Drinking water

General facts

The water distributed in Switzerland meets very high-quality standards. Eighty percent of the water comes from underground sources, the rest is taken from the lakes. The establishment of groundwater protection zones makes it possible to distribute half of this water without having to treat it. It can be drunk from every tap without posing a health hazard.
Tap water in Switzerland also has a much better ecological balance than bottled mineral water. 

Source: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO

  • Electricity

    The voltage in Switzerland, as in most of Europe, is 230V/50 Hz. Switzerland uses type C (2-pin) and Type J (3-pin) plugs. (Type C 2-pin plugs also fit J sockets.) Most power sockets are designed for three pin round plugs. The standard continental...

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  • Public Holidays

    Certain public holidays are celebrated throughout Switzerland – such as Easter, Christmas, New Year and Swiss National Day on 1 August . Other public holidays vary from canton to canton; find a detailed list here: Public holidays

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  • Telephone and mail

    Phoning home and within Switzerland If calling from Switzerland, you need to enter the international country code. For example, for Germany the international country code is "+49", for France "+33". The country code is followed by the area code...

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  • WiFi

    Want to avoid expensive roaming and WiFi charges? Here are a few tips to help you get online in Switzerland without spending a fortune if you have a device with WiFi or a network connection.

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  • Food and drink

    Whether typically Swiss, Italian, Asian or other exotic culinary delights: You can find it all in Switzerland. Regional cuisine is wide and varied. Masterful local chefs create new ways to present traditional treats. Some gain international...

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  • Smoking policy

    Since 1 May 2010, smoking has been forbidden in Switzerland in enclosed areas when they are open to the public or serve as a workplace for more than one person. Hence it is forbidden to smoke in restaurants, public buildings and offices. Smoking is...

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  • Alcohol and tobacco

    Alcohol is sold in supermarkets. The age limit for the purchase of wine and beer is 16 years, and 18 years for high-proof alcohol. There is no nationwide minimum age for the purchase of tobacco in Switzerland. Depending on the canton, the minimum age...

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  • Important telephone numbers

    Emergency Calls: 117 Police   118 Fire   144 Ambulance   1414 Swiss Rescue   112 European emergency number   General inquiries: 1811 General inquiries, e.g. doctors, theatres, etc.    162 Weather...

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  • Time zone

    During the winter, Central European Time (CET) applies in Switzerland. From the end of March to the end of October, Summer Time applies (CET + 1 hour).

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  • Sports

    Mountain climbing/hiking Both hikers seeking relaxation and experienced mountain climbers find their ideal holiday destination in the Swiss mountains. Good equipment is necessary and the weather forecast should always be studied. Hiking...

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  • Flying drones in Switzerland

    Switzerland offers many beautiful places, and we are pleased whenever our guests use their drones to produce films about Switzerland’s sights. Flying drones is not a problem in a lot of places in Switzerland. However, there are a few...

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