Practical Information
Car
Thanks to the highly efficient road network through Switzerland and Europe, Geneva is easily accessible by car. Note that a motorway “vignette” is compulsory to drive motorways in Switzerland. Valid for 1 year, the vignette costs CHF 40.00 and is on sale at post offices, petrol stations and custom offices.
Official Hotel
IFRA has a negotiated a special accommodation price with the event venue, the Marriott Hotel Geneva, at 233.75 CHF per night including breakfast, VAT and city tax. You can book your room using the map at the bottom of this page.
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF or SFr). Average rate: 1 EURO – 1 CHF. The exchange rate for the Euro and the Swiss Franc is not officially fixed and is subject to daily market fluctuations. Conversion rates are available at foreign exchange offices and banks.
Electricity
220 volts. Plug type J, socket converters are available in local shops.
Language
There are 4 official languages in Switzerland: French, German, Italian and Romansh. The official language in the western part of Switzerland and in Geneva is French. Due to its international character, other languages such as English, German, Spanish and Italian are often spoken in Geneva.
Tipping
Prices in hotels, restaurants, and taxis include taxes and services. A tip, therefore, is not indispensable but justified for good services.
Climate
Geneva has a temperate climate, temperatures range from -2 to +5°C (28 to 41°F) in winter and 12 to 28°C (54 to 82°F) in summer.
Emergency Numbers
In the event of an emergency, keep calm and dial one of the following numbers:
- 117 - Police: call the police in case of an assault, an accident, a theft, threats.
- 118 - Fire brigade: call the fire brigade in case of a fire, an accident, the rescue of people or animals, extrication from a vehicle, chemical incidents, flooding.
- 144 - Medical emergencies: call the ambulances and doctors switchboard in the event of a medical emergency.
- List of embassies / consulates in Switzerlandhere.