EUROPEAN FLING TRAVEL TIPS
GERMANY-CZECH REPUBLIC-AUSTRIA–LIECHTENSTEIN-SWITZERLAND
GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION
Checked Luggage Allowance
This is restricted to one large suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds (23kg) in weight and 30x18x10” or 76x45x25cm in dimension. Hotel porterage of this baggage is included in the tour price. This is subject to change as airlines are constantly changing the amounts you are allowed to check.
Luggage
Hand luggage should be one piece per person plus purse and should be limited in size, so it fits under your coach seat or in the small overhead shelf. These are the responsibility of each tour member and should be carried on/off the motor coach with you. Please note that luggage with adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated, particularly as it is necessary for your safety and comfort.
Budgeting – How much to bring?
This is obviously a difficult question, since the amount will vary from person to person and from tour to tour. Our itineraries include many features which will save you money on tour – if you study your tour page in the brochure you will see how many highlight visits and other sightseeing is included, as well as meals and entertainment.
Meals
Lunches are usually not included and peoples’ requirements vary. We suggest €10 per day. Where evening meals are not included, the cost will depend on the type and locations of restaurants used. As a guide, in Europe allow €25 – 30 per day. You should budget for drinks with meals and refreshment stops during the day. Non-alcoholic drinks cost approximately €2 each.
Personal Expenditure
Souvenirs, stamps, postcards, telephone calls, taxi fares, laundry. Allow yourself €5 – 7 per day while in Europe, plus extra for any major gifts. Credit cards are accepted at most major stores but you may want some cash for smaller stores and diners. Personal cheques are not accepted unless you hold a bank account in the host country.
Clothing & Footwear
Bring comfortable walking shoes. Dress in layers so you are not too cold and if it gets too hot, you can just shed a layer. Also, a raincoat in case we have a few showers.
Your Motorcoach
Modern, air-conditioned coaches have been carefully selected with your comfort, safety and scenic viewing in mind. For the comfort of all members of each tour, we enforce a no-alcohol and no-smoking policy on board the coach. Our coaches are equipped with DVD and/or CD players.
Seat Rotation
Your Tour Director will explain our seat rotation policy to you. We request your co-operation, as this ensures that all passengers have an equal chance to sit in different areas of the coach.
No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on the coach however frequent comfort stops will be made.
Washroom
Coaches are equipped with washrooms. While you are free to use this facility whenever required, your Tour Director will suggest that you make use of the facilities available at our frequent comfort stops.
A Clean Coach
Your driver is responsible for the coach inside and out. Please assist him by eating and drinking as little as possible on board.
Music
Your Tour Director is responsible for the radio or playing of CDs and will try to achieve an acceptable balance, catering for different tastes.
Safety
Your Tour Director will familiarise you with all Safety Procedures. Passengers must remain seated while the vehicle is in motion; however, coach travel is one of the safest methods of transport.
Credit Cards
If you have a credit card, we strongly recommend that you bring it with you, since this gives you extra financial flexibility while travelling. The major international credit cards, especially Visa or Mastercard, are accepted by many restaurants, shops and hotels. The bill you sign will be made out in much the same way as at home, except that the total will be in the local currency. This will be converted into your home currency by the credit card company and invoiced in the usual way. It is also possible at some banks to draw cash on presentation of your credit card, though this may involve interest payments check with your bank before departure. It is a good idea to deposit sufficient funds into your accounts prior to departure and then bring your PIN number with you. Please note that even if you are planning to use your credit card, you may also bring Traveller’s Cheques however they are increasingly difficult to change and incur fees.
Currency
Since January 2002, the Euro has been phased in as the currency throughout much of Europe. Please see the individual listings under each country for the applicable currency. We strongly recommend that you buy a small amount of each currency, particularly Euros, required before arriving on the continent, since there is often no opportunity to exchange money as you enter a country. This enables you to make your initial purchases until you manage to get to a bank.
Drinks
These are always at your own expense. In some European cafés/bars you pay one price to drink at the bar, and a higher price to sit at a table. Alcoholic drinks can be much more expensive if purchased in hotel bars.
Minibars
Some hotel rooms have small refrigerators stocked with drinks and ice, but check the price list before consuming as they can be expensive. You may be asked to pay a refundable deposit for the key.
