Going to Austria

simon

simon

New member
So my gf and I have been offered a job in Austria. We will be provided accommodation as the job is at an inn there.
We are aiming to go up there for about a year minimum and will be leaving at the beginning of next year.

We are aiming to take our computer up with us, problem is I am scared of parts getting damaged. Does anybody know what the best way to protect the parts is?

Also what is the cheapest way to get there. We will be flying to Innsbruck as the final destination so from Cape Town to Innsbruck.
We were told by the travel agency that we would go from CPT - JHB - Frankfurt - Innsbruck. However our friend, the owner of the inn, said the best is CPT - Windhoek - Frankfurt - Innsbruck.

Also what are the requirements needed to get into Austria?

Some advice would be really helpful, thanks in advance
 
Requirements...best to go to the Austrian consulate & ask there. I wouldn't rely on forum advice for that. Basically you'll need a Schengen work visa afaik. Often the european countries require a letter signed by the local mayor/whatever which says you've got someone on the other side who will vouch for you. afaik this also gets you around those mad money in bank requirements. But yeah rather get this info from the proper source.

The Frankfurt airport is seriously big, so it would be good if you either had lots of time to catch the connection or know exactly where to go.

Not sure why anybody would want to go via Windhoek?!? Usually flights via Dubai are the cheapest.
 
Ok I don't know much about flight requirements regarding the PC parts, etc... However what I can say is that BUBBLE WRAP!!!!! And especially the bubble wrap with large bubbles!!! Exclusive Books uses it, and it saved my Assassins creed game as some of the wrap had been popped, probably due to being dropped or something. So yeh it's extremely reliable stuffs...

just my 2c :p
 
Your employer needs to apply for your work permit, then that + letter of employment has to go to the Austrian consulate to get yourself the working visa.

I'd fly Jhb - frankfurt personally.

As for PC's - it's going to cost you a lot, it might be more worth your while putting valuable info on an external drive & taking a laptop over or buying new pc equipment that side. Electronics is cheaper in europe and you're going to pay through your ass to take your pc case etc. along (don't forget about customs on electronics as well) - and you never know what'll get stolen or damaged.

If I were you I'd get a laptop. Fortunately Austria also runs on a 230V/50Hz grid and use the euro 2-pin double-insulated plug. sauce so you won't have problems with 2 prong adapters for laptop chargers.

Packing for a year is going to be a lot more interesting. When I moved to Germany I pretty much packed enough clothing for a week. When you arrive in January it'll be -10°C outside, so make sure you take a thick jacket AND gloves. Buy the rest of your clothing there, because unless you shop at cape union mart's hiking section, nothing here will be adequate. When I was near Innsbruck (Tirol) it was -15°C. Nice and fresh :)

In contrast to what we believe of first world countries, people there do NOT speak english. The younger crowd maybe, but buy yourselves pocket sized dictionaries (lexikons) for when you're in a pickle. It really helps. Also write down phrases you think you'll most often use when you get there and learn their German equivalents.

It'll only take you about 3 months before you'll be speaking German comfortably, I didn't know 2 words when I went over and I was giving keynote presentations in German after 4 months. They don't mind that you make mistakes, but showing you took the time to learn their language will earn you a bucketload of respect. Otherwise they'll just think you're another irritating/arrogant american.

You two are going to love it.

PS: Try and get your drivers licenses converted to international ones so long. Driving on the right (wrong) side of the road is very interesting, especially with snow chains around the tyres. ;)
 
Yeah the Austrian Embassy is in JHB / Pretoria so will have to go up there soon, just apparently have to get everything in order first before going up there as apparently they are pretty strict with that.
My passport needs to be renewed as it is only valid till April 2013 which means I would need to be back before October / November 2012.

Why would you go the JHB - Frankfurt route, apparently SAA isn't as good as Namibia airlines and is more expensive?

The problem with the pc is that it has sentimental value to me and my gf. So what I was thinking was taking the components out, bubble wrapping them and buying a computer case up in Austria. Is it possible to get flight insurance for the parts etc?

Is clothing more expensive in Europe then it is here? What things is worth taking up there from SA compared to buying in Austria.

Well our friend, the inn owner, is half American - half German so he is fluent in German. So he will teach us German, but until we are more ok with German we will pretty much be working in the background, mopping floors, and cleaning rooms etc.

Yeah, we know we will love it lol. We are really looking forward to it. Just going to be a real adjustment with the weather going from Cape Town summer to Austria winter in a matter of 2 days or so. Bring on the flues etc lol
 
I went to Vienna and Innsbruck a few years ago... What a wonderful place!
The route we took was CT - JHB - Cairo - Vienna - (via coach) Innsbruck.

Though we stayed over in Cairo for a few days to check the sites, not sure if it's a financially viable option, but it was a great experience. One thing I can tell you though is that I have never experienced a more friendly country in the world, and I've been a few places!

Good luck though.
 
Haha yeah I am very lucky. The inn is in Zams, right at the foot of the mountains. So will need to learn how to ski. At the moment though we have to start learning German
 
Wow .. I wish someone would offer me a job in Austria :(
anyone outside of SA care to tell us how you managed to get out of this hell hole ?
 
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