Switzerland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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About Switzerland

Overview

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Switzerland, a country nestled in the heart of Europe. Immerse yourself in a land of majestic snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and enchanting alpine villages. Experience the thrill of traversing the world-renowned Swiss Alps, where adventure awaits at every turn. Delight in the precision craftsmanship of Swiss watches and indulge your taste buds with exquisite chocolates and cheeses. From the vibrant cities to the tranquil countryside, Switzerland offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and unparalleled serenity.

 

Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.

 

Capital City: Bern

Population: 8.6 Million (Sept 2021)

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+2)

Emergency Number: 112

Outlet: Type C/J

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Packing List

Speak the Language

Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Here's a brief overview of the languages and a few common phrases.

 

German: German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland. The Swiss German dialects differ from standard German, but standard German is also understood and used in formal settings. Approximately 63% of the population speaks German.

 

  • Hello - Hallo
  • Good morning - Guten Morgen
  • Good evening - Guten Abend
  • Goodbye - Auf Wiedersehen
  • Thank you - Danke

 

French: Around 23% of the population speaks French, mainly in the western part of Switzerland, including Geneva. It is understood in many other parts.

 

  • Hello - Bonjour
  • Good morning - Bonjour
  • Good evening - Bonsoir
  • Goodbye - Au revoir
  • Thank you - Merci

 

Italian: Italian is spoken in the southern part of Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Ticino. Approximately 8% of the population speaks Italian.

 

  • Hello - Ciao/Buongiorno
  • Good morning - Buongiorno
  • Good evening - Buonasera
  • Goodbye - Arrivederci
  • Thank you - Grazie

 

Romansh: Romansh is spoken by less than 1% of the population in southeastern Switzerland.

 

    • Hello - Allegra
    • Good morning - Buna damaun
    • Good evening - Buna sera
    • Goodbye - Adia
    • Thank you - Grazia fichun

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here
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Weather

LUCERNE WEATHER

 

ZÜRICH WEATHER

 

MONTREUX WEATHER

 

Fun Facts


  • Switzerland is famous for its extensive railway network, with punctual and efficient train services that offer breathtaking scenic routes through the Alps.
  • The country is renowned for its high-quality watches and precision engineering, with Swiss watchmakers being globally recognized for their craftsmanship.
  • Switzerland is home to several international organizations, including the Red Cross and numerous United Nations agencies.
  • The Swiss Alps attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountaineering.
  • Switzerland is known for its political neutrality and has not participated in any armed conflict since 1815.
  • Swiss chocolate and cheese are highly regarded and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides CHR 10 per person/per day
Drivers CHR 5 per person/per day
Restaurants (full service)  CHR 10% of total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling. To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

What does public transportation look like? Public transportation in Switzerland is highly efficient, reliable, and extensive. The country has an excellent network of trains, buses, and boats that connect various cities, towns, and scenic areas. The Swiss Travel System provides various passes that offer unlimited travel on public transportation.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What about Wifi? Switzerland has good connectivity and access to WiFi. You can find WiFi hotspots in many public places such as hotels, cafes, restaurants, airports, and train stations.

Luggage Restrictions

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