Die Broschüre Zentralschweiz

There is no uniformed federal police force, since law and order is the responsibility of each Canton. Besides the Cantonal police, Switzerland also has individual city and town police squads and non- uniformed federal police. The Swiss are generally law-abiding. You do not often see policemen on the streets, and if there is an incident, they respond quickly to a Tel call. All police officers are armed, efficient and courteous. However, the number of minor incivilities is on the increase and there is a focus on cracking down the large number of illegal immigrant workers as well, which means that you can be stopped at any time in the street and asked to show your passport, residence permit or identity card.

2.2. Crime

Compared to other European countries, Switzerland has a low crime rate, although it has increased in the last decade, particularly damage to property. Violent crimes are relatively rare. In the recent years, there has been a rise in bicycle theft; you are advised not to leave them unlocked. In the summer, gangs of burglars tend to flock to Switzerland from Eastern Europe, so it is a good idea to hide and lock-up valuables when absent from home. A safety-deposit box can easily be secured, on a rental basis, in any bank. In Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva and Basel – as in big cities everywhere - there are pickpockets. Be careful when shopping in supermarkets or in any crowded place!

2.3. Immigration

For nationals from non-European Union (EU) / European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the Swiss immigration process is fairly complex and decentralized. Each Swiss canton has a certain amount of autonomy over immigration into its canton.

2.3.1. Non EU/EFTA nationals working in

Switzerland A work authorization, visa and residence permit are required in Switzerland. A complete work and residence permit application together with documentary evidence and arguments must be sent by the employer to the appropriate cantonal immigration authority. Once this application is approved, a Swiss «entry guarantee» is issued. With the «entry guarantee», a visa can be collected at the Swiss diplomatic post in the applicant’s home country or other country of legal residence. Upon entry into Switzerland, the applicant must register with the cantonal immigration authorities and to the biometric data to finalise the process and have the permit issued. Processing times for work and residence permits vary depending on the canton, but between eight to twelve weeks is generally the average in a new hire situation. Swiss entry visas are normally issued in less than a week.

2.3.2. EU/EFTA nationals working in

Switzerland Although not a member of the EU/EFTA, Switzerland has several agreements with EU/EFTA that allow Swiss nationals to enjoy many privileges of the EU/ EFTA, and also allows EU/EFTA nationals to enjoy privileged status in Switzerland. There are however different levels of agreements depending on when the member state joined the EU/EFTA. Bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons are in full force for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Malta, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Though nationals of these countries still need to apply for Swiss work and residence permits, the consideration and issuance process is fairly straightforward and not subject to any quotas. The bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons that apply to EU member states that joined the EU in May 2004 (i.e. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia) confirm that nationals of these countries are subject to transitory immigration measures. Work and residence permits issued to nationals of these countries are subject to certain quotas and additional controls to protect the local labour market. You will need to show your work permit when purchasingacar,opening a bank account or a driver’s license, getting a mobile number, etc. As it takes some weeks to get the permit itself, you need to ask for an attestation at the “Amt für Migration” in the meantime. Although it is not a legal requirement, we do encourage you to carry your Swiss permit with you at all times, or at least a copy, especially for re- entry into Switzerland. The partner/spouse of an employee may be able to work, depending on the type of residence permit granted to the hired relocating party. A ruling allows the partner of a B-permit holder to be employed without being subject to the usual quota restrictions. They will still need to obtain permission to work. Again, the residence permit procedure will be conducted through the prospective employer. Local migration offices Rigistrasse 1, 6330 Cham T (+41) 041 784 07 84 The ZGKS (0900 008 008) has an Emergency department. For more information www.zg.ch/international/ english/individuals/health-care/hospitals-and- clinics-1 The choice of hospital or clinic depends on your health insurance cover and availability of the hospital’s relevant service. If you have basic health insurance, you will stay in a communal ward with two to four beds, semi-private in a two-bed ward and with private insurance you have your own room. For more information www.lucernehealth.com

Television Swisscom is the main provider and offers various combined packages with or without landline and combining telephone, internet, TV and/or mobile. Internet speed will vary according to the address. Alternative providers (i.e. Salt, Sunrise, UPC, local providers) can also be available depending on the address. Once applied for, this can usually be installed within a week. Should the premises be new or have been empty for a long time, an electrician will have to be contacted to reactivate the telephone line. This will be at the entering tenant’s expense. Welcome Service will provide you with up-to-date information once you have found a home. More information on www.swisscom.ch or (+41) 0800 800 800 or www.comparis.ch.

