£1 CHF 1.06
Today
3:57 am
+1h from you
Weather in Switzerland
Switzerland
5°
Slight snow fall
Fri
-1
5
Sat
-3
8
Sun
0
5
Mon
0
6
Tue
0
6
SPF level in Switzerland
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Switzerland
Tipping in Switzerland
In Switzerland, service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants, bars, and for other services. However, it is still customary to round up or add a small tip for good service.
Restaurant
Round up the bill or add 2-5% for good service.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or add a small amount for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 5-10% for good service.
Hotel Porter
1-2 CHF per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 CHF per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 CHF per person for a good tour.
Safety in Switzerland
Tips for British travellers
Switzerland is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be particularly alert for petty theft, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in larger cities, at Geneva airport, and on trains to and from Geneva.
Do not leave your valuables unattended, especially in crowded areas, airports, and railway stations.
Never cover your face in public in Ticino and St Gallen, as wearing balaclavas, full veils, or masks can result in a fine of 100 to 10,000 Swiss francs.
Possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties such as long jail sentences and heavy fines.
For adventure sports like skiing, mountaineering, or paragliding, ensure your travel insurance specifically covers mountain rescue services, helicopter costs, and repatriation.
Bonus tips:
You must buy and display a motorway vignette (sticker) for your vehicle, or you could face a large fine.
If you plan to drive, remember that roads outside urban areas are often narrow, winding, and can deteriorate quickly, so reduce your speed and equip your car with winter tyres and snow-chains in alpine areas.
Driving in Switzerland
A UK driving license is valid for tourist visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Switzerland drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
144
Fire
118
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Switzerland
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type J
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Switzerland operates on 230V, 50Hz. Plug types C and J are used. British travellers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Switzerland, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses or more remote locations.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Switzerland
Excellent coverage throughout Switzerland.
Local name
Bancomat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are widely available in Switzerland, and they generally accept major international cards. Chip and PIN is required. You should have no problems withdrawing cash when needed.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU 'Roam Like At Home' regulations no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Switzerland. Switzerland is not part of the EU. Roaming charges with a UK provider can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 20 CHF (~£18)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt Mobile
WiFi & internet
Good, especially in urban areas, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in Switzerland, particularly in hotels, restaurants and cafes. Mobile data speeds are good too, and you can purchase a local SIM for reasonable prices with data options.
Health & vaccinations in Switzerland
You should still obtain travel insurance, even if you have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards entitle you to state-provided medical treatment but may not cover all costs, including repatriation or specialist treatments. Ensure your insurance covers all planned activities.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, Switzerland has high standards of healthcare. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travel. Drink tap water, as it is safe.
Calling Switzerland
Country code
+41
To call Switzerland from the UK, dial 00 41 followed by the local number (without the leading zero).
To call a number in Bern, which starts with 031, you would dial 00 41 31 [local number].
To call the UK from Switzerland, dial 00 44 followed by the UK number (without the leading zero).
UK Embassy in Switzerland
British Embassy Berne
Thunstrasse 50, 3005 Berne, Switzerland
Airports in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.