Northern Switzerland, Switzerland
Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt are the main mobile providers. You will need your passport for registration. ESIM is a convenient digital option.
Public Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. Basel city also provides free public Wi-Fi in certain central areas.
German is the main official language in Basel, with Swiss German (Baslerdytsch) as the local dialect. French is also commonly understood.
Swiss Post offices are efficient and reliable for sending postcards, letters, or parcels. They offer domestic and international shipping.
English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:30/7:00 PM. Saturdays: typically close around 5:00 PM. Most shops remain closed on Sundays.
Larger supermarkets (Coop, Migros) from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekdays. Shorter hours on Saturdays. Some train station branches may open Sundays.
Banks: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. ATMs are available 24/7. Pharmacies: Similar to shops, some larger ones have extended hours or emergency services.
Lunch service generally runs from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Dinner service typically begins around 6:00 PM and lasts until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.
Switzerland observes public holidays when most businesses are closed. Some smaller attractions may have reduced hours in low season.
Always verify opening hours and holiday schedules for attractions and businesses before your visit.
Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience.
A handshake is common for introductions. 'Grüezi' is a formal greeting. Dress generally leans towards casual but neat.
Punctuality is valued for reservations. Service charge is included, rounding up (5-10%) for good service is appreciated.
Photography for personal use is permitted in public spaces. Be mindful of privacy. Avoid sensitive topics with strangers.
Switzerland is a progressive country with strong legal protections against discrimination. Basel is generally considered welcoming and inclusive.
Adhering to local customs, like politeness and punctuality, shows appreciation and enriches your travel experience.
Basel strives to be an accessible city, making efforts to accommodate travelers with mobility challenges and other specific needs.
Switzerland has good infrastructure for accessibility. Newer public transport vehicles are often low-floor.
Many major museums have ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms. Basel's public transport system is increasingly accessible.
Major public transport announcements often include both visual displays and auditory announcements. Service animals are generally allowed.
Consult specific attraction websites for detailed information. Contact Basel Tourist Information for guidance.
For complex accessibility needs, advance contact with venues is helpful.
Historical areas may have challenging surfaces for mobility aids.
Basel strives to accommodate all travelers, with ongoing efforts to improve accessibility across its infrastructure and attractions.
