Banks: 08.30 to 16.30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 07.30 to 18.00, 14.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; 07.30 to 11.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 08.30 to 18.30, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 16.00/17.00, Saturdays

Bern is by no means a dangerous city; in fact it’s hailed as one of Europe’s safest capital cities based on crime statistics. Visitors are unlikely to experience anything untoward but are advised, all the same, to keep their eyes peeled for pickpockets and other opportunist thieves. Busy locations such as the markets at Weisenhausplatz and Barenplatz are among the places to stay alert and be sure that cash and valuable items are hidden or in hard to reach places.

230V, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are standard.

Few visitors become ill during their visit to Bern on account of high standards of hygiene, low-levels of disease and drinkable tap water. Anyone unfortunate enough to require medical attention will find the city’s hospitals and healthcare centres are well equipped and manned by highly trained professional staff. EU residents with valid European Health Insurance Cards can take advantage of free emergency treatment at hospitals.

University Hospital Bern: +41 31 632 1650
Emergency services: 112

The official language of Bern is German spoken in a local dialect known as Bernse German. English is widely spoken, particularly among the younger generations, educated persons and those working in the tourist industry.

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF) as its official currency. In Bern, CHF1 is equal to 100 rappen.

EU visitors entering from other countries within the Union are not obliged to pay duty on goods brought for personal use. Excessive volumes of any item will attract the attentions of customs officers. Non-EU visitors or anyone entering from outside of the Union are entitled to the following duty-free allowance: 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco, 2 litres of alcohol (up to 15 per cent), a litre of alcohol (over 15 per cent) and gifts not exceeding CHF100.

The Swiss are a fairly reserved race as a general rule, and to visitors from more laidback destinations the locals can come across as somewhat unfriendly. After initial formalities have been dispensed with and familiarity established, they are open and amiable characters.

A handshake is an appropriate gesture when meeting a local for the first time, more intimate or better-acquainted parties can exchange kisses in continental style. Using honorary titles (Herr for Mr and Frau for Mrs) is advisable until you are told otherwise by the person you are addressing.

Punctuality is considered important in Switzerland and arriving ‘fashionably late’ for a social engagement is likely to elicit negative responses from locals. Tardiness for business appointments is highly inappropriate and best avoided if smooth relationships are sought.

Visitors from countries that are party to the Schengen Agreement may enter the country on nothing more than a passport for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of Australia, Canada and the US are subject to the same rules. The majority of other visitors will require a tourist visa. This can be obtained from a Swiss embassy in a major city in the individual’s home country.

Bern’s main tourist office can be found on the first floor of the city’s central train station and can be contacted at +41 31 328 12 12.