The Swiss Federation was established in the late 13th century, and this small country has been one of the most diverse in Europe ever since. Visitors to Switzerland can enjoy four distinct cultures, each with its own language: Swiss-German, French, Italian and Romansch. Some of the best skiing in the world, alpine lakes, spectacular scenery, and historic cities are just a few reasons to visit this scenic country. To contact Auto Europe from Switzerland, dial 00-800-223-5555-5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Switzerland for visits of less than three months. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have valid vaccination and health certificates. Pets must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days but less than one year prior to the date of entry.

Local Time
Switzerland is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Language
German, French, Italian and Romansch are Switzerland's official languages (and there are more than 70 regional dialects). English is usually understood in cities and major tourist areas.

Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. Most power sockets take three-pin plugs, but the standard Continental two-round-pin plug is used for most small appliances.

Local Tourist Information
There are 12 Swiss tourism regions, each with its own information offices. Here are offices for Zurich and Geneva:
Zurich Tourism Information
Bahnhofplatz 15
Phone (+41) 1-211-4000
Geneva Tourism Office
Cornavin Station
Place de Cornavin
Phone (+41) 22-738-5200

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 2 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Bank hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, with longer hours one day a week, varying by locality. Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Switzerland as in the U.S. or Canada. Banks generally offer the most competitive exchange rates for travelers checks or foreign currency, but major hotels, train stations and airports also have currency exchanges.

Tipping
Tips and service charges are regulated by law in Switzerland and thus are automatically included in all hotel and restaurant bills and most taxi fares. For special services such as luggage handling, a tip of 2 francs per bag is customary.

Business Hours
General business: 8 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. weekdays. Museums: Hours vary by region, but many museums are closed Mondays. Shopping: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays and until 4 p.m. Saturdays. Shops in smaller towns and villages are often closed Mondays. Urban post offices: 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays; 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays.

Value Added Tax
7.6%