Water
While tap water is perfectly safe to drink in many European countries, we suggest you drink bottled water where available. You may also wish to carry a small bottle of water with you throughout the day to ensure you are sufficiently hydrated.
Electricity
Many hotels supply hair dryers in the rooms, if you take an electric razor you should find that there is a suitable socket in the bathroom. Electric voltages will differ from those back home and adapters may be required. Most European cities use a 2-pin plug with a voltage of 220v/50Hz, but there are exceptions.
Europe is different!
Visiting Europe is a totally new and different experience from life back home. You will find different people, food and customs and a completely different attitude and way of life. Take Europe as it is – after all it has been there for a long time, and while many of its customs may seem strange to a visitor, they are what makes Europe ‘Europe’. So our advice is to keep an open mind and enjoy the unfamiliar.
Film/Memory Cards
Most brands of camera film and memory cards are available but you may find it useful to bring a reasonable supply with you. Video film, especially, is less readily available than you might expect.
Health
If you are on a regular course of medication, and/or if there are medicines that particularly suit you, we recommend that you bring with you an adequate supply for your entire trip. Identical brands may not be available elsewhere, but also bring a copy of your prescription.
When travelling, please keep all your medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases, for easy access. We respectfully suggest older passengers and those suffering from any existing medical conditions should have a thorough check-up with their doctor prior to departure. If you wear spectacles, bring a spare pair; they are easy to lose and you will be lost without them.
If you have any existing medical conditions, dietary requirements or disability which should be brought to our attention, it is essential that you inform us. Medical attention can be very expensive outside your own country so may we remind you to take out adequate insurance. Proof of medical insurance may be required in the Czech Republic.
Holidays & Changes
During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited, at these times we need to make slight itinerary adjustments. Also local holidays, closing days and other circumstances may change the day of the week for scheduled dining out, gala dinners, sightseeing and other included activities.
Hotel Card
When you leave your hotel to go shopping or sightseeing, may we suggest you take your hotel card with you in case you lose your way in an unfamiliar city and need to ask directions. You are sometimes required to show your card for security reasons before claiming your key.
Hotel Check-In and Check-Out
Arrangements are made to ensure that check-in and checkout at hotels runs smoothly, and your Tour Director will advise you in advance of the procedure before arriving at each hotel. Crowding the reception area usually hinders rather than helps, so it is suggested you remain on the coach for a few moments, or relax in the hotel lounge while waiting for your key to be handed to you. On departing the hotel, always remember to return your room key to reception before boarding the coach.
Personal Hotel Expenses
Any additional costs incurred during your stay at the hotels (for example laundry, telephone calls and bar bills) are your responsibility. Please ensure that your account is settled on the evening before departure to ensure a smooth and speedy departure the following morning.
Laundry
When there is a two night stopover, arrangements can be made for your laundry with the chambermaid (at your own cost). Please note laundry services are not available on weekends or local holidays.
Special Dietary Requirements
Any special dietary requirements need to be advised in advance in order to give hotels prior notification. Most hotels will do their best to provide an alternative to the tour menu. However, such requests cannot be guaranteed to be available on every occasion. It is most important to discuss any special dietary requirements with your Tour Director at the beginning of the tour.
Passports and Visas
On tour you should carry your passport with you at all times to ensure against its loss or theft in hotels. However, please note certain hotels will need to hold your passport overnight in order to comply with local regulations.
All passengers will require a passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to have a valid passport and necessary visas, as well as to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited.
Photography
No doubt you will want to capture Europe’s famous sights, so wherever possible the coach will stop to enable you to click away! But please spare a thought for those passengers who are not budding professional photographers. It is impossible to stop the coach every few minutes for a view from a different angle. So please be guided by your Tour Director, after all he or she knows Europe like the back of his/her hand and can advise you of the very best shots to take. If you are using film we suggest you purchase it prior to going on your tour and if you use a digital camera don’t forget to bring additional memory cards.
Security
It is important that you take precautions when travelling anywhere. If hotel security boxes are available then we recommend you use them for all your valuables, do not leave these items in your hotel room. Prior to leaving home purchase a money belt, shoulder or neck holster to carry items such as your passport or extra money – make sure it is not visible under your clothing. Be wary of pickpockets! Wallets and purses should be kept out of sight in front / inside pockets, carry your handbags and backpacks around your front. We also recommend that you photocopy your passport and credit card details and leave them in your suitcase in case of loss. In hotels and on public transport, always observe the safety rules and check that you know where emergency exits are located. In hotels, fire instructions should always be displayed on the back of your room door. If you are unsure about security while on tour, your Tour Director will provide you with the best advice.
