General Information
The Matterhorn Region
The Matterhorn Region (Canton Valais) is situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps bordering Italy and France.
Topography
150 km long valley, nestled in the Heart of the Alps, surrounded by forty-seven 4’000 meter impressive peaks. The Rhone river flows through the valley, creating a fertile landscape for wine and fruits.
Languages
The official languages in the Matterhorn Region are French and German. Beside of this a lot of people speak also English very well.
Principal towns and resorts
Sion the capital town with 27’000 inhabitants and its main resorts: Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Saas-Fee, VERBIER St.Bernard and Zermatt.
Industry
Tourism, wine production, agriculture and chemical industry.
Important phone numbers
The following numbers can be dialed for information Emergency Calls:
117 Police
118 Fire Brigade
144 Ambulance (not in all areas)
1414 Swiss rescue
Phone numbers for informations services:
1811 Numbers of subscribers within Switzerland, doctors, theatres, etc.
140 Motoring assistance
162 Weather report
163 Conditions of traffic, roads and passes
187 Avalanche Bulletin
Security and Health
Switzerland has one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialised countries. But it is always wise to keep an eye on wallets and luggage in busy areas. Drinking and eating-out is hygienic and tap water is safe. Immunisation for contagious diseases is only required if the traveller has been in an infected area within the preceding 14 days. Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended. This insurance should cover personal accidents, sickness, loss or damage to luggage and personal effects and cancellation charges. Winter-sports policies are also obtainable.
Electricity
The current used throughout Switzerland is 220 volts, 50 cycles. The power sockets, difffer from those used in moste countries. Adaptors can be obtained in most hotels.
Tipping
A service charge ist normally included in restaurant, hotel bills and taxi fares. An extra tip is not expected but is appreciated.
Passports & Visas
Every traveler must have a valid passport. Visa are required for a continuous stay of more than three months. If your stay is shorter than three months you only need to bring your valid passport with you. This applies to citizens of the following countries: countries of the American Continent (except Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Peru), Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Customs Duty-and tax free imports per person
Used personal effects Used personal effects, such as clothing, underwear,toilet articles, sports gear, photo and film cameras, camcorders, portable computers, musical instruments, and other articles for general use.
- Provision
Foodstuff and non-alcoholic beverages for the day of travelling.
- Cash
Importation and exportation of cash are not subjected to restrictions.
- Tobaccos and spirits
These limits apply only to persons older than 17 years
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of pipe-tobacco
• 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15% vol.) and 1 liter of alcohol (over 15% vol.)
- Other goods
For other private goods there is a total value limit of CHF 300.- per person
Currency
Please note that Switzerland remains with the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in euros so that visitors may compare prices.
Have also a look under the helpful information of Switzerland Tourism
