There are three official languages: Swiss German, Italian and French. In the southeast, some Swiss speak Romansch. Many Swiss will have English too.
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The official currency is the Swiss franc, which breaks down into 100 centimes. While Switzerland is not part of euroland, many prices are listed in euros, for comparison purposes. Some shops may accept euros, but change will be given in Swiss francs. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easy to find.
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The international country code is 41. To call another country from Switzerland, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code - 0044 for the UK for example. Internet cafes are easy to find in main cities and resorts. Some public phone booths are also Internet-enabled.
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Hotels, bars, restaurants and taxi bills normally include a 15 per cent service charge, so there is no need to tip. Howeve, any extra tips for outstanding service are appreciated.
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Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. There is still a risk of petty theft however and you should guard against that by keeping valuables out of sight and being aware of your surroundings.
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Medical facilities and health care are excellent, but expensive. Make sure you have a valid EHIC card and adequate travel insurance. You’ll need an immunisation certificate if you’ve been in an infected area in the last two weeks.
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The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz (round, three-pinned plugs).
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