Switzerland Travel Guide

What To Expect

Language: There are four national languages in Switzerland, all found in specific regions of the country. The most widely spoken language is Swiss German, spoken by over 60% of the population. In the western part of the country, Swiss-French is spoken, and in the southern part of the country, Swiss Italian is spoken. The smallest national language is Romansh.

Currency: The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Many shops, hotels, and train stations will also accept euros.

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so there is no need to carry large amounts of cash on you. Switzerland is global financial capital, so ATMs are available in all towns on almost every corner. You’ll usually find them at places like the post office, train station, and shopping centers.

Plugs: The power plugs in Switzerland are type J, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.  I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Safety: Switzerland is in the top 10 of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare but petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft of vehicles (including bikes) does occasionally happen in the bigger cities.

*European Travel Alert*

Starting sometime around November 2023, US travelers between 18-70 years old will need to fill out an ETIAS visa-waiver form prior to their trip, and pay a €7 ($7.25) entry fee, to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area. It’s a quick form, and you will most likely receive instant approval—but it’s important to plan and submit ahead. Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.