(Last updated: 6 Jul 2011)

Visas

Australians do not need a visa if their stay is for less than three months. If you travel repeatedly to Switzerland but stay less than three months each time, you must apply for a permit if your total stay exceeds six months within a period of 12 months. A valid passport must be shown at the request of the border police.

Climate

Switzerland’s climate is moderate. In summer (from July to August) the daytime temperature range is 18-25°C, in winter (from January to February) the range is minus 1-5°C. In spring and autumn, the daytime temperature range is 8-15°C. Be prepared for a range of temperatures depending on the altitude.

For weather details in Switzerland, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

The main entry point for international flights is Zürich. Geneva is no longer being used except for some flights to the USA. Both airports are linked to the nation's rail network. Smaller international airports are located in Basle, Berne and Lugano.

Ground transport

Switzerland is served by fast reliable inter-European rail services. Daily services operate from major cities in Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Scandinavia, and the Benelux countries. Most trains include dining cars, bars, and sleeping compartments for night travel.

Switzerland also has a comprehensive public transport system incorporating trains, buses, boats, funiculars and cable cars. Trains are clean, reliable and frequent. Yellow post-buses supplement the rail network.

Various discount passes are available. The Swiss Pass allows unlimited travel on railways boats, and post-buses. There’s also a Swiss Flexipass and a Regional Rail passes which allow you to discover a particular district. The Swiss Pass and the Swiss Flexi Pass are valid on the urban transportation network.

Swiss cities and towns have a fine transportation network (streetcars and/or buses). Buy a ticket from a vending machine at every streetcar or bus stop as they’re not available on the bus. You’ll need Swiss coins. Heavy fines are imposed for travelling without a ticket.

Switzerland is linked to Europe's extensive highway network. Cross-border travel is fuss-free, with the minimum delay. Roads are well-maintained, signposted and rarely heavily congested.

There are car-rental agencies at airports and in most reasonably sized towns.

Zurich:

• Kloten airport is 10km north of the city. It handles both domestic and international flights.
• It takes 10 minutes to go by train to the city. About eight trains leave every hour between 6.00am and midnight. Buy your ticket before boarding - the costs is 5.40 Swiss francs.
• A taxi into the city costs about 40 Swiss francs. Taxis in Zurich are a little more expensive that elsewhere in Switzerland.
• Major hotels operate shuttle bus services.

Geneva:

• It takes seven minutes to go by train to the city centre. Trains leave about between 8-20 minutes from 5.39am to 11.30pm; a one-way ticket is 8.40 Swiss francs in first class and 5 Swiss francs in second class.
• A taxi into town costs about 30 Swiss francs.
• Bus no. 10 also goes into the city and several hotels run a shuttle service.
• Coaches run direct to the local ski resorts and car rental is also available.

Hotels

A range of hotel accommodation exists in Switzerland from basic one-stars to deluxe five-star hotels. Reservations are essential in summer. Book your hotel before you arrive, as Switzerland receives around 20 million tourists a year (most of them visit the country in summer). Small hotels, guest-houses and private houses offer excellent bed-and-breakfast arrangements at reasonable prices. Zurich Tourism has information on hotels in Zurich and World Executive has information on hotels in Geneva.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Switzerland. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Violent crimes against tourists are rare in Switzerland. There is, however, some pick-pocketing. Be careful on crowded trains and buses and in busy tourist areas.

Health

No vaccinations are required for Switzerland.

In case you need to visit a doctor or be hospitalised you’ll need to show proof of travel health insurance or you’ll be asked for a deposit (cash or traveller’s cheques can be used). An invoice will be posted out. Doctors may ask you to pay the bill in full immediately after the consultation.

Tipping

Hotels, restaurants and bars are required by law to include a 15 per cent service charge so tipping is not expected. If service has been good, however, a tip is appreciated. Taxis include the tip/service charge in the fare.

Time zones and time differences

Switzerland is eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time - from March to September and 10 hours behind from October to February.

To find out the current time in Berne, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Switzerland's country code is 41.

For calls to Switzerland from Australia dial: 0011 + 41 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Switzerland to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Offices are open between 8.00am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Lunch is normally a one or two hour break.

Banks are open between 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).

Shops are open between 8.00am-noon, and 1.30pm-6.30pm.,Monday to Saturday. Some close on Saturday or Monday mornings. The larger stores do not close for lunch, however, smaller boutiques may. Late night shopping varies - either Thursday or Friday night until 9.00pm. Convenience shops are found at all major railway stations and at shopping centres located along the freeways.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
January 2 – Berchtoldstag
May 13 – Ascension
May 24 – Whit Monday
August 1 – Swiss National Day
December 25 - Christmas Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF), 100 Rappen/Centimes = 1 Swiss Franc. It is one of the world’s most stable currencies.

All major travellers' cheques and credit cards are accepted. Commission is not charged for changing cash or cheques. Foreign currency may be exchanged at major railroad stations and airports daily from 8.00am-10.00pm.

Electricity and water

Switzerland’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. The two-prong plugs are the most common.

Dining

Not surprisingly, French, German and Italian cooking influences prevail in regions where these languages are spoken. There are Swiss pastries, wines, beer, and liquors (Marc, Kirsch, Pflümli Plum and Williams (Pear)) everywhere. The following are a few specialities: melted cheese dishes (‘fondue’ and ‘raclette’) in French areas; sausages, roasts and fried potatoes (‘rösti’) in German areas; sliced air-dried beef (‘bündnerfleisch’) and ham in the Grisons region; Italian dishes in the Ticino.