PRACTICALITIES

Currency

Swiss franc (CHF)

Official languages

German, French, Italian, Romansch

Time

GMT + 1

Calling code

+41

Area codes

Basel: 61, Bern: 31, Geneva: 22, Lausanne: 21, Lugano: 91, Lucerna: 41, Montreux: 21, Zurich: 1

Internet TLD

.ch

Shopping

Generally shops are open Monday–Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm (lunch break from noon to 1:30pm) and on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm (lunch break from noon to 1:30pm).

National holidays

New Year’s Day	January 1
Berchtold’s Day	January 2
Easter	movable feast
Ascension	movable feast
Whit Monday	movable feast
National Day	August 1
Christmas	December 25 & 26

National dish

fondue – sauce of melted cheese into which pieces of bread/fish/vegetables are dipped
raclette – a dish made from melted cheese, served with potatoes/bread and onions
rösti – a dish of fried grated potatoes
papet vaudois – leeks with sausage
capuns – chard leaves with bacon, onions and cheese
minestrone – vegetable soup
bündnerfleisch – air-dried meat, thinly sliced
aelpermagaroninen – the alpine farmer's macaroni applesauce

Electricity

Switzerland’s electricity runs on 220V/50Hz.

Passport/Visa

Nationals of the European Union, Andorra, Croatia, Iceland, Monaco, Norway and San Marino do not require a visa for entry into Switzerland (for stays of up to 90 days). Only a valid passport is required. Nationals of the Schengen zone need only national identity cards.

Useful numbers

Ambulance: 144
Fire Brigade: 118
Police: 117