Pete Rungdee and Alex Bartley

Information for Senior Manager’s visit to Austria

Introduction

Hello I am Alex and this is Pete and we are here today to talk you about opening up a ASB bank in Austria.

Today we are going to talk to you about the: ● Climate ● Visa Requirements● Flights ● Accommodation ● Currency● Culture and Business Meeting Protocols● Recommendations

Climate

● Summer can be up to 95 degree Fahrenheit / average: 68 degree Fahrenheit and

Winter can be up to up to -4 degree Fahrenheit / average: 32 degree Fahrenheit.

There can be considerable amounts of snow during the month of December.

● For warm weather the best time to go is the months between April and October. But

if you want to enjoy a Winter vacation and go skiing then the best time to go is

between the months of December to March.

● The crowds and prices for airfares increase in the months of July and August when

the temperature can go up to uncomfortable levels and when there are many

festivals happening.

Temperature Increase and Decrease

Visa Requirements

● In Austria you will need a Schengen Visa which allows the holder to stay

up to 90 days within a period of 6 months, this is for tourists or business

purposes.

● On your trip you should bring with you original letters, sponsorship papers,

and other documents used to get your visa just so there are no delays

when you come across a border.

● It takes in between 2 and 10 working days to get a Schengen Visa for short

term stays which is the required in order to go to Austria for business.

Flights

Recommendation: For flights● British Airways ● Best Airfares and Price ● It has one stop over

Accomodation

Recommendation: for accommodation ● Hotel Nestroy rating 4 stars ● Close to city centre ● Free internet and room for businessman

Currency

● Austria is a member of the Economic and Currency union.

● The currency used in Austria is the Euro.● The exchange for every NZ dollar in Austria would be

0.63 euros. ● The Banknotes and coins are: 5,10,20,50,100,200,500

dollar bills, 1 and 2 dollar coins and 1,2,5,10,20,50 cent pieces.

Culture of Austria● Language and Religion: ● The official language of Austria is

German. Around 90 per cent speaks German.

● Tradition/ Costume Austria traditional folk costume is

accepted as formal wear. Costume is made of high- quality wool and natural linen. Can

be worn anywhere. ● Festivals Festivals is one the culture highlight of the

year in Austria. Families get together, as well as whole towns, people together with food and music festivals to celebrate with

their happiness.

Business Meeting Protocols

Gift Giving● Gift giving is not traditionally an integral part of doing business in Austria. Austrians only really

exchange gifts with close friends and families on days such as birthdays and christmas. Titles

● In a business setting, when meeting someone, Austrians address each other by titles such as nick names and surnames. Never Address an Austrian by their first name unless requested to do so.

Meeting and Greetings● Most Austrians greet each other with a brief but firm handshake and most Austrians have

excellent posture.● Most Austrians judge from their first impression so it is always good to maintain good eye

contact when talking and never have your hands in your pocket for longer then it takes to retrieve and object.

Conclusion ● Carry a good supply of business cards around so that you can get people

interested in the business that you own or that you are trying to create.● Have one side of the business card translated in German.● In a first meeting it is always good to get to know one another and gain

trust.● The standard in Austria in a business setting is expected to be excellent.

Arrive at meetings well organised and prepared and dressed formally.● With Business meetings in Austria it is always good to be organised this is

because Austrians are very punctual and expect to begin at the exact time.● When speaking to Austrians executive, do not make jokes because

Austrians do not believe that jokes and humour have any place in business.

Recommendations

● Try to learn a little bit of German so that you are able to understand some of the what people are saying.

● Make sure you change your NZ dollars into Euros before you depart to your destination.

● Before leaving to Austria sort out your out your Visa requirements and make sure that that your Visa hasn’t expired.

● Do not put your hands in your pockets while speaking to anyone or during your business.

● Avoid making appointments for the months around July and August because it is a busy time of the year in Austria.

● Arrive dressed appropriately.

The EndAny Questions?