4.3. Cable TV

City apartments are sometimes connected to cable TV enabling you to receive approximately thirty basic channels with the standard subscription. More channels and different packages are available on demand. Sometimes the monthly basic subscription is included in the monthly rent. Radio/TV/Satellite outlet Optic fiber outlet Radio Number of the fiber optic cable outlet (OTO ID) Sockets for your WLAN modem (you will find out the number (1 to 4) during the activation process) TV Satellite Before moving into your house/apartment, Welcome Service will take care of all connections on your behalf.

4.1. Utilities

Utilities include the following: electricity, gas, heating and water. The amount that you pay will depend on your consumption. When renting an apartment, provisional maintenance charges (heating and hot water) are generally paid with the monthly rent to the agency. Once a year estate agents actually read meters and send the yearly breakdown to tenants. Then tenants either have to pay an additional amount or receive a refund. Electricity and gas are always billed independently by the supplier. When renting a house, all utilities are always additional to the monthly rent. Before connecting your electrical appliances, check that the voltage is 220 volts. If not, you will need to buy a transformer to convert the voltage to220volts. It is also likely that plugs will not be the same as the ones in your home country. Should this be case, you can either replace them or buy adapters. Depending on the duration of your stay in Switzerland, we do recommend that you buy new ones. All utilities (electricity, gas and water) are managed by individual providers in each canton. Provisional bills are sent usually every two months and payable within 30 days. The final meter reading is processed once a year and final invoice is sent by postmail. Some providers may propose as well Internet & telephone packages. Price of electricity

4.4. Mobile Phones

The main mobile phone operators in Switzerland are Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise. Swisscom is slightly more expensive but has one of the best quality networks. Various types of subscriptions are available with these providers depending on your frequency and type of use. Normally one must wait to have received the residence permit to be able to subscribe to a mobile phone. However through Swisscom, we can order this for you even without a permit. More information on www.swisscom.ch or www.salt.ch or www.sunrise.ch. Making a telephone call

• To call the Central Switzerland area dial the

number with area code 041

• To call other cantons dial the number with area

code (please refer to list below) Swiss telephone area codes

• To call Switzerland from another country, dial

country code (+41) + area code without 0

• To call another country from Switzerland dial

country code + area code Main international country codes

4.5. SERAFE (Radio / TV Tax)

It is a legal requirement for all Swiss residents to pay the tax if you have access to TV and/or radio programmes, and you are risking high fines if you choose not to (up to CHF 5’000.-). If you have a computer with an internet connection, and if you watch TV on internet (streaming etc) you must pay both the TV & Radio tax. The same goes if you receive TV programmes via any satellite (Sky, Canal+, etc). More information on www.serafe.ch

11.1. Import: Custom/VAT

In principle, every item sent from abroad is subject to customs duties and VAT and must be declared to Swiss Customs for taxation. Courier or postal consignments are declared by the carrier (i.e. DHL, UPS, Swiss Post, etc.) on your behalf. Once the carrier has completed the customs declaration, the amount of any tax and/or duty payable are worked out. Any charges due are billed to the recipient. Furthermore, gifts mailed from individuals living abroad to individuals in Switzerland are duty-exempt up to a value of CHF 100.-. Goods purchased on the Internet do not satisfy these conditions and are subject to duty in accordance with the general provisions.

Switzerland If you are not a European Resident, we strongly recommend you not to import your car into Switzerland Customs Clearance

• A car can be imported into Switzerland free of

tax if you have owned it for at least six months before moving to Switzerland, and you are importing it as part of your personal belongings.

• If the car has been in your possession for less

than six months, the following taxes must be paid:

- 4% of the value of the car

- 7,7% of VAT

- 12 to 15 centimes per kilo (except for

holders of a European conformity certificate)

- CO2-fees

- administrative fees

• It is preferable to have the removal company

deal with the car importation, or at least go through the same border post as the rest of your effects. If that is not possible, the car can be cleared later.

