Staying Safe in Switzerland
Local Laws
When you're visiting Switzerland, it's good to know a few things about their rules and what locals generally do. For instance, you can't just cross the street anywhere or when the light is red – you might get a fine right then and there. They're also pretty strict about drugs, and getting caught can lead to serious trouble, like hefty fines or even jail time.
In certain areas, specifically the cantons of Ticino and St. Gallen, it's against the law to cover your face in public. This means things like balaclavas or full veils aren't allowed, and you could face a fine if you don't follow this. Littering is also a big no-no, and there are strict rules about how you dispose of your trash. Recycling is really important here, and you might even need to use specific bags for your rubbish.
When you're on public transport, especially in the "quiet carriages," please keep the noise down. It's also a good idea to have your identification with you at all times; a driver's license or a copy of your passport will do. You should also be mindful of military areas and avoid taking pictures of them.
If you're planning on driving, remember that headlights must be on at all times, and there's a strict 0.05% blood-alcohol limit. When it comes to paying for things, it's common to round up the bill or leave a small tip of about 5-10% for good service, although a service charge is often already included. Generally, Swiss people are quite reserved in public, so it’s best to keep conversations quiet and avoid striking up conversations with people you don’t know.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Switzerland is a welcoming and secure destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country has strong legal protections in place, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption in 2022, and anti-discrimination laws covering sexual orientation.
While major cities like Zurich and Geneva embrace a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and high public acceptance, visitors may find social attitudes in more rural areas to be somewhat more conservative, though generally still safe. Overall, the legal framework and evolving societal views contribute to a positive experience for LGBTQ+ individuals visiting the nation.
Scams
When visiting Switzerland, it's wise to be aware of a few common scams that travelers might run into. One you might see is the "white van speaker scam," where someone aggressively tries to sell you speakers from a white van, but they're usually not very good quality. Another is the "bonneteau" game, which is a bit like the shell and pea game. While it's illegal in Geneva, you might still encounter it elsewhere.
You should also be careful of people who pretend to be deaf and ask for money or signatures. Often, this is just a way to distract you so someone else can pickpocket you. Similarly, watch out for individuals who claim to be ticket inspectors or police officers and ask to see your ID or ticket; they might be trying to get an opportunity to steal from your wallet.
There are also "free stuff" scams where people might offer or even push souvenirs on you, only to then demand payment. We've also heard about ATM scams where the card slot has been tampered with to trap your card. Lastly, when booking accommodation, be mindful of fake online listings. It's always safest to book your hotel through well-known and trusted websites.
Crime
While serious crime is uncommon in Switzerland, tourists should be aware of petty theft. This is more likely to happen in busy tourist spots and on public transport, even on overnight trains. You might encounter bag snatching, pickpocketing, or theft from cars, even when they're stuck in traffic.
Often, thieves work together; one might distract you while the other makes off with your belongings. Places like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, and airports (especially Geneva), as well as train stations, tend to have higher reports of this kind of crime.
To stay safe, it’s a good idea to keep your valuables secure and close to you, ideally in front. Also, be mindful of your alcohol consumption in nightlife areas, as being overly intoxicated can make you more vulnerable.
