Facts For Travellers

Currency: Swiss Francs

Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1

Dialling Code: +41

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz

Weights & measures: Metric

Health risks: Altitude Sickness, Hypothermia, Sunburn

When to go there: The Swiss climate various considerably from region to region and no other country in Europe has such diverse weather conditions in such a small area. North of the Alps is continental with hot summers and cold winters. South of the Alps in Ticino a mild Mediterranean climate prevails and winters are significantly warmer than elsewhere. Depending upon your interests, hiking, sightseeing or skiiing, Switzerland is a country which can be visited throughout the year. Winter resorts operate from November until April when the snow begins to melt.

Getting around: Public transport services are excellent, providing frequent and convenient service to every corner of the land. All modes are clean, highly efficient and usually punctual to the minute. Initially it may seem expensive but numerous discounts and various tickets are available which offer excellent value. Greater savings can also be made with tickets which combine travel on different transport systems e.g. trains, buses and trams. The yellow Post buses (PTT) supplement the rail service to outlying villages, together with their main task for delivering and collecting mail. Their distinctive horn which plays the first 3 notes of Rossini's ouverture to his opera "William Tell" warns motorists of their approach on mountain roads!