It seems there are rules and laws for almost everything in Switzerland. Here's what travelers need to know to avoid embarrassment from the Swiss.
Photo © Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli
Switzerland is one of the safest countries to travel to in Europe, despite a few minor scams and pickpockets, nd there's generally nothing to worry about when it comes to crime and your safety.
In each Swiss canton (state) there are different traditions and ways of doing things, and the mountain villages all have a unique set of rules. Similar to the way laws differ between states in the USA, and even Australia.
Swiss law states general things that each of the cantons must follow, but each canton might do things a little differently.
National security in Switzerland
For a neutral country, it takes security pretty seriously, and you'd be well advised to be respectful of that. Citizens and visitors in Switzerland must carry identification at all times. If you are stopped without valid identification (a driver's license or photocopy of your passport), you could be taken in for questioning by police.
Switzerland still has National Service in the armed forces, where each able-bodied Swiss man has to spend time each year in a training camp that forms part of the military. Soldiers must keep a gun in their home, which is a part of the military framework in readiness for potential conflict.
Similar to common laws elsewhere around the world, don't take photos of military installations or activities, unless you want to spend a few hours explaining yourself to authorities.
During the Cold War, Switzerland declared that each house must have a nuclear fallout shelter. These are still around, and each citizen has a list of emergency items that must be kept in the home at all times in readiness for a civil emergency.
What's illegal in Switzerland?
Here's what you need to know.
- It is forbidden to jaywalk or cross the street on a red light. If you are caught by the police, a fine for jaywalking will be imposed on the spot
- Drug possession is also taken very seriously and there are heavy penalties, jail sentences and fines depending on the type of narcotic found
- Taking drugs across an international border automatically constitutes drug trafficking and has a heavy penalty
- The Swiss like the neighborhood to be tidy, and each citizen must keep their home in order. The police have been known to visit homes where washing is not hung out tidily enough on the line
- Good Samaritan laws are in place in Switzerland, so if you see something bad happen or someone is in trouble, the least you must do is call the police (dial 117). If you do not even try to help out, you could be in trouble
Customs and etiquette in Switzerland
Follow these rules to make a good impression while you visit.
- The Swiss shake hands on the first meeting but friends greet each other with three kisses on the cheek- right, left, right
- It's polite to say hello and goodbye when you enter and leave a shop
- Punctuality is important, and being late is considered rude
- There is mutual respect for neighbors in Switzerland. This can be taken to extreme lengths, for example, many towns have special party houses in woodlands where people can host events to avoid making noise where they live, potentially disturbing their neighbors
- Littering is frowned upon, the country has high rates of recycling and everyone is expected to contribute
- Sundays are particularly sacrosanct, and it is forbidden to use a washing machine or a lawnmower so that the neighborhood is not disturbed. Many who work as concierge at hotels or hostels have become frustrated when foreign travelers ask to wash their clothes on a Sunday – so keep this in mind
- During winter it is a citizen's responsibility to clear ice and snow from their paths so that people do not fall or slip. If the neighbor is elderly or ill, it is the responsibility of the other neighbors to clear their paths.
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