Europe · Destination guide
Switzerland
Capital: Bern
🛂Visa requirements
💳Money & payments
Cards: Cards accepted everywhere. Contactless very common.
ATMs: UBS and Credit Suisse ATMs are most reliable. Switzerland is expensive — budget CHF 80–120 per day for food alone.
Tipping
Not expected. Service is included in the price. Rounding up is appreciated but not obligatory.
💬Language
German (north/east), French (west), Italian (south), Romansh (small region)
Excellent English throughout Switzerland — it is widely used as the common language between regions.
Useful phrases
- ·Danke / Merci / Grazie — Thank you (depending on region)
- ·Grüezi / Bonjour — Hello
Language preparation
15 min/day for 8 weeks ≈ 672 useful words and phrases
Learn some German before you go
Excellent English throughout Switzerland — it is widely used as the common language between regions. — even basic phrases open doors and locals appreciate the effort.
Start with these
- 1.Danke — Thank you
- 2.Sprechen Sie Englisch? — Do you speak English?
- 3.Entschuldigung — Excuse me
- 4.Die Rechnung, bitte — The bill, please
Not a native English speaker?
English is the international travel language — building confidence before your trip makes every interaction easier.
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🔌Electricity & plugs
Switzerland uses its own unique plug standard (Type J). Standard European (Type C) plugs also work. All other countries need an adapter.
🤝Local customs & etiquette
- 1.Punctuality is cultural law — being late is considered disrespectful. Trains run exactly on schedule.
- 2.Noise rules are strict. Avoid loud behaviour in residential areas after 22:00. Some apartments prohibit flushing toilets at night.
- 3.Recycling is taken very seriously — use the designated bins for different materials.
- 4.Swiss Sunday laws: many shops closed, no mowing lawns, no loud activities. Plan grocery shopping on Saturday.
- 5.Switzerland is not in the EU or Schengen zone's price agreements — everything costs significantly more than neighbouring countries.
📶SIM cards & connectivity
Local SIM: Swisscom has the best coverage including mountain areas. Salt and Sunrise are cheaper. EU visitors: no free roaming in Switzerland (it is not in the EU).
WiFi: Good WiFi in hotels, cafés, and stations. Some trains have WiFi (SBB trains).
🛡️Safety
Exceptionally safe. One of the safest countries in the world. Mountain safety: respect altitude and weather changes — Alpine conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
💉Health
No vaccinations required. Tap water is among the cleanest in the world — drink freely. Medical care is world-class but very expensive — travel insurance essential.
🚨Emergency numbers
police
117
ambulance
144
fire
118
alpine rescue
1414
🚗Driving
Explore Switzerland