• During customs clearance at the border, you will

need the following documents:

- 18.44 Form – the official form listing your

personal belongings brought to Switzerland, including your car

- Your Swiss resident permit or your

Autorisation de Séjour

- The foreign car registration papers (called

the carte grise or grey card in Switzerland)

- Photocopy of the lease contract

- For vehicles with German plates: the

Kraftfahrzeugbrief & for vehicles from Italy: Foglio complementare

- Cash, as it is not always possible to pay with

credit cards Additional information available at Head Customs Office Tel: (+41) 058 467 15 15 Call opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00. Vehicle Control & Exhaust Emission Tests Registration

• Although you are allowed to drive your car in

Switzerland for a maximum of one year with customs authorisation (form 15.3), we advise you to make an early appointment with the garage representing your type of car and get them to prepare your car for the mandatory control and exhaust emission tests requested by the canton’s vehicle registration office. It is also recommended that the garage handles the registration of your car, this service will be billed directly from the garage to you.

• The following papers will be requested :

- 13.20A form delivered and stamped by Swiss

Customs

- 18.44 form

- Foreign registration plates

- Car registration papers (carte grise)

- Valid Swiss insurance policy

- Original EC certificate of conformity or

duplicate in French, German, Italian or English.

- Swiss residence permit

- Car service handbook showing technical and

motor specifications

- If possible, the invoice attesting to the

purchase of the car CO2 emission regulations for passenger vehicles

• The Confederation is aiming to reduce average

CO2 emissions in the case of new passenger vehicles. From 1 July 2012, a fine (sanction) will thus have to be paid when new passenger vehicles are registered for the first time if they do not reach a specific target value (on average 107 g of CO2 per km). This sanction will not, however, be imposed at the import customs clearance but will be imposed subsequently by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Therefore, when importing a new passenger vehicle for personal use, please take into account that a sanction tax may be incurred in addition to the customs clearance costs if the target value is not achieved. More detailed information can be found at the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) link below, where answers to other questions on this topic can also be found.

• Please note that your car cannot be registered in

Switzerland before you are in possession of your Swiss residence permit. Therefore you should ask a two to three month extension of your current insurance policy to cover you in Switzerland.

• You are allowed to use your own car (registered

under your name) in Switzerland for up to 1 year (from your official entry date) as long as your foreign insurance covers you here with unlimited validity despite your move.

6.2. Driving License

Your foreign driver’s license is valid in Switzerland for 12 months following your arrival date in Switzerland, but we strongly advise you to change it immediately upon your arrival. Should you get controlled by the police and do not have a Swiss driver’s license, you will be fined, and have to change your driver’s license to a Swiss one as soon as possible. To obtain a Swiss driver’s license, the following documents must be submitted:

• Application form completed

• Foreign driver’s license – the date of issue

written on your driver’s license will considered as the date you passed your driver’s test.

• Swiss residence permit

• Two colour passport photographs (please

indicate first and family name on the back of them)

• Eye test – to be obtained from an authorized

optician in Geneva

• Original identification document

• Proof of payment

A driver’s license delivered by a European country will on a general basis be sent back to the motoring administration of the country of origin. A driver’s license delivered by a non-European country will on a general basis be returned to its owner with a stamp “not valid in Switzerland”. Certain nationalities (e.g.: most African countries, Australia, New Zealand, most Asian countries, most South American countries, and most Arabic countries) will have to pass a formal driving test (approx. one hour at an additional cost).

6.3. Driving in Switzerland

There are road rules and signs that you must know; the general ones are contained in the Handbook of Swiss Traffic Regulations, published in French, German, Italian, English and Spanish. We strongly recommend you to buy it. Here are some general indications:

• You can drive a car from the age of 18

• The Swiss drive on the right-hand side of the

road

• It is compulsory for seat belts to be fastened in

both the front and back seats

• Children under the age of 12 must be seated

at the back. They can only ride in the front passenger seat if it is impossible for them to sit at the back

• Bus, taxi and cycle lanes are yellow and must be

left clear by other drivers

• Drivers on a roundabout have priority over

those entering it i.e. give way to the left

• At a stop or give way sign, priority is given to

traffic coming from the right

• If you want to drive on Swiss highways

(motorways), you must purchase (Chf 40.- / year) a sticker called a Vignette, available at the border crossings into Switzerland, post offices and petrol stations. This Vignette has to be stuck to the inside of your windshield, and be clearly visible, it gives you unlimited access to all highways (motorways) across Switzerland for the indicated year on the Vignette

