Europe
Switzerland
Spectacular mountains and lakes, punctual trains and very low crime. Prices are among the world's highest, so budget travelers lean on supermarkets, rail passes and hiking.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyCHFUS$1 ≈ CHF0.83Details
- Price level112%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, J230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 117 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 118 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent tap water; town fountains are drinkable unless marked 'Kein Trinkwasser' or 'eau non potable'.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAccepting, especially in Zurich, Geneva and Basel; Zurich Pride is in June.Details
- Internet281 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 120 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences valid 12 months; IDP needed unless in German, French, Italian or English. Motorway vignette CHF 40.
Where to go in Switzerland
12 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZurichCity | 5/5 | $5,790–7,840 | May–Sep | 1/100 |
| GenevaCity | 4/5 | $6,030–8,210 | May–Sep | — |
| LucerneCity | 5/5 | $5,190–7,240 | May–Sep | 2/100 |
| InterlakenMountain town | 5/5 | $5,070–7,000 | Jun–Sep | 3/100 |
| ZermattMountain town | 5/5 | $6,030–9,050 | Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep | 1/100 |
| BernCapital city | 5/5 | $5,190–7,240 | May–Sep | 2/100 |
| BaselCity | 5/5 | $5,310–7,480 | May–Sep | 2/100 |
| LausanneCity | 4/5 | $5,190–7,240 | May–Sep | 1/100 |
| LuganoCity | 5/5 | $4,830–7,000 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 3/100 |
| GrindelwaldMountain town | 5/5 | $5,430–7,840 | Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep | 1/100 |
| St. MoritzMountain town | 5/5 | $6,640–9,650 | Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep | — |
| MontreuxTown | 5/5 | $5,430–7,840 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 2/100 |
When to visit Switzerland
June–September for hiking, lakes and mountain passes; December–March for skiing. April–May and November are quiet shoulder months when many lifts close.
Good to know
Entry
- Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU: 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area.
- The EU Entry/Exit System applies here too: non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a face photo at first entry.
- ETIAS (a €20 online pre-travel authorisation) is not required yet; its start has been delayed, so check before travel.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Most municipalities require official fee-paid rubbish bags; dumping household waste is fined.
- Motorways need the CHF 40 vignette, and speeding fines are severe.
- Night-time and Sunday quiet hours are taken seriously in apartments.
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Grüezi', 'Bonjour' or 'Buongiorno' depending on region
- Be punctual; trains and people run on time
- Sort recycling carefully and keep Sundays quiet
Tipping
Service is included by law; rounding up or a few francs for good service is plenty.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
- SBB Swiss Federal Railways
- Swiss e-vignette (Via portal)
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Switzerland
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.