Switzerland Basics |
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Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
Money: The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EU many prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros and some merchants may accept Euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro system. Banks offer the best exchange rates for travellers cheques and foreign currency, but it is also possible to exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports. Banks are open Monday to Friday.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| CHF1.00 = | US$ 0.84 | £ 0.57 | C$ 1.03 | A$ 1.30 | R 8.70 | € 0.67 | NZ$ 1.50 |
Language: The three official languages are Swiss German, French and Italian. A few people speak Romansch, but this is confined to the southeastern corner of the country. Most people know at least three languages, including English.
Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months if passport is endorsed British Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, or British National Overseas.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: Travellers must have all documents necessary for their next destination and passports must be valid at least three months beyond period of stay if a visa is required.
Health: Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world, but very expensive and health insurance is recommended. Immunisation certificates are only required if the traveller has been in an infected area within two weeks prior to arrival in the country. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free or low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for other nationalities. Outbreaks of the deadly strain of bird flu were confirmed in 2006, but no new cases or human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers from bird flu is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution.
Tipping: A 15% service charge is normally included in all hotel, taxi, bar and restaurant bills, and further tipping is not necessary, but small change left over is appreciated.
Safety: Switzerland has a low crime rate compared to other European countries and is generally a safe country to travel in, however there has been a recent increase in petty theft and visitors should be alert to pickpockets and thieves, particularly in the city centres and on public transport. Be aware of robberies on overnight trains.
Business: Punctuality is vital for business meetings throughout Switzerland. However, styles of business negotiations vary from the Swiss-German to the Swiss-French/Swiss-Italian side. Swiss-German business meetings are rarely over food and are often as brief as possible with little small talk. But the Swiss-French and Swiss-Italians often meet over lunches and talk is not restricted only to business. Prior arrangements and preparation is essential for both and it is important to dress smartly; business suits are the norm for meetings. Handshakes are common for addressing both men and women. Business hours are generally 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international country dialling code for Switzerland is +41. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use e.g. (0)22 for Geneva. Mobile phone GSM 1800 and 900 networks operate throughout the country. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts; some public phone booths also have Internet and email access.
Duty Free: Travellers to Switzerland over 17 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2 litres alcohol up to 15% and 1 litre alcohol over 15%. The maximum allowance of wine is 20 litres, but duty will be payable on this quantity. A reasonable amount of personal effects and gifts (including perfume) to the value of Sfr200 for residents of Switzerland and Sfr100 for other travellers. Restricted items include meat and meat products from selected countries. Prohibited items are absinth and anaesthetics.