Imagup General Magazine 2024
Expats are people who live in countries other than their native country. These people are often professionals or artists that take up posts in a different country for work.
Over the past decade or so, Austria has become a preferred location for expats, and for a good reason; Austrians are very kind and welcoming to visitors.
If you’re planning on moving to Vienna, Austria as an expat, you’re in for a great treat! Vienna is a safe city with people of diverse cultures, and you’ll love it there. In today’s article, we share seven tips that should guide you during your move.
Where should I live in Vienna?
Vienna is a beautiful place to live. The city comprises many neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, aesthetic, demographic, and culture. Before moving here, we highly recommend that you research a few of the popular ones to try and figure out where you’d like to live.
The district you choose to move to will determine your lifestyle and experiences while living in Vienna as an expat.
For example, if you’re a laid-back person looking for a cozy, low-key place to live, Landstraße and Wieden may be the most ideal for you. Both of these districts have rather reasonable rent prices, considering you get to live close to the city’s largest green space, and gain access to wonderful running tracks.
Finding an apartment
The rental apartment space in Vienna is pretty cutthroat. More than 50% of the market is occupied by state housing, leaving a small, competitive, and sometimes ruthless rent market. Therefore, it may take you some effort and time to get a suitable apartment especially if you don’t know where to start your search.
Most of the homes in Vienna are only available for renting via an agent. You will be asked to pay the agent’s commission, which typically amounts to 2-months’ rent. You will also need to pay both rent and deposit upfront, along with incurring other costs such as buying furniture.
The good news is that you can save yourself all that hassle by renting a furnished apartment in Vienna by Blueground. Sure, they might not be the cheapest, but you get to move in and start living without worrying about what and where to buy things in a new city.
You will need a Meldezette
A Meldezette is a document you will need to live in Vienna. It helps the state keep a record of everyone staying in the city. Without it, you will find it difficult moving about the city. For example, you cannot get a library card or your social security number.
The Austrian government requires everyone to register the document themselves, while new visitors need to get it within three days of arrival.
Also, if you move apartments during the period of your stay, you will need to deregister your old flat from your Meldezette and register the new one afresh.
Settling in and meeting new people
Moving to a new country can be a nerve wracking process, especially if you don’t know anyone. The first few months may be a bit lonely and quiet. Luckily, if you’re proactive about meeting new people and making new friends, you will be comfortable and settled in just a few months.
One way to do this is by throwing yourself into Vienna’s social scene and nightlife to meet new people. Alternatively, you can also go online and join expat communities on Facebook to connect with and meet people who are also new to the city. This way, you will each have someone to walk through the initial stages of your stay with.
It’s always fun to have friends you can watch a game, have a drink, or even go shopping with. There’s no telling – it’s possible some of the first few people you make friends with will remain in your life for a long, long time.
Learn the language
There’s no better way to enjoy living in a new city than actually learning the language they speak. Austrians generally speak German, although different cities have their own variations.
Locals view expats and internationals in a different light when they make an effort to fit in and learn the language and culture of the city.
Even though most people in Vienna can speak English fluently, taking a German class will allow you to experience the in’s and out’s of the city and communicate with locals. It will also be a good opportunity to meet other people that are in the same boat as you.
Buy a bike
The most beautiful way to experience the best of Vienna is by cycling. The city is striking in its architecture and scenery. Buying or renting a bike will allow you to explore it at your pace and convenience. It will also allow you to take it all in without anyone rushing you.
Cycling is very common in Vienna. It is a generally flat city with about 1,400 km of biking paths, many of them in areas with little traffic, and is very conducive to cyclists. Many people opt to rent bikes from Citybikes, which has more than 121 stations.
Optimize your smartphone
Once you land in Vienna, you will need to optimize your phone and tailor it for the new country. There are numerous apps in the market that will make it easier for you to navigate and find your way around the city.
One of these is Vienna Map and Walks, which has self-guided tours that help you explore the city by foot or bike.
You can also download Quandoo, the dedicated app for foodies; with this app, you can find the best food in Vienna, and book a table at great eateries from your phone.
For the nights you don’t feel like cooking, Foodora has got you covered- they deliver food from your favorite restaurants, straight to your doorstep.
Having these apps in your phone will make settling into your new home in Vienna a lot quicker.
Here’s to a new beginning!
If you’re expatriating to Vienna for work, this will surely be a great chapter of your life. The city is cozy, safe and culturally rich, and may be quite different from what you’re used to. Even so, the people are friendly, though they tend to mind their business.
We hope this article has given you important pointers to remember when moving to the city. We’d love to hear your experience once you’re in this beautiful city. Good luck!
