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Language: The three official languages are Swiss German, French and Italian. A few people speak Romansch, but this is confined to the southeastern corner of the country. Most people know at least three languages, including English.
Currency: The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EU many prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros and some merchants may accept Euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro
system. Banks offer the best exchange rates for travelers cheques and foreign currency, but it is also possible to exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports. Banks are open Monday to Friday.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
Communications: The international country dialing code for Switzerland is +41. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use e.g. (0)22 for Geneva. Mobile phone GSM 1800 and 900 networks operate throughout the country. Visitors who wish to use a prepaid sim card from Swisscom Mobile (NATEL easy) will be required to register with the service provider and produce identification. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts; some public phone booths also have Internet and email access.
Duty Free: Travelers to Switzerland over 17 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2 liters alcohol up to 15% and 1 liter alcohol over 15%. The maximum allowance of wine is 20 liters, but duty will be payable on this quantity. A reasonable amount of personal effects and gifts (including perfume) to the value of Sfr200 for residents of Switzerland and Sfr100 for other travelers. Restricted items include meat and meat products from selected countries. Prohibited items are absinth and anaesthetics.
Tourist OfficeSwiss Tourist Office, Zurich: +41 (0)1 288 1111 or www.myswitzerland.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 117 (Police); 144 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Swiss Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 745 7900.
Swiss Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7616 6000.
Swiss Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 1837
Swiss Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 8400.
Swiss Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 0660.
Swiss Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 218 6382
Swiss Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 1593/4.
United States Embassy, Berne: +41(0)31 357 7011.
British Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 359 7700.
Canadian Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 357 3200.
Australian Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 (0)22 799 9100.
South African Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 350 1313.
Irish Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 352 1442
New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Switzerland): +49 (0)30 206 210.
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