Austria first introduced the euro in 1999 for banking and electronic payments, and then started using euro banknotes and coins for everyday purchases on January 1, 2002. The schilling was gradually replaced, and Austria became part of a much larger European currency community. One of the reasons the euro was created was to make it easier for Europeans to trade, do business and travel between different countries. Today, more than 350 million people use the euro!
And what about the exchange rate with American money? As of November 9, 2026, one U.S. dollar is worth approximately €0.89, while one euro is worth about $1.12. This means that if you exchanged $100, you would receive approximately €89 (before any bank or exchange fees). Exchange rates vary every day, so the amount can be a little different depending on when you travel!
An interesting little detail: Austrian euro coins have their own national designs. For example, the €1 coin features a portrait of the famous Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! So if you visit Austria, see if you can find one in your change!
In standard supermarkets like Billa or Spar (two of the most common grocery stores in Austria) a 1.5 liter (approx. 50.72 U.S. fluid ounces) bottle of water would usually be between €0.70 and €1.10. Sometimes this is more expensive if you go to bakery or are near touristy places. Austria utilizes a recycling deposit system.
