Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 08:30 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday; 07:30 to 11:00; Saturdays
Shops: 09:00 to 18:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00, Saturdays; closed on Sundays

Lausanne is a very safe destination for tourists and there is very little in the way of threats to travellers’ health and safety. Most visitors to the city will enjoy an entirely trouble-free stay. However, as a popular tourist hotspot, the usual cautions apply including keeping a close eye on belongings when travelling around on public transport or visiting tourist sites. Although not common, pickpockets have been known to target tourist in Lausanne.

If you go out drinking at night, take extra care on your way home. Closing time is a common time for street fights making it advisable to take a taxi back to your hotel if you have far to go. These disputes rarely affect tourists, as is the case with football and other sporting brawls which have the potential to turn violent.

If you plan to drive while in Lausanne be aware that police are very strict with regards to traffic violations. Make sure you are familiar with Swiss driving conduct before you get started. Pedestrians should also exercise caution as on-the-spot fines for jaywalking are not uncommon.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Visitors have very little to worry about with regards to health issues when visiting Lausanne. There is very minimal risk with regards to contagious diseases and most visitors experience no sickness during their stay. Tap water is safe to consume and restaurants conform to very strict hygiene standards.

Should you fall ill during your stay however, Lausanne has a vast selection of pharmacies which are identifiable by a green cross sign. Pharmacists can offer medical advice and issue over the counter medications.

Should you have a more serious complaint, there is more than one hospital to choose from in Lausanne, with both public and private facilities available. Healthcare in Switzerland is of a high standard and the hospitals in Lausanne are equipped to deal with most medical complaints.

All visitors to Switzerland must be covered by health insurance to ensure they are covered in the event of accident or illness.

Lausanne Hospital: +41 21 314 11 11

Lausanne is situated in the French speaking part of Switzerland however you will find German and English are also commonly spoken.

The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes, and 1, 2 and 5 francs. Banknotes are available in values of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500.

Currency can be exchanged on arrival at banks and bureaux de change, which are commonly found. Travellers’ cheques are also accepted at banks and exchange facilities. The most convenient way to withdraw Swiss francs however is to use an ATM. ATMs can be found on nearly every corner and accept most international bank cards.

The import of the following is prohibited without prior permission: explosives, firearms, perishable foods, plants and pornography. Individuals are allowed to import gifts up to the value of 300 Swiss francs; personal effects including photographic, video and camping equipment; 2 litres of alcohol (1 litre of more than 15 per cent proof); 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. Medication should be accompanied by a prescription and must be for personal use only.

Strongly influenced by its surrounding neighbours, modern-day Swiss etiquette is not easily distinguishable from etiquette in the rest of Europe. Similar to their French and Italian neighbours, the Swiss can however be characterised by a few unique customs.

The Swiss are known for their public displays of affection therefore do not be surprised to see couples kissing or walking hand in hand throughout the city. When meeting someone, you should kiss them on the cheek three times on (left, right, left); this applies to both men and women. As internationally acclaimed clockmakers, the Swiss are punctual in everything they do therefore if you have an appointment, stick to it or give plenty of warning if you will be late.

The police is Lausanne have a discreet presence however locals and visitors are expected to obey laws and signs. This includes not littering in the street or swimming in areas where this is prohibited, both of which are considered impolite. Drinking in public places is legal and it is common to see groups of friends drinking outside when the weather is nice.

Dining Etiquette
Not unlike other European countries, dining out in Switzerland can be either an informal and casual experience or a formal and exclusive one depending on where you choose to eat. For the most part, mid range and above restaurants require diners to wear smart attire. Inexpensive eateries and fast food outlets are relaxed and have no dress code.

In formal restaurants, you should wait for all members of your party to be served before you begin eating. If a member of your group makes a toast, you should pause from eating and raise your glass. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel to the right hand side of your plate. This will indicate to the waiter/waitress that your plate is ready to be cleared.

The Swiss commonly drink wine and beer at mealtimes, but they will not be offended if you decline a glass. Persons must be 16 years old to drink beer and wine in Switzerland however the legal drinking age for drinking spirits is 18 years old.

EU citizens and Canadian, US, Australian and Japanese nationals do not require a visa for stays of less than three months. Citizens of neighbouring countries including France, Germany, Italy and Belgium do not need a passport to enter for less than three months; a national ID card is all that is required. Citizens of countries that are not listed should check with their nearest Swiss embassy prior to their departure.

Lausanne’s main tourist information office is situated on avenue de Rhodanie, a short walk west of Ouchy Metro Station. Multilingual staff can provide accurate information on lodgings, tourist attractions, transportation and festivals. The office can be contacted by telephone at: + 41 21 613 73 73, and is open 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.