Switzerland

Best Time to Go

There is really no bad time to visit Switzerland. No matter the time of year there is always something to do there, whether it be skiing, hiking or simply lounging about divulging in cheeses and chocolates. The best summer weather is usually between June and September, however keep in mind that there will be more crowds. For a winter holiday, ski resorts usually open in mid-December and remain open until about April.

Language Barriers

Country code +41

Phone booths still exist in Switzerland but are becoming rarer due to the increase in mobile phones. The best places to find a public phone is at an airport, railway station, post office or more pedestrian areas of big cities. Public phones that still accept coins are very difficult to find so it is best to have a phone card with you. They are called taxcards and you can find them in any stationary store, post office or Swisscom shop. To use the internet, internet cafes are located in all major city centers. Internet cafés will generally charge between CHF1.00-1.50 an hour. Unfortunately, any time you have left over will not be refunded.

Cash, Card or Cheque?

Swiss Franc/CHF

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, therefore they do not use the Euro. The best way to change your money to the Swiss Franc is at an ATM. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 0830hrs until 1630hrs. There are also Bureau de Change at the train stations and banks. Credit cards are accepted.

How Much?

Prices can be quite high in Switzerland, especially for hotels and meals. It is a good idea to budget wherever possible. A 15% service charge is normally included in all hotel, taxi and restaurant bills and further tipping is not necessary.

Getting Around

Switzerland has an excellent transportation system. Visitors will find everything from buses and trains to boats and cable cars. The excellent ground service makes internal flights unnecessary. Buses and trains are reliable and frequent and easy to use. All large lakes have boats and rail passes are valid on most of them. Taxis are available as well as car rentals. Roads are generally easy to navigate but you should use caution on mountain roads that can often be winding and narrow.

Staying and Playing Safe

Dial 117 for the police, 144 for an ambulance and 118 in case of fire. Switzerland has a very low crime rate but pickpocketing does occur. Be aware of your surroundings especially around train stations, airports and tourist areas. Be cautious of robberies on overnight trains.

Red tape

Passports are required for all however, visas are not required for short-term visits. No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Switzerland. There are no health, travel or terrorism advisories for Switzerland at this time (2008), however you should always check for updates before your departure. Medical assistance is available in Switzerland and a hospital can be identified by a white cross printed on a blue background.

Guide by; Jessica Chesko