Dreaming about a trip to Switzerland? These Switzerland Facts & Travel Tips will make your planning process easier. Bookmark this post today!
These Switzerland facts are packed with useful information for your upcoming Bucket List adventure to this beautiful, mountainous country. The devil is in the details, and having these insights will make your travel planning more effective!
From my years of traveling the U.S. and around the world, I’m sharing a lot of Kari’s Travel Tips that I wish I had known before we traveled there.
Use the Table of Contents below to quickly find the sections you’re after, or feel free to scroll through all the helpful tips and details.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR
FAVORITE TOOLS
– Best Lodging site: Booking.com
– Book Day Tours here: Viator.com
– Rent Cars here: RentalCars.com
Currency
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the currency used in Switzerland. They are one of the few European counties that don’t use the Euro.
The Swiss Francs come in banknotes (10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 CHF) and coins (1, 2, 5 Francs and smaller cents).
Personally, I think it’s one of the most beautiful and colorful currencies we’ve come across in our travels!
Pay close attention to how prices are displayed, especially in stores. Sometimes they are shown in Euros due to the high volume of travelers coming from the surrounding countries.
Although credit and debit cards like VISA and Mastercard are pretty widely accepted, (plus Apple Pay and Google Pay), there are still times when you’ll need cash.
- Smaller shops and restaurants may only take cash.
- Public restrooms sometimes charge a small fee (1CHF or 2CHF).
- Many accommodations allow you to pay through booking platforms via credit card, but sometimes a daily city or bed tax may need to be paid in cash upon arrival.
- If you choose to tip your server (see below), you would do that using Francs
Currency Conversion
We use the Xe app to convert currencies accurately while traveling.
Currently, the Franc, Euro and US Dollar are all roughly even, give or take a bit. So an item that costs $10 in CHF is 10.65 € in Euros and $11.47 in USD.
Kari’s Travel Tip: The best exchange rates are generally at your local bank at home, so we recommend bringing some Francs with you. For additional cash, Exchange Offices in Switzerland usually offer the best rates and lowest fees. ATMs in tourist-heavy areas tend to charge higher fees.
Kari’s Travel Tip: When using your credit card, always choose to be charged in the local currency. This saves you from potential double conversion fees.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Don’t forget to inform your bank of your travel plans. This will help avoid any issues with your credit or debit card being blocked while you’re abroad.
Kari’s Travel Tip: On your last day in Switzerland, try to use up any leftover Swiss Francs. We usually buy snacks or drinks to avoid leaving with money we can’t use anywhere else.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Many stores are closed on Sundays. So be sure to pick up whatever you need on Saturday. However, stores in train stations and airports are always open.
Tipping Culture in Switzerland
Tipping isn’t as widespread in Europe as it is in the US, but it still happens in some circumstances.
Many restaurants will include a Service Charge on the bill, so no extra tip is necessary.
If there is no service charge, a tip of 5-10% for good service is appreciated, but not expected.
Another way to tip is to pay in Francs and tell the server to keep the change. Or leave a few Francs on the table. Always tip in the local currency.
Language
Did you know that Switzerland has FOUR official languages distributed throughout their country?
- German (62%) – Predominant, spoken throughout
- French (23%) – Western Switzerland, near the French border
- Italian (8%) – Far Southern Switzerland, near the Italy border
- Rumantsch (0.5%) – Only in the Canton of Graubünden
- All others (6%)
Most Europeans, especially those working in the hospitality or tourism industry, can speak at least some level of English. The hostess at our Airbnb accommodation enjoyed practicing her English with us.
Are you excited to travel internationally, but worried about not knowing the language?
DOWNLOAD our handy Translation Guide HERE
Kari’s Travel Tip: I usually greet people with “Hello”—it’s a friendly way to start and signals that I speak English. And when I need to find a bathroom, I ask, “A Toilette?” with a hopeful expression, and they’ll point me the right way.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Learning a few basic phrases is a great idea. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the locals will appreciate the effort! Here are a few to help you get started in German:
- Please = Bitte
- Thank You = Danke
- Hello = Hallo
- Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen
- That is delicious! = Das ist köstlich!
- Good morning = Guten Morgen
- Good evening = Guten Abend
- Where is a bathroom? = Wo ist eine Toilette?
- Where is a grocery store? = Wo ist ein Lebensmittelladen?
- Also note, in the German language, the W is pronounced like a V!
And in French:
- Please = S’il vous plaît
- Thank You = Merci
- Hello = Bonjour
- Goodbye = Au revoir
- That is delicious! = C’est délicieux !
- Good morning = Bonjour
- Good evening = Bonsoir
- Where is a bathroom? = Où se trouvent les toilettes ?
