Opera in Vienna; Pass for Salzburg

Breaking with longstanding practice, Austria’s Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Volksoper are now accepting credit card orders over the telephone for all performances except “Die Fledermaus” on New Year’s Eve and other special productions.

The new policy allows travelers to book seats up to a month ahead of the day of the performance. Previously, both houses accepted only written requests in advance and took telephone requests only six days before a performance.

A new brochure, “Events in Vienna,” explains how to obtain schedules and tickets. Call the Austrian National Tourist Office, (310) 477-3332.

In Salzburg, travelers may purchase a Salzburg Card, entitling them to free admission to many attractions and unlimited rides on most local transit. Cards are available in one-, two- or three-day increments, ranging from $19 to $37.