Switzerland Travel Guide:

              Tourism Information

Switzerland: One of the Best Travel Destinations (three of four globes)

Switzerland is a small, compact country that contains some of the world's best alpine landscapes.  Although somewhat short on cultural destinations, the country offers a cornucopia of  beautiful mountain and valley landscapes.  Switzerland's  cities and villages exude a wonderful "old world" charm and are great places to eat, shop, and relax.

1. Switzerland offers seasonally changing attractions for visitors: it is a skier's heaven in winter and a hiker's dream in summer. The country benefits from its German, French and Italian heritages and its many regions are distinctly different in both landscape and culture.  Switzerland's towns are clean, attractive and full of fun things to see and do.  In addition, the food in Switzerland is great; for bread aficionados, the country is "the" place to be.



2. Switzerland is a safe destination for independent travel.  .



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations in Switzerland can be found at Switzerland: Best Places To Visit.



4. Additional information about travel in Switzerland can be found a the official government tourism site www.myswitzerland.com



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Switzerland is a safe travel destination for tourists.

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings for Switzerland have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



2.  The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



3. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



4. Emergency numbers in Switzerland are as follows: dial 117 for police, 118 to report a fire, and 144 for an ambulance (the number for ambulances in not nationwide).



5. The U.S. Embassy in Bern is located at Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bern; Tel. (41) (31) 357-7011, fax (41) (031) 357-7280. The Embassy's after hour's emergency telephone number is (41) (79) 354-7248. If the Duty Officer cannot be reached, call Marine Post One at (41) (31) 357-7777. (If dialing within Switzerland, drop the county code (41) and add a 0 before the first  number.)
   • The Embassy's e-mail address is bernacs@state.gov . The U.S. Embassy in Bern website at http://bern.usembassy.gov answers many questions of interest to Americans visiting and residing in Switzerland. 
   • If you need assistance from the U.S. Embassy, contact Consular Services.  In addition, read our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad. 
   • The U.S. Consular Agency in Zurich is located at the American Center of Zurich, Dufourstrasse 101, 8008 Zurich; Tel. (41)(43) 499-2960, fax (41) (43) 499-2961.
     
   • The U.S. Consular Agency in Geneva is located at the American Center Geneva, 7 Rue Versonnex, 1207 Geneva; Tel. (022) 840-5160, fax 022) 840-5162, e-mail: consulate.us@ties.itu.int 
   
   
   
6. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

A passport is required for travel in Switzerland. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays of up to 90 days.

 If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

 For more information on entry requirements to Switzerland, travelers may contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 745-7900, or the nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. Additional information is available at http://www.swissemb.org .

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

U.S. citizens who are also considered by the Swiss Government to have Swiss citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other requirements while in Switzerland. Those who might be affected should inquire at a Swiss Embassy or Consulate regarding their status.

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of  any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel in Switzerland, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

Be alert and avoid the situations described below.

Pick-pocketing and purse snatching do occur in the vicinity of train and bus stations, airports, and some public parks, especially during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas) and when conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities.

• Travelers may wish to exercise caution on trains, especially on overnight trains to neighboring countries. Even locked sleeping compartments can be entered by thieves, who steal from passengers while they sleep.

Drug use is more public in Switzerland than in the U.S.  In cities (especially Zurich) be prepared to see "junkies" languishing in public parks. Most Swiss citizens avoid these well know areas and you should too!

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

• Rescue insurance is available inexpensively in Switzerland and may be purchased at many Swiss post offices. Information can be obtained from the Swiss National Tourist Office: http://www.myswitzerland.com , at most tourist information offices in Switzerland, or with the Swiss Air Rescue Organization http://www.rega.ch . Such insurance has proved useful as uninsured rescues can easily cost $25,000 or more.

2.  Yellow, Postal Buses allow access to smaller villages that are located away from major train lines. The Postal Bus Stop is usually located directly outside the railway station or in front of the post office.  Tickets are sold by the bus driver. Swiss Travel System tickets and passes are valid on the Postal Bus network.

3. ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While driving in Switzerland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Switzerland  is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: Excellent
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Excellent
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Excellent
Availability of roadside assistance: Excellent

Although many roads are mountainous and winding, road safety standards are high.

• In some mountain areas, vehicle snow chains are required in winter.



•  Road travel can be more dangerous during summer, winter holidays, and Whitsunday weekend (late spring) because of increased traffic. 



• Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires purchase of a sticker or "vignette," which must be affixed to the car's windshield. Vignettes can be purchased a most border crossings points, gas stations and at Swiss post offices. Drivers using the highway system without a vignette are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot.



• Public transportation in Switzerland  is generally excellent.

Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires a sticker or "vignette", which must be affixed to the car's windshield.

• Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossing points, gas stations and at Swiss post offices.  The toll sticker ( costs approximately US$28 (CHF 40).



• Cars rented in Switzerland have the sticker attached; If you rent a car in another country and drive in Switzerland, you must purchase the sticker separately.



• The fine is approx US$100 for driving with out a sticker (you will have to pay a fine and purchase a vignette). 

Speed Limits in Switzerland:

1. Built-up areas - 50 km/h
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 80/100 km/h as posted.
3. Motorways - 120 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Emergency motoring assistance is available by dialing 140.

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries for more information.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

Good medical care is widely available in Switzerland.

•  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost many thousands of dollars.



•  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.