- Where is a grocery store? = Où se trouvent les épiceries ?
Google Translate
For everything else, I rely on Google Translate. It’s a great app for translating both ways, whether I type or speak the words I need to translate into the microphone.
I use it often in stores to ask for things like, “I’m looking for ham” or “Where are the onions?” I’ll type or speak it into the app, and then I show the translation to the store clerk.
The camera feature is fantastic, too! I can take a picture of a menu, food label, or cooking instructions and it will translate the text for me.
Time Zone
Switzerland is in the Central European Time Zone, which is 6 to 9 hours ahead of the US, depending on where you’re located. They observe Daylight Savings Time, so expect the clocks to move forward in Spring and back in Fall.
I use the city of Zurich in the World Clock on my iPhone to see the time in Switzerland.
Are these Switzerland Facts helping you plan your trip? Don’t stop now, there’s more great info ahead!
Date Format
Switzerland follows a DD-MM-YYYY date format, whereas in the US, we typically use MM-DD-YY. So September 2, 2001 is 09-02-01 in the American format. In Switzerland, it would be shown as 02-09-2001.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This becomes essential when completing forms or applications. Make sure you correctly record your birthdate, passport issue date, and passport expiration date. Always double check how the dates are formatted on the form!
Driving
Europeans drive on the right side of the road, just like we do in the United States. Bill and I prefer renting a car when we’re in Europe because it works well with how we like to travel. And Swiss roads are a dream to drive – smooth, super well maintained due to the remarkably high Swiss standard of living.
Just be cautious about maintaining the posted speed, especially in the tunnels. Bill got a speeding ticket, captured on a camera, while passing someone in a tunnel south of Lake Lucerne.
Another example of Swiss Engineering efficiency. In the parking ramp near the train station in Lucerne, you can look down each row and see green lights above any open parking spots. No more driving around looking for one – you can tell at a glance how many spots are open on each row.
If renting a car isn’t something you want to do, don’t worry. Europe has a comprehensive transport system, including trains, buses, ride-shares, flights, and ferries, to help you explore within the country, or even travel to a different country.
Rome2Rio is a great app for figuring out your travel options.
It provides journey duration and cost estimates, so you can plan your trips more effectively.
International Phone Code
Switzerland’s country code is +41 (followed by the local number).
To enter the + symbol, press and hold the zero key for a second while in dialing mode. It will generate the plus sign. After that, you can add Switzerland’s country code (41) and the local number.
Most Europeans (and many others around the world) use a mobile app called WhatsApp for calling, texting, and sharing files.
It’s a lot more common than traditional texting or calling services like iMessage, which we use in the US.
Kari’s Travel Tip: I strongly suggest downloading WhatsApp before you leave home and getting familiar with it. It’s the best way to communicate with drivers, guides, hosts, and others you meet while traveling.
We use WhatsApp to keep in touch with our family while we’re on the road. As long as I have Wi-Fi or my Airalo eSim for data, I don’t have to worry about international roaming charges from my US carrier.
WhatsApp uses your US phone number, but you’ll only be able to use it to chat with other WhatsApp users. If you give someone your phone number on WhatsApp, don’t forget the +1 in front of your area code.
Airalo eSim
I use an Airalo eSim to access affordable mobile data while traveling internationally. This saves me literally hundreds of dollars in international roaming fees.
They offer a specific eSim for Switzerland called Pilatus Mobile, or the Eurolink Regional eSim that covers 42 countries across Europe, which is perfect for multi-country trips.
It’s simple to install, activate, and use. You can select which apps will use data from your eSim. I typically disable apps that I don’t need while traveling, such as local weather or apps for businesses back home.
And if you’re running low on data, you can always “top it off”.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Buy and install your eSim before your trip, but don’t activate it until you arrive at the airport and have access to free Wi-Fi. That way, you’ll have data as soon as you leave the airport and start heading to your first destination.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Make sure your phone is set up for international roaming and is “unlocked” to use the eSim. You might have to call your cellular provider to verify.
Plug Adapter
In Switzerland, the adapter plug type is Type C, the same as most of Europe. A universal adapter kit will often include this type.
I personally recommend the Ceptiks Universal Travel Adapter Kit for its ease of use. I have used it all over the world. I also love that it has plugs for USB so I can charge my phone too.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Most electronics like phones and laptops are dual voltage, but if you’re bringing along something like a hair dryer or other high-wattage devices, check that they are dual voltage compatible.
I hope having all these Switzerland Facts in one spot is making your travel planning smoother and stress-free!
Can I drink the water?
Yes, tap water in Switzerland is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing and showering.
