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Ready...Set...Go!
What to know before you go to
Switzerland
Travel
Insurance:
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating without insurance. Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must.
Visa Information:
US citizens need a valid US passport for entry into Switzerland. Make three photo-copies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other separately from your original. Due to new airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.
Health Certificates:
No
vaccinations or immunizations are required. The air is
thin in Switzerland, bring along any medications you may need.
Languages Spoken:
German
64%; French 19%; Italian 8%; Romansch 1%, Others 8%
Bank
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Retail
Hours
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Currency
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (SFr). The Swiss Franc
comes in coin denominations of SFr5, 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10 and 5
centimes and banknotes of SFr10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000.
Traveler's checks and foreign currency can be easily and efficiently
exchanged at banks, foreign exchange bureaus located in the major
cities, hotels, and foreign exchange kiosks at the airports. Banks offer
the most variable exchange rates. Traveler's checks receive a better
exchange rate than cash and can be exchanged almost everywhere.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Switzerland. You can get cash
advances from you credit card on many of the automated teller machines
(ATM). Long term visitors should set up a checking account in
Switzerland, and get an ATM card.
Time Zone:
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Voltage
220 volts AC, 50Hz
Tipping
Taxi rates usually include the tip; if not, 10 to 15 percent is
expected.
Restaurants
All Swiss restaurants include tips and service fees in the bills, and no
additional tip is expected. Washroom attendants do not generally get a
tip.
Doormen and small services are generally tipped in the range of SFr1.
Phones
International country code: (41)
Selected city codes: Berne (31), Geneva (22), Zurich (1)
Assistance Numbers - International Information and Operator 114
International Directory 191 • Domestic Directory 111 • 24-hour
Anglo-Phone 157-5014
Weather
The climate is temperate, with mild summers. The winters are generally
cold, wet and damp, with high rainfall.
| Month |
High |
Low |
Rainfall |
 |
| January |
38°F |
28°F |
2.90
in. |
|
| February |
42°F |
30°F |
2.90
in. |
|
| March |
49°F |
33°F |
2.90
in. |
|
| April |
56°F |
38°F |
2.40
in. |
|
| May
|
64°F |
45°F |
2.80
in. |
|
| June
|
71°F |
51°F |
3.30
in. |
|
| July
|
76°F |
53°F |
2.60
in. |
|
| August
|
75°F |
52°F |
3.10
in. |
|
| September
|
69°F |
48°F |
3.10
in. |
|
| October
|
57°F |
42°F |
2.90
in. |
|
| November
|
46°F |
35°F |
3.50
in. |
|
| December |
40°F |
30°F |
3.20
in. |
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Pre-Flight:
Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers. In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Travel at 800-322-0788.
Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.
When at the airport, never leave your luggage unattended for any length of time…no matter how short. Do not accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.
Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers.
Bring along a moisturizer as the air in the plane cabin is extremely dry.
In order to avoid jet lag, avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.
What to Pack:
Comfortable, casual clothing that can be layered to match the weather is a good suggestion. Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. You may choose to bring along one dressy outfit but it is not necessary. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings.
A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) are easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella.
Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Never pack these items in your checked luggage.
Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry. A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.
Do not over-pack. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.
If you are traveling with a companion, cross-pack. Put half of your items in your companion's luggage and vice-versa. This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.
Take along a small backpack. When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, paper and notebook. It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.
Don't forget these travel sized necessities: sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic "zip-locking" bags (for storing open bottles and containers).
Purchase your film and batteries in the US. Remember to bring extra for your video camera.
Baggage Allowance:
Due to the size of baggage compartments in touring coaches, each passenger is restricted to ONE suitcase and ONE carry-on bag (in addition to your purse, camera case or video camera). Be sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the inside and outside. If you are traveling with a tour group, you must use the baggage tags provided along with your own.
Airlines limit carry-on luggage to ONE piece not to exceed a 45-inch dimension, as it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.
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