Safety Handbook - Revision history

David Barquero: /* Public transport */

2026-08-11T09:43:52Z

Public transport

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:43, 11 August 2026
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	However, be careful at night. Try to look for compartments with other people in it rather than being alone in a train carriage. It is also advisable to avoid being alone in train stations at night. Ask your host parents about the situation in your region, as they will know best.		However, be careful at night. Try to look for compartments with other people in it rather than being alone in a train carriage. It is also advisable to avoid being alone in train stations at night. Ask your host parents about the situation in your region, as they will know best.

	Make sure that you always have a valid ticket. If you do not and get caught, you will get a fine of '''90 Swiss Francs (approx. USD ~~110~~)'''! Further offenses will result in increasing fines and entry into a database. Ticket inspectors are usually unsympathetic even if you start crying and tell them a moving story of a lost exchange student who does not yet know how the ticket machine works. Ticket inspection can occur on any transit route at any time, even by plainclothes inspectors; it is best to have your ticket ready for inspection and to be cooperative. '''Students are responsible for paying any public transport fines issued against the student.'''		Make sure that you always have a valid ticket. If you do not and get caught, you will get a fine of '''100 Swiss Francs (approx. USD 125)'''! Further offenses will result in increasing fines and entry into a database. Ticket inspectors are usually unsympathetic even if you start crying and tell them a moving story of a lost exchange student who does not yet know how the ticket machine works. Ticket inspection can occur on any transit route at any time, even by plainclothes inspectors; it is best to have your ticket ready for inspection and to be cooperative. '''Students are responsible for paying any public transport fines issued against the student.'''

	As there are so many trains and buses in Switzerland, most host students can get overwhelmed at the beginning of their exchange. Every year, a few exchange students get lost while using public transport. For this reason, make sure you have your host family's phone number with you when you start taking trains on your own. Do not be embarrassed to call them when you are lost. They will be able to guide you home safely. Transit timetables are often at regular intervals. Its best to consult local schedules at transit stops as service may differ on weekends and during holidays. When hiking in the mountains, its best to memorize the schedule of chairlifts, funiculars and cable cars. Be aware that most chairlift and cable car services can end before the evening, leaving you stranded on a mountain, with a long hike to get back down.		As there are so many trains and buses in Switzerland, most host students can get overwhelmed at the beginning of their exchange. Every year, a few exchange students get lost while using public transport. For this reason, make sure you have your host family's phone number with you when you start taking trains on your own. Do not be embarrassed to call them when you are lost. They will be able to guide you home safely. Transit timetables are often at regular intervals. Its best to consult local schedules at transit stops as service may differ on weekends and during holidays. When hiking in the mountains, its best to memorize the schedule of chairlifts, funiculars and cable cars. Be aware that most chairlift and cable car services can end before the evening, leaving you stranded on a mountain, with a long hike to get back down.

David Barquero: Protected "Safety Handbook" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite)) [cascading]

2025-08-08T07:18:10Z

Protected "Safety Handbook" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite)) [cascading]

← Older revision	Revision as of 09:18, 8 August 2025
(No difference)

David Barquero: /* Authorities and emergency contacts */

2025-07-08T07:50:42Z

Authorities and emergency contacts

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:50, 8 July 2025
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	\|-		\|-
	\|AFS Emergency phone		\|AFS Emergency phone
			(for use outside of office hours)
	\|079 358 84 56		\|079 358 84 56
	\|}		\|}

David Barquero: /* Authorities and emergency contacts */

2025-07-03T14:49:48Z

Authorities and emergency contacts

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 3 July 2025
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	\| Ambulance \|\| 144		\| Ambulance \|\| 144
	\|-		\|-
	\|Transit ~~Police~~		\|Transit police
	\|0800 117 117		\|0800 117 117
			\|-
			\|AFS Emergency phone
			\|079 358 84 56
	\|}		\|}
	If something happens, always call your host family, the local contact person or the AFS office to inform them of the situation. Make sure you always carry the emergency card with the important numbers with you.		If something happens, always call your host family, the local contact person or the AFS office to inform them of the situation. Make sure you always carry the emergency card with the important numbers with you.

