Travel tips · Zurich · Switzerland
Zurich travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Zurich is orderly, punctual and discreet, with a strong sense of civic pride and a relaxed, outdoorsy side in summer when the city moves to the lake and river. Swiss German dialect is spoken day to day, but standard German and English are widely understood. Recycling, quiet hours and timekeeping are taken seriously.
Key facts
- Language
- German
- Currency
- CHF
- Plugs
- Type J sockets (also fit two-pin Type C plugs), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is excellent, and most public fountains in the city supply drinking…
- Emergency
- 112 general emergency, 117 police, 144 ambulance, 118 fire
Things to know
- Greet shop and restaurant staff with 'Grüezi' (or 'Grüezi mitenand' to a group).
- Be punctual for reservations, tours and meetings.
- Respect quiet hours in residential buildings, typically late evenings and Sundays.
- Stand on the right on escalators and wait for others to leave trams before boarding.
- Separate recycling where bins are provided; littering is frowned upon.
- In lake and river baths, follow the posted rules and use the changing areas provided.
- Book Lindt Home of Chocolate ahead: Timed tickets often sell out at weekends and in school holidays; book online in advance.
- Book Thermalbad & Spa Zürich ahead: Entry is often limited at busy times; reserve a slot online if possible.
- Refill bottles at the city's public fountains, which supply drinking water.
Tipping
Service is included in prices. Rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good table service is customary but not required.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Grüezi | Hello (formal) |
| Merci vilmal | Thank you very much |
| Exgüsi | Excuse me |
| Proscht | Cheers |
| Uf Widerluege | Goodbye |
What to wear
Zurich dresses smart-casual and understated. Bring comfortable shoes for cobbles and hills, a swimsuit in summer for the baths, and warm, waterproof layers from November to March.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type J sockets (also fit two-pin Type C plugs), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is excellent, and most public fountains in the city supply drinking water.
- Emergency number
- 112 general emergency, 117 police, 144 ambulance, 118 fire
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is excellent; EU roaming deals do not always include Switzerland, so check your plan or buy an eSIM. Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Time zone
- Europe/Zurich
Zurich is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpockets operate around the main station and on crowded trams. Swim only at official baths, as the Limmat's current is strong, and expect some drug dealing and street sex work around Langstrasse at night.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Switzerland's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Zurich?
Service is included in prices. Rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good table service is customary but not required.
+Can you drink the tap water in Zurich?
Tap water is excellent, and most public fountains in the city supply drinking water.
+What plugs are used in Zurich?
Type J sockets (also fit two-pin Type C plugs), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Zurich?
German.