What to bring to Zurich

Clothing

Bring warm clothing: Average temperature in January in Zürich is around 0°C (32°F). In the mountains (Post Conference Tour) it can get a lot colder. Especially important are good boots suitable for snow.

International Evening

As usual, we will celebrate an international evening during the conference. Please bring some typical snacks and/or drinks from your country and typical clothing!

Attention: Check the custom restrictions! e.g. alcohol is only permitted up to one litre a person. From some countries outside Europe you are not allowed to bring products containing meat. Other food is not a problem as long as you don’t bring excessive amounts…

Adaptor

You might need an electrical adapter to use your electrical equipment, especially if you are coming from non-European countries. Switzerland uses the following electrical standards:

Electricity Voltage: 230 volts/50 hertz, single phase, for appliances and electrical equipment up to 2,200 watts;
Electric points: Universal plugs type C

Universal Plug Type C

 

Money

Swiss Currency

Despite being located in the middle of the Euro-Zone, Switzerland remains with the Swiss Franc, usually indicated as CHF.

Many merchants, including most hotels, some restaurants and souvenir shops, may accept Euros but are not obliged to do so. The prices are most likely to be cheaper in Swiss Francs and change given back to the client will be in Swiss francs.

The Swiss franc comes in the following denominations:

Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 Cents and 1, 2, 5 Francs

Bank notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 Francs

Money Exchange

You can change money at banks, as well as at the train station daily until late into the evening. Whereas banks tend to charge about 5% commission, some money-exchange bureaus don't charge commission at all. Exchange rates are slightly better for travellers cheques than for cash, but there's not much difference.

Average Exchange Rates (OCT 2009):
1 CHF ~ 0.66 €
1 CHF ~ 0.96 $
1 CHF ~ 0.60 £

Credit Cards and Traveler's Checks

The safest and easiest form of money are traveler's checks and credit cards. The cards most used are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Many banks in Switzerland have equipped their ATM machines with the CIRRUS or MAESTRO system.

Many other Swiss banks offer ATM machines for cash advances with your credit card. It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in Switzerland for immediate expenses, i.e. taxies, city transportation etc.

 

Travel Insurance and Health Issues

Make sure that you have adequate health insurance. Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended, including coverage of personal accident, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges.

No immunisations are required to enter Switzerland. Immunisation for contagious diseases is only required if the traveler has been in an infected area within 14 days preceding arrival in Switzerland.