Banks

There are several banks in Austria and every bank offers special student deals. Before opening a bank account, you should compare the various offers, as they may differ considerably in terms of fees that the bank will charge you.

When deciding on a bank, you might want to consider the following:

• Interest rates, bank charges and special benefits

• Negotiate reasonable overdraft limits to avoid expensive interest rates

• Consider the age limit: the maximum age for most student accounts is between 27 and 30; after reaching that age the account is often converted into a regular bank account with higher fees

• Some banks require you to send confirmation of your student status each semester

This tool might help you find the bank and account that is best suited to your needs (in German only).

Telephone Services

Austria has numerous cell phone providers offering a wide variety of different contract-based or prepaid plans. Costs vary widely depending on the plan you select, so it’s a good idea to think carefully about what you really need before choosing a provider or plan. The Chamber of Labor offers a rate simulator (in German only) that can be helpful when looking for the best plan for your needs.