Shipping
If you plan to purchase heavy items, we would recommend that you have them shipped to your home address, as airline charges are high for excess baggage. This can either be arranged by the shop where you make your purchases, or you can make up a parcel and ship it home. Note: Goods may take several months to reach your home.
You will be liable for import duty on all goods
shipped to your home – personal duty-free
allowances are only allowed on goods carried
home personally.
You are highly recommended to insure goods being shipped in case of breakage or non-arrival.
Shopping
There will be opportunities for shopping in most countries you visit. When on tour your Tour Director will guide you as to where you can buy quality goods, but he/she cannot guarantee to find you the lowest price.
Various tax concessions are available to overseas visitors in many countries. You must spend a minimum amount, or must be able to prove that you are a foreign national and non-resident. The refund is normally sent to your home address.
Telephone
It is convenient to make long distance calls from your hotel room but always expensive. It is cheaper to go to a post office, telephone exchange, or even a local telephone box. You may call collect (reverse charge) from your hotel, but a small service fee is usually made. A global phone card is always a good option.
Tipping/Gratuities
The widespread practice of tipping in Europe sometimes causes passengers worry and unease. It should be remembered that tipping is a standard tradition especially in service industries. Staff are often employed on a comparatively low wage, in the expectation that they will merit gratuities, or tips, through greater diligence and effort on behalf of those they are serving. However, tips are at your discretion and should reflect your satisfaction with the service provided. If you receive rude, offhand service, then do not give a gratuity. Sometimes a service charge is included in the tariff, particularly at hotels and restaurants, and is added as a percentage of your bill. If it is included, tipping is not necessary and anything extra you do decide to leave should only be for outstanding service and should be fairly nominal. We recommend that you carry some small change with you as it is not usual to ask for change when you are tipping.
While on tour, tips and service charges are included for your included tour meals, accommodation and porterage but at other times you may find the following helpful:
Room service waiter €1
Restaurants and bars 10-15% of the bill
We are confident that by the end of your tour you will have come to appreciate the important part your Tour Director and Driver have played in its smooth running. If you have been satisfied with their services, you may wish to express this satisfaction with a gratuity, as is customary on escorted tours throughout the world. Since this is a matter of a private and individual nature, you should seal your gratuity in an envelope to present to each of them separately at the end of the tour. Many passengers ask us for guidance in this area, we would advise that an average tip would be per person per day:
Tour Director – €4.00
Driver – €2.50
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must have! It is imperative that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should cover the following:
Cancellation or curtailment
Loss of cash, travelers cheques etc
Medical costs and personal accident
Don’t forget to pack a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and instructions on how to claim on the off chance it is necessary.
What to Bring?
This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you are travelling to and the time of year you are travelling. We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing, which requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities are available at most of the places we stay, however, take sufficient clothing to last for about a week. Below is a list of items to consider packing for your tour:
Clothing-
Undergarments, swimsuit, socks, hat, pullover/cardigan, warm jacket waterproof jacket, good walking shoes.
General Items to Bring-
Camera, batteries, medications, prescriptions, portable umbrella, toiletries, pocket calculator, travel sewing kit, travel alarm clock, plastic bags, sunglasses, water bottle (screw top lid) Handkerchief/tissues, sunscreen, passport, travel insurance, traveler’s cheques/money credit cards, airline tickets
Note: Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase.
Vaccinations
Please contact your doctor or healthcare provider before travelling to determine which vaccinations are recommended.
Valuables
Bring as few as possible, costume jeweler is very fashionable! Comprehensive insurance still does not compensate for sentimental value.