David Barquero: /* Weapons */

2025-07-03T14:45:08Z

Weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:45, 3 July 2025
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	=== Weapons ===		=== Weapons ===
	Civilians are generally prohibited from carrying firearms in public unless they have a special licence. However, any Swiss man who is found eligible has to do military or civilian service. Most military conscripts have occasional training sessions until they have fulfilled their duty around the age of 30. Between training sessions, they have the option keep their service rifle at home. ~~So do~~ not be afraid if you see a weapon in your host family‘s cupboard or if you see soldiers with their service rifles in public. It is also possible that you will see people in civilian clothes, with a military service rifle, on their way to the compulsory annual shooting practice or to shooting competitions. In rural areas, shooting at ranges and hunting are common activities and some walking trails may be temporarily closed off as a precaution.		Civilians are generally prohibited from carrying firearms in public unless they have a special licence. However, any Swiss man who is found eligible has to complete mandatory military or civilian service. Most military conscripts have occasional training sessions until they have fulfilled their duty around the age of 30. Between training sessions, they have the option keep their service rifle at home. Do not be afraid if you see a weapon in your host family‘s cupboard or if you see soldiers with their service rifles in public. It is also possible that you will see people in civilian clothes, with a military service rifle, on their way to the compulsory annual shooting practice or to shooting competitions. In rural areas, shooting at ranges and hunting are common activities and some walking trails may be temporarily closed off as a precaution.

	== Conclusion ==		== Conclusion ==

David Barquero: /* Conclusion */

2025-07-03T14:44:13Z

Conclusion

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 3 July 2025
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	* Get to know your host culture well through questions, dialogue and discussion with your host family, peers, AFS local contacts, AFS camp leaders etc.		* Get to know your host culture well through questions, dialogue and discussion with your host family, peers, AFS local contacts, AFS camp leaders etc.
	* Take any concerns from your host family and school seriously and follow their advice.		* Take any concerns from your host family and school seriously and follow their advice.
	* And remember: ~~Express~~ your concerns!		* And remember: express your concerns!

David Barquero: /* Other important issues */

2025-07-03T14:42:56Z

Other important issues

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 3 July 2025
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	If you do not yet have liability insurance, look for options in your home country before the program starts.		If you do not yet have liability insurance, look for options in your home country before the program starts.

			=== Uninsured activities ===
			Some activites are excluded from AFS's insurance. These activities include but are not limited to: hang gliding, paragliding, parachuting, piloting and acting as the crew in an aircraft. You are not allowed to conduct any of these activites unless you have the explicit permission of AFS Switzerland.

	=== Weapons ===		=== Weapons ===

David Barquero: /* Motor vehicles */

2025-07-03T12:24:22Z

Motor vehicles

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 3 July 2025
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	== Safety outside the home ==		== Safety outside the home ==

	~~=== Transportation safety ===~~		=== Public transport ===
	There is a great variety of transportation ranging from the train to your own bicycle. Public transportation is very common and usually safe. Switzerland is, in fact, a very safe country. In the following section, we will list some suggestions to you when using any kind of transportation.

	==== Public transport ====
	It is very common to use public transport in Switzerland. Public transport in Switzerland is very reliable and safe.		It is very common to use public transport in Switzerland. Public transport in Switzerland is very reliable and safe.

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	SBB Transit police and security are generally available at major stations and sometimes do inspections of carriages on certain routes, especially during the evening hours. Do not be alarmed if you see security or police and feel free to ask for assistance if you need it. For general travel questions and transit timetables, it is best to consult the SBB [https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/apps/sbb-mobile.html mobile app] and the SBB [https://www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact.html website]. Additionally, SBB travel centers, located in larger train stations can help you with other issues such as purchasing tickets.		SBB Transit police and security are generally available at major stations and sometimes do inspections of carriages on certain routes, especially during the evening hours. Do not be alarmed if you see security or police and feel free to ask for assistance if you need it. For general travel questions and transit timetables, it is best to consult the SBB [https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/apps/sbb-mobile.html mobile app] and the SBB [https://www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact.html website]. Additionally, SBB travel centers, located in larger train stations can help you with other issues such as purchasing tickets.

