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Plan your Switzerland trip at 0% EMI
[] CONTENTS
SWITZERLAND IN BRIEF
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OUR TOP PICKS
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WHEN TO TRAVEL
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PASSPORT & VISA
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ARRIVING IN SWITZERLAND
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VACCINATION & TRAVEL INSURANCE
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MISCELLANEOUS
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SECTION 01
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SWITZERLAND IN BRIEF
Medieval towns, scenic villages, modern art galleries and some of the world’s best landscapes - Switzerland just cannot be overlooked by any un[traveller]. This is a country which has, from time immemorial, drawn tourists with varied tastes towards it. The main draw is definitely the great outdoors. Hiking and biking trails inspire the summertime madness here while skis and snowboards
slide down the mountainside of Graubunden and Bernese Oberland during the perfect powdery winters. Braving the chill, rafters take on the waters of LĂźtschine and the mountaineers are still awed by the stunning but dangerous Matterhorn. The hunger pangs are satiated by the gooey cheese dips, airdried meat and for dessert, Switzerland offers its world
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famous chocolates, all by the riverside cafes in Zurich. The joy of taking a train ride to Jungfraujoch, the highest station in Europe, is an experience that is yet to be matched. There is no dearth of placid and gorgeous lakes in this part of Europe and unlike most countries, you can even swim in some of them.
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OUR TOP PICKS
Trip to Jungfraujoch
Bernina Express to Saint Moritz
Quite possibly Europe’s most famous peak, Jungfraujoch has the highest railway station in Europe. Take the train up, through the Eiger and Monch mountains to the ‘top of Europe’. With unbelievable panoramic views, Jungfraujoch has a weather station named ‘The Sphinx’, with restaurants, souvenir shops, viewing terraces and an ice palace as well.Head back to
Take the Bernina Express train out to Tirano from Lugano today. Another mesmerizing journey, stunning landscape stays with you right through a little over two hours. Hop on a bus from Tirano on to St. Moritz.
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Zermatt-Village Tour
Lucerne Interlaken on Golden Pass Line
Think Toblerone. The Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most iconic mountain, looms over this quaint Swiss town. Zermatt is that perfect traffic-free village with horse-drawn carriages and electric vehicles with distinct oldworld charm around every corner. A nearly 2-hour journey would take you from Montreux to Zermatt. If you’d rather not attempt the gruelling trek up Matterhorn, make your way to the Matterhorn museum instead. Head past quaint chalets to Bahnhofstrasse, with its boutiques and restaurants for dinner with a view.
Switzerland’s most photographed railway line, the Golden Pass Line is as spectacular as its pictures, if not more. A serene scenic route that runs about 150 miles from Lake Geneva to Lucerne, you haven’t un[travelled] Switzerland if you haven’t been on this train. Look out for views of Lake Lucerne as you head towards the Brunig Pass and Mount Pilates.
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WHEN TO TRAVEL Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Switzerland has four distinctive seasons with mostly moderate climate but the temperature depends very much on the altitude. Therefore, even if you plan your holiday in the warmest summer months, it would be wise to bring a sweater along with your bathing suit. Nights can cool down quite drastically, especially on higher altitudes. If you are looking to spend time in the countryside and experience its natural up-close, then, spring (April – June) is the right time. It is the time when the snowfall would have just reduced to bearable levels, so you will still be able to see Switzerland for the winter wonderland that it is. If skiing and other winter sports are your callings, winter (November – March) is the time to be. The high season is summer (July to August) when the weather in Switzerland is the warmest. The weather will be perfect with wildflowers growing all across the valley, but you will have to face a lot of tourists, and over 50% increase in prices.
Best Weather
Best Time To Visit
July - August
November - August
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High Season
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Low Season
July - August
April - May
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PASSPORT & VISA
Switzerland Visa applications are processed through VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. It has application Centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Kolkata. You may deposit your application at the Canada Visa Application Centre. The VFS Canada Visa Application Centre will assist you to take an appointment for the same. You may appoint a representative (if needed) to deposit your application on your behalf. To do, you have to complete the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] form. Visa processing time might take seven to ten days.
Here’s how to go about it: • Go to http://www.vfsglobal.com. • Before applying, please ensure you are very clear on your ‘purpose of visit’. • Complete your visa application form and affix your photograph. You may download the form from the websites. • Ensure photos are as per specifications. • Attach all supporting documents required as per checklist. Make sure your application
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is complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. • Submit your application along with the applicable fees in cash and Demand Draft as applicable. • Track your application online. • Collect your passport. Documents needed: • Visa Application Form (back to back) filled completely with block capital letters and duly signed by the applicant. • Original passport -Machine readable. • Passport should be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Canada. • Three complete blank pages in the passport for the purpose of Visa stamping and approval. • Two recent passport size pictures, not older than 6 months (size 35 – 40 mm in width, copy or scanned picture is not allowed). The photographs should be in colour. • Confirmed returned air-ticket within 30 days with flight details and E-ticket no. • Enough cash for stay You should be in good health. You are not supposed to have criminal or immigration-related convictions.
