Crime Levels in Vienna

As with any major city, when it comes to personal security, a little common sense goes a long way. However, as Vienna is considered one of the safest cities in Europe, you should have a trouble-free stay providing you take the following precautions:

i) when first arriving in Vienna, be especially vigilant with your belongings at the airport and major stations. Bags, suitcases, rucksacks etc. should be padlocked and important documents such as passports should be kept on your person. Where necessary, luggage should be stored in designated lockers;

ii) store valuables, cash, airplane or train tickets in a safe deposit box at your hotel. Larger items, such as laptop computers can still be left at your hotel, provided a receipt is obtained from the concierge (though we note that some upscale Vienna hotels now offer laptop safes);

iii) when shopping, do not take more cash out with you than is necessary. Keep bags closed and avoid keeping cash and credit/debit cards in the same place. Handbags should be worn over the neck, rather than on the shoulder;

Police officers in Vienna (Bundes Polizei), who are identified by dark blue trousers/light blue shirts/white caps, frequently patrol the streets in busy tourist areas. To summon help dial 133 (the number applies to all of Austria). Note: rural police forces are referred to as Bundes Gendarmerie and not Polizei.