Get important remote worker news, advice and updates in your inbox 👇

Key information about Austin

Population

926,426

Country
USA
Money
Currency
USD - US Dollar ($)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.00 USD
ATM fees

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

Credit cards

Accepted almost everywhere

Tipping

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

Airport
Main airport

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Airport to city center

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

Other options

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

Transportation
Taxi apps

Uber, Lyft

Public transportation

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

Getting around

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

SIM card
Best options

AT&T, T-Mobile.

Expected cost

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

How to buy

At authorized retailers, malls, larger convenience stores

Language
Official language(s)

English (de facto)

Level of English

Very high

Food
Tap water

Drinkable

Overall cuisine

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

Local food specialities

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

Eat like a local

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

Vegetarian / vegan options

30 options on HappyCow

Food delivery apps

UberEats, Postmates

Supermarkets

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.