	==== Walking ====		=== Walking ===
	Walking to and from places is usually safe. However, there are areas where you should be careful at night. Ask your host family about these specific areas, as they know best which places are safe and which are not. We encourage you to let your host parents know whenever you are concerned or frightened. When going out, inform your host family where you are going and how you can be reached and how and when you intend to get back home. Always be skeptical of strangers approaching you for help. Scams and confidience schemes are becoming increasingly common, especially in big cities. Use common sense and never exchange money with strangers who promise to pay you back. In smaller villages and hiking paths it is common to greet strangers on the street with a "Grüezi" or "Salut".		Walking to and from places is usually safe. However, there are areas where you should be careful at night. Ask your host family about these specific areas, as they know best which places are safe and which are not. We encourage you to let your host parents know whenever you are concerned or frightened. When going out, inform your host family where you are going and how you can be reached and how and when you intend to get back home. Always be skeptical of strangers approaching you for help. Scams and confidience schemes are becoming increasingly common, especially in big cities. Use common sense and never exchange money with strangers who promise to pay you back. In smaller villages and hiking paths it is common to greet strangers on the street with a "Grüezi" or "Salut".

	When walking alone late at night, try to walk in streets that are well lit and that have a lot of people. In general, you should take your host parents' advice seriously and follow their recommendations. Additionally, the Swiss Mobility [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/switzerlandmobility-app app] and [https://schweizmobil.ch/en website] can be a useful tool for finding walking, hiking and cycling routes throughout the entire country.		When walking alone late at night, try to walk in streets that are well lit and that have a lot of people. In general, you should take your host parents' advice seriously and follow their recommendations. Additionally, the Swiss Mobility [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/switzerlandmobility-app app] and [https://schweizmobil.ch/en website] can be a useful tool for finding walking, hiking and cycling routes throughout the entire country.

	==== Cycling ====		=== Cycling ===
	In Switzerland, you will see many people riding their bikes going to school, to work or just for fun. You will very likely have the possibility to borrow a bike from someone. Before you ride it in the streets, ask your host family about traffic regulations in Switzerland. They may be different than in your home country. You must always follow traffic laws regarding cycling and always be courteous to others when riding.		In Switzerland, you will see many people riding their bikes going to school, to work or just for fun. You will very likely have the possibility to borrow a bike from someone. Before you ride it in the streets, ask your host family about traffic regulations in Switzerland. They may be different than in your home country. You must always follow traffic laws regarding cycling and always be courteous to others when riding.

	Cycling in traffic can be challenging, especially in cities. We suggest that you ask a host family member to accompany you on your first attempts to conquer the Swiss streets with your bicycle. Make sure that your bike has good brakes and functioning lights. This is very important especially in winter because it can get dark very early. If you ride in the dark without a light, this is not only dangerous but you can also be fined. Be aware of changes in weather; cycling can become more challenging or dangerous in wet weather and in freezing temperatures. Brakes may not function as well in wet weather and roads can become dangerously slippery. AFS Switzerland recommends always wearing a helmet when you ride your bike. More information on cycling rules and regulations can be found at [https://www.ch.ch/en/vehicles-and-traffic/cars-and-other-vehicles/cycling-in-switzerland/#rules-for-e-bikes-electric-bicycles]		Cycling in traffic can be challenging, especially in cities. We suggest that you ask a host family member to accompany you on your first attempts to conquer the Swiss streets with your bicycle. Make sure that your bike has good brakes and functioning lights. This is very important especially in winter because it can get dark very early. If you ride in the dark without a light, this is not only dangerous but you can also be fined. Be aware of changes in weather; cycling can become more challenging or dangerous in wet weather and in freezing temperatures. Brakes may not function as well in wet weather and roads can become dangerously slippery. AFS Switzerland recommends always wearing a helmet when you ride your bike. More information on cycling rules and regulations can be found at [https://www.ch.ch/en/vehicles-and-traffic/cars-and-other-vehicles/cycling-in-switzerland/#rules-for-e-bikes-electric-bicycles]

	==== Motor vehicles ====		=== Motor vehicles ===
	'''AFS participants are not allowed to drive cars.''' Do not get into a car with strangers. Hitchhiking is strictly forbidden. '''Participants either driving or hitchhiking will be dismissed from the program and must return home immediately.'''		'''AFS participants are not allowed to drive cars.''' Do not get into a car with strangers. Hitchhiking is strictly forbidden. '''Participants either driving or hitchhiking will be dismissed from the program and must return home immediately.'''

