WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Though winters may be bit too chilly for the average tourists, Swiss springs, summers and autumns are perfect to travel. From May to June the daytime temperature ranges from 18 to 28C, July and August are slightly warmer, September to November sees a temperature of 10 to 20C.
Temperature during December to February ranges between -2 to -7. Visitors should pack a sweater, good walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a compact umbrella or a light rain coat.
LANGUAGE
English is spoken widely in Switzerland. The national language of Switzerland, however, are Swiss German, French, Italian and Romancsh (a derivative of Latin).
GETTING THERE
The most convenient option to get there is by national carrier Swiss International Airlines that operates from several countries. Tourists within Europe can also reach major Swiss Cities via Train with Eurostar etc.
ACCOMMODATION
Switzerland offers a wide variety of accommodation ranging from youth hostels, bed and breakfasts, small family owned hotels, apartment and chalet rentals to luxury hotels and palaces. You can find hotels in Switzerland within your budget on Easy Destination. The Swiss Hotel Association is another good source for finding the lodging of your choice.
Hotels Rating in Switzerland are, Deluxe (*****), First Class (****), Tourist Class (***), Standard (**) and Basic (*). Camping sites are offered for the adventurous. The Swiss Youth Hostel Association is another useful budget option. You do not have to be a member to stay in a hostel but non-members will have to pay a small surcharge. Of course, whatever be your preferred means of accommodation, advance bookings are advisable during peak times.
MONEY
The safest and easiest form of money are travelers' checks and credit cards. The cards most used are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in Switzerland for immediate expenses, i.e. taxis, city transportation etc.
Switzerland retains the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros so that visitors may compare prices. Merchants may accept Euros but are not obliged to do so. Change given back to the client will most likely be Swiss in francs.
TRAVEL AROUND SWITZERLAND
Switzerland operates one of the finest public transportation systems in the world. You can discover the scenic delights of Switzerland by rail, road or waterway while traveling on the Swiss travel system.
VISAS
Tourists are majority of countries traveling Switzerland need to obtain a Swiss Visa. In most countries it normally takes 24 to 48 Hours to get a visa. For more details please contact Swiss Embassy in your country.
TIPPING
Tips are included in all hotels and restaurant bills and in most taxi fares. For special services like luggage handling, it is customary to tip per bag. Also if you get exceptional service and would like to leave a tip, it will be appreciated.
EATING AND DRINKING
Fondue, raclette and roesti are some of the best known dishes. Switzerland desserts and ice creams are also exceptional. Swiss wines are exceptional, especially when ordered in the region where the grapes are grown. Most restaurants serve a special of the day known as Tagestellar or Plat du jour, a full meal normally ranging between 15 to 25 CHF.
Vegetarian dishes can be found in most restaurants and in cities like Zurich, you can also find restaurants like the Hilti - Europe's oldest vegetarian restaurant. For Indian tourists there are plenty of Indian restaurants that can be found in all major cities.
