Essential info for Switzerland
Time
The local time in Switzerland is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October).
The local time in Switzerland is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October).
Electricity
The electrical current in Switzerland is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
The electrical current in Switzerland is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
Language
Switzerland has three official languages, namely Swiss German, French and Italian but expats will be pleased to know that most Swiss people understand English and if your understanding of one of the three languages is good – so much the better.
Safety
Switzerland’s crime rate is very low with only petty criminals such as thieves and pickpockets operating in the larger cities and at public places like train stations. Expats who relocate here should exercise the same caution as they would in any other big city in the world and should be aware of robberies on overnight trains.
Switzerland has three official languages, namely Swiss German, French and Italian but expats will be pleased to know that most Swiss people understand English and if your understanding of one of the three languages is good – so much the better.
Safety
Switzerland’s crime rate is very low with only petty criminals such as thieves and pickpockets operating in the larger cities and at public places like train stations. Expats who relocate here should exercise the same caution as they would in any other big city in the world and should be aware of robberies on overnight trains.
Communications
Expats living in Switzerland should take note that when dialling out of the country, the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for the South Africa) and the international country dialling code for Switzerland is +41. City/area codes are also in use, while mobile phones operate on GSM 1800 and 900 networks and can be found all over the country. High speed broadband ADSL internet is common in most businesses and homes available through a range of providers and Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts. Some public phone booths even have Internet and email access.
Business
Business in Switzerland is formal and punctuality is vital for business meetings, but different styles vary depending on the type of business, as well as from the Swiss-French to the Swiss-German and Swiss-Italian side. For example, Swiss-Italian/French meetings frequently occur over meals while Swiss-German meetings don’t and are often brief and curt. Business suits are the norm for meetings for both men and women and handshakes are the acceptable form of greeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6.30pm.
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