David Barquero: /* Weather */

2025-06-30T12:09:20Z

Weather

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 30 June 2025
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	=== Weather ===		=== Weather ===
	Skiing, hiking, cycling ~~etc. in the mountains~~ are very popular and can be amazing experiences. However, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Weather can change surprisingly fast: in a very short time a blue sky can be replaced by fog, snow or rain depending on the season. Remember, weather in the mountains is quite unpredictable and it is therefore dangerous to take unnecessary risks and get lost. It is recommended to download the MeteoSwiss weather app for your phone: [https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/services-and-publications/service/weather-and-climate-products/meteoswiss-app.html] It is advised to enable and follow the weather alerts for your region and heed the warnings, especially regarding thunderstorms and flooding. Always stay on marked trails and follow any signs regarding trail closures.		Skiing, hiking and cycling are very popular activities and can be amazing experiences. However, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Weather can change surprisingly fast: in a very short time a blue sky can be replaced by fog, snow or rain depending on the season. Remember, weather in the mountains is quite unpredictable and it is therefore dangerous to take unnecessary risks and get lost. It is recommended to download the MeteoSwiss weather app for your phone: [https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/services-and-publications/service/weather-and-climate-products/meteoswiss-app.html] It is advised to enable and follow the weather alerts for your region and heed the warnings, especially regarding thunderstorms and flooding. Always stay on marked trails and follow any signs regarding trail closures.

	When in the mountains, try not to be alone but rather with your host family or with friends. They will know best, where and when you have to be careful. Always have your cell phone with you. Please note: an activity waiver is required for certain outdoor activities.		When in the mountains, try not to be alone but rather with your host family or with friends. They will know best, where and when you have to be careful. Always have your cell phone with you. Please note: an activity waiver is required for certain outdoor activities.

David Barquero: /* Public transport */

2025-06-30T12:07:22Z

Public transport

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 30 June 2025
Line 45:		Line 45:
	Walking to and from places is usually safe. However, there are areas where you should be careful at night. Ask your host family about these specific areas, as they know best which places are safe and which are not. We encourage you to let your host parents know whenever you are concerned or frightened. When going out, inform your host family where you are going and how you can be reached and how and when you intend to get back home. Always be skeptical of strangers approaching you for help. Scams and confidience schemes are becoming increasingly common, especially in big cities. Use common sense and never exchange money with strangers who promise to pay you back. In smaller villages and hiking paths it is common to greet strangers on the street with a "Grüezi" or "Salut".		Walking to and from places is usually safe. However, there are areas where you should be careful at night. Ask your host family about these specific areas, as they know best which places are safe and which are not. We encourage you to let your host parents know whenever you are concerned or frightened. When going out, inform your host family where you are going and how you can be reached and how and when you intend to get back home. Always be skeptical of strangers approaching you for help. Scams and confidience schemes are becoming increasingly common, especially in big cities. Use common sense and never exchange money with strangers who promise to pay you back. In smaller villages and hiking paths it is common to greet strangers on the street with a "Grüezi" or "Salut".

	When walking alone late at night, try to walk in streets that are well lit and that have a lot of people. In general, you should take your host parents' advice seriously and follow their recommendations. Additionally, the Swiss Mobility [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/switzerlandmobility-app app] and [https://schweizmobil.ch/en website] can be a useful tool for finding walking, hiking and cycling routes.		When walking alone late at night, try to walk in streets that are well lit and that have a lot of people. In general, you should take your host parents' advice seriously and follow their recommendations. Additionally, the Swiss Mobility [https://schweizmobil.ch/en/switzerlandmobility-app app] and [https://schweizmobil.ch/en website] can be a useful tool for finding walking, hiking and cycling routes throughout the entire country.

	==== Cycling ====		==== Cycling ====