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Switzerland

General Information

Capital City:
Berne
Population:
7.86 million
Area:
15,355 square miles
Language:
German, French, Italian, Romansch
Electricity:
220V AC 50Hz
Direct Dial:
41
Driving:
Driving is on the right. National licence required. Minimum driving age is 18
Currency:
Swiss Franc (CHF 1 = 100 Centimes)

Business Hours

Bank:
0830-1700 Mon-Fri
Office:
0800-1200 & 1330-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops:
0800-1200 & 1330-1830 Mon-Fri, 0800-1200 & 1330-1600 Sat
Public Holidays:
<b>2012</b> 01 Jan : New Year's Day 02 Jan : Berchtold's Day* 06 Apr : Good Friday 09 Apr : Easter Monday 17 May : Ascension* 28 May : Whit Monday* 01 Aug : National Day* 24 Dec : Christmas Eve 25 Dec : Christmas Day 26 Dec : Boxing Day Note: *These holidays may not be observed in certain parts of the country and there are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain areas only.

Business and social hints

General:
Use of appropriate one of the three main languages, French, Italian and German to address a person will be appreciated. All executives are bi-lingual, some tri-lingual, many speak English. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 16 years (fermented alcohol), 18 years (distilled alcohol)
Tipping:
Government service charge is added in restaurants, hotels & taxis, tips are not required
Clothing:
Light clothes with warmer wear for summer. Warmer clothing for the winter & Alpine regions. Rainwear required all year round, particularly in the lakeland district
Emergency Services:
Police: 117. Fire: 118. Ambulance: 144
Hotel Classification:
Hotels in Switzerland are classified on a voluntary basis by the Swiss Hotel Association (SHA) using the normal 1-star up to 5-star grading system. "Garni" hotels are B&B-only establishments without their own restaurant, but occasionally with a bar, and are classified under the same system.

Climate

Switzerland has varied & changeable weather conditions due to its great range of altitude. Higher peaks remain snow covered throughout the year. The valleys have quite warm summers although this is the wettest season, the warmest area being the lakeland region. Central Switzerland is low-lying with warm, wet summers accompanied by regular thunderstorms & fairly harsh winters. In the Swiss Alps, the valleys are warm, bright & sunny during the summer but often cloaked in mist & fog during the winter. Higher up in the mountains the opposite occurs, winters are bright, fresh & sunny, whilst cloud & mist hide the peaks during summer

Zurich

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temperature °C 2 5 10 15 19 23 25 24 20 14 7 3
Minimum Temperature °C -3 -2 1 4 8 12 14 13 11 6 2 -2
Average Humidity (mornings) % 88 88 86 81 80 80 81 85 90 92 92 89
Average Humidity (afternoons) % 74 65 55 51 52 52 52 53 57 64 73 76
Average Rainfall 74 69 64 76 101 129 136 124 102 77 73 64

Customs

Import Allowances:
For persons of 17 years of age or older: a) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250gr of pipe tobacco b) 2 lit of alcohol below 15% vol & 1 lit over 15% vol c) Other goods up to the value of CHF 300
Contraband:
Meat & meat products. Milk products. Arms & ammunition. Narcotics & poisons

Health

Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member however, it is a participant of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC scheme) which allows visitors on short-term stays to other member countries to use the public health care sector for free or reduced-cost medical treatment and emergency care. EHIC replaces the E111 form. <b>Please note:</b> The EHIC scheme is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will <b>not</b> cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts repatriation to the UK lost or stolen property etc. For full details on eligibility and how to apply for a card visit www.nhs.uk or click<a href="https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do"> here</a>

Compulsary Vaccinations
None.
Recommended Immunisations
None required, however for those travelling to Switzerland frequently or intending to spend extended time there, Tick-Borne Encephalitis should be considered.
Risks
None. <b>GENERAL INFO FOR ALL TRAVELLERS:</b> Details listed can occasionally change at very short notice and it's recommended that all travellers seek advice from their Practice Nurse, GP or Travel Clinic when planning a visit to Switzerland. It should be noted that some vaccinations and treatments may require one or more visits and should be planned well in advance of travel. Primary courses and boosters should always be up to date as recommended for life in the UK. This should include vaccines given to special groups due to complications or risk exposure such as Hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly etc.

Immigration and Passport

Passports and passport replacing documents must valid until the departure date from Switzerland.

The following DO NOT require a visa: 1) Nationals of Switzerland. 2) Nationals of Liechtenstein. 3) Holders of a valid Swiss permanent residence Permit. The following DO NOT require a visa, for stays up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism or business: 4) Holders of British passports endorsed "British Citizen" or "British National (Overseas)". 5) Holders of British passports endorsed "British Overseas Territories Citizen" or "British Subject" containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the UK. 6) Nationals of EU states, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Macao (SAR), Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, St. Kitts-Nevis, Taiwan, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City & Venezuela. 7) Nationals of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, providing biometric passports are held. Nationals of all other countries require a visa.

Useful Contacts

Embassy

Embassy of Switzerland 16-18 Montagu Place London, W1H 2BQ tel: +44 20 7616 6000 fax: +44 20 7724 7001 e-mail: press@lon.rep.admin.ch website: www.swissembassy.org.uk hours: 0900-1200 (Mon-Fri)

Airports

  • Basel Euroairport
  • Berne Belp
  • Geneva International
  • Lugano Agno
  • St. Gallen-Altenrhein
  • Zurich

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For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate your touring experience, from the scenic delights of the world's natural wonders to city chic with included excursions and entrances, or a comfortable blend of both.

Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours:

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AAT Kings

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First Class:

For over 60 years, our award-winning First Class tours have been providing incredible value escorted tours, not only showing you the major sites and attractions that you would expect to see but also surprising you with exclusive Hidden Gems along the way, that only a true expert would know. Enjoy the comfort of first-class hotels, travelling by air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and restroom, included meal plans and the services of our professional Tour Directors.
From exclusive Be My Guest dining experiences to in-depth insights provided by expert local guides, our First Class tours offer an enriching travel experience where you come away with a wealth of local knowledge and a photo album packed with memories.

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Premium Class:

On a Premium Class escorted tour you'll be travelling with a smaller, more personal group of like-minded travellers (maximum 40 guests on board) on coaches featuring business-class-like legroom and spacious comfort.
And you'll be staying in superior quality hotels in the heart of every destination. We select only premium brands of major hotel groups. Your expert Tour Director will act as your 'personal concierge' throughout and will be assisted by local guides, passionate on the life and history of their own city. We include many special dining evenings such as authentic local lunches, Highlight Dinners and our unique Dine-Around experiences featuring smallgroup dining at a choice of restaurants.

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Premium Gold:

Premium Gold is an exclusive collection of deluxe tours, each celebrating the fine art of luxury travel. All of the luxury hotels exude elegance and style, with many being members of the Leading Hotels of the World or other internationally recognised upmarket hotel associations. Premium Gold itineraries are leisurely-paced with relaxed stays in the most sought-after locations and with ample free time for personal exploration.
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