272 CultureShock! Austria
Make a lot of noise after 10:00 pm or at any time on
Sundays. This applies to parties or household chores such
as mowing the lawn.
Block trams or drive down the tram tracks, unless
specifically allowed.
Eat with your fingers. Always use a knife and fork.
Be alarmed or offended to see bathers who are topless, in
their underwear or sometimes even naked. Nudity is not
a big issue to the Austrians.
Throw away your recyclables. Bins for paper, glass,
plastic, metal and compost are conveniently located in
every neighbourhood.
Use your boss’s first name. Many relationships remain on
a formal level and require you to use only the person’s
last name.
Be surprised to see dogs everywhere, including at the
table next to you in a nice restaurant. Just watch where
you walk!
Try to get away with not paying for public transportation
which runs on the honour system. If you are caught riding
Schwarz, you will be highly embarrassed and forced to pay
a steep fine.
Offer a police officer a bribe under any circumstances.
Plan on doing your shopping for the week on Sundays.
This day is meant to be a day of rest, to be spent with
your family. It is not a day to run errands or do chores.