Although noted as a very wealthy nation, one could easily assume that Switzerland is totally a safe country. However, it is not entirely so, especially when you are unfamiliar with the local culture and standards. Switzerland has a safety percentage of 88.14 for residents walking along during the day, however this decreases to 74.55 during night time. Generally, it is not advisable for one to travel alone at night. To give you more safety tips during your travel in the country, please read the list below:

• Always show some respect to the locals by keeping your voice down when communicating publicly. You may be frowned at when you speak too loud.
• Avoid throwing criticisms on locals and the country. Regardless of your opinion, it is best to save it for yourself to avoid conflicts with Swiss people. The locals hold modesty and love for one’s country as important virtues, and criticisms may not come out appealing because of that.
• Some locals may stare at you longer than usual when you are seen as a new face in the neighborhood, especially if you are a foreigner. Don’t find this offensive, for they do not mean any harm.
• When going to crowded places, always mind your belongings. Places where people pile up together are seen as an opportunity by pick-pickpockets.
• Cigarette smoking happens in all public places. It is not polite to call out someone to stop smoking or breathing out smoke in your direction, so better avoid locations with dense cigarette smokers when traveling with infants or counterparts who may have respiratory illnesses.
• The police take traffic regulations very seriously. Don’t drive if you are not yet aware of the Swiss’ rules and regulations on the road.
• When you see a person in an emergency, it is illegal to ignore such a situation. Refusing to help is punishable by law as “Verweigerung der Hilfeleistung.” If presented with a stranger’s emergency situations, always keep your emergency numbers handy to call for help.