Visa Requirements
According to the US State Department, US citizens traveling to Switzerland do not need a visa.
However, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date and two blank pages.
Schengen Zone Limits
You can stay within the Schengen Zone, which encompasses 29 European countries, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Once you’ve spent 90 days in the zone, you must leave and stay out for at least 90 days before returning.
Some European countries, including the UK, Ireland, and Albania, aren’t part of Schengen, prompting long-term travelers to do the “Schengen Shuffle” to extend their stay in Europe.
In most cases, you won’t be required to show your passport when crossing borders in Europe—unless you’re flying. I had hoped for passport stamps from all the countries we visited, but that wasn’t always possible.
If you’re planning to stay in Europe for several months, it’s essential to understand the Schengen rules. The State Department offers detailed info, but this website explains it in an easier-to-digest way.
ETIAS
And starting in 2025, there will be new requirements. US citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the UK starting in January 2025, and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for the rest of Europe starting in spring 2025.
Fortunately, these should be quick and inexpensive processes. Check out Rick Steves’ website for more details.
Safety
Before heading overseas, it’s worth visiting the US State Department’s website to find crucial safety tips and other travel information. They rank all countries by their level of risk: Level 1 (travel with normal precautions), Level 2 (travel with increased caution), Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Level 4 (Do not travel).
They also have the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), where you can register your travel dates and accommodations. This way, you’ll be notified about any safety concerns, like protests or embassy hour changes. We’ve received alerts that helped us stay clear of potential danger zones.
Embassy Assistance for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Bern
Sulgeneckstrasse 19
3007 Bern, Switzerland
Emergency +(41) (31) 357-7011
Fax +(41) (31) 357-7280
Website https://ch.usembassy.gov
Are you feeling excited about going to Europe? I hope these Switzerland facts are giving you the right tools to get ready!
Vaccine Requirements
No vaccines are current required or recommended for travel to Switzerland. I recommend always checking with your personal doctor before traveling internationally.
Metric System Conversions
Switzerland, like most of the rest of the world, uses the metric system for distance (measured in meters and kilometers), temperature (in Celsius), weight (grams and kilograms), and volume (liters and milliliters).
Kari’s Travel Tip: I’ve found it useful to keep a few conversion guides in a note on my iPhone for easy access on-the-go:
Temperature: Celsius to Fahrenheit
- 0 C = 32 F
- 10 C = 50 F
- 15 C = 59 F
- 20 C = 68 F
- 25 C = 77 F
- 27 C = 80 F
- 30 C = 86 F
- 40 C = 104 F
- 45 C = 113 F
- Formula for calculating: C x 1.8 + 32 = F
Weight: Kilograms to Pounds
This is especially useful for checked and carry-on luggage limits on different airlines. Internationally, the limits are often quite a bit smaller than on US Airlines so it’s important to check. And they do tend to weigh the carry-ons sometimes.
- 7 kg = 15.4 pounds
- 10 kg = 22 pounds
- 15 kg = 33 pounds
- 20 kg = 44 pounds
- 25 kg = 55 pounds
- 30 kg = 66 pounds
- 32 kg = 70 pounds
- 35 kg = 77 pounds
- Formula for calculating: kg x 2.2 = Pounds
Area: Square Meters to Square Feet
This is helpful when you are looking for accommodations to know how big the space is. A standard hotel room in the US is about 300-350 square feet. Rooms in Europe are often quite a bit smaller.
- 20 square meters = 215 square feet
- 25 square meters = 269 square feet
- 30 square meters = 323 square feet
- 40 square meters = 430 square feet
- 70 square meters = 753 square feet
Distance: Kilometers to Miles
At first, we were constantly trying to convert all the kilometers over to miles. But after a while, we just adapted to thinking in terms of kilometers.
- Precise calculation: km x 0.621371 = miles
- Rough calculation: km x .6 = miles or km x 2/3 = miles
Conclusion: Switzerland Facts
I hope these fun Switzerland Facts and Travel Tips have given you a deeper understanding and lots of helpful advice for planning your upcoming trip!
If you have any more Switzerland facts you think I should share, feel free to get in touch— I’d love to add them to the list!
More Information About Switzerland
Many more posts coming soon. To get email notifications when new content is added to Achieve Your Bucket List, please fill out the form above.
- Coming Soon: Things to do in Lake Lucerne
- Coming Soon: Day Trips out of Lucerne
- Coming Soon: Where to stay in Lucerne
- Coming Soon: 5 Best Ways to see Lake Lucerne
- Coming Soon: Raclette – the less well-known Swiss specialty
- Coming Soon: The majesty of Lauterbrunnen Valley