Currency
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency. Despite being surrounded by EU countries, Switzerland does not use the euro and you will get poor exchange rates if you pay in euros at tourist shops. ATMs are plentiful — find them at every train station and most town centres. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted. Smaller shops, markets, and mountain huts often prefer cash.
Cost
Switzerland is expensive. A sit-down restaurant meal typically runs CHF 20–35 for a main course. A beer in a bar is CHF 6–9. Budget travellers can save by eating at Migros and Coop supermarkets (both have excellent self-service cafeterias), using youth hostels (there are over 50 in the country), and picking up a half fare card or travel pass.
Visas
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area but not the EU. Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check current requirements before travelling, as new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) digital border controls are being rolled out across Schengen countries.
Language
German is spoken in the central and eastern parts of the country (about 63% of the population), French in the west (Romandy, about 23%), Italian in the south (Ticino, about 8%), and Romansh in parts of Graubünden. In tourist areas, English is widely spoken. In smaller towns and villages, it helps to know a few words of the local language. Note that Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch) dialects differ considerably from standard High German.
Electricity
Switzerland uses 230V, 50Hz. The plug type is the Swiss three-pin (Type J), which differs from both the standard European two-pin (Type C) and the UK three-pin. European two-pin plugs usually fit, but bring an adapter if in doubt.
Tipping
Service charges are included in restaurant bills by law. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up or leaving a small amount (5–10%) for good service is appreciated.
Pharmacies
Switzerland has an excellent pharmacy network. Pharmacists (Apotheke/Pharmacie) can dispense advice and many common medications. In larger cities, a duty pharmacy is open 24 hours — look for the green cross lit up at night.
Emergency
Police: 117. Fire: 118. Ambulance: 144. Pan-European emergency: 112.
Time zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1. Summer time (CEST) is UTC+2.