• It’s forbidden to use your mobile phone whilst

driving unless you use a hands-free kit

• Public transport and pedestrians have priority

over cars

• Road signs:

Highways (motorways): green Main roads: blue Secondary roads: white

• Speed limits are

Motorways: max 120 km/h Dual carriageways: max 100 km/h, Secondary highways: max 80 km/h Urban areas: max 50 km/h Residential areas: max 30 km/h Every year, you will have to pay tax on your car based on the category of the car and the engine power. Vehicle’s tires In Switzerland, there is no legal requirement that a vehicle must be fitted with winter tires in winter. However, the driver is obliged to drive in a safe and reliable vehicle and must always be able to maintain control of the vehicle in any situation. In winter conditions, driving with summer tires, does not fulfil this obligation and is therefore punishable. If, in the event of an accident, the driver is held liable because his vehicle was not properly equipped for winter use, his insurance may reduce his benefits or even claim against him for negligence. Laws governing the use of winter tires in Europe vary from country to another and sometimes even from region to region. If you are planning to travel with your car, we highly recommend that you check the country’s regulation beforehand.

6.4. Vehicle Registration Office

Vehicle Registration Office

6.5. Buying a car in Switzerland

In order to buy a car in Switzerland, one must have a permit as well as a Swiss driver’s license. New cars - All new cars must be fitted with a catalytic converter. In most cases, cars are bought by leasehold. Some dealers grant a discount of approximately 10%. Used cars - Second-hand cars are usually in very good condition, well-maintained and available with interesting options. Garages often offer a one year guarantee; however, you should be cautious when buying from a private individual. If you are a member of TCS (Touring Club Suisse), you can ask for one of their agents to come and give the car a once over. Welcome Service can provide you with a list of new or second-hand car dealers depending on what kind of car you want to buy but you can also look at the classified ads section in the local newspapers. Autociel If you need a car while you are relocated in Switzerland, Autociel will help you find the best deals. They help you find new cars, second hand cars or even import or sell your car. It has rapidly become the leading car dealer for expatriates in the Romandie. Whatever you need or want, their team of experts, most of whom speak fluent English as well as other languages, can give you excellent advice, free of charge. More information: Tel. (+41) 021 796 37 37 or www.autociel.ch

6.6. Car Insurance

It is compulsory to have car insurance. For information, see Chapter 5.

6.7. Parking

Major cities are notorious for not offering many cheap places to park (and certainly no free parking spots) but here are some possibilities: Public Indoor Parking Expensive but you can park your car for as long as you wish. You pay when exiting, with coins or notes. Depending on where you live and on how long you stay, it is possible to apply for a monthly subscription which could be less expensive. Here are the main ones in Lucerne :

• Bahnhofparking - Bahnhofplatz - 6002 Luzern

• Parkhaus Hotel Flora - Pilatusstrasse 4 - 6003

Luzern

• Parkhaus Kantonalbank - Hirschmattstrasse 36

- 6003 Luzern

• Parkhaus Hirzenmatt - Winkelriedstrasse 36 -

6003 Luzern

• Kesselturm - Burgerstrasse 20 - 6003 Luzern

• Parkhaus AltstadtParkhaus Altstadt -

Baselstrasse 4 - 6003 Luzern

• Parkhaus am Gütsch - Baselstrasse 61A - 6003

Luzern

• Parkhaus Hotel Seehof - Schwanenplatz - 6004

Luzern

• Parkhaus Hotel Schweizerhof -

Schweizerhofquai 3 - 6002 Luzern

• Parkhaus Hotel National - Haldenstrasse 23 -

6006 Luzern

• City Parking - Zürichstrasse 9 - 6004 Luzern

For live availabilities, you can check the following website: www.pls-luzern.ch Here are the main ones in Zug :

