Normal Zurich business hours are from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, with most businesses being closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The larger department stores and shops typically stay open until 20:00 from Monday to Friday and until 16:00 on Saturdays, with the majority closing on Sundays. Many smaller shops close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00. 

Banks: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 08:30 to 18:30, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays
Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday
Business Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Switzerland has long enjoyed a reputation as a relatively crime-free country, which remains true today. Visitors to Zurich are unlikely to encounter any problems, although like most major cities, tourists are advised to take care of their valuables when travelling on public transport.

Zurich only has a very small police force in operation, due to the law-abiding nature of the Swiss population; however, visitors should be aware that the police have been criticised in recent years for their heavy-handed approach to foreigners. The majority of visitors to Zurich will have no contact with the police, but do remember to carry your passport with you at all times, as it is a compulsory requirement.

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz

There are no major health concerns or specific vaccinations required for visitors to Switzerland, although travellers planning to head into the mountains should be aware of the health risks related to high altitude.

Swiss hospitals are generally regarded as being among the best in the world, with the University Hospital being the biggest and best-equipped in Zurich. Switzerland has no state-run health service or reciprocal arrangements with other countries, so visitors requiring healthcare must pay for treatment up front and claim back from their insurers at a later date.

University Hospital (Universitaetsspital)
Raemistrasse 100
8091 Zurich
Tel: +41 1 255 1111

The Bellevue Apotheke Pharmacy
Theaterstrasse 14
Tel: +41 1 252 5600

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. German is the most common language, with around two thirds of the population using it as their main language. German is also the main language in the Zurich region, but as in the rest of the country, visitors will find English widely spoken and understood.

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Swiss Francs are divided into 100 rappen in German-speaking areas, centimes in French-speaking areas and centisimi in Italian-speaking areas. Coins appear in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 rappen and 1, 2 and 5 francs. Notes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000. 

Unlike much of Europe, Switzerland has not adopted the Euro currency; however, you will find many shops accept Euros as payment, as long as you don’t mind change being given in Swiss Francs.

Switzerland has long been one of the world’s banking capitals, so gaining access to your money is never a problem. Banks give the best exchange rate for traveller’s cheques and cash, while hotels and other exchange services may charge a small fee. All major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at banks and ATM machines.

As Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it does not enforce the same restrictions on visitors as much of the continent, although restrictions on tobacco and alcohol remain the same. 

Officially, you are required to pay export tax on goods over the value of 300 francs, but in practice, this is rarely enforced. There are no restrictions on carrying currency in or out of the country.

The Swiss people enjoy an enviable reputation of tolerance towards cultural and ethnic differences. This tolerance is largely responsible for the warm welcome most people receive when visiting the country. Despite this overriding tolerance, there are still a few points of etiquette which visitors should be aware of. 

When greeting Swiss people, it is customary to address them by their title. In the largely Germanic city of Zurich this takes the form of ‘Herr’ (Mr) and ‘Frau’ (Mrs), followed by the surname. Equally, it is considered polite to greet strangers when entering shops, restaurants and other public places. Once again, in Zurich this requires the German greeting of ‘gruezi’. Other etiquette-related faux pas to avoid include loud speech or laughter, chewing gum, scruffy dress and arriving early for engagements. 

When dining at Switzerland’s less expensive restaurants, cafés and tearooms, it is not uncommon for other guests to join your table if there are vacant seats and space is limited. In most cases you will be asked for permission, but you should not be offended if you find a stranger sat at your table on your return from the lavatory. 

Tipping in restaurants is not expected, but it is appreciated. Most restaurants include a 15 per cent service charge in the bill, with anything extra left entirely to the bill payer’s discretion.

Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Switzerland for stays of up to three months. Exempt countries include all of Europe, the Americas (except Peru, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Belize), Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visitors from these exempt countries wishing to stay for more than three months as well as citizens from non-exempt countries must apply for a visa in person at the Swiss embassy in their own country. There are many types of visas available, with a flat rate fee for all of around US$50.

Zurich’s main tourist information centre can be found at the main train station on Bahnhofplatz, in the centre of the city. You can email them for information (information@zuerich.com) or contact them by telephone (tel: +41 44215 4000). 

During the summer months, the office is open from 08:00 to 20:30, Monday to Saturday, and from 08:30 to 18:30 on Sundays, while winter opening times are 08:30 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday, and 09:00 to 18:30 on Sundays. As well as the usual tourist brochures and leaflets, the office is able to help visitors with bookings for tours and excursions, hotels, car rental and public transport.