Time
Switzerland uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Languages
German, French, Italian and Romansh.
Travel documents
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
Caravans
Caravans in Switzerland may not be wider than 2.55 metres, not higher than 4 metres and the maximum permitted length is 18 metres including the tow bar. Caravans over 750 kg (laden weight) must have brakes and a number plate with their own registration number. Bear in mind that some mountain roads may have restrictions. You can find more information on the traffic website http://www.sva-zh.ch/ .
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Switzerland if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm .
Currency
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = 2.45 CHF. Euros are widely accepted, but change will usually be given in Swiss Francs. Import and export of Swiss and other currencies or travellers cheques is unrestricted. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Switzerland. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks iIn towns are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:30. In country areas the banks close between 12:00 and 13:30. Exchange offices at airports and stations are open continuously from 06:00 to 21:00 and sometimes to 23:00. Travel agents exchange money, often also at weekends.
Customs regulations
In addition to personal possessions you may import: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco, 2 litres of alcoholic drink (under 15% proof) and 1 litre of spirits. Export is virtually unrestricted. More information on http://www.zoll.ch/ or from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ .
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Switzerland (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/.
Post
In general open from 07:30 to 18:30. In small towns closed at lunchtime. Main post offices are often open on Saturdays till 11:00. Stamps are also on sale in tobacconists and newsagents.
Shops
Most shops are open on weekdays from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 18:30. They close at 16:00 or 17:00 on Saturdays. This may vary by region. Many shops are closed on Monday mornings.
Museums
Opening times vary from town to town and from season to season. Most museums are closed on Mondays. You are advised to enquire at the local tourist office or on http://www.museums.ch/ .
Doctors and chemists
Thse can be found in all towns. There is a duty rota at weekends. If you need a doctor it is best to go to a clinic or hospital. Chemists are open from 08:30 to 18:30 except on Sundays. Duty chemists are always displayed outside these times.
Public holidays
These vary according to canton. Public holidays which apply to the whole country are:
- New Years Day
- Good Friday (with the exception of Tessin)
- Easter
- Ascension Day
- Whitsun
- 1 August (National Holiday)
- 25 and 26 December
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in Switzerland drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Switzerland uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Traffic from the right has priority except on main roads, fast traffic has no priority over slow traffic, traffic on roundabouts has priority. On mountain roads give way to traffic driving uphill. Postal vehicles have absolute priority in mountain areas, followed by HGVs with trailers, then busses, then HGVs and finally cars.
Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels. An alcohol level over 0.05% is an offence. Penalties are high. Use of seat belts is compulsory, also in the back. Overnight stops in cars are not permitted. Radar detectors and the use of mobile phones without a handsfree kit is prohibited. Speed limits where not otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- main roads outside built-up areas 80 km/h (± 50 mph), 60 km/h with caravan (± 37 mph)
- motorways 120 km/h (± 75 mph), 80 km/h (± 50 mph) with caravan.
Anti-radar apparatus is prohibited. Speed limits may vary in mountain areas. Speed limits are indicated by signs on main roads.
Snow chains are compulsory in Switzerland on certain routes and when weather conditions require them. These routes are often indicated by warning signs in the valley. The maximum permitted speed with snow chains is 50 km/h (±30 mph).
Toll vignet
All Swiss and foreign vehicles using the motorway network in Switzerland must buy an Autobahnvignet’ (sticker) for about € 29. This vignet is valid for all cars up to 3.5 tonnes and is valid for the calendar year shown, plus the month before and after. For a car and a caravan you will need two vignets! There are no separate tolls for tunnels, except for the Grand St Bernard and the Munt la Schera tunnels to Italy. Vignets can be bought at border crossings, post offices and service stations in Switzerland and in exchange offices and from motoring organisations in other countries. Failure to display a vignet can lead to a CHF 100 fine.
Mountain passes
The Klausenpas between Altdorf and Linthal is prohibited to caravans.
The following passes are not recommended if you are towing a caravan:
Albupass between Tiefencastel and La Punt, Furkapass between Gletsch and Realp,
Grimselpas between Meiringen and Gletsch, Umbrailpass from Santa Maria to Bormio.
In the event of breakdown
For breakdown or other motoring problems on motorways, emergency telephones are situated at 2km intervals on main roads and in mountain passes. You can call for help in an emergency or breakdown on 140. If there is no answer the emergency number for the police is 117, for fire 118, ambulance 144 and rescue helicopter 1414.
Free camping only permitted with advance permission from the land owner or the local police. Electrical plugs vary in Switzerland and are different to many other European countries. Most adaptor sets designed to convert from UK 13A plugs will fit Swiss sockets.
Switzerland Tourism, Swiss Centre, Swiss Court
London W1V 8EE
Tel: 020 77341921
Fax: 020 74374577
e-mail : stlondon@switzerlandtourism.ch
Embassy of Switzerland
16-18 Montagu Place
London W1H 2BQ
Tel. +44 20 7616 6000
Fax. +44 20 7724 7001