Switzerland experiences a variety of climates due to its diverse geography. Winters (December to February) are cold and snowy — particularly within mountainous regions — and temperatures can reach as low as \-2°C (28.4°F) here. Spring (March to May) sees warming temperatures of up to 20°C (68°F), melting snow and moderate rainfall, and Summer is warm and pleasant, with sunny temperatures ranging from 10 to 26.7°C (50 to 80.06 °F). Autumn sees mild to cool temperatures, ranging from around 9 to 20°C (48.2 to 68°F).

The best time to visit Switzerland really depends on what you’re looking to do. Summer (June to August) is the best time to come if you’re looking to go hiking and enjoy outdoor activities. The weather is warm and pleasant, and the days are long, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors. Winter (December to February) is the best time to come for skiing and snowboarding, and Spring (March to May) is the time to come if you’re wanting to see alpine blooms and avoid the crowds. Finally, Autumn (September to November) is perhaps the most photogenic time to visit the country.

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Internet access in Switzerland is generally excellent, with widespread availability and high speeds all throughout the country. You’ll find plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots in cities and towns, train stations and ski resorts, as well as free Wi-Fi in many hotels, restaurants and cafés. Please also be aware that if you’re using data on your phone from outside the EU, you may be subject to roaming charges.

In a word, yes , there are plenty of ATMs in Switzerland. You’ll find them in cities, towns, and even in many rural areas too. Most ATMs will dispense Swiss Francs (CHF), and some in border areas may also dispense Euros too. Check with your bank for withdrawal fees before you travel. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: [www.xe.com](http://www.xe.com).

In a word, yes, Switzerland is generally very LGBTQ+-friendly — especially in urban areas. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since July 2022, and cities like Zurich, Geneva and Basel have a thriving LGBTQ+ scene with numerous bars, clubs and events on throughout the year. There are even LGBTQ+-themed skiing weeks. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).

Switzerland has four official languages. German is spoken by around 62.3% of the population, which is generally spoken in the Central and Eastern regions. French is spoken by 22.8% of the population — predominantly in the Western region of the country — and Italian, Romansh and English are also widely spoken here.

Yes — the tap water in Switzerland is arguably some of the purest water to drink in the whole world. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle for environmental reasons as there are numerous filling stations.

Yes — Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It has a very low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of living. Plus, the country is known for its political neutrality and stability, which contributes to its overall safety. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).