Switzerland Travel Tips

Stoke your Switzerland travel dreams by diving into our most popular travel tips, recipes, and articles!

SWITZERLAND Travel FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to general travel questions our travel planning services ask about Swiss travel. For questions on a specific region of Switzerland, please email us at travel@saltandwind.com.

General Travel Information

How do I start planning a trip to Switzerland?

Well, the path of least resistance would be to contact us and have us plan your trip for you. If you want to do some research before that or plan it yourself, you’ll want to check out our Swiss travel articles.

What languages are spoken in Switzerland?

As Switzerland borders many countries, there are four national languages spoken - Italian, German, French, and Romansch. English is a language also commonly spoken in major cities and well traveled towns that helps connect travelers speaking the various languages. 

What are the best Swiss travel planning apps?

Here are a few of our go-to apps when we travel:

Google Maps​ - using the “offline” function makes it easy to use a map without using data 

Google Translate​ - just download the languages you want to go between and you’re all set! 

XE Currency Converter - This can be used to generally translate the daily exchange rate.

Go! - For taxis in some cities in Switzerland

Uber - in major cities in Switzerland

When is the best time to travel to Switzerland?
The best time to travel to Switzerland depends largely on your interests, whether they lean towards winter sports, summer hiking, or experiencing cultural events. Switzerland offers a wealth of experiences across all seasons, each with its unique attractions and considerations.

Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports enthusiasts. Towns like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Davos come alive with a vibrant apres-ski culture.

Spring (March to May) is a great time for those looking to enjoy the scenic beauty without the crowds of peak season. Prices are generally lower, making it a more budget-friendly time to visit.

Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season in the cities and scenic areas like Interlaken and Lucerne, so expect higher prices and more tourists. The weather is warm, though it can be variable, so packing layers is advisable.

Fall (September to November) is an excellent time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors in cooler, more comfortable temperatures. Many wine regions have festivals during this period, and it's also a good time to visit cities as the summer crowds have dispersed. Accommodation prices tend to drop before the winter season starts.

What is Swiss weather like?

Swiss weather can be quite variable, especially in the mountains. Always check local weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes, particularly if you're planning outdoor activities.

Do I need a passport to travel to Switzerland?

Yes, if you are traveling to Switzerland from another country, you will need a passport. For travelers from most countries, the passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area. However, some countries have agreements that allow their citizens to enter with a passport that is valid for their intended stay duration.

Additionally, Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement, which means travelers from Schengen member states can enter Switzerland with a valid national ID card in some cases. For non-Schengen area travelers, besides having a valid passport, you may also need to obtain a visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, among others, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, or family visits.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Switzerland?

It’s not required by law, but we always suggest you have travel insurance. There are various services for providing trip insurance, and note that many credit cards (such as Chase Sapphire and AmEx) include travel insurance as part of a trip purchase. Check with your credit card to confirm.

What is the time zone in Switzerland?

Switzerland follows daylight savings and generally a 24-hour clock is used (Military Time). Switzerland is on the Central European Standard. The Time zone in Switzerland (GMT+1) so it is 4 hours behind New York City and 7 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Health & Safety 

Is environmental pollution an issue in Switzerland?

Switzerland is widely recognized for its strong environmental policies, commitment to sustainability, and high quality of life. The country has implemented rigorous measures to protect its natural landscapes, air, and water quality, making significant efforts to reduce pollution levels. However, like any country, it faces environmental challenges.

Is altitude sickness an issue in Switzerland?

Switzerland has varying landscapes from lakes to high mountain peaks. Altitude sickness is a real possibility when exploring the latter. Travelers going by plane from sea level to high elevations may suddenly experience shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches,nausea, and other symptoms resembling the flu. This condition, called acute mountain sickness (AMS) , is the most common type of altitude sickness. The best ways to deal with it are to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and rest.

Is it safe to travel in Switzerland?
Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Its low crime rate, high standard of living, and well-maintained infrastructure contribute to a secure environment for both residents and visitors. However, like anywhere, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions.

Can I travel alone in Switzerland?