Weather
The climate in Europe is moderately continental and humid in the summer. For weather conditions pertinent to your travel schedule, visit these websites:
www.weather.com
www.cnn.com/weather/
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world
Austria
Capital Vienna
Location Central Europe
Language German
Population 8.2 million
Land area 83,858km2 32,378m2
Famous for Apple strudel, Mozart, Sound of Music
Austria -VIENNA
Embassy of Canada
Address: Laurenzenberg 2, A-1010, Vienna, Austria
Tel.: 43 (1) 531-38-3000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-2326-6831
Fax: 43 (1) 531-38-3910
E-Mail: vienn-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Austria.gc.ca
Money Matters
The currency used is the Euro. Euro coins are issued in 2, 1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c and notes in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5. ATMs are widespread in Austria and are called Bankomat.
Geography
It is a landlocked country with a major river known as the Danube.
Austria is mainly an Alpine country two thirds being mountainous.
Climate and Clothing
The climate in Austria is a moderate continental climate. Summers days are warm with cooler evenings and winters are cold. Even in summer you will need cardigan or jumper for the sudden cooler evenings.
Manners and Customs
Austrians tend to be formal in both their social and business dealings. One should shake hands when greeting or saying goodbye. It is considered impolite to leave a restaurant or
shop without saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ – Goodbye. Tipping is not high but widespread. On restaurant bills 10-15% is added, and it is usual to leave only small change.
Food and Drink
Austrian food is distinctive and is traditionally of the stodgy, hearty ‘meat and Dumplings’ variety. Traditional dishes include Wiener schnitzel (veal in breadcrumbs) and Goulash. Many of the simpler meals are often made with rice, potatoes and dumplings (Knödel), with delicious sauces. It is renowned for its pastries and desserts the most famous being Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel). Local beers are excellent and reasonably priced. White wines are popular (Riesling, Veltliner), but there are some good red wines. Schnapps liquor is found in most German speaking countries and is made by distilling various fruits. Austrian water, which comes from the Syrian Alps, tastes mountain-fresh. However, if you come across a sign ‘Kein Trinkwasser’ the water is NOT fit for drinking.
Best Buys
Cameras, glassware/crystal, chinaware – Viennese local handicrafts, dirndls, embroidered blouses and lederhosen, woodcarvings, dried flower pictures, Viennese petit point, winter sports equipment.
Shopping Hours
Shops are generally open Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm. Many shops close at 12 noon or 5pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.
Postal Information
Stamps are obtainable at post offices and tobacconists.
Post boxes are painted yellow.
Telephone
The country code is +43 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). Telephones are recognised by a sign with a black receiver in a yellow circle on the door and the word ‘fernsprecher’. All booths have multilingual instructions. Directory assistance is 118200. Many post offices also have telephones where calls are made and paid for at the counter afterwards.
Public Facilities
In general you will need to pay to use a public toilet. Toilets will either be manned by a toilet assistant or will be ‘slot’ machine operated. Prices range between €0.20 and €1.00. Toilets may be labelled with symbols of a man and a woman, the initial WC with ‘Damen’ (ladies) and ‘Herren’ (gentlemen).
More information on Austria: www.austria.info/us
Czech Republic
Capital Prague
Location Central Europe
Language Czech
Population 10.3 million
Land Area 78,864km2 30,332m2
Famous for Beer and author Franz Kafka
Czech Republic - PRAGUE
Embassy of Canada
Address: Muchova 6, 160 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Tel.: 420 272 101 800
Fax: 420 272 101 890
E-Mail: prgue@international.gc.ca
E-Mail: canada@canada.cz
Internet: http://www.CzechRepublic.gc.ca
Money Matters
The currency used is the Czech Koruna (CZK). It is divided into 100 haler (1 Koruna = 100 haler). Coins are issued in 50h, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 korun (20 korun is more commonly found as coins, whereas 50 korun is more common as a banknote) and notes in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 korun.
Bank opening hours
Generally Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm. Some banks close early on Fridays.
Geography
It is a landlocked country, with two low-lying river basins surrounded by forest clad hills. With the fall of communism the local industry has had to adhere to stricter environmental standards. This has improved the state of the rivers and forests.
Climate and Clothing
The Czech Republic has a moderate climate with great local diversity throughout the year. Generally winters are cold and summers mild. The hottest months have the highest level of rainfall. A raincoat is recommended.
Manners and Customs
Dress should be casual but conservative, except at formal dinners and at quality hotels or restaurants.