• Casino - Zugerbergstrasse, 6300 Zug

• Arena - General-Guisan-Strasse 4, 6300 Zug

• Athene - Mänibachstrasse 5, 6300 Zug

• Bundesplatz / Coop City - Bundesplatz, 6300

Zug

• Citypark - Rigistrasse 3, 6300 Zug

• Frauensteinmatt - Frauensteinmatt, 6300 Zug

• Kantonale Verwaltung - An der Aa, 6300 Zug

• Metalli - Industriestrasse, 6300 Zug

• Neustadt-Passage - Poststrasse, 6300 Zug

• Neustadtplatz - Bundesstrasse 4, 6300 Zug

• Parkhaus Postplatz - Poststrasse 4a, 6300 Zug

• Vorstadt - Schmidgasse, 6300 Zug

For live availabilities, you can check the following website: www.pls-zug.ch White Zones Parking spaces located in white zones allow you to park for a defined maximum time, depending on the area. All parking meters accept coins and some of them accept credit cards; do not forget to place the ticket on the dash board so that it is clearly visible. White zones are free at night & on Sundays. White zones in the suburbs are always free – double check! Blue Zones A blue-zone disk is required to park in a blue-zone area, Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 19:00. The disk gives the right to park for up to one hour. Macaron This is the closest you’re going to come to parking for free downtown. The Blue Zone areas (recognisable because they are painted blue on the ground) require that you put a sign on the inside of your windshield, you are then allowed to park for 90 minutes. If you arrive at 14.45 it’s okay to start at 15.00, so you gain a bit of time. You can now buy day passes for blue zone areas for CHF 20.- and if you live in the area you can get a monthly pass for CHF 50.- only valid for the area where you live. Park & Ride These facilities, combining parking and a bus ticket, are located in Lucerne neighbourhoods near major bus lines. You park your car then you take the bus to go downtown.

6.8. Mobility Car Sharing

Mobility car sharing Switzerland provide vehicles around the clock, on a self-service basis to do what you need to do without owning a car. Mobility has 2’650 vehicles at 1’380 stations through-out Switzerland. You pick the car up at a station and use it for as long as you need and when you are finished, you return the vehicle in the same station Period of use : the shortest period of use is one hour. The maximum period you can use a mobility car is usually 16 days. Choice of station : With 1’380 mobility stations throughout Switzerland there is almost certainly a mobility car near you. You can check on: www.mobility.ch Pets with Mobility car sharing : Pets can also be transported in a Mobility car. Please make sure that they are either inside a suitable container or on a blanket, which you must provide. Parking : If a dedicated Mobility parking space is already occupied, use an authorized parking space within sight of the usual station and inform the 24h Service Center immediately on 0848 824 812. Mobility stations other than the starting station are not to be used as a parking space. Journeys Abroad: If you wish to drive the vehicle abroad, contact the 24h Service Center on 0848 824 812 to obtain an authorization. Fuel costs will be reimbursed against receipts, at the rates currently applicable in Switzerland. Special insurance cover such as European accident and breakdown cover is to be taken out at your own cost. As a general rule journey abroad are permitted only in the countries covered by the insurance. A current list of those countries can be found in the General Terms and Conditions. Reservation options : No reservation fee:

- Internet: www.mobility.ch

- Mobile reservation: www.m.mobility.ch

With reservation fee:

- 24H service center on 0848 824 812

You will find more information on the brochure: www.mobility.ch/fileadmin/files/documents/ brochures/How_it_works.pdf A mobile app is available for more information and online reservation

8.1. Hospitals

The Canton of Lucerne offers three major hospitals: 1. LUKS, Luzerner Kantonsspital. It is one of the largest hospitals in Switzerland. Its departments and institutes offer top level medical services. Comprehensive services of Luzerner Kantonsspital cover all medical fields from basic provision to highly specialized medicine. Numerous certifications in various fields. 2. Hirslanden Klinik St-Anna Sankt-Anna-Strasse 32, 6006 Luzern T (+41) 041 208 32 32 The LUKS (0900 11 14 14) has an Emergency department. The Canton of Zug offers one hospital and several clinics with specialization: 1. ZGKS, Zuger Kantonsspital. The main hospital in Zug is made of surgical, medical, gynaecological and casualty departments as well as providing anaesthestist/ intensive care and diagnostic radiology

8.2. Doctors

Depending on your health insurance contract, you can go to the doctor of your choice or may have to go to an appointed doctor. You should make an appointment before visiting the doctor. The invoice will be sent directly at your home and must be paid within 30 days. Send a copy of the invoice to your health insurance so that they can reimburse you for the consultation. Once deductible is reached, insurance will recover 90% of the cost but it could be less depending on whether the doctor is validated by the insurance (i.e. some policies do not cover alternative therapies).

