Switzerland travel info
Electricity
The electrical current in Switzerland is 230 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
Language
The four official languages are Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh. Most people know at least three languages, including English.
Money
The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), which is divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although Switzerland isn't part of the EU, some local prices may be indicated in euros and some merchants may accept euros. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro system. Digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular. Banks offer the best exchange rates, but travellers can exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports. Banks are open Monday to Friday.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is normally included in all hotel, taxi, bar and restaurant bills, and further tipping isn't necessary. However, tipping is still appreciated, particularly for good service, and it's often seen as a gesture of gratitude rather than an obligation.
Health
Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world, but are very expensive, meaning health insurance is recommended. EU travellers should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before visiting, or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if they're UK residents, so that they're covered for necessary state healthcare while there.
Safety
Switzerland has a low crime rate compared to other European countries and is generally a safe destination to visit. However, there have been increased reports of petty theft, especially in larger cities, at Geneva airport and on trains to and from Geneva. Travellers should take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pickpocketing, and be particularly alert at airports, railway stations and in crowded areas.
Local customs
Privacy and discretion are highly valued in Switzerland and strangers generally don't speak to each other. Locals are naturally reserved and conservative for the most part, with the preference being for rules to govern their lives. Littering is a serious social crime, and visitors should also try to throw their recyclables in the proper receptacle. Different regions may have different customs in areas such as introductions, with German-speaking Swiss shaking hands, and French-speaking locals perhaps kissing on the cheek three times (generally left, right, left). Though many Swiss speak English, it's considered polite to ask before attempting conversation.
Doing business
The Swiss business world reflects the local mastery at building well-oiled machines. Efficiency and organisation are prioritised, and the culture is based predominantly on merit. The country's formal, no-nonsense approach offers little room for humour or lack of preparation in meetings and, though the Swiss are slightly less pedantic than their German or French counterparts, they value appearance and punctuality very much.
Dress codes are quite formal and conservative, particularly in the banking sector, where dark suits are the norm. Work and pleasure are entirely separate, with Swiss businesspeople even shying away from calling their colleagues by first names until they've established a level of trust. When invited to a Swiss business associate's home, a small gift such as flowers or a box of chocolates is appropriate.
Those in senior positions garner a great deal of respect, but decision-making processes are often quite democratic. Switzerland is home to over 1000 multinationals and has become something of a melting pot of business customs, regional influences and etiquette. English is the corporate language, especially for multinationals, though regional languages, such as French, German and Italian, are sometimes preferred in their respective areas.
Swiss-German business meetings are rarely over food and are often as brief as possible, with little small talk. However, Swiss-French and Swiss-Italians often meet over lunches and talk isn't restricted to business. Handshakes are common for addressing both men and women. Business hours are from 8am to 5pm on weekdays with a lunch break from 12pm to 2pm. The two-hour lunch break is in line with the high value Switzerland places on work-life balance, though multinational companies might have an hour-long lunch.
Duty free
Travellers to Switzerland over 17 years don't have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2 litres alcohol up to 15 percent and 1 litre alcohol over 15 percent. The maximum allowance of wine is 20 litres, but duty will be payable on this quantity. VAT is liable if the total value of all goods exceeds CHF 300. Restricted items include meat and meat products from selected countries. Prohibited items are absinth and its imitations, and anaesthetics.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Switzerland is +41. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. WiFi is widespread.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and as of December 2008, Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US passport holders require a passport that's valid for at least six months after their planned departure date. A visa isn't necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
UK passport holders require a passport that's valid for at least six months after their planned departure date. A visa isn't necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Canadian passport holders require a passport that's valid for at least six months after their planned departure date. A visa isn't necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Australian passport holders require a passport that's valid for at least six months after their planned departure date. A visa isn't necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
South African passport holders require a passport that's valid for at least three months after their planned departure date, and a Schengen visa.
Irish nationals require a passport that's valid for the period of the intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
New Zealand passport holders require a passport that's valid for at least six months after their planned departure date. A visa isn't necessary for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Swiss Tourist Office, Zurich: +41 44 215 4000 or www.myswitzerland.com
118 (fire and rescue), 117 (police), 144 (ambulance).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Swiss Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 745 7900.
Swiss Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7616 6000.
Swiss Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 1837.
Swiss Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6162 8400.
Swiss Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 452 0660.
Swiss Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 218 6382.
Swiss Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 472 1593.
Embassies / consulates in Switzerland
United States Embassy, Bern: +4131 357 7011.
British Embassy, Bern: +41 31 359 7700.
Canadian Embassy, Bern: +41 31 357 3200.
Australian Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 22 799 9100.
South African Embassy, Bern: +41 31 350 1313.
Irish Embassy, Bern: +41 31 352 1442.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 22 929 0350.