- Emergencies
- 112. 112 reaches all services from any phone. 144 is the ambulance, and Rega (1414) is mountain and air rescue. For non-urgent help, a pharmacy is the first stop.
- Tipping
- Service is included in prices. Rounding up or leaving a few francs for good service is a nice extra, never expected. No cover charge: what's on the menu is what you pay. Tap water is usually free if you ask.
- Cards and cash
- Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, even for small amounts; a few mountain huts and small shops prefer cash. Switzerland uses Swiss francs (CHF), not euros. Some places take euros at a poor rate and give change in francs: pay in francs or by card.
- Phone
- An eSIM bought before you go is usually the cheapest data; check it includes Switzerland, which many 'Europe' plans leave out. Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt sell prepaid SIMs; you need your passport to register one. Switzerland isn't in the EU, so EU roaming deals may not cover it (check).
- Plugs
- Type C, J, 230 V. Type J is the Swiss three-pin; two-pin Type C plugs fit it, but chunkier European plugs often don't. Australian and NZ plugs are Type I, so bring an adapter.
- Tourist tax
- Most towns charge a tourist tax (Kurtaxe or taxe de séjour), usually CHF 2–6 a person a night, paid with the bed; many give you a free local transport card in return (check).
- It's expensive
- A sit-down meal is often CHF 25 or more. Supermarkets (Coop, Migros, Denner) and their takeaway counters are the budget traveller's friend.
- Book trains early for saver fares
- Full train fares are high, but Supersaver tickets and saver day passes in the SBB app are much cheaper and run out. A Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass can pay off on longer trips.
- Mountain lifts close between seasons
- Many mountain railways and cable cars close for maintenance in spring and late autumn, and they're dear (often CHF 50–120 return).
- Quiet Sundays
- Most shops close on Sundays; shops in the big stations and airports stay open.
- Quiet hours
InterlakenWaterfall valleys, high trails and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