Traveling alone in Switzerland is not only feasible but can also be a highly rewarding experience. The country's reputation for safety, coupled with its efficient public transportation system and the widespread use of English, makes it an excellent destination for solo travelers.

How do I reach the police or authorities in case of emergency when I’m traveling in Switzerland?
The local emergency number in Switzerland, you would dial 1-1-2 in case of any emergency.

Money Matters

How much does a trip to Switzerland cost?

That depends on the type of trip you’re doing (budget or luxury or adventure or lounging around). However, we suggest budgeting a minimum of $5,000 for a solo traveler from the United States looking to do a week-long midlevel trip as follows: $1,200 for flights, $300/day for lodging, $1,100 for meals for the week, and a few hundred dollars for activities or tours. Of course, these prices will increase or decrease depending on if you’re sharing lodging, if you need a rental car, and what sort of meals and activities you plan.

Is Switzerland expensive?

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, especially when it comes to meals out. Most restaurants and attractions accept credit cards. Amex is accepted in some places, but not all. And many places are also now accepting contactless payments like Google Pay or Apple Pay as well. Always carry some cash.

Do I need cash when I travel in Switzerland?

We recommend you pull out some Swiss Francs at ATMs once you land in Switzerland as opposed to using a currency exchange service at a stateside airport. Keep in mind your bank will most likely charge you a fee so it’s best to pull out the max amount each time you visit an ATM. 

Can I use credit cards in Switzerland?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted. Just a reminder to let your credit cards know that you will be traveling abroad. Also, keep in mind that many spots in Switzerland will not accept American Express so it is best to always have another type of credit card (ie Visa or Mastercard) in addition to American Express.

What is the currency in Switzerland?

The monetary unit is the Swiss Franc, abbreviated CHF. The current exchange rate is around .88 CHF to 1 USD.

How much should I tip in Switzerland?


Tipping is not required throughout Switzerland, nor the norm among Europeans traveling throughout Switzerland in restaurants. For guides, it is not required however 5-10% if you feel so inclined would be customary among travelers.

SWITZERLAND TRANSPORT TIPS

Public Transportation - Trains, Buses and Ferries

The Swiss train network runs like clockwork. It’s a great way to get reliable, and Swisstainable way to get around the country. There is also great access to smaller towns as well via bus. And as Switzerland has many lakes, ferries are often included in the Swiss train passes. Check here for Swiss Pass offers if you’re mostly traveling by train.

Can I drive in California?

If you plan to rent a car in Switzerland and can only drive an automatic, be sure to reserve this well in advance as manual is the most common car type, and automatics are less available. We don’t suggest driving through the country in winter when roads can be icy and shut down. This can also be true for late fall and early spring.

When planning your trip and traveling in one direction, if you are renting a car, be sure to check they have a rental option to your starting and ending destination. It is not advisable to rent one way between countries as fees can be extremely high.

Some towns are car free (for example Zermatt does not allow cars - you will have to park at the nearest train station and train over if you have a car) so you will not be able to drive in them.

Switzerland has tolls and you will need to purchase a toll motorway vignette, or special sticker, when driving if you have not been provided one with your rental car. Here’s a link to more info about getting one.

Landslides are not common but can occur. Small sloughs of rocks can occasionally come off the highway as this is more common in spring when snow is melting and can cause block roads. Avalanches can also occur in the snow-laden seasons as well. Check any of the places linked here for current traffic and road conditions in Switzerland.

What major holidays are there in Switzerland?

Many smaller shops close midday on Saturdays and Sundays as well as Mondays. On public holidays - most shops, museums and restaurants are closed. Some big holidays included are below and a full list of holidays can be found through the link here:

January 1 - New Year's Day
April 19 - Good Friday
May 30 - Ascension Day
August 1st - National Day
December 25 - Christmas Day 

Are you a Switzerland trip planner?

Are you a California road trip planner?

Why, yes we are! We’re a boutique travel agency in Switzerland and our primary focus is on arranging adventurous trips that include the best of Swiss food and wine. Our Swiss trip planner services include help with classic itineraries like Zurich and Zermatt as well as to lesser-known areas like Ascona or Sion.

Have any additional questions?

Contact us at travel@saltandwind.com