The Swiss currency is divided in francs and centimes. Bank notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1’000 Swiss Francs. Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes & 1, 2, 5 francs Normal bank opening hours are from between 08:00 or 08:30 and 16:30 or 17:00 Monday to Friday. If you need cash, you can use your bank card to withdraw money from an automatic cash machine at any time, day or night, including outside of bank opening times.

10.2. Opening a bank account

One of the first things you need to do when arriving in Switzerland is to open a salary or personal bank account. The account may be opened in your name or as a joint account with your partner. Your salary will be paid directly into your bank account. We advise you to check with your employer, before opening your account, whether the company has a special agreement with a particular bank. You can also open a savings account which generates higher interest rates than a salary account. Bank account can only be opened once you have a legal address and this must be done in person. You need to bring your passport and residence permit or residence attestation delivered by the local Authorities. A few days after submitting your application, you will receive a bank card which can be used only in the bank where you have opened your account. The Maestro will allow you to make the payments at supermarkets, shops, restaurants, hairdressers, fuel stations, and any other service-provider equipped with cash points and which bear an Maestro sticker on their window. Please note that Maestro is a debit card, not a credit card.

10.3. Bank listing

The two major Swiss banks are:

• UBS – United Bank of Switzerland

More information on www.ubs.ch Click on UBS locations to find out the closest office to you.

• CS – Credit Suisse Bank

More information on www.credit-suisse.ch Click on Where to find us to find out the closest office to you. But you may prefer to find a smaller regional, cantonal, private or foreign bank. The cantonal bank in Lucerne is called Luzerner Kantonalbank. www.lukb.ch The cantonal bank in Zug is called Zuger Kantonalbank. www.zugerkb.ch Others: Raiffeisen www.raiffeisen.ch, Migros bank www.migrosbank.ch

10.4. Payment orders

Standing orders can be set up with your bank in order to pay regular bills, on the date of your choice (i.e. monthly rent of your accommodation). Payment orders can also be made by enclosing pre-printed giro payment forms and the total amount, with your instructions to the bank. You can also pay bills electronically since all Swiss banks have e-banking systems.

10.5. E-banking

In Switzerland, E-banking is a common way to manage your bank account. It allows you to find out quickly the balance of your accounts, securities positions in your custody account and obtain a consolidated overview of your assets (on request). You can also look up the details of pending or executed account credits or debits at any time. What is a QR-bill? 1. + 2. The QR-bill is divided into two parts, a receipt and the payment section . It always contains readable details about the beneficiary, to which additional information can be added. 3. The QR-code contains all the information necessary for payment. 4. The QR-IBAN is the collection account number which replaces the old account number, known as BVR member number in the format 01-xxxxxx-x . Please note, if you have a standing order whose account number changes to a QR- IBAN, do not forget to modify it. 5. The reference of the QR-bill is to be reported on your payment order in the event of manual entry, as with the old ESRs. The Swiss Postal Service is La Poste in French. La Poste offices offer two services (postal services and payments), both available at all counters. However, make sure you stand in the relevant queue to save yourself the frustration of waiting for nothing. Banking and financial transactions At the Versements counter: Pay bills with a Einzahlungsschein (orange, blue or pink giro payment form). This payment form has two parts; the largest part is for the recipient and the small portion is for you to keep as proof of payment, make sure that the clerk has stamped your receipt. Other Services At the counter:

• Send letters, packages, faxes and telegrams

• Collect registered mail, packages, etc.

• Buy stamps and telephone tax cards

• Make telephone calls

• Buy Swiss motorway obligatory sticker (Chf 40.-)

• Make photocopies

You have the choice between fast (A-grade mail or Prioritaire) and regular (B-grade mail) delivery service. A-grade mail is more expensive but it takes only one working day for delivery anywhere in Switzerland and approximately two to three days in Europe. B-grade mail takes two to three working days. If you would like to dispatch a consignment with important or valuable contents, the best solution is to send a letter with proof of delivery “Registered (R)”. It is delivered against signature only by the next working day Mondays to Fridays; also Saturdays if the address is a P.O box. If the person is away during the delivery, he is notified with a yellow paper from the post office called Abholungseinladung meaning there is a 7-day holding period at the closest post office. Opening hours: Monday-Friday: from 08:00 to 18:00 – most small branches are closed at lunch time from 12:00 to 14:00. Saturday: from 09:00 to 11:00 More information on www.post.ch or (+41) 0848 888 888

12.1.1. Supermarkets

Supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday. In the morning they open between 8:00 and 9:00 and they close around 19:00 except on Saturdays when they close at 18:00. They are open during lunch time. Most supermarket have a late opening night on Thursday evenings – closing time is 20:00 or 21:00 The two main supermarkets in Switzerland are Migros & Coop. Where there is a Migros, a Coop is not far away!

