Key information about Austin

$2 - $5 USD for out of network banks (plus your own bank's fees)

Accepted almost everywhere

15-20% at restaurants, 1USD or more per drink at cafes and bars

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Uber ($25 USD), Taxi ($30 USD), Metrobus ($1.25 USD)

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is approximately 1.5 hours from Austin by road.

Uber, Lyft

MetroBus: $1.25 USD per trip
MetroRail: $3.50 USD per trip

Buy tickets online, at any major grocery store or through the CapMetro app.

AT&T, T-Mobile.

40USD for 5GB of data available for 1 month.

At authorized retailers, malls, larger convenience stores

English (de facto)

Very high

Drinkable

Emphasis on barbecued meats (beef and pork) as well as corn-based dishes and tex-mex, and rich American-style desserts.

Frito pie, queso, apple pie, kolaches, BBQ ribs, tacos

Local tex-mex restaurants, lunch BBQ joints, taquerias, food trucks, local breweries

30 options on HappyCow

UberEats, Postmates

Whole Foods: Distinct chain that is very popular in Austin and offers a great variety of fresh produce, organic goods and everyday goods. Prices here will be more expensive. Austin is the birthplace of Whole Foods, making this retailer a local favorite.
Trader Joe's: A laid-back grocery store chain with organic food from around the world at reasonable prices and good quality.
Central Market: This popular Texas-based store also offers great fresh and organic produce at more reasonable prices than Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Celebrated for its extensive seafood and meats selection.
H-E-B: Texas-based chain offering a wide variety of goods at discount prices. H-E-B is a favorite among locals for its variety, good customer service, many locations across the city and good prices. These stores often have pharmacies, ATMs and other in-store services.
Randall's: Large grocery stores located across the city. Good variety of goods and services available, with somewhat higher prices.
Wheatsville Co-op: This community-owned food cooperative offers a full line of grocery goods, as well as fresh produce and meats. The stores place an emphasis on local products and prices are reasonable.