PRACTICAL INFORMATION
VISA INFORMATION
In general, the purpose and duration of one’s stay define the terms of the entrance to Switzerland . Switzerland is part of the Shengen Agreement: it regulates short-term stays (≤ 90 days over a period of 180 days) and includes touristic and business travels, as well as visits to relatives or friends. The rules regulating entry to Switzerland and the travel visa requirements depend on the country of origin.
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We recommend contacting the Swiss representation in your country in order to obtain more information regarding the necessary documents for your journey to Switzerland.
You can find more information and details about the required travel documents on the official Swiss Confederation website.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The climate in Ticino is mild throughout the year, characterized by moderate temperature fluctuations between seasons. The typical temperatures in early September are in the medium-high range (average 22°C) with cool mornings and evenings, but warm afternoons.
You can obtain further information about the weather in Ticino and forecasts for Locarno by downloading the MeteoSwiss app or visiting the website.
DOWNLOAD THE METEOSWISS APP HERE
TICINO TICKET
Visitors who stay in a hotel, hostel or campsite, will receive a “Ticino Ticket” upon checking in, which offers certain benefits during their stay in Ticino. This includes free public transportation, but also discounts on cable cars, ferries and for certain tourist attractions.
HOW TO GET AROUND TICINO
AND THE LOCARNO REGION
Ticino has a comprehensive public transportation network, which makes it easy to travel all around the region.
Trains and buses are the main means of public transportation within and between cities in Ticino. The timetables and fares can be found on the SBB/CFF/FFS website (button below) or the SBB/CFF/FFS Mobile app.
The Locarno region is easily accessible, thanks to the Regional bus line and the Ticino railway (FART) network. When taking a bus, make sure to check the number of the bus and its final destination, as buses can have the same number but go in different directions.
Visitors who stay in a hotel, hostel or campsite, after the checking-in, will receive a “Ticino Ticket”, which allows them to use public transport in and around Ticino for free.
DOWNLOAD THE SBB/CFF/FFS APP HERE
BIKE SHARING
Velospot is an automatic bike-sharing system in the Locarno region. Station-points, where bicycles can be picked up or dropped off, are available throughout the region. In order to use the sharing system, you must first register in the Locarno region using the Velospot app. The prices, terms and conditions of bike sharing are available on the official web site (button below). Payments can only be made via credit card.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
NEW CORONARIVURS
Information and details about Covid-19 can be found on the official Swiss Confederation website in the section dedicated to the Federal Office of Public Health.
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ACCESIBLE TOURISM
Ticino offers a variety of infrastructures and services to facilitate and make the stay of those with reduced mobility enjoyable. All the relevant information is available in Tourist Offices.
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Time zone
Summer time: UTC +2 CEST (central european summer time).
Electricity
The power socket types in use in Switzerland are type C (2-pin) and type J (3-pin). The C type also fits into the J type. The used electrical current is 220 Volts. Participants from foreign countries are advised to bring an adaptor with them. Adaptors may also be available in some hotels.
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Currency
The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
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Emergency calls
117 | Police
118 | Fire
144 | Ambulance
112 | European emergency number