Food and Drink
Czech cuisine is considered heavy and very filling as meals are mainly meat and starch based. Long and cold winters do not allow for a variety of fresh vegetables. The meat dishes (beef goulash) are commonly served with knedlíky (dumplings), brambory (potatoes), or rýe (rice). Dumplings are popular side dishes, and are even stuffed with fruit as a dessert. The best-known Czech beer is Pilsner Urquell (Plzensky Prazdroj in Czech), which claims the title of the original pilsner beer. Every Czech town of any size will have a brewery; they’re almost all good. Moravia is a winegrowing region, and while it may not rank among the world’s best, it is very drinkable and very affordable. Mains water is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and advised.
Best Buys
Souvenirs include Bohemian glass, Czech crystal and porcelain, beaded jeweler, Czech marionettes and puppets made by Czech artisans, wooden folk carvings and handmade wooden toys. Other special purchases include pottery (particularly from Kolovec and Straznice) and geyser stone carvings from Karlovy Vary, delicate lace and needle embroidery from many Moravian towns and blood-red garnets and semi-precious stones from Bohemia.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm, Saturdays 8am to 12 noon. The number of shops also open on Sunday is constantly increasing.
Postal Information
Stamps are available from the post office and news stands. Letters go in the orange post boxes around the city. There is a 24-hour service at the main post office in Prague at 14 Jindrisská Street, Prague 1.
Telephone
The country code is +420 (dialling in) and international code is 00 (dialling out). There are public telephone booths, including special kiosks for international calls. Most of the public telephone boxes take phone cards, which can be purchased at all Telecom points of sale and at newsagent and tobacconist shops.
More information on Czech Republic: www.czechtourism.com
Germany
Capital Berlin
Location Central Europe
Language German
Population 83 million
Land Area 357,021km2 138,846m2
Famous for The Berlin Wall, Oktober Beer
Festival, Rhine wines
Germany-Munich, Consulate of Canada
Address: Tal 29, 80331 Munich, Germany
Tel.: 49 (89) 21 99 57 0
Fax: 49 (89) 21 99 57 57
E-Mail: munic@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Germany.gc.ca
Money Matters
The currency used is the Euro. Foreign currency can be changed at ordinary banks or savings banks (Sparkasse), and also at travel agencies and hotels although at less favourable rates.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 4pm (on Thursdays until 5.30pm).
Geography
Germany has several geographical regions including lowlands in the north, uplands in central parts and the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps in the south.
Climate
Temperatures are rarely extreme in the Rhineland, the climate is mild in winter, with the possibility of showers in spring and autumn. In summer it may also rain, so don’t forget an umbrella.
Manners and Customs
While the people are generally friendly a formal culture is present. Good manners and being polite when addressing people is important. Both married and older women are addressed as ‘Frau’. Customs for formal dress are comparable to Britain.
Food and Drink
You will find pork as a standard item on most menus. It is prepared in many different ways, and just about every part of the animal is eaten. Specialties include Rippchen mit Sauerkraut (pickled ribs of pork) and Bratwurst (grilled sausages) are the most popular snack. For dessert you cannot go past the world famous Black Forest Gateau.
The national drink is beer - Germany has over 1,200 breweries. In Frankfurt, try the local cider (Apfelwein). Tap water is safe to drink.
Best Buys
Clocks, music boxes, beer steins, cameras, porcelain and local costume items such as lederhosen, dirndls and Tyrolean hats.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6.30pm and Saturdays, 9am to 2pm.
Postal Information
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm and Saturdays, 8am to 12 noon. They also handle telegrams and telephone calls. Mail boxes are painted yellow with a black post-horn. Post offices in train stations are often open later.
Telephone
The country code is +49 (dialling in) and international access code is 00. Telephone booths are glass boxes with yellow frames displaying a sign with a black receiver in a yellow square. Calls abroad can be made from booths with a green disk marked ‘Ausland’.
Public Facilities
There is usually a charge to use public facilities. Some are staffed; others have a slot machine on the door or at the entrance. Have coins ready (10c, 20c or 50c pieces). Toilet signs may be a man or woman symbol, the initials ‘WC’, or ‘Herren’ (gentlemen) or ‘Damen’ (ladies).
More information on Germany: http://www.cometogermany.com/
Liechtenstein
Capital Vaduz
Location Central Europe
Language German
Population 32,860
Land Area 160km2 61m2
Famous for Stamps, world’s largest producer of dentures
Money Matters
The currency is the Swiss Franc (Fr). It is divided into Rappen
(1 Swiss Franc – 100 Rappen)
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4.30pm.
