Switzerland Travel Guide

What’s in this guide?
⇒ A basic Switzerland fact file including travel requirements, geography and climate
⇒ Popular Swiss cities
⇒ Details of the activities on offer
⇒ Swiss money matters
⇒ General information to help you get by in Switzerland
⇒ FAQs
 

Capital: Berne
Population: 7.4 million
Languages: German (64%), French (20%), Italian (7%), Romansch (1%), others (8%)

Switzerland Travel Guide:-
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 1
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 2
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 3
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 4
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 5
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 6
Switzerland Travel Guide Part - 7

Switzerland Travel Guide (7)

Is there another name for Switzerland ?
Yes, it is also called "Confoederatio Helvetica", thus the abbreviation "CH".
 

Can I pay with Euros in Switzerland ?
Switzerland is not part of the European Union and therefore the Euro is not an official currency. It is however widely accepted.
 

What is the Glacier Express?
The Glacier Express connects the mountain towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz and Davos, along one of Europe's most spectacular mountain railways. The journey takes about 8 hours, and passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges with some breathtaking scenery.
 

What is the mobile network coverage like?
The Swisscom mobile network covers 99% of the inhabited parts of the country, so even in the mountain valleys, getting a signal should not be a problem.
 

What plug types are used?
The electricity used throughout Switzerland is 230 Volts (AC), 50 Hz. Most power sockets are designed for three pin round plugs and the standard continental type plug with two round pins can also be used. Adaptors are also available in most hotels.

Switzerland Travel Guide (6)

Useful info
• The emergency phone number for police in Switzerland is 117. 118 is for the fire brigade and 114 for an ambulance (although not in all areas).
• Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 ‐ 4:30 pm. They are closed Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays.
• Shops in smaller towns and villages are generally open from 8.30 am ‐ 12 noon and again from 2 ‐ 6.30 pm. In larger cities they do not close for lunch.
• The water is drinkable and there are many organic food stores and restaurants available.
• Be on time! The public transport will.
• Hotel rates in Switzerland can get quite expensive, especially in popular ski resort areas, however there is also a hostel network in Switzerland for students.
 

Nightlife
There are night clubs, discotheques, cinemas or theatres in most of the towns, cities and holiday locations. There are also numerous casinos in Switzerland where you can try your luck if you wish.
 

Staying safe
• Police are very serious about traffic violations. Jaywalking (crossing a red pedestrian light), for example, will be fined on the spot.
• People are very willing and ready to help you if you appear to be in an emergency situation.
• The drinking age for beer, wine and cider is 16 while the age for any other alcohol is 16‐18 (it varies from canton to canton).
• Obey signs you see, especially in mountain areas.
• Ask about the weather conditions at the tourist information office or local train station as you head out in the morning.