Post and telecommunications
Post offices are well represented all over Switzerland and most of them have free Wi-Fi networks.
Postal service
In Switzerland and the canton of Vaud, the post offices are grouping together and diversifying their services. You may change money there, buy stationery, books, mobile phones and stamps, of course. The opening hours vary from one post office to another, but generally, the post offices are closed from Saturday noon to Monday morning. All yellow mailboxes are part of the Swiss Post services.
Telecommunications
Like in many other countries, most Swiss people have a mobile phone, often called “natel”. Here are some useful numbers:
1811 - Telephone information for Switzerland
117 - Police
118 