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Banking in Austria

Austria has a very well-developed banking system. Many major foreign banks operate in Austria, and indeed larger Austrian banks have branches, subsidiaries, and joint venture businesses in many areas of Europe.

Opening a bank account in Austria is very simple. The following are required:

• Passport
• Proof of residence in Austria
• Residence Registration Form (Meldezettel) (sometimes required)
• Employment details

Ask to open a bank account (ein konto erffnen). When everything is finalised, you will be given a welcome pack which offers details about the bank's services, and your account details. You will also be allocated a personal banker for the future. Your bank card will be sent to you in the post within a few days.

Most banks in Austria provide the following services:

• Current account (Girokonto)
• Debit card (Bankomatkarte)
• Overdraft facility (Dispokredit)
• Standing orders (Dauerauftrge)
• Savings account (Sparkonto)

You will not usually be able to obtain a credit card, have use of an overdraft facility or obtain an ATM card until you have been employed in Austria for more than three months. You will be issued with a debit card which will allow you to withdraw money from the ATM machines situated in your bank lobby.

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