Switzerland Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between March and October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.
Language: The three official languages are Swiss German, French and Italian. A few people speak Romansch, but this is confined to the southeastern corner of the country. Most people know at least three languages, including English.
Health: Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world, but very expensive and health insurance is recommended. Immunisation certificates are only required if the traveller has been in an infected area within two weeks prior to arrival in the country. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free or low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for other nationalities. Outbreaks of the deadly strain of bird flu were confirmed in 2006, but no new cases or human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers from bird flu is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution.
Tipping: A 15% service charge is normally included in all hotel, taxi, bar and restaurant bills, and further tipping is not necessary, but is appreciated for outstanding service.
Safety: Switzerland has a low crime rate compared to other European countries and is generally a safe country to travel in, however there has been a recent increase in petty theft and visitors should be alert to pickpockets and thieves, particularly in the city centres and on public transport. Be aware of robberies on overnight trains.
Business: Punctuality is vital for business meetings throughout Switzerland. However, styles of business negotiations vary from the Swiss-German to the Swiss-French/Swiss-Italian side. Swiss-German business meetings are rarely over food and are often as brief as possible with little small talk. But the Swiss-French and Swiss-Italians often meet over lunches and talk is not restricted only to business. Prior arrangements and preparation is essential for both and it is important to dress smartly; business suits are the norm for meetings. Handshakes are common for addressing both men and women. Business hours are generally 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international country dialling code for Switzerland is +41. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use e.g. (0)22 for Geneva. Mobile phone GSM 1800 and 900 networks operate throughout the country. Visitors who wish to use a prepaid sim card from Swisscom Mobile (NATEL easy) will be required to register with the service provider and produce identification. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts; some public phone booths also have Internet and email access.
Duty Free: Travellers to Switzerland over 17 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 2 litres alcohol up to 15% and 1 litre alcohol over 15%. The maximum allowance of wine is 20 litres, but duty will be payable on this quantity. A reasonable amount of personal effects and gifts (including perfume) to the value of Sfr200 for residents of Switzerland and Sfr100 for other travellers. Restricted items include meat and meat products from selected countries. Prohibited items are absinth and anaesthetics.

Switzerland Country Map

This map of Switzerland is copyright of Globe Media Limited. Please contact us if you wish to license travel maps of Switzerland or other destinations for use on your website or brochure. We also offer custom mapping solutions.

Switzerland Travel Guide

M.Polley; Nov 2007: I spent three months in Switzerland from October to December and had a fantastic trip. The Swiss people we met were so generous and laid back and have such a liberal view on life. We ate Raclette and fondue, drank...

Overview

Switzerland Passport & Visa Requirements	|
Avoid the Stress | Avoid the queues Let Global Visas organise your visa for Switzerland

Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months if passport is endorsed British Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, or British National Overseas.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: Travellers must have all documents necessary for their next destination and passports must be valid at least three months beyond period of stay if a visa is required.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Queenstown Travel Guide

Why? Queenstown, set in the heart of New Zealand's southern Alpine region in a blissfully beautiful spot, is the country's major vacation station with thousands drawn to travel to Queenstown every week, all year round. The city's main reason for existence is to cater for the tourists who choose to holiday in Queenstown because of its hundreds of adventure sports operators who tout their thrills, from heli-skiing to caving, on nearly every street corner.
When? A holiday in Queenstown is exciting at any time of year. For water-based activities of course summer is the best season to travel to Queenstown, while autumn is a lovely time for hiking the Alpine trails in the region. In winter a major festival marks the skiing and snowboarding season, with snow cover guaranteed from July to September.
Who for? Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will relish a holiday in Queenstown, which offers a long list of activities to suit all ages, from fly-fishing to bungee jumping.
More Info: Find out all you need to know to plan a holiday in Queenstown by consulting our Queenstown travel guide. Updated regularly, the guide features information on the city's attractions, activities, excursions and transport system, and a whole lot more.

Overview

With a reputation as the adventure sports capital of the world, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to indulge in almost every adrenalin activity imaginable. But Queenstown has more to offer visitors than action packed activities.

