Banks: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
Post Offices: 08:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 18:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturday. Museums: check with each individual museum.

Switzerland is one of the world’s safest destinations for visitors and Basel is no exception. It’s always a good idea to take special precautions, however, when travelling to any foreign country, safeguarding your valuables particularly when in crowded public places. At street markets, public transportation centres and busy tourists sites, petty criminals tend to prey on unsuspecting tourists, and caution is recommended.

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz.

Swiss medical facilities rank among the best in Europe, but the cost of treatment is quite high as well. Payment for treatment and medical services is normally expected on the spot, so it’s recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers urgent medical treatment. Visitors are not covered for any type of medical treatment in Switzerland. The country does not have a public health service and there are no reciprocal arrangements for providing health and medical services with other countries. Even though all medical care is privately operated, it is nonetheless heavily regulated by the Swiss government, as is the country’s health insurance system.

Basel Hospital: +33 31 381 56 55

Switzerland boasts four official languages, all of which are traditionally spoken in different parts of the country. The languages are German, French, Italian and Rumantsch. German is however commonly spoken by approximately three-quarters of the population. Although the residents of Basel speak what is known as Basel German or Baseldytsch, most also understand French, as the border with France is so close by. It usually isn’t a problem to find someone who speaks English.

Switzerland’s official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Francs; and smaller monetary denominations are issued as coins. One Swiss Franc is equal to 100 Centimes. Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, prices are often quoted in Euros and payment in Euros is sometimes accepted.

Foreign currency may be converted into Swiss Francs at all banks at the official rate quoted on the foreign exchange. Banks will offer the best exchange rates for foreign currency and for traveller’s cheques, but it’s also possible to exchange currency at the city’s major hotels, train stations and at the airport. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted and ATMs are found everywhere.

Customs regulations that are applicable to persons entering Switzerland from the EU permit the importation of the following: perfume in a reasonable amount for personal use; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 2 litres of alcohol and gifts up to a value of CHF 100 per visitors. The following items are prohibited by Swiss customs: absinthe and narcotics; most meats and processed meats. Note that there are strict regulations on the importation of animals and firearms.

Etiquette
The Swiss have a strong sense of tradition and value honesty, diligence and punctuality. They are justifiably proud of their environment, their country’s neutrality and its part in promoting peace in the world. You’ll also find a deep-rooted respect for financial thrift and material wealth.

When meeting and greeting others, shaking hands with everyone present is expected. Handshakes are meant to be firm and accompanied by eye contact. People are addressed by their last names preceded by the appropriate title(s), until they specifically indicate that you should use their first name. The use of first names is reserved for family and close family friends.

Dining Etiquette
When you dine out and in public, it is customary to keep your hands on the table, and not in your lap; however, you should not keep your elbows on the table. When using your eating utensils, it is normal practice to cut soft foods and salads with your fork, rather than a knife; and to use your eating utensils for all foods, except for bread, which is normally broken using your hands. It is not customary to request salt or pepper if they are not on the table and it is also not customary to smoke at the table, unless you see others doing so. When offered food, it is considered courteous to sample everything that’s offered and to try to finish all food that’s on your plate. Be advised that in Switzerland it is considered impolite to leave food uneaten on your plate: when you have finished, your knife and fork should be place parallel on your plate.

Travellers entering Switzerland are required to have available all documents required for their onward journey and subsequent destination. Passports or documents used in lieu of passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay. Typically, nationals of the following countries may visit Switzerland for 90 days without having to obtain a visa in advance: EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and the US.

Nationals of most other countries, and those visitors planning on a stay of longer than 90 days, will be required to apply for a visa in advance at a Swiss embassy or consulate abroad.

Basel’s tourist information services are housed in several area locations, including the Stadtcasino, the SBB train station and the airport. For more information contact: +41 61 268 6868.