114 CultureShock! Austria
in mind the hours of operation, Monday to Friday only: 5:30
am–noon, and 3:00 pm–6:00 pm.Shopping Hours
The hours for shopping can sometimes be annoyingly
inconvenient, but changes are taking place, and now stores
are opening later and later. Generally, the hours at department
stores and boutiques are Monday–Friday 9:00 am–6:00 pm,
Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Some popular shopping areas
have extended their hours on Thursdays until 9:00 pm and
on Fridays until 7:30 pm. Grocery stores are open weekdays
7:30 am–7:00 pm and Saturdays 7:30 am–5:00 pm.
Plan to have enough food to get you to Monday, but don’t
despair if you find yourself with nothing in the fridge. You
can always head out to one of the main train stations and gas
stations which carry foodstuff and other necessary items.RECYCLING
Austria is well known for its fastidiousness about keeping
the environment free of pollutants and piles of trash. It
recycles 65 per cent of all its paper, and is the third largest
paper recycler in the world. The recycling bins found at every
second street corner are receptacles for plastic, glass (green
and clear), metal, compost and paper. Make sure you read
what you are allowed to throw in. Also, to keep within noise
level restrictions, throw out your bottles during working hours
only! You can also recycle batteries at most supermarkets by
depositing them in a small box near the exit.FREE TIME
Movies
Austria receives a good selection of international films,
although most American films arrive well after they have
premiered in the United States. Most Austrian cinemas show
films that have been dubbed in German. Check movie listings
for the following categories: OmU, original with subtitles
in German; OV, original version, no subtitles; and OmeU,
original version with English subtitles. Not many movies fall
into the last category.