Queenstown is a heavily commercialised, year round resort that is touristy, crowded and characterless, but with its magnificent scenery, set on the deep blue Lake Wakatipu and framed by the craggy Remarkables Range, it is appealing to adventurers and leisure seekers alike. The lake is the perfect setting for steamer cruises, there are many fine walking opportunities in the surrounding hills and valleys with breathtaking views, surrounding vineyards offer wine tasting, shopping at the town's many boutiques, and the nearby historic gold mining town of Arrowtown is a fascinating day's outing. Scenic flights take visitors on unforgettable excursions, such as those around the majestic peaks of Mt Aspiring and Mt Cook, or to Milford Sound.

Queenstown's popularity is also due to the fact that it is a year round resort, a renowned alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders in winter and activities such as jet boating, bungee jumping, luging, white water rafting and paragliding in the summer months.

Queenstown Climate and Weather

Queenstown is a destination for all seasons, with its Alpine climate. Winter is magical with snow-capped mountains and blue skies, providing a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Spring, officially starting on September 1, brings a meltdown with temperatures ranging between 8ºC and 15ºC with some beautiful, fresh days and cool evenings, punctuated by spring showers. At the end of November high summer sets in with long warm days averaging around 80ºF (26ºC), ideal for outdoor fun in the sun. Autumn arrives in March, still warm with occasional hot spots and balmy evenings, magnificent as the leaves begin to turn.

Auckland Travel Guide

Kate Henderson; May 2007: Auckland is a vibrant city surrounded by two harbours with many parks including the Waitakere Ranges to the west. A wonderful way to enjoy all that Auckland has to offer is to stay a few...

Why? Most who visit New Zealand travel to Auckland because it is the country's largest city with a relaxed lifestyle. It is also one of the world's most beautiful cities, surrounded by water and spread out across verdant green belts, making a holiday in Auckland a very pleasant experience.
When? Anyone contemplating a holiday in Auckland should be prepared to get wet, not only because the city is built around water, but because rain is common all year round, particularly drenching in winter. Temperatures, however, are mild to warm throughout the year. Summer is the recommended time to travel to Auckland.
Who for? Being a city of multi-cultural immigrants many people holiday in Auckland to spend time with family members. Sailors are in their element with an Auckland holiday, the city being a major yachting centre. Generally, anyone who enjoys a relaxed urban environment with the added bonus of waterfront activities will relish an Auckland holiday.
More Info: Our Auckland travel guide is a mine of information for visitors to the city, containing comprehensive, up to date information to plan all aspects of an Auckland holiday.

Overview

Auckland is situated on a narrow strip of land, flanked by two magnificent harbours to the east and west. The shallow Manukau Harbour opens out to the Tasman Sea to the west, while the Waitemata Harbour lies at the heart of the city centre and is Auckland's deepwater port. It has a vibrant waterfront that has flourished with the successful hosting of the 2002/2003 America's Cup, the international yachting event of the year, and the trendy restaurants and waterside cafes are a constant hive of activity.

Known as the 'City of Sails', with a larger boat-to-person ratio than anywhere else on earth, it is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and every weekend the waters of the Hauraki Gulf come alive with a flotilla of colourful sails. The best way to experience the city is from the water, sailing around the attractive harbour or on a ferry cruise to one of the many stunning islands dotted about the Gulf.

Auckland is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand and a major gateway to the rest of the country. Yet it is also one of the least densely populated in the world, covering an area twice the size of London but with barely a million inhabitants. It has a friendly small-town atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life.

Beyond the bustling downtown area, dominated by the southern hemisphere's tallest building, the Sky Tower, the city sprawls outwards, with low-slung buildings and wooden houses among leafy parks and walking tracks. The suburbs wind their way around picturesque bays and harbours and between volcanic hills that provide panoramic views over the city and mountains, encompassing numerous green urban parklands that are dotted with sheep.

New Zealand Travel Guide

Heather; Jul 2007: I travelled the whole of NZ, and absolutely loved it! I can't imagine anywhere else on Earth that could be as peaceful for me (except maybe Patagonia or the Poles!). Glenorchy was my favourite place in NZ (South Island, Isengaard in...

Overview

Seattle Travel Guide

Why? The weather may not always be the best, but a holiday in Seattle is just as good indoors as out, with a host of activity options on the menu all year round, from ballet to boating. This watery city points its landmark Space Needle at the stars but is firmly anchored in its lakeland setting which provides plenty of waterfront attractions to complement its trendy high-rise profile.
When? When you travel to Seattle you are just as likely to get your head wet as your feet, for not only is the city surrounded by water but plenty falls from the sky as well. The driest months, and thus the best time to holiday in Seattle, are between June and August, when temperatures are also the most congenial.
Who for? Outdoorsy sophisticates with a taste for the good things in life will enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of this gleaming city on a holiday in Seattle.
More Info: Find out what to do and where to go, and how to get around, when you head off for a Seattle holiday by using our detailed Seattle travel guide which contains information about attractions, events and excursions available in the city.

