IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL - Business Customs As a prosperous, highly developed Western democracy with a modern market economy, Switzerland's business customs and practices are similar to those of other northern European countries. While some American business people might find their Swiss counterparts somewhat conservative in such things as dress and the formal use of family (rather than first) names, conducting business in Switzerland is quite similar to how business operates in the United States. Punctuality, particularly in German-speaking Switzerland, is highly valued. Allowing ample lead time in setting up business appointments is also considered polite; one should not expect to "drop in" without appointment on a business client. - Travel Advisory and Visas A valid passport is required to enter Switzerland, but a Swiss visa is not for business trips of up to ninety days. However, a permit is required for foreign executives visiting their Swiss operations for more than eight days in a three-month period. Swiss residency and work permits for longer stays and/or employment are extremely difficult to obtain, as the Swiss government has imposed severe limitations on immigration and the country's foreign work force. All foreigners, including Americans, must have a work permit before commencing employment. The complicated process of obtaining a work visa takes several months. For more information, contact the Consular Section of the Swiss Embassy in Washington, or the nearest Swiss Consular Office in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco (addresses are listed in Appendix C). Switzerland is a stable, prosperous democracy with a low rate of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and purse-snatching do occur, especially during peak tourist periods and when major conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities. A typical scam used against businessmen is for a thief to grab an attache case in a hotel or airport lobby while an accomplice distracts the victim. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported to the local police immediately and to the American Embassy in Bern at (031) 357-7234. Under most circumstances, a replacement can be issued during the course of a working day. Countrywide emergency telephone numbers are: Police 117; Fire 118; and Ambulance 144. There is usually an English-speaking contact available. - Holidays The Swiss national holidays in 1994 and 1995 are listed below. Please note that unlike the U.S. practice, holidays in Switzerland falling on a weekend are not compensated for on the following Monday; most of the holiday dates change each year according to the Church calendar; and each city in Switzerland also has one or more specific local holidays in addition to the national holidays indicated below. U.S. Embassies and Consulates are closed on all U.S. and Swiss holidays. 1994 January 1 (Saturday) New Year's January 2 (Sunday) Baerzelistag April 1 (Friday) Good Friday April 4 (Monday) Easter Monday May 12 (Thursday) Ascension Day May 23 (Monday) Whitmonday August 1 (Monday) Swiss National Day December 25 (Sunday) Christmas December 26 (Monday) St. Stephans Day 1995 January 1 (Sunday) New Year's January 2 (Monday) Baerzelistag April 14 (Friday) Good Friday April 17 (Monday) Easter Monday May 25 (Thursday) Ascension Day June 5 (Monday) Whitmonday August 1 (Tuesday) Swiss National Day December 25 (Monday) Christmas December 26 (Tuesday) St. Stephans Day - Business Infrastructure The Swiss business infrastructure is excellent. The country is served by major international airports in Zurich and Geneva, and smaller ones in Basel and other regional centers. The road and rail networks, despite the country's mountainous terrain, are efficient and well-maintained. The urban public transportation system is unsurpassed. The Swiss enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world, with an exceptionally high cost of living to match. Everything is available, albeit at prices higher than in the United States, from modern communications, a wide variety of food, good housing, well developed tourist facilities, to excellent health care. (Note: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers should check their companies for specific overseas coverage.) Switzerland is a multilingual country. The majority of Swiss in the center and northwestern part of the country speak German. French is the principal language of Geneva and the western third of Switzerland, and Italian is spoken in the south, especially Ticino Canton (Lugano/Locarno). English is also widely spoken in business and tourist centers throughout the country.