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SECTION 05
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ARRIVING IN SWITZERLAND Although Switzerland is a compact country that is well-connected, the natural barrier of the Alps can make road travel between the major cities at each end of the country time-consuming. The main Swiss airports, specifically the airports located in Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, are popular starting points for tourists looking to access the top places to visit in Switzerland. Remember, commercial air travel to other cities can be extremely limited and pricey. The busiest airports in Switzerland are in Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Swiss is the national airline, a part of the Lufthansa and Star Alliance group. Regular flights operate throughout the day and late into the evening from Zurich to Geneva, with a flight time of 50 minutes. There are four flights daily from Zurich to Lugano, spread throughout the day and evening, with a flight time of 40 minutes. All flights can be booked online on company websites. E-Tickets are acceptable when accompanied by your original passport (which has at least 6 months of validity). Getting through airport security is a smooth ride if you are dressed smartly and aren’t carrying any prohibited material or anything in excess of the stipulated quantity When arriving here you must report all what you have in your possession, including food,
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plant and animal products, if any. You need to have all necessary identification and travel documents in hand. Be ready to make a full and accurate declaration, including the amount of goods you are bringing with you. This will help us get you on your way as quickly as possible. As a visitor, you can bring certain goods for your own use as personal baggage, which includes clothing, camping and sports equipment, cameras and personal computers. Certain goods are restricted or prohibited to carry. To avoid the possibility of penalties, including seizure or prosecution, make sure you have the information you need before attempting to bring items in here.
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VACCINATION & TRAVEL INSURANCE
No special immunizations or medications are necessary for most trips to Switzerland, unless you have been in contact with cholera or yellow fever. But it is advised to visit your health professional couple of weeks before your trip, to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Some vaccines are recommended or required for Switzerland. The CDC and WHO have recommended the following vaccines: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and influenza. Influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age, especially for children, pregnant women, persons over 65, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, immunosuppressive disorders, and organ transplant recipients. There is an increased risk of tick bites from April to October. The Ministry for Health warns of a significant number of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases annually. Altitude sickness may occur in travellers who ascend rapidly to altitudes greater than 2500 meters. Acetazolamide is the drug of choice to prevent altitude sickness.
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The cost of medical treatment here can be very expensive, so before travelling Switzerland, it is important to buy the right travel insurance. Choose the right travel insurance to cover all your needs. It is your responsibility to ensure you get cover all the costs of medical treatments, especially emergency ones. Your travel insurance should be designed to provide cover for any eventualities, including medical expenses, a trip being cut short or cancelled, and loss or theft of possessions. If you plan to take part in certain sports or leisure activities, you may need to top-up your cover or buy a specialist policy. Winter sports and more extreme sport such as bungee jumping, jet skiing or skydiving is not typically included in standard policies. Check your policy carefully for what activities are covered.
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MISCELLANEOUS
THINGS TO PACK • ID documents: Passport, driver’s licence, visa. • Money, credit cards. • Appropriate seasonal clothing and undergarments. • Bathing suit, sunscreen. • Sunglasses, hat, umbrella • Basic toiletries. • Cameras, batteries. • Laptop, cell phone, chargers. • Power outlet adaptor. • Insect repellent.
PERSONAL SECURITY Switzerland has less violent and non-violent crime than most other countries, and there’s never been a major incident of terrorism within its borders. Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing does occur with reports increasing, especially in larger cities, in tourist areas and on public transport. You can be free from such crimes if you take basic precautions such as locking their doors and windows when going out and keeping valuables out of sight in public places - especially at bus and train stations, tourist centres and airports. Demonstrations and protests occur from time to time in Switzerland. It is advised to avoid all demonstrations as they may occasionally turn violent. If you are hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. Keep a safe and legal distance from any wildlife including marine animals and birds and closely follow park regulations. When travelling, it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Indian embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
TIPPING Most services in Switzerland include a “service” charge in the bill, which means that there is no obligation for you to tip an additional amount. Also, most Swiss workers make a high capita and the minimum wage is higher than in other countries. A tip may already be included in the cost of a ride in a taxi. A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest franc or up to 5 percent of the final fare for exceptional service. It is not customary to tip at restaurants or cafes, it’s a nice gesture to leave a couple of coins.
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MONEY The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc ( Schweizer Franken - franc suisse), which is abbreviated as CHF (also sometimes as Sfr.). The Cent (German: Rappen, French: Centime) is the subunit of the Swiss franc and is available in 5 cent, 10 cent, and 20 cent coins, with 1 CHF equaling 100 cents. Halffranc, one franc, two franc, and five franc coins are also available. Unlike many other currencies, all of the Swiss coins are silver, except for the five cent coin, which is gold. The banknotes in Switzerland include 10 CHF (yellow), 20 CHF (red), 50 CHF (green), 100 CHF (blue), 200 CHF (brown), and 1000 CHF (purple). Swiss francs can be obtained from ATM’s. ATMs are available in all towns, and you usually find them at the post office, rail station and shopping centre. In general, this is the cheapest way to obtain cash, with ATMs operating 24 hours a day in major cities and suitable for international debit or credit card use. Visa and Mastercard branded cards are accepted in more places than American Express and Diners cards throughout Switzerland. Switzerland has a modern banking economy — it is their primary industry — so you won’t need lots of cash on your travels.
TELEPHONES & EMAIL Switzerland has one of the highest mobile phone penetration rates in Europe and mobile phones. Internet connectivity and internet access in Switzerland is very good and the country has the second highest proportion of fixed broadband connections in the world. There are free wifi hotspots in every area and all types of connection are available, including dial-up, cable and high-speed DSL. There are a number of popular providers in the form of Salt and Sunrise, but with Swisscom – the former sole national provider – being the largest provider, offering package deals including phone, internet and television as well as special offers and services to visitors. Switzerland operates on a GSM network. To use a GSM phone with a new Swiss SIM card, you need to check whether your phone is unlocked (some phones are specific to the network you already have, for example, some Salt handsets). If your phone is not locked to your former provider, you just need a new SIM card. If you need to connect a telephone, you will need to make a one-off payment. An authorised contractor will visit to carry out the installation work.
SHOPPING IN SWITZERLAND Switzerland is world-renowned for the quality of the local chocolate. You can often find high quality chocolates from many markets here. You can also find great bargains on chocolate at the Migros and Coop stores in many places. There are quite a few goods you could buy in Switzerland; you will find those abundantly at some of the best shops in Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Merkur and Lausanne, however, most of them are also found globally so it might not be that special if you purchase them over here, like watches, chocolate, a swiss knife, cheese and a bottle of wine. The Swiss Heimatwerk is the very personal gift house for anyone who wants to surprise themselves or others with exquisite gift ideas from Switzerland. They preserve, promote and sell Swiss made products. You’ll find clothing, handmade textiles, items for children and many things with a Swiss theme. If you are in Zurich, try the Sihlcity Shopping Center, where you will find a wide range of unique goods. Bahnhofstrasse is one of most popular shopping areas and tourist destination here in Zurich. There are luxury stores, designer boutiques, watch and jewellery shops and few departmental stores. Craft Market is a place that offers exclusive handmade craft items and is open from March until December at the foot of the Bern Cathedral. This is the best place to buy any kinds of souvenirs to take back home as they are handmade and gorgeous. Niederdorf is another shopping area famous for its nightlife and dining. The shops are known for street fashion, fancy shoes and some designer shops.
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YOUR HEALTH General healthcare standards in Switzerland are very high. Both public and private hospitals meet and exceed international healthcare standards. Food and water do not generally cause health problems for anyone as hygiene standards are very high. As in most countries, private hospitals tend to specialize in certain treatments. Here, patients can choose their doctor freely. You can have direct access to specialists without prior consultation with a family doctor or general practitioner. Outpatients can see a private doctor or visit a walk-in clinic at a public or private hospital. Medicines can be expensive, so it will be a good idea to stock up on painkillers, cold remedies and other items that you may use on a regular basis before you arrive. Dress for the weather, use sunscreen if needed. Before you wax your snowboard and sharpen your skates, you should ensure you’re taking the proper precautions to protect your eyes from tough winter weather. Sport your sunglasses. Despite the dropping temperature and increased cloud cover, it’s important to always protect your eyes against UVA and UVB rays.
FOOD IN SWITZERLAND Swiss dishes differ from region to region. The country is influenced by its neighbour countries and their national cuisines. Swiss cuisine is a flavourful blend of German, French, and Italian influences. In most restaurants and hotel dining rooms, menus will list a wide array of international dishes. Cheese and bread are two essential components to Swiss culture. Switzerland, on top of its delicious and natural cheeses, is known for its chocolate. There are, however, two famous traditional dishes that are widely known, which are cheese fondue and raclette, which is a natural Swiss cheese. From Indian influences to traditional Swiss dishes, there is no lack of innovation in the restaurants. You can find them in plenty in Swiss towns of Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Interlaken and Lucerne.
ALCOHOL IN SWITZERLAND Switzerland offers a vast array of wines and other liquors. Swiss wines are super popular, and there are many wine brands, such as those from the Lake Geneva region, are produced for local consumption. Beer is the preferred drink in the German-speaking part of the country. Helles is light beer and Dunkles is a dark beer. Liquors are very popular and they are made with local fruit. The most popular are kirsch, which is also the national hard drink, made from the juice of cherry pits, and Pflümli, made from plums. Alcohol is sold in supermarkets. The age limit for the purchase of wine and beer is 16 years, and 18 years for high-proof alcohol.
WHEN YOU LEAVE You generally do not have to observe any specific customs regulations for your personal goods when leaving Switzerland. No export customs duties are payable. However, clarify any bans, authorisations and restrictions with the relevant offices before leaving.
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