Geography
Along with Uzbekistan, it is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world. It is noted for its fine vineyards.
Climate and Clothing
Liechtenstein has a temperate, alpine climate, with warm, wet summers and mild winters. Light to medium weight clothing is needed in summer and warmer heavyweights in winter. Waterproofs are needed throughout the year.
Manners and Customs
Has a hereditary constitutional monarchy, dating back to 1719. Handshaking is performed on meeting and parting.
Food and Drink
Strongly influenced by its Swiss neighbour. Look out for Bündnerfleisch (wafer-thin sliced air-dried beef), Leberspiesschen (skewered liver), Käseknöpfle (small dumplings with cheese) and Rösti (hash brown potatoes). Local and Swiss beers are popular and Vaduzer (red wine) is worth trying and often much better value than imported wines. Tap water is safe to drink.
Best Buys
Watches, cameras, jeweler and stamps, but always compare prices before buying. Due to low taxes Swiss chocolates are also a good buy.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 6.30pm.
Postal Information
The Principality’s mail and telecommunications are generally integrated with those of Switzerland although Liechtenstein does produce its own stamps. Post office hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays, 8am to 11am.
Telephone
The country code is +423 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). On the efficient telephone network you can dial most of the world directly, even from a street telephone box. Simple operating instructions in four languages, including English are featured.
More information on Liechtenstein: www.tourismus.li/en/welcome.cfm
Switzerland
Capital Berne
Location Central Europe
Language Swiss German,
French and Italian
Population 7.5 million
Land Area 41,290km2 15,942m2
Famous for Clocks, watches, Swiss army knives, chocolates, banking
Switzerland - BERNE
Embassy of Canada
Address: Kirchenfeldstrasse 88, CH-3005 Berne, Switzerland
Postal Address: P.O. Box 234, CH-3000, Berne, Switzerland
Tel.: 41 (31) 357 3200
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-2326-6831
Fax: 41 (31) 357 3210
E-Mail: bern@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Switzerland.gc.ca
Money Matters
The currency used is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It is divided into centimes (1 Swiss Franc = 100 centimes). Many prices may also be displayed in Euros. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread. Exchange offices are situated at airports and large railway stations.
Bank opening hours.
Generally open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12.30 noon and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Geography
It is a landlocked country, has the highest elevations in the Alps and 70% of the country is made up of mountains.
Climate and Clothing
The climate varies with the altitude. The temperature is moderate with no real extremes of hot and cold. Summer is warm lasting from about June to September. It is best to be prepared for every eventuality and pack a warm sweater and raincoat.
Manners and Customs
Etiquette and social customs are very formal. Swiss Germans tend to be extremely polite and hard working. Tips are generally included in the bills but you can add a small tip if the service was very good. Make sure you greet a shopkeeper when entering a store.
Food and Drink
French, German and Italian influences prevail in the regions where those languages are spoken. Specialty dishes include Fondue and Raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and Rösti (fried potato), Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and Fondue Bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. A great variety of Swiss wines are available throughout the country. There are also spirits made
from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch, Pflümli and Williamine. The water in Switzerland is safe to drink.
Best Buys
Watches, clocks and cuckoo clocks, chocolate, music boxes and Swiss army knives.
Shopping Hours
Usually Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm (closed two hours for lunch); shops are closed on Monday mornings and opening hours vary on Saturdays.
Postal Information
Post offices are easily recognised by their distinctive sign showing a white cross on a red background and the letters PTT. All offices handle telephone calls and stamps are also dispensed from vending machines outside. Swiss post boxes are yellow. Post office hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 12 noon and 2pm to 6.30pm, and Saturdays 7.30am to 11am.
Telephones
The country code is +41 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). On the efficient Swiss telephone network you can dial most of the world directly, even from a street telephone box. Complete and simple operating instructions in four languages, including English, are posted in all of them.
Public Facilities
There are clean, conveniently located public toilets across Switzerland. Look out for the sign ‘Toiletten’ or ‘WC’. You will also find ‘Damen’ or ‘Frauen’ for ladies’ toilets, and ‘Herren’ and ‘Männer’ for men’s toilets.
More information on Switzerland: www.myswitzerland.com
