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Economy:
Switzerland is a highly developed industrial
country with a strong export orientated economy.
Machines, synthetics and dyes, agrochemistry and
pharmaceuticals, jewellery and watches are the
main exports. 95% of all Swiss watches are
exported abroad. Switzerland is, above all,
well- known world-wide for manufacturing
precision instruments and machines. The food
industry also has a good international
reputation (Swiss chocolate, cheese and baby
food are especially famous all over the world).
It's true that Switzerland does meet about a
half of its food production requirement from
abroad; however, agriculture remains a very
important economic asset. Grain, potatoes, sugar
beet, wine, fruit and tobacco are produced.
Cattle breeding and the dairy industry are also
very famous.
Switzerland is poor in mineral resources and is
dependent on the import of raw materials. Along
with the insurance sector and the bank sector,
tourism is the most important source of income
in the tertiary sector. In addition, Switzerland
is one of the most important financial centers
in Europe. The main export markets are EU
countries such as Germany, France, Italy and
Great Britain as well as the USA and Japan.
Switzerland is a member of the European Free
Trade Association (EFTA), but not of the EU.
North of Switzerland:
Zurich Region:
Zurich is the top destination for leisure and
pleasure. Gentle hills, peaceful woods,
unpolluted lakes and rivers, picturesque
villages – all this just a stone's throw away
from the Alps. Zürich is an ideal starting point
for all kinds of varied excursions.
North-West of Switerland:
Basel Region:
Basel is a fascinating city, tourists encounter
the best of modern art and architecture at every
step. Savour fresh cherries from nearby orchards
and asparagus from the Alsace region.
West of Switzerland:
Valais:
The region with endless natural wonders. Balmy
summer warmth bathes the valley, water gurgles
from pond to pond in pine forests and vineyards.
Valais region is sure to mesmerize you with its
beauty.
Fribourg / Neuchâtel / Jura / Jura Bernois:
From the Jura range to the pre-Alpine hills,
vast elevated plains punctuate the fir trees in
lush pastures, and the beautiful farm buildings
of light-coloured Jura limestone takes ones
breath away. The Jura region is a giant park
created by nature herself, bordering France to
the north and crossed by deep canyons to the
south.
Lake Geneva Region:
One region, four worlds. They came, saw... and
stayed. Courbet, Kokoschka, Charlie Chaplin and
David Bowie are among those who settled in the
Lake Geneva region. Attracted by the Alpine
panorama and almost Mediterranean vegetation
they found it hard to part ways with the
beautiful city.
The world's smallest metropolis, cosmopolitan
Geneva is a world of its own, a world for
everyone, quite apart from the rest of
Switzerland.
Eastern Switzerland:
Eastern Switzerland/ Liechtenstein:
Eastern Switzerland stretches from the
shimmering waters of Lake Constance across the
hilly Appenzellerland to the Alpine landscapes
of Toggenburg, the Heidiland holiday region and
the Glarnerland. Far off in the Rhine Valley is
Vaduz with its princes' castle.
Graubünden:
Graubünden has the Alpine valleys descending
from high mountains with rivers in every
conceivable direction. German, Romansh and
Italian, all live together in a single canton
Central Switzerland:
Central Switzerland:
Central Switzerland is all about unlimited
freedom. Switzerland was born when the good
people of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an
alliance at the Rütli. Here, in Central
Switzerland, lies the Schöllenen Bridge which
made north-south travel across the Gotthard
range possible, and in 1871, Europe’s first cog
railroad up to Rigi marked the beginning of
tourism.
Schweizer Mittelland:
Simply grand. A slight haze tints quiet
rivers with subtle pastel hues. Impressively
vast roofs shelter prosperous Emmental
farmhouses.
Bernese Oberland:
Where nature and holidays come together.
Waterfalls crash down sheer cliff sides.
Glacier-fed creeks force their way through th
narrow Rosenlaui and Aare canyons.
South of Switzerland:
Ticino:
The Italian flair of Switzerland. The
Mediterranean region seems to begin on the
southern side of the Alps. There is a feel of
Italy, with palm trees at clean beaches and
lanes and alleyways leading to piazzas and
churches.
Transport:
The main entry points for international
flights are the airports in Zurich or Geneva.
But also Basel, Bern and Lugano have an
International airport. There is no departure tax
to pay at the airport (Included in the ticket
price). Zurich and Geneva – airport have a train
station with public-transport-connections to all
over Switzerland. From Basel-airport the yellow
buses runs every 20 minutes to the main
railway-station.
Customs Entry Regulations
Tobaccos and spirits:
These limits apply only to persons older than 17
years
200 cigarettes or 50 250 grams of pipe-tobacco
2 liters of alcohol
Passport, Visa Regulations:
Travellers wishing to enter Switzerland need a
valid passport, Visas are required for stays of
3 months or more. In general, holders of a valid
permanent residence certificate of an EU or EFTA
country, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Australia,
New Zealand, South Africa, Canada or the USA and
some other countries do not need a visa. Please
check with the nearest Swiss Embassy or
Consulate.
Security / Health / Insurance:
Switzerland have one of the lowest crime rates
of all industrialized countries. But it is
always wise to keep an eye on wallets and
luggage in busy areas. Drinking and eating-out
is hygienic and the tap water is safe.
Immunization for contagious diseases is only
required if the traveler has been in an infected
are within 14 days preceding arrival in
Switzerland. Personal travel insurance is
strongly recommended, including coverage of
personal accident, sickness, loss or damage to
luggage and personal effects and cancellation
charges.
Value Added Taxes:
The VAT you pay on purchased goods in
Switzerland is 7.6%. You may ask at the shops
for your Global Refund Cheque and reclaim the
VAT: The total purchases in a shop must amount
to CHF 400.00 (including VAT). The tourist must
be resident outside Switzerland and the goods
must be exported within 30 days. |
