Frequently Asked Questions about Switzerland

Switzerland has three main international airports: Zurich Airport (ZRH), Geneva Airport (GVA), and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH). Zurich is the largest, handling over 30 million passengers annually with direct flights from most major world cities. Geneva is the main hub for western Switzerland.

The train from Zurich Airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main station) takes just 10-13 minutes and departs every few minutes throughout the day. A single ticket costs CHF 6.80 (2nd class, 2026 prices). The train station is located directly beneath the airport terminal.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so citizens of EU/EFTA countries need only a valid ID card or passport. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2025, non-EU citizens who currently enjoy visa-free access will need to register through the ETIAS system.

Yes. TGV Lyria operates high-speed trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to several Swiss cities. Paris to Geneva takes around 3 hours 10 minutes, Paris to Lausanne about 3 hours 40 minutes, Paris to Basel about 3 hours, and Paris to Zurich approximately 4 hours. Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). One franc is divided into 100 Rappen (German) or centimes (French). Switzerland is not in the Eurozone, though some tourist areas near borders may accept euros informally at an unfavorable exchange rate with change given in CHF.

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs CHF 25-45 per person, a beer at a bar is CHF 6-8, and a cappuccino is CHF 5-6. Budget travelers should expect to spend at least CHF 150-200 per day including accommodation, while mid-range travelers typically spend CHF 250-400 per day.

Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including most restaurants, shops, and public transport ticket machines. Many Swiss businesses also accept contactless payment via Apple Pay or Google Pay. However, some smaller mountain huts, rural restaurants, and market stalls may be cash-only.

Service charges are included by law in all restaurant bills, hotel charges, and taxi fares in Switzerland. Tipping is therefore not obligatory, but it is customary to round up the bill or add 5-10% for good service. Tips are given directly to the server, not left on the table.

For a budget trip (hostels, supermarket meals, 2nd class rail), plan CHF 1,000-1,400 per week. A mid-range trip (3-star hotels, mix of restaurants and self-catering, Swiss Travel Pass) costs approximately CHF 2,000-3,000 per week. A luxury trip (4-5 star hotels, fine dining) can easily exceed CHF 5,000 per week. These estimates are per person.

The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days. Prices start at CHF 244 (2nd class, 3 days, 2026 prices). It also includes free public transport in 90+ cities, free entry to 500+ museums, and 50% off most mountain railways. It is worth it if you plan to travel extensively.

The Swiss Half Fare Card costs CHF 120 and is valid for one month. It gives you 50% off almost all trains, buses, boats, and most mountain railways throughout Switzerland. If you are staying for more than a few days and making several trips, it often pays for itself quickly.

Swiss trains are famous for their punctuality. SBB reports that approximately 92% of all trains arrive within one minute of scheduled time. The timetable is designed with coordinated connections at major hubs so that trains, buses, and boats connect seamlessly.

Download the SBB Mobile app (available on iOS and Android) and create an account. You can search connections, buy tickets, and store them digitally. The app shows real-time departure information, platform numbers, and any delays. Supersaver tickets booked in advance through the app can save up to 70%.

The best time depends on your interests. For hiking, June to September offers the best conditions with long days and open mountain trails. For skiing, December to March is ideal. For fewer crowds and lower prices, May and October are excellent shoulder months. Each season offers a distinct experience.

In the lowlands (Zurich, Bern, Geneva at 300-500m elevation), summer temperatures average 18-25C, with occasional heat waves reaching 30-35C. In mountain resorts at 1,500-2,000m, expect 10-20C during the day. Above 3,000m, temperatures can be below freezing even in summer.

Pack layers: light clothing for warm lowland days, a warm fleece or jacket for mountain excursions, and a waterproof rain jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential; hiking boots if you plan mountain trails. Sunscreen (UV is stronger at altitude), sunglasses, and a hat are important.

Swiss cheese fondue is a communal dish of melted cheese (traditionally Gruyere and Vacherin Fribourgeois or Emmental) served in a caquelon over a flame, into which you dip bread cubes using long forks. Expect to pay CHF 25-35 per person at restaurants. It is available year-round but especially atmospheric in winter.

Yes. Swiss tap water is of excellent quality and perfectly safe to drink everywhere, including from the thousands of public fountains found in cities and villages. If a fountain is not drinkable, it will be clearly marked. You can ask for tap water in restaurants by saying "Hahnenwasser" (German) or "eau du robinet" (French).

Beyond fondue and raclette, try Rosti (crispy shredded potato pancake), Zurcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in cream sauce), Alpermagronen (Alpine macaroni with cheese), Birchermuesli (the original overnight oats), Bundnerfleisch (air-dried beef), and Basler Leckerli (spiced gingerbread). Each region has its own specialties.

Switzerland has four national languages: German (spoken by about 63% of the population), French (23%), Italian (8%), and Romansh (less than 1%). The language boundary is sharp, and each region is culturally distinct. German-speaking Switzerland covers the north and center, French-speaking Romandie the west, Italian-speaking Ticino the south.

Yes. English proficiency in Switzerland is generally very high, especially among younger people and in the tourism industry. Most hotel staff, restaurant servers in tourist areas, and transport personnel speak English. In rural areas, English may be less common.

Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty crime rates are low compared to most European countries. Cities are safe to walk in at night and public transport is secure. The main risks are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and natural hazards in mountain areas.

The main emergency numbers are: 112 (European emergency number), 117 (police), 118 (fire brigade), 144 (ambulance), and 1414 (REGA helicopter rescue). For roadside assistance, call 140 (Touring Club Suisse).

While not legally required, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Swiss healthcare is excellent but extremely expensive for uninsured visitors. A simple doctor visit can cost CHF 200-400, and a hospital stay can exceed CHF 1,000 per day. EU/EFTA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All visitors should have insurance covering medical evacuation and mountain rescue.

Yes. Most shops in Switzerland are closed on Sundays by law, with exceptions for shops in train stations, airports, gas stations, and some tourist areas. Major train stations (Zurich HB, Bern, Basel SBB, Geneva Cornavin) have shops open on Sundays, typically from 08:00 or 09:00 to 20:00 or 21:00.

Punctuality is extremely important in Swiss culture. Arriving on time is a basic sign of respect, whether for business meetings, social dinners, or casual gatherings. For business meetings, arrive 5 minutes early. For dinner invitations at someone's home, arrive exactly on time or no more than 5 minutes late.

Switzerland uses the Type J plug, which has three round pins in a triangular configuration. It is unique to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Two-pin European plugs (Type C) fit Swiss sockets, but British, American, or Australian plugs do not. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz.

Switzerland is not in the EU, so EU roaming regulations do not apply and most carriers charge extra. A prepaid Swiss SIM from Swisscom, Sunrise, or Salt offers good coverage. Alternatively, an eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly provides Swiss data without changing your physical SIM.

Essential apps include SBB Mobile (train tickets and timetables), MeteoSwiss (accurate weather forecasts), Swiss Map Mobile by swisstopo (topographic maps for hiking), SchweizMobil (hiking and cycling routes), and AlertSwiss (emergency alerts). For navigation, Google Maps or Apple Maps work well in Swiss cities.