Customs Entry Regulations
Duty- and tax-free imports per person
Used personal effects
Used personal effects, such as clothing, underwear, toiletries, sports gear, photo and film cameras, camcorders, portable computers, musical instruments, and other articles for general use.
Provisions
Food and non-alcoholic beverages for the day of travelling.
Cash
Import and export of cash are not subject to restrictions.
Tobaccos and spirits
These limits apply only to persons older than 18 years - 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of pipe-tobacco - 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15% vol.) and 1 liter of alcohol (over 15% vol.)
Other goods
For other private goods there is a total value limit of CHF 300 per person
Currency
Please note that Switzerland remains with the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro (€), many prices are nonetheless indicated in €, so visitors may compare prices. Merchants may accept € but are not obliged to do so. Change is usually given back to the client in local currency (Swiss francs).
The Swiss franc comes in the following denominations:
Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 Cents and 1, 2, 5 Francs; Bills: 10,20,50,100,200,500 and 1000 francs)
Passport, Visa Regulations
Every traveler must have a valid passport. Visas are required for a continuous stay of more than three months. If your stay is shorter than three months you only need to bring your valid passport with you. This applies to citizens of the following countries: countries of the American Continent (except Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Peru), Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. For information on visas, permanent residence as well as on work permits and business matters, please contact the Swiss Consulate General located nearest to your home.
Pet regulations
The following animals may be imported without a permit:
1. Dogs and cats vaccinated as prescribed originating from countries where urban rabies is non endemic with a valid certificate of vaccination. The vaccination must have been carried out within the last year and at least 30 days prior to entry.
2. Young animals less than 3 months old originating from countries where urban rabies is non endemic with a valid certificate of health issued by a veterinarian.
3. Dogs and cats from countries free of rabies where rabies vaccinations are not permitted.
Security / Health / Insurance
Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialized countries, but it is always wise to keep an eye on wallets and luggage in busy areas. Drinking and eating out is hygienic and the tap water is safe. Immunization for contagious diseases is only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within 14 days prior arrival in Switzerland. Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accident, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges.
Business Hours
Generally, offices are open 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 6 pm Mon-Fri and closed on weekends.
Banks
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Once a week they extend their hours. Please check locally. They are closed Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. However, money can also be changed at all major train stations. Look for the "Change/Cambio" signs. Many banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) which accept overseas bank cards. Before leaving, please check with your local bank to ask if your bank card is valid in Switzerland (most of them will be).
Post Offices
Post offices are usually open from 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays, whereas some branches that are located in shopping centers are usually open the same hours as the shopping centers, including the extended business times that are often offered once a week. On Saturdays, post offices in large cities are open from 8.30 am till 12 noon, in villages they may be closed. Please inform yourself locally. All post offices are closed on Sundays.
Shops
Shops in smaller towns and villages are generally open from 8.30 am - 12 noon and again from 2 - 6.30 pm. In larger cities they do not close for lunch. Also, shops in larger cities generally extend their hours till 8 pm on one evening of the week, usually on Thursdays.
