Moving into Vienna

For most of us, searching for an apartment is not a peaceful process. But once you’ve finally found a letterbox to write your name on, a floor that’s all your own, and a Stiegenhaus with glorious acoustics, there are just a couple more details to iron out before you can set your cat free to drink from the bathtub and sing into the stairwell of your new home.

 

Gliding through the admin

First, if you’re new to Austria, you’ll need a Meldezettel – and even if you’ve only moved across town, you’ll need to update your details. The Meldezettel is the registration of your presence in Austria. You’re required to register or change your details within three days of moving into your new place.

To get or update your Meldezettel, you need to visit your municipal district authority (Magistrat). Where to go and what to bring is all outlined in the city’s website below. Don’t forget the signature of your new Hausverwaltung (either the owner of the property, or the representative of the property management).

While you’re out and about being administrative, it pays to get thee to a post office for a change of address, or Nachsendeauftrag.

Lastly, hooking up Internet and phone needn’t take all week – spend a morning shopping websites for what will work best for you. The main providers in Vienna are listed below. If you go in, it’s best to avoid the middle of the day, when there always seems to be a crowd of customers waiting to discuss the wonders of telecommunications on their lunch break.

 

Lugging your belongings

Looking for boxes to transfer all your treasures? You can buy boxes from Ikea or Obi. Just don’t go to Baumax, as they’ll be only too delighted to rip you off.

And if you require some help muscling your precious boxes into your new abode, there are a few moving companies to choose from. Top Umzug are cheap, and charge per hour. AGS Movers also come with recommendations. However, beware of Bulduk Trans, who apparently delight in confusing language and fine print to ensure you pay double what you signed up for.

If you’re short on furniture, there are a couple of cheap options, the most obvious being the ubiquitous universe of Ikea.  However, on the off-chance you don’t want a bookshelf that’s identical to everyone else’s, you can also explore the second-hand wonders of Caritas (Catholic Charity), the Austrian equivalent of Goodwill.

Right. All done. Now that it’s official, time to lie back in your new home, and sigh the sigh of the virtuous.

 

Administrative 

City website: www.wien.gv.at 

Post office: www.post.at/en

 

Telephone & Internet

A-1: www.a1.net

Orange: www.orange.at

T-Mobile: www.t-mobile.at 

Tele-ring: www.telering.at

3: www.drei.at

 

Movers

Top Umzug: www.topumzug.at

AGS Movers: www.agsmovers.com

 

Furniture & Boxes

Ikea: www.ikea.com/at

Caritas: www.carla-wien.at

Obi: www.obi.at/decom