Austria and the euro

Austria at a glance

Surface area: 83 858 km²
Population: 8 298 923 (Eurostat 2007, provisional figure)
Joined the European Union: 1 January 1995
Currency: Euro since 1 January 1999 (formerly Austrian schilling, ATS)

Euro information

Status: Euro-area member since 1 January 1999

Fixed conversion rate: €1 = 13.7603 AST

Adoption of the euro: The euro banknotes and coins were introduced in Austria on 1 January 2002, after a transitional period of three years when the euro was the official currency but only existed as 'book money'. The dual circulation period – when both the schilling and the euro had legal tender status – ended on 28 February 2002.

Exchange of former national currency: The Österreichische Nationalbank (Austrian National Bank) continues to exchange schilling banknotes and coins for an unlimited period.

Euro hotline Austria: +43 1 514 33 2226

Documents and publications

• Our money. Purchase power and price stability in Austria (Unser Geld. Kaufkraft und Preisstabilität in Österreich)

Opinion polls and surveys

• Public opinion and the single currency (Eurobarometer website)

Downloads

• 'Stability and Security' campaign (2004-2005) (press adverts, TV spots)
  
• National sides of Austrian euro coins
  
• Austrian commemorative coins