Facts You Need To Know About travel to Switzerland
Located in the very heart of Europe, travel to Switzerland, offers many choices. Switzerland shares common borders with 5 other countries -- Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the small principality of Liechtenstein -- and is accessible by air, road and rail.
Though there are a number of smaller airports, Switzerland's 3 major airports are located in Zurich, Geneva and Basel. The airlines that travel to Switzerland include Swiss Air, Crossair, Air France, British Airways and United. A valid passport is required to enter the country. Visitors may stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Student visas are also available. Both Zurich and Geneva airports have railway stations directly accessible to the rest of the Swiss rail system. Trains run on an hourly basis, approximately 16 hours a day, from these points, to most major cities and some smaller ones too, to other major Swiss hubs. You will find that Swiss trains are unusually comfortable, clean and punctual – an idea way to travel within Switzerland.
The population of Switzerland is approximately 7,000,000. Its largest cities by number of inhabitants are: Zurich, Basel, Geneva, Berne and Lucerne. The most visited Alpine area in Switzerland is the central Berner Oberland, renowned for its stunning peaks and mountainside villages. The famed Matterhorn is in the southern part of the country, accessible from Zermatt, which is a small but crowded resort area. In the eastern part of the country are the more isolated mountain valleys of Graubunden, where you'll find winter resorts like; the prestigious and fashionable St. Moritz and equally popular Davos. Lining the shore of Lake Geneva to the west, cities like Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne make up the main part of French speaking Switzerland. In the south, close to neighbouring Italy, the Italian-speaking Ticino that includes the lakeside resorts of Lugano and Locarno; a striking area quite unlike the rest of Switzerland that should not be missed.
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Though the rate of exchange varies, it is usually between 1.60 and 1.79 Swiss Francs to the US dollar. Swiss Franc bills are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000. Travel to Switzerland is pricier than other vacation destinations, and traveller’s checks and credit cars are the safest and easiest way to pay your way. Traveller’s checks and bills are exchanged by banks, exchange offices at airports, main railway stations, borders and some travel agencies. (Personal checks are not normally cashed by Swiss banks.) Banks are only open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm and banks in smaller towns are normally closed during lunch. Having some cash on hand when you arrive in Switzerland, for immediate expenses is a good idea.
1. Electric Current: The electric current used throughout Switzerland is 220 volts, alternating current 9AC), 50 CYCLES. Prongs for outlets differ from those used in the United States, but 110 volt equipment can be used with a transformer.
2. Climate: The climate is moderate without excessive heat, cold or humidity. Winter temperatures vary between 20 and 30 Fahrenheit and summer temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees. The southern part of the country has subtropical vegetation, and a mild climate throughout the year. Temperature ranges vary with altitude. 3.Good medical care is widely available, but doctors and hospitals often expect a cash payment for treatment. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage can be useful when travelling to Switzerland. 4. In addition to trains, the Swiss Travel System includes ferries and buses. Various types of travel passes are available and interchangeable, including a Swiss pass which is recommended for extensive travel. Reservations are required only on scenic trains and can be made at any major train station. For travel by car on the Autobahn, a tax slip is needed, which costs 40 Swiss Francs and can be bought in any gas station. 5.Legal holidays to keep in mind when planning your trip to Switzerland: New Year, St. Bartholomew - January 1st and 2nd Good Friday - March 29th Easter - March 31st, Easter Monday - April 1st Ascension Day- May 9th Pentecost - May 19th Pentecost Monday - May 20th Swiss National Day - August 1st Christmas Day and St.Stephen - December 25th and 26th
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