When do I need a visa to travel to Switzerland? How high should I tip at a restaurant? Which days are public holidays in Bern? The answers to these and many other questions can be found here.
Entry Requirements
If you want to travel to Switzerland, you might need a visa. Find out where and how to apply for one on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Currency

The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF). The Swiss franc is divided into 100 Rappen (Rp. for short).
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Tipp
Many Bernese shops and restaurants also accept euros, but the exchange rate is usually very bad, which is why it is better to use Swiss francs. You can retrieve them at an ATM or a bank or exchange your currency for Swiss francs at any SBB counter at a Swiss train station.
Electricity
The voltage in Switzerland is 230V/50 Hz. Switzerland uses type C (Europlug, 2-pin) and type J (3-pin) plugs. Attention: the type F plug (“Schuko plug”), which is widely used in Europe, can not be used without an adapter.
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StromsteckerTyp CEurostecker, zweipolig
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StromsteckerTyp JDreipolig
Public Holidays

The following days are considered public holidays in Bern:
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1 January, New Year’s Day
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2 January, St. Berchtold
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Good Friday
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Easter including Easter Monday
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Ascension
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Whit Monday
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1 August, national holiday
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25 December, Christmas Day
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26 December, St. Stephen / Boxing Day
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Fact
Most shops are closed on public holidays (except for the ones in Bern’s main station).
Shop Opening Hours

For Bernese stores, the following opening hours generally apply:
Monday–Wednesday | 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
Friday | 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
Saturday | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Sunday | closed |
If there’s a specific shop you’d like to visit, we recommend checking the opening hours beforehand.
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Tipp
By the way: In Bern’s main station, there are over 80 shops that are open 365 days a year. On weekdays, most of them are open until 9:00 p.m., on weekends and public holidays, until 8:00 p.m.
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Fact
Did you know that the eco balance of Swiss tap water is far better than that of bottled and imported mineral water?
Useful Websites

- Event calendar
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SBB: Everything about the Swiss Federal Railroads, including train schedules
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Nette Toilette: An overview of all the public toilets in Bern
Which are the most important emergency phone numbers?
Police | 117 |
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European emergency number |
112 |
Ambulance / first responders |
144 |
Firefighters | 118 |
Rescue helicopter (REGA) |
1414 |
Breakdown service / towing |
162 |
MEDPHONE (medical call centre for emergency medical services) |
+41 900 57 67 47 (CHF 1.98/min) |
City Emergency at PostParc |
+41 (0)31 326 20 00 |
Praxiszentrum am Bahnhof (medical centre at the train station) |
+41 (0)31 335 50 00 |
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