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Switzerland Local time: 07:52 PM

Chp 08: Business Travel

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.

Swiss Official Representation in the USA :

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

Information about U.S. visa policy and procedures: http://travel.state.gov/visa

Information sheet for U.S. citizens traveling to Switzerland: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1034.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.)

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

Swiss national holidays, including U.S. holidays, in 2007 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.

January 1 Monday New Year's Day
January 2 Tuesday Berchtoldstag
January 15 Monday Martin Luther King
February 19 Monday President's Day
April 06 Friday Good Friday
April 09 Monday Easter Monday
May 17 Thursday Ascension Day
May 28 Monday Memorial Day / Whit Monday
July 4 Wednesday Independence Day
August 1 Wednesday Swiss National Day
September 3 Monday Labor Day
October 8 Monday Columbus Day
November 12 Monday Veterans Day
November 22 Thursday Thanksgiving
December 25 Tuesday Christmas Day
December 26 Wednesday St. Stephens Day
December 31 Monday New Year's Eve

Temporary Entry of Materials and 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.

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