• Migros – www.migros.ch – This is a Swiss

supermarket chain which produces and sells its own products. Nowadays you may also find products of other brands. You can recognize a Migros as it is always signalled by an orange “M”. The more “M”, the bigger the Migros. “MMM” is the largest supermarket you can find in the area. Migros sells mostly food (but neither alcohol nor tobacco) but they have also opened shops which sell electronic appliances, clothes, sports accessories, do-it yourself and gardening articles.

• Coop – www.coop.ch – Coop is the main

competitor of Migros. The most important difference between the two is that in Coop outlets you can find different brands of products. Secondly, Coop sells alcohol, tobacco, and newspapers/magazines, which Migros doesn’t. Coop offers its own small product range but most of the products on sale are from big brands such as Kellogg’s, Findus, etc. Shops are closed on Sunday, but you will find small local grocery stores that remain open for a few hours on Sunday.

12.2. Shops’ opening hours

Shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 18:30 or 19:00 except on Thursday evening where some shops are open until 21:00. On Saturday, shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00. All shops are closed on Sunday.

12.3. Market

Every day of the week, there is a market in different place.

General information Dogs, cats and ferrets are deemed to be pets if a total of not more than 5 animals are imported from third countries and they

- are kept in the household out of interest in the

animals or as household companions;

- accompany their owners (or another person on

behalf of the owner);

- are not intended to be to be sold or transferred

to another owner. More specific information about importing your cats, dogs or ferret can be found at http://blv.bytix.com/plus/dbr/default.aspx?lang=en An animal health permit is required for importing dogs, cats and ferrets from third countries if they are entering Switzerland via a Swiss airport from a “rabies risk country”. This requirement for a permit does not apply to animals entering Switzerland in transit through the EU by road or rail. The animals are controlled when they enter the EU according to EU regulations. The Swiss border customs authorities make spot-check controls occasionally. With a few exceptions, it is forbidden to import and re-import dogs with docked ears and/or a cropped tail. Identification Dogs, cats and ferrets must be correctly identified with a microchip. The microchip must comply with ISO Standard 11784 and must be readable by a reading device compatible with ISO Standard 11785. Therefore, make sure your animal is fitted with a so-called “Euro-chip”, which only contains digits as identification code and no asterisks (*). If a dog is definitively imported into Switzerland, it must be taken to a veterinarian within the first 10 days of entering the country: all dogs kept in Switzerland must be registered in a database by a veterinarian. Countries of origin and rabies risks Dogs, cats and ferrets may in principle be imported as “pets” from any third country. Requirements for rabies vaccinations, laboratory tests and waiting periods vary depending on the risk of dogs, cats or ferrets becoming infected with urban rabies in the country of origin. On www.blv.admin.ch and http://www.pettravel. com/immigration/Switzerland.cfm more information can be found on the general import rules. Please be aware difference is made between EU countries and ‘third countries’. Import documents - Veterinary certificate, confirmation, pet ID A veterinary certificate is needed to enter Switzerland from third countries accompanied by dogs, cats or ferrets as pets. This must be issued by the official veterinarian responsible in the country of origin. A sample certificate can be found at www.blv. admin.ch > Bringing pets to Switzerland > Dogs, cats, ferrets from third countries. Dogs and cats aged less than 3-month old not accompanied by their mother from countries at low risk for rabies must in addition be brought in with a veterinary confirmation; ask your veterinarian for more information. No pups aged less than 3-month old may be imported from rabies risk countries. There is also no exemption permit as there is with imports from the EU. For the re-importing of Swiss animals, the Swiss pet passport is sufficient if all import regulations are met and entered in this passport. AMICUS www.amicus.ch/Account/Login is the national database for dogs. Rex Transport www.avihandling.com can assist you when travelling with pets (or when pets travel by themselves). Should you need any further specific information, please do not hesitate in contacting Welcome Service info@welcome-service.ch