Overview

Seattle is known as the 'Emerald City', and just like the home of the Wizard of Oz in the fairy tale, it is a magical place. Rated as one of the world's most liveable cities, after Melbourne and Montreal, it boasts among its citizens three out of the world's ten richest men, including Bill Gates, head of the mighty Microsoft empire. The city's emergence as a trend-setting and fashionable metropolis with sky-high property prices has occurred in less than 200 years, since it was founded in 1869.

Sitting at the extremity of the United States' northwest, at the gateway to Canada, Seattle reaches for the sky with its landmark soaring 'space needle', built in the 1960s, a modern monument that epitomises the city's image as a high-tech, dynamic and young community.

Seattle is not a place that fosters couch potatoes. Visitors and locals alike revel in the outdoor activities the city's situation provides for. Seattle sits on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, with remote wilderness less than an hour away, and it is flanked by two major mountain ranges (Olympics and Cascades), with Mount Rainier in full view from the city. It is also within easy reach of the San Juan Islands, Pacific Ocean beaches and major rivers.

This active city lends itself to walking tours, particularly around the two main tourist areas, the waterfront and Pike Place Market. In addition, 80 percent of the city limits are surrounded by water, so tour boats also abound. To fully enjoy Seattle be prepared to go boating, and bring a comfortable pair of shoes.

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Why? There is surely no-one in the world that would not choose to holiday in Los Angeles if given the chance, for this is where celebrities and movie stars pound the pavements and the sights are familiar icons to all. Los Angeles neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood are legendary and draw hordes of tourists to this megalopolis. People also travel to Los Angeles to enjoy its miles of sea-front suburbs which have their unique sun-bronzed beach culture.
When? High season for travel to Los Angeles is during the hot, sunny months of July and August, but those who prefer to avoid crowds and high prices are better advised to choose the months either side of peak season to holiday in Los Angeles. Winter can be wet but temperatures fairly mild.
Who for? Anyone who has ever seen a movie will have stars in their eyes when they holiday in Los Angeles and explore the many attractions and sights. In addition young and old alike are thrilled with the famous theme parks like Universal Studios.
More Info: Learn everything there is to know in order to plan a holiday in Los Angeles from our exciting Los Angeles travel guide, which lists events, attractions, excursions and even a selection of choice restaurants in this sprawling city, with directions on how to find them and public transport options.

Overview

Millions of visitors arrive each year in Los Angeles eager to experience for themselves the epitome of the American Dream; to find the self-indulgent living soap-opera lifestyles, to experience firsthand the images that are strangely-familiar thanks to the 'big screen', and to walk in the footsteps of the stars. The fantasy worlds of Disneyland and Hollywood, the famed extravagance of Beverley Hills and Malibu, and the sun-soaked beach culture are just some of the attractions within this 'City of Angels'.

Los Angeles is not really a city but rather a sprawling metropolis constituting more than 80 smaller city areas woven together by a daunting network of traffic-congested freeways without a clearly defined centre. LA is just one of these cities with Downtown at its heart, and lying outside the city limits is the surrounding conglomeration of cities that comprises LA County.

Los Angeles offers a dazzling variety of attractions and world-famous amusements. Downtown is a mixture of cultures and local communities: the traditional herbalists of Chinatown's Bamboo Lane; Little Tokyo with its sushi bars and Japanese gardens; and the narrow Latino-influenced Olvera Street. Los Angeles County is endowed with a rich diversity of backgrounds and is a mix-and-match of people from 140 countries speaking 96 different languages, of those who have left home to seek acceptance for ideas or unconventional lifestyles not tolerated in the more conservative parts of the country, and would-be stars with dreams of fame and fortune. West Hollywood is the focal point of gay and lesbian culture, and the posh beachside resort of Santa Monica and body-builders at Muscle Beach, as well as the childhood fantasy of Disneyland are all a part of the diversity, although not always a harmonious one. There are exciting museums, cinemas featuring every conceivable production, swanky boutiques with the latest fashions, comedy clubs, poetry readings and coffee house recitals, and music of every kind played in various venues throughout the city.

Underneath the huge 'Hollywood' sign on the crest of the Hollywood Hills, the high energy and pleasure-seeking atmosphere, bold billboards, sexy sun-bronzed people, bright lights and fancy cars are images of a city that everyone loves to hate; but whether one likes what one finds or not, Los Angeles must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

Hanoi Climate and Weather

Hanoi has a humid tropical climate, characterised by monsoons, like most of northern Vietnam. Summers, between May and September, are very hot with plenty of rain, while winters, from November to March, are cold and relatively dry. During the transition months of April and October anything is possible, and spring often brings light rain. The hottest month of the year is June. January is the coolest month, usually beset with a cold north-easterly wind.

Hanoi	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rainfall (mm)	19	26	44	90	188	240	288	318	265	131	43	23
Rainfall (inches)	0.7	1.0	1.7	3.5	7.4	9.4	11.3	12.5	10.4	5.1	1.7	0.9
Min Temp (°C)	14	15	18	21	24	26	26	26	25	22	18	15
Max Temp (°C)	19	20	23	27	31	33	33	32	31	29	25	22
Min Temp (°F)	57	59	64	70	75	79	79	79	77	72	64	59
Max Temp (°F)	66	68	73	81	88	91	91	90	88	84	77	72

Hanoi Travel Guide

Beijing Kitchen; Dec 2007: My husband and I used to live in Hanoi, Vietnam and we just got back from a nostalgia tour. The weather in November is perfect and Hanoi comes off at its most charming, with the...

Why? Visitors to Vietnam should not miss out on a holiday in Hanoi, the 1,000-year-old capital, a low-rise city of lakes and peaceful parks. A Hanoi holiday is a pleasant, unhurried experience of exploring the historic Old Quarter with its arts and crafts bargains, and strolling the streets of the French Colonial sector.
When? Situated in nothern Vietnam, Hanoi has hot and humid weather most of the year, with most of its rainfall falling between May and September (summer). The best time to holiday in Hanoi is between September and December, when humidity levels are lowest.
Who for? Travel to Hanoi is for serious travellers who are drawn to Vietnam to experience its beauty, wonderful food, friendly people and unique culture. The city is a great base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
More Info: Know before you go on a holiday in Hanoi by consulting our comprehensive, up-to-date Hanoi travel guide. The guide is essential reading for anyone planning to travel to Hanoi, containing basic information like entry requirements, health and safety, as well as details of attractions and excursions.

Overview

Vietnam's small and pleasant capital lies at the heart of the northern Red River Delta, and is a city of lakes, leafy boulevards and open parks with a French colonial feel.

Hanoi was founded in 1010, and became the centre of government for the Indochina Union under French rule in 1888. In 1954 it became the official capital of independent Vietnam. Today ancient crumbling buildings dating from the 11th century lie scattered among grand French colonial residences, while shrines and monuments to Vietnam's first president, Ho Chi Minh, sit in the shadow of modern high-rise buildings. The streets of the Old Quarter preserve age-old customs, where trade takes one back half a century, and temples, pagodas and monuments reflect the historic character of Vietnam.

Although a city of historical importance, and the social and cultural centre of Vietnam, it is a surprisingly modest and charming place, far slower and less developed than Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Hanoi has retained its appealing sense of the old world, despite the onset of a brisk tourism trade in 1993, absorbing the boom of hotels, travellers' hangouts and Internet cafes, and the gradual infiltration of western-style food and fashions into the once inaccessible city.

As the early morning mist rises from the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, tracksuit-clad elders perform the slow movements of tai chi, like park statues coming to life. Streets become filled with activity, mopeds and bicycles weave among pedestrians, while cyclo drivers (three-wheeled bicycle taxis) clamour for attention, and postcard vendors cluster around tourists like bees sensing an open honey pot.

Hanoi is fast becoming one of the most enticing and interesting cities in Asia. As a cultural centre there are traditional water puppet shows, and music and dance performances. It is also a good base for excursions to the beautiful Halong Bay, or into the Hoang Lien Mountains inhabited by several hill tribes.

South Korea Travel Guide

An intriguing land of ancient ruins, romantic legends, natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes and teeming modern cities, the Republic of Korea can trace its history back half a million years.

Tourists are discovering with delight the hidden treasures of the southern half of the mountainous Korean peninsula, which pokes southwards from the eastern end of the Asian continent. South Korea has been separated from North Korea by a demilitarised zone since 1953, and has flourished to become a stable and mature democracy, home to 50-million people who are spread across its nine provinces, concentrated in seven mega-cities. Previously dubbed 'the hermit kingdom', South Korea is now flaunting its bright plumage like a proud peacock.

Largest of the metropoles, and the area most frequented by visitors, is the capital, Seoul, the world's tenth largest city, where ancient shrines nestle beneath soaring skyscrapers. This seething city, ringed by mountains, offers hundreds of attractions and experiences, vibrant nightlife and unforgettable dining.

The least populated area of the country is Gangwon-do Province on the eastern side of the Peninsula, where remote forested mountains and valleys are studded with small towns. This area, which played host to the Asian Winter Games in 1999, is fast becoming one of the worlds most sought after skiing destinations. The rest of the year visitors are drawn to the province's magnificent beaches and scenic hiking trails.

Another area rich in tourist attractions is the south-eastern region, with its wealth of archaeological treasures. Gyeongju, ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, is an open-air museum boasting tombs, temples, pagodas and ruins dating from as early as 57 BC. The Bomun Lake Resort with its luxury hotels is a fine base from which to explore the area. New resort complexes are currently under construction to open up this fascinating area even more to tourism.

Those seeking a romantic getaway should head for South Korea's resort island, Jejudo, known as 'little Hawaii' because of its subtropical vegetation, volcanic landscape, sandy beaches and sparkling waterfalls. The island is dominated by the towering Mount Hallasan volcano, but visitors need not fear a natural disaster … the volcano was last active in 1007!

Seoul Travel Guide

Why? In recent decades Seoul has reared its commercial and sporting head from obscurity, becoming an Asian metropolis that no self-respecting world traveller can ignore. A holiday in Seoul is full of surprises, revealing a city of towering skyscrapers and sleek freeways that preserves a hidden treasure-trove of ancient palaces, temples, pagodas and beautiful gardens.
When? The best seasons to travel to Seoul are in spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and skies are blue. Summers are unbearably hot and tend to be wet, with the monsoon rains falling between June and September. Winters, by contrast, bring bitter arctic conditions, but the city is beautiful blanketed in ice and snow.
Who for? Serious sightseers who are intent on delving beneath the surface of the modern city will delight in a holiday in Seoul, where the downtown area boasts plenty of traditional buildings and bustling markets.
More Info: Travel to South Korea can be daunting for westerners, so to ensure your holiday in Seoul is trouble-free it is vital to read our comprehensive Seoul travel guide which contains all the basic information required to plan a Seoul holiday, as well as details of attractions, excursions, events and top restaurants in the city.

Overview

Encircled by mountains, containing a population of 10-million, and with more than a million registered motor vehicles inching through its congested streets, one would imagine the metropolis of Seoul, capital of South Korea, to be a polluted nightmare. The city fathers, however, have made a concerted effort in recent years to clean and green this thriving, prosperous city, also ensuring that the mushrooming of gleaming skyscrapers has not meant the neglect or destruction of centuries-old palaces and shrines. The result is a bustling, but organised, city filled with fascination, where old and new co-exist happily.

A great deal of the credit for the well-ordered urban planning of Seoul can be given to the ancient Joseon Dynasty, which used great foresight when crafting the city into a capital way back in the 14th century.

The old Joseon Dynasty city with its central main palace is now the traditional downtown heart of Seoul where many of the most popular sights, hotels and markets are to be found. One of the most popular areas for visitors to explore is Insa-dong, filled with antique shops, art galleries, traditional teahouses, restaurants and bookshops.

Across the Han River the modern city is dominated by Korea's World Trade Centre, and the Coex Mall, a shopper's delight. Even the island, Yeouido, in the middle of the Han River is densely packed with high-rise buildings; this is also the base for the Korean National Assembly, and the world's biggest Presbyterian church.

Interspersed through the urban landscape are several lush, green parks, the most central being Namsan Park, encompassing the mountain of the same name just to the south of downtown Seoul.

Nightlife in Seoul is lively and legendary with something to suit all tastes, from a 'booze-cruise' through the raunchy red light district of Itaewon, or a sedate sit-down at a traditional teahouse. Eating out, too, is a feast for the senses in Seoul, with an enormous international variety to choose from, whether it is succulent steak, perfect pizza, multi-course gourmet, tasty tandoori or even perhaps classic Korean.