Experiencing Switzerland
Culture
The culture of Switzerland is influenced by its neighbours and its international sentiment, but over the years a distinctive culture with some regional differences and an independent streak has developed. In particular, French-speaking regions have tended to orient themselves slightly more on French culture and tend to be more pro EU. In general, the Swiss are known for their long standing humanitarian tradition as Switzerland is the birth place of the Red Cross Movement and hosts the United Nations Human Rights Council. Swiss German speaking areas may perhaps be seen more oriented on German culture and can be more traditionalist and neutralist, and Italian-speaking areas can have more of an Italian culture. A region may be in some ways strongly culturally connected to the neighbouring country that shares its language. The linguistically isolated Rhaeto-Romanic culture in the eastern mountains of Switzerland is also robust and strives to maintain its rare linguistic tradition. Switzerland's entry to the Eurovision Song Contest of 1989 was in Romansh.
Many mountain areas have a strong highly energetic ski town culture in winter, and a hiking/wandering culture in summer. Some areas throughout the year have a recreational culture that caters to tourism, yet the quieter seasons are spring and autumn when there are fewer visitors and a higher ratio of Swiss. A traditional farmer and herder culture also predominates in many areas, and this connection to the land and agriculture is a strong glue holding all the Swiss together. Even though most no longer actually farm themselves, the small farms are omnipresent outside the cities, and as well many Swiss at least have a small garden plot or many window boxes with geraniums and other flowers.
A game of HornussenLike many European nations the Swiss are big fans of soccer and the national team or 'Nati' is widely supported. Swiss wrestling or "Schwingen" is an old tradition from the rural central cantons and considered the national sport. Hornussen is another indigenous Swiss sport, which is like a cross between baseball and golf. Steinstossen is the Swiss variant of stone put, a competition in throwing a heavy stone. Practiced among the alpine population since prehistoric times, it is recorded to have taken place in Basel in the 13th century. It is also central to the Unspunnenfest, first held in 1805, with its symbol the 83.5 kg Unspunnenstein. Floorball is a new sport in Switzerland that grows every year in popularity. A main factor is the professional league called Nationalliga A that draws many famous players from other countries.
Business Customs
As a prosperous, highly developed Western democracy, Switzerland's business customs and practices are similar to those of other northern European countries. While some American business representatives may find their Swiss counterparts somewhat conservative and formal, business customs in Switzerland correspond generally to those of the United States. Punctuality, particularly in German-speaking areas, is very important. Allowing ample lead-time in setting up business appointments is expected and one should not expect to "drop in" without an appointment.
Travel Advisory
A valid passport is required to enter Switzerland. Swiss residency and work permits for longer stays or employment are extremely difficult to obtain, as the Swiss government imposes severe limitations on immigration and the country's foreign work force. All foreigners, including Americans, must have a work permit before commencing employment. The complicated process of obtaining a work visa can take several months. For more information contact the Consular Section of the Swiss Embassy in Washington, or the Swiss Consular Office in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.
Switzerland continues to have a very low rate of violent crime. However, pick pocketing and purse snatchings occur, especially during peak tourist periods and during major conferences, shows, and exhibits. A typical scam used against businesspeople is for a thief to grab a briefcase in a hotel or airport while an accomplice distracts the victim. Loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported to the local police immediately and to the American Embassy in Bern at (031) 357-7234. Under most circumstances, a replacement can be issued in the course of a working day. Countrywide emergency telephone numbers are police 117; Fire 118; and Ambulance 144. There is usually an English-speaking contact available.
Visa Requirements
U.S. companies requiring travel to the United States of businesspeople resident in Switzerland should allow sufficient time for visa issuance, if required. Visa applicants should go to the following link: http://bern.usembassy.gov/hours_of_operation.html.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications are modern and, with on-going liberalization, dropping dramatically in price. Visiting U.S.-based business travelers may operate GSM-based cell phones in Switzerland. Cell phones are easily rented from vendors in Swiss airports.
Transportation
The Swiss business infrastructure is excellent. There are major international airports in Zurich, Geneva and Basel as well as smaller airports throughout the country. Road and rail networks, despite the country's mountainous terrain, are very well maintained and efficient. New high-speed trains link Zurich and Bern in less than one hour and Zurich and Geneva within two and one-half hours. Urban public transport is unsurpassed.
Language
Switzerland is a multilingual country. German is spoken by the majority of Swiss in the central and northeast portions of the country. French is the principal language of Geneva and the western cantons, and Italian is spoken in the south, especially in Ticino Canton (Lugano/Locarno). English is widely spoken in business and tourist centers throughout the country.
Health
Switzerland has excellent health care facilities. (Note: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers should check their insurance policies for specific overseas coverage.)
Business Hours & Holidays
Swiss national holidays, including U.S. holidays, in 2006 are listed below. Unlike the U.S. practice, holidays in Switzerland falling on a weekend are not taken the preceding Friday or the following Monday. Most of the holiday dates vary yearly according to the Church calendar, and many Swiss cities have one or more local holidays in addition to the national holidays indicated below. The U.S. Embassy is closed on all U.S. and Swiss holidays.
Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings
Personal effects, including laptop computers, do not need to be declared and can enter Switzerland freely. However, computer systems brought into Switzerland must be declared and a deposit must be paid covering the VAT and applicable customs duty, which is refundable on leaving the country. ATA Carnets are used widely throughout Switzerland and Europe for products shown at trade exhibitions. Trade exhibit materials can enter freely with a Carnet as long as they leave the country after the event. If the product is sold at the exhibition, applicable duties and VAT must be paid. All international trade fairs in Switzerland have customs offices that facilitate the payment of fees and clearing of items in an expeditious fashion.
