Currency Money Handling TipsPrices in Switzerland are in Swiss francs (Schweizer Franken, francs suisses or franchi svizzeri). The most common abbreviation is Fr. but you may also see fr, sFr, Sfr, SF, FS or the official bank abbreviation CHF. Each franc is divided into 100 and these are called Rappen (Rp.) in German-speaking areas, centimes (c) in francophone areas and centisimi (also c) in Italian-speaking areas. There are coins of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, Fr.1, Fr.2 and Fr.5, and notes of Fr.10, Fr.20, Fr.50, Fr.100, Fr.200 and Fr.1000.

ulture is laid-back and informal in most areas and people are friendly and helpful everywhereFood Tips Like the languages spoken here, the food is as diverse and interesting. There are some local favorites too are rooted in dairy products - cheese, milk, cream, butter are ingredients of most dishes. Vegetarian options are far and few. Veggies need to inquire about the veg receipes that they find - the tomato soup can have bacon and fresh salads can be layered with salami! Eating out can knock a big hole in your budget. Avoid this by msaking lunch your main meal of the day - lunch menus are the least expensive. Even gourmet restaurants serve multi- courselunches for Fr.25-40 (minus wine). The same meal in the evening doubles up. Pizza / pasta joints and simple eateries can fill your stomach for Fr.15-20. For the less experimental, there are Turkish, Arabic and East Asian eateries. These are the fast-food types for a quick bite and not the places to enjoy home-like flavors. There's quality international cooking in Geneva, Zürich and Bern.Needless to say you can always munch on some of the best chocolates in the world here and nibble on some fine cheese too. Chocolates come in lots and lots of flavors and sizes. There are chocolate bears and watches too ! And Swiss cheese is an institution by itself. As varied as the chocolates.Swiss cafés open at breakfast time and often sell alcohol too. They might also be called bars although the latter tend to open their doors for late afternoon and evening business. Otherwise, places for tea and cakes are 'Tearooms'. Both tea and coffee come in a myriad styles - some local and others international. Take your pick !Tipping TipsTipping is pretty regional here - practiced mostly in the larger cities. Restaurants include service charges of 15% along with the taxes in bills, yet a small tip is still expected - 1 SF (one Swiss franc) or 2 SF per person for a modest meal, 5 SF for a first-class meal and 10 SF at a swanky joint.Elsewhere, give bathroom attendants 1 SF and hotel maids 2 SF. Theater and opera-house ushers get 2 SF. Hotel porters and doormen should get about 2 SF per bag in an upscale hotel, 1 SF elsewhere. Airport porters receive 5 SF per bag.Transport TipsWithout a doubt, transport is as easy and lovely an experience as it can be. Fast, convenient and very accessible. To make it cheaper, get hold of a Swiss Card that'll give you unlimited train travel, a free transfer from any Swiss airport or border town to any city or town in Switzerland + 1 free transfer from any Swiss city or town to any Swiss airport or border town + 50% off all other rail, steamboat, bus and mountain excursions. That's a pocket-full of savings!A Swiss Pass in hand, there's more unlimited travel on the entire network of the Swiss Travel System. This includes the Swiss Federal Railways, most private railroads, lake steamers, postal coaches and the urban transit system in most cities. On most excursions to mountain tops a discount of 25% is granted. Remember though that all Swiss Passes are valid on consecutive days. Pass options include 4 days, 8 days, 15 days and 1 month.The Swiss Flexi-Pass, valid for 3 days, (additional days, up to 9, can be purchased too) offers the same benefits as the regular Swiss Pass. However you can chose your 3 days of travel during a 30 day period.Swiss Family Cards are available free of charge for children under the age of sixteen to parents holding a Swiss Flexi- Pass, Swiss Card or Swiss Pass.A train every hour seems to be the motto of the Swiss Railways - from early morning to midnight. What's more - the train stops in the middle of enchanting villages and cities throughout Switzerland. Infact, many a times the train itself becomes the journey like the famous Glacier Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt that twists and turns over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and over the 2,033 m Oberalp Pass. It's difficult to hold those oohs and aahs back !Hiking TipsUnless you think you are fit or hike often, you must take it easy up in the mountains. There's a aplenty of hiking in store in the lovely Swiss lands. Up and down the steep mountains can be strenuous. Take small and light steps. Don't run - remember you aren't hurrying to work but on a holiday ! Carry your joggers or any pair of light shoes.

Shopping TipsThis one's a killer. There's so much irresistible stuff around that you'll find your wallet becoming light in minutes. It's a shopper's paradise.There are fine watches in a mind-boggling variety and are generally less expensive than in other countries. Who doesn't know about the divine Swiss chocolates ? Many sizes, shapes and mouth-watering flavors. Textiles, embroideries, fine handkerchiefs, linen, precision instruments, drafting sets, multi-blade pocket knives, music boxes, woodcarvings, ceramics and other handmade items, antiques and art books are worth it.All major credit cards are accepted in big shops and department stores. Shops stay open between 9am to 6:30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.Ask for your tax-free shopping cheque and reclaim the VAT if your purchase costs at least CHF. 500. Europe tax-free shopping offers a swift cash refund system at Zurich and Geneva airports and at all major airports in Europe. Safety TipsNo problem ! Switzerland is safe. Needless to say, though, that it is smart to practice common sense tactics. The usual rules still hold - avoid "bad" areas of cities, don't venture out alone in deserted areas or at night, take care with wallets, cash etc. especially whilst on public transport. Pick-pocketing can happen. Stay alert.  Health TipsGood news again ! There are no major health risks in Switzerland except a ' little ' problem - mosquitoes. They thrive in the low-lying areas, especially around lakes. They aren't deadly but just plain irritating. Remember to carry repellents. You need no vaccinations either.Holilday SickA trip to stunning Switzerland is sure to make the Swiss hangover last for some good time. After an exciting trip, you will be talking about it to friends, relatives and others and will bore them with your photos and tales. Here's a simple remedy: Share your experiences with makemytrip.com. We will even preserve them by posting your story and pictures on the site. Start planning your next trip with us!