Switzerland

Capital: Bern

CurrencyCHF CHF

LanguageGerman

Drive on➡ Right

Plug typeType J · 230V

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 90d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa-free · 90d

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳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

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage230V

Plug typeType J (three round pins in a triangle — Swiss-specific)

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

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Switzerland

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

Traffic side➡ Drive on the right

LicenceEU licence valid. IDP for non-EU. Motorway vignette (CHF 40/year) required for motorways.

Explore Switzerland

Itineraries in Switzerland Events in Switzerland Visa checker

🤝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.