by the stores where you buy the items- show the goods you purchased at the special customs desk at the airport when you depart and have the proper stamp fixed to the papers to apply to receive a refund.
They normally want to see the goods, that should be unused . This means going to this customs counter before check in. it is located in the Departure Hall near to the Turkish Air check in counter .
Not all stores participate in this scheme. Look for a logo at the store %26quot; Tax Free Shopping%26quot; The papers the store spplies will explain the program in detail.
Most all stores will have a minimum purchase amount for this.
Best exchange is at an ATM machines- you will find them everywhere including the airport. do not use money exchange places other than banks.
Best not to get travelers checks- they are rarely seen now in most places.
Enjoy your program - much to see and do in Vienna.
|||
www.wien.info/article.asp?IDArticle=10528
All visitors to Vienna resident outside the EU are entitled to a refund of Austrian value-added tax, which is included in the price, on purchases of at least euro 75.01.
|||
-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-
This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.
To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html
We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.
Removed on: 5:34 am, August 17, 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment