Location: Europe
Local Time: GMT+1
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT +1
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +2
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT +1
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +2
Capital City: Berne
Population: 7.86 million
Area: 39,770357,021 square km, 15,355 square miles.
Language(s): German, French, Italian, Romansch
Dialling Code: 41
Emergency: Police: 117. Fire: 118. Ambulance: 144
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence required. Minimum driving age is 18
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF 1 = 100 Centimes)
Notes: CHF: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1,000
Coins: CHF: 1, 2, 5. Centimes: 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0830-1700 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1200 & 1330-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0800-1200 & 1330-1830 Mon-Fri, 0800-1200 & 1330-1600 Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: *These holidays may not be observed in certain parts of the country and there are additional regional holidays which are observed in certain areas only.
Business/Social Hints: Use of appropriate one of the three main languages, French, Italian and German to address a person will be appreciated. All executives are bi-lingual, some tri-lingual, many speak English. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 16 years (fermented alcohol), 18 years (distilled alcohol)
Tipping: Government service charge is added in restaurants, hotels & taxis, tips are not required
