Essential info for Switzerland
Time: The local time in Switzerland is GMT +1. Expats should move the clocks forward one hour on the last Sunday in March, and move them backward one hour the last Sunday in October.
Electricity: The electrical current in Switzerland is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin, rounded plugs fit into the Swiss outlets, as do what appears to be a very strange mutation of this plug – two-pin, rounded plugs with a third, rounded grounding pin. The latter plug is used almost exclusively in Switzerland.
Language: Switzerland has four official languages, Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch; although, Romansch is only spoken by 1 percent of the population. Expats will be pleased to know that many Swiss people understand English, particularly in business settings; although, if your understanding of one of the three languages is good, so much the better.
German is by far the most widely spoken language in Switzerland; 19 out of the 26 cantons are considered German-speaking. Furthermore, most labels, public announcements and restaurant menus appear in German. French is used primarily in Western Switzerland, and Italian is spoken in Ticino and other parts of Southern Switzerland.
Money: The colourful Swiss franc, abbreviated as CHF, is the official monetary unit of Switzerland. The franc is divided into 100 rappen (German), also known as centimes (French). Prices in Switzerland may be indicated in Euros, though only a few merchants will actually accept Euros. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are ubiquitous. Banks are open Monday to Friday in Switzerland, and can usually offer the most pleasing exchange rates.
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.
Local Customs: The Swiss are notoriously reserved, private individuals. Discretion is a cornerstone of local culture, and order and efficiency are expected in all areas of life. Rules and laws should be taken seriously, including throwing your recyclables in the correct bin and avoiding littering.
Expats should be mindful that French and German-speaking Switzerland subscribe to different cultural practices. Shake hands with the German-speaking Swiss, and expect to exchange three kisses (on the cheek, from left to right) with French-speaking locals. Many Swiss people do speak and understand English, but it is taken as impolite if you assume this and do not attempt to first engage in the local language.
Business: Business culture in Switzerland is incredibly formal, with a heavy emphasis on competence and performance. Punctuality, as one would assume from this watch-making nation, is paramount. Humour has no place in business processes and negotiations, and personal matters should be kept private. Appearances should be well-maintained. Expats planning on presenting materials should be sure a sufficient number of copies are available for all participants of a meeting or conference.
Despite Switzerland’s regionalism, business etiquette and practice remains largely uniform. Expats should merely be aware of slight differences in the business language, and should educate themselves about the appropriate greeting terms. A handshake is an acceptable gesture in all regions.
Business hours are generally Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Health: Healthcare in Switzerland is considered among the best in the world. Expats should be aware that health insurance is compulsory, and must be organised within three months of residency. Reciprocal health agreements exist between most EU countries and the UK, citizens of these nations can take advantage of the Swiss healthcare system with an EHIC card.
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland, but a certificate of immunisation is required if expats have been in an infected (with contagious diseases – yellow fever) area within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland.
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. Internet cafés are available in the main towns and resorts. Some public phone booths even have Internet and email access.
Electricity: The electrical current in Switzerland is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin, rounded plugs fit into the Swiss outlets, as do what appears to be a very strange mutation of this plug – two-pin, rounded plugs with a third, rounded grounding pin. The latter plug is used almost exclusively in Switzerland.
Language: Switzerland has four official languages, Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch; although, Romansch is only spoken by 1 percent of the population. Expats will be pleased to know that many Swiss people understand English, particularly in business settings; although, if your understanding of one of the three languages is good, so much the better.
German is by far the most widely spoken language in Switzerland; 19 out of the 26 cantons are considered German-speaking. Furthermore, most labels, public announcements and restaurant menus appear in German. French is used primarily in Western Switzerland, and Italian is spoken in Ticino and other parts of Southern Switzerland.
Money: The colourful Swiss franc, abbreviated as CHF, is the official monetary unit of Switzerland. The franc is divided into 100 rappen (German), also known as centimes (French). Prices in Switzerland may be indicated in Euros, though only a few merchants will actually accept Euros. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are ubiquitous. Banks are open Monday to Friday in Switzerland, and can usually offer the most pleasing exchange rates.
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.
Local Customs: The Swiss are notoriously reserved, private individuals. Discretion is a cornerstone of local culture, and order and efficiency are expected in all areas of life. Rules and laws should be taken seriously, including throwing your recyclables in the correct bin and avoiding littering.
Expats should be mindful that French and German-speaking Switzerland subscribe to different cultural practices. Shake hands with the German-speaking Swiss, and expect to exchange three kisses (on the cheek, from left to right) with French-speaking locals. Many Swiss people do speak and understand English, but it is taken as impolite if you assume this and do not attempt to first engage in the local language.
Business: Business culture in Switzerland is incredibly formal, with a heavy emphasis on competence and performance. Punctuality, as one would assume from this watch-making nation, is paramount. Humour has no place in business processes and negotiations, and personal matters should be kept private. Appearances should be well-maintained. Expats planning on presenting materials should be sure a sufficient number of copies are available for all participants of a meeting or conference.
Despite Switzerland’s regionalism, business etiquette and practice remains largely uniform. Expats should merely be aware of slight differences in the business language, and should educate themselves about the appropriate greeting terms. A handshake is an acceptable gesture in all regions.
Business hours are generally Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Health: Healthcare in Switzerland is considered among the best in the world. Expats should be aware that health insurance is compulsory, and must be organised within three months of residency. Reciprocal health agreements exist between most EU countries and the UK, citizens of these nations can take advantage of the Swiss healthcare system with an EHIC card.
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland, but a certificate of immunisation is required if expats have been in an infected (with contagious diseases – yellow fever) area within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland.
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. Internet cafés are available in the main towns and resorts. Some public phone booths even have Internet and email access.
