Visa and passport information
Visa and passport issues are in the responsibility of participants.www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home.html
www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
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Currency and exchange
The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Foreign currency can be exchanged at Swiss banks (Credit Suisse, UBS, Zürcher Kantonalbank, etc), trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers.1 Euro = 1.55 Swiss Franc
Notes are in denominations of:
CHF 1'000 - CHF 200 - CHF 100 - CHF 50 - CHF 20 - CHF 10
Coins are in denominations of:
CHF 5 - CHF 2 - CHF 1 - CHF 0.50 - CHF 0.20 - CHF 0.10 - CHF 0.05
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Banks and credit cards
BankingRegular banking hours in Switzerland are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Several major European and foreign banks have offices in Switzerland, and will handle some foreign currencies directly. Most banks have automatic cash machines (ATM), which are accessible 24 hours a day.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted. Cash machines (ATM) with 24-hour access are available in many convenient locations throughout Zurich.
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Shopping
Zürich. Unlimited shopping pleasure.
From luxury to international brands, traditional businesses and urban Zürich labels - shopping in Zürich inspires both lovers of exclusive items and the fashion conscious. 'Lädele' is what Zürich residents call strolling through the many diverse districts of the city and the region's old towns to shop. Zürich. Unlimited shopping pleasure.
Zurich is the most attractive shopping city in Switzerland, with a large variety of shops within reach of everyone's budget.
The shopping streets are situated in the city center around Bahnhofstrasse and the old city. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. (late night shopping on Thursday).
In the centre there are also a number of charming department stores like Globus, Jelmoli, St. Annahof and Manor (all located at Bahnhofstrasse). All of them have a supermarket mostly located downstairs with varieties of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish.
Market days in Zurich:
Tuesday & Friday (6 am - 11 am) at Bürkliplatz
Tuesday & Friday (6 am - 11 am) at Helvetiaplatz
Flea Market Bürkliplatz
Every Saturday (6.00 am to 4.00 pm) at Bürkliplatz
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Smoking and tipping
SmokingSmoking is not permitted by law in public buildings.
Tipping
In Switzerland, all taxes and services are included in the restaurant and hotel bills. If you're happy with the service / food you can round up the number to the next figure (for example: CHF 38.50 to CHF 40).
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Transportation
Zurich is situated in the heart of Europe and in the center of Switzerland and easily accessible from everywhere - by train, car or plane.In Zurich almost everything is accessible on foot. Otherwise trams, buses and taxis are available. Never get stuck in a traffic jam again! Public transport gets you where you want to go faster.
www.vbz.ch/vbz_opencms/opencms/vbz/english/index.html
www.zvv.ch/en/
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Zurich on Wheels - Free Bicycle Rentals in Zurich
From May to October, in Zurich, you can hire any of over 200 robust City Bikes completely free of charge, seven days a week. Bikes can be picked up at the following locations against presentation of a valid form of ID and a deposit of CHF 20: Globus City (9am-9.30pm), Bürkliplatz (9am-9.30pm), Oerlikon-Swissôtel (10am-9.30pm), Bahnhof Enge (10am-9.30pm). Bikes are available all year round at the Velogate (Swiss National Museum) and at the Bike Station South (Sihlpost).www.zuerirollt.ch
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Customs and duty free
For information on allowed and restricted goods please seewww.ezv.admin.ch/index.html?lang=en
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Electricity and appliances
Four- and five-star hotels often provide North American-style 120 volts, 60 Hz sockets (points) as well.
Check your appliances before leaving home to see what you'll need to plug in when you travel in Switzerland.
Many appliances with their own power adapters (such as laptop computers and digital cameras)--can be plugged into either 110-120-volt or 220-240-volt sockets/points and will adapt to the voltage automatically.
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Emergency services
In case of emergency please dial- 117 for Police
- 144 for Ambulance
- 118 for Fire Department
If you're calling from a mobile phone, please dial 112 for all emergencies. This is the European Emergency Number.
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Liability and insurance
Waiver of liabilityWhen registering for the IUMI 2010 Conference, all participants agree that neither the Organising Committee nor the Conference Organiser shall bear any liability whatsoever, including in the event of the cancellation of the conference due circumstances beyond the reasonable control of either party (force majeur).
Insurance
Participants are advised to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.
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