48 CultureShock! Austria
Saving for the future
Saving is a virtue in Austria. There is little debt and credit
cards are used wisely. Many Austrians save to buy a car, go on
family holidays, and, most importantly, build a home. When
it comes to homes, parents’ longer-term savings are usually
needed, and fortunate are the children whose parents help
them in times like these. Julie is married to an Austrian and
when they built their own house, they turned to her in-laws
for help. If it weren’t for them, they would not have been
able to afford it.Friends
Friendships are extremely important to Austrians. They value
their friends and believe in staying in touch on a regular basis.
Many, unless they have moved from the country to the big
city, have had the same friends since childhood. They meet
their friends in their homes or at a restaurant, Heurige (wine
tavern), coffeehouse or Beisel (bar).
It is often easier to meet and befriend non-Austrians than
locals. Austrian reserve hinders them from making friends
quickly, and should you make a move to talk to them in aAustrians enjoy socialising with family and friends at outdoor festivals
year round.