Organize your stay Lausanne
Money Lausanne
The currency here is the Swiss franc, of course! In February 2024, the exchange rate is 1 euro = 0.94 francs (ISO code: CHF).
You'll need to pay in Swiss francs and withdraw Swiss francs from an ATM. This will be more convenient and, above all, more economical for you, as retailers accepting euros don't always trust the current exchange rate.
Budget & Tips Lausanne
In Switzerland, 7.7% VAT is included in the selling price of the goods. This makes electronics much cheaper than in France, where VAT is higher. If you have a new phone to buy, it may be worth going to an electronics store. Beware, however, of computers that won't have the same keyboards as those found in France!
On the other hand, food and services are much higher than in France.
The budgets we offer are calculated per person and per day.
Small budget: 120 CHF per day (night in a youth hostel or camping, two meals "on the go", a drink in the evening, additional costs).
Medium budget : 220 CHF per day (night in a small hotel, two meals in "good and cheap" restaurants, one drink in the evening, additional costs).
Large budget: from CHF 340 per day (night in a charming hotel, two meals in "good and good restaurants", taxi, one drink in the evening, additional costs).
Luxury budget: CHF 600 per day (night in a luxury hotel, breakfast, two meals in "good restaurants or luxury", one drink in the evening, additional costs).
Passport and visas Lausanne
For stays of less than three months, a valid identity card or passport is sufficient for citizens of Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and certain Latin American countries. Don't forget, even if you're arriving via the Geneva train station, you'll be asked for it when you cross the border to catch the train to Lausanne. As Lausanne and the Riviera can also be discovered by boat with the CGN company, remember to take your identity documents with you when crossing from one shore to the other.
For stays of more than three months, a residence permit is required.
Driver's license Lausanne
All you need to rent a car in Switzerland is your national or international driving license. If you're driving your own car, you'll also need a national vehicle registration certificate (carte grise).
Health Lausanne
Remember to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (free of charge, if you are up to date with your French social security) because in case of minor health problems, health costs in Switzerland are exorbitant.
Mandatory vaccination Lausanne
No vaccine is required to enter Swiss territory and there is no specific disease risk compared to France. However, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Security Lausanne
When you arrive by Geneva, you will inevitably pass in front of the customs post. If you take the TGV to Lausanne, the control, which does not always take place, is done on board the train. You will have to indicate the reasons for your journey and the goods to be declared if this is the case.
Time difference Lausanne
Switzerland and France operate in the same time zone and switch to winter and summer time at the same time.
Spoken languages Lausanne
French is spoken on the Swiss Riviera and throughout French-speaking Switzerland (20% of the Swiss population speak French). In the rest of Switzerland, German is spoken by 64% of the population, Italian by 6.5% and Romansh by a small minority in the canton of Graubünden (0.5%). Other languages are spoken by 9% of the population.
In Lausanne, there's a good mix, with 58% Swiss and 42% foreigners. In fact, there are as many as 162 nationalities! If you speak English, that might help, and Portuguese too, as the Portuguese-speaking community is so well represented. But don't worry, everyone speaks French here!
Electricity and measurements Lausanne
Electricity is 220 V AC and 50 Hz. The electrical outlets are different from the French ones. However, you can plug your "flat" plugs into them. You will find adapters for grounding plugs in most shopping centres.
Luggage Lausanne
There's nothing special to come, except maybe some warm things for the winter. In summer, think about your swimsuit: swimming in the lake is really divine to cool down. But whatever the season, don't forget rainproof gear!
When you return home with new products bought during your holidays, avoid keeping them in their original packaging or box. In the event of a border check, customs officials may suspect you of trying to resell the products on French soil (this is especially true for electronics, which is much cheaper in Switzerland than in France) and will make you pay additional taxes (French VAT).
