Location
Europe

Local time
GMT +1 (From 25 Mar to 27 Oct GMT +2)

Capital
Berne

Language
German, French, Italian, Romansh

Electricity
220V AC 50Hz

Int. direct dialling code
41

Driving
National licence required. Minimum driving age is 18

Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF 1 = 100 Centimes)

Notes
CHF: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000

Coins
CHF: 1, 2, 5. Centimes: 5, 10, 20, 50

Banks
0830-1630 Mon-Fri

Offices
0800-1200 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri

Shops
0800-1200 & 1330-1830 Mon-Fri, 0800-1200 & 1330-1600 Sat

Emergency services
Police: 117. Fire: 118. Ambulance: 144

Climate
Switzerland has a wide variety of weather conditions due to its great range of altitude. High in the Alps the peaks remain snow covered throughout the year. Lower levels have quite warm summers although this is the wettest season and snow is common during winter months. Weather at all times can be changeable but is most likely to be settled midwinter rather than midsummer

Clothing
Light to mediumweights for summer with warmer clothing for the winter and Alpine regions. Rainwear required all year round.