General information
Electricity: The power supply runs at 220V and 50Hz. The outlets accept the Swiss plugs (SEV 1011) and Europlugs (CEE 7/16).
Telephone: The international calling code for Switzerland ist 41, the prefix for international calls is 00. There are multiple city/area codes in use in Zurich: 44 and 43.
Time zone: The time zone in Switzerland (in the summer) is Central European summer Time (CEST = Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) + 2hours)
Currency: Swiss currency is the Swiss Francs (CHF). Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are almost everywhere accepted. Mot ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card or your foreign debit card, but you will need to know your card's PIN for that.
Tipping: There is no obligation to tip anybody in restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels. Swiss Federal law has required that all service charges and taxes be included in published prices. the tip is mainly a matter of politeness and shows your appreciation of the service. The golden rule in restaurants is to round up. If you wish to thank the server for good service you should generously round up the bill. So for small amounts you will round up to the nearest Swiss franc and for bigger the nearest 5 or 10.
Opening hours: As a rule of thumb: shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays. Grocery stores (two main chans are Coop and Migros) are open mostly from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Shops (including pharmacies) are closed on Sundays, except for those at airports, at some railway stations and highway rest stops. If you need to buy something on Sunday in Zurich, your best bet is the shopping mall under the main train station. Restaurants are typically open from 11:30 am until 12:00 pm. Many are closed during the afternoon.
Smoking: Smoking is generally banned in all restaurants, cafés, public buildings and on all forms of public transport. Smokers should be prepared to step outside if they want to light up.
Airport: Zurich Kloten Airport (ZRH)
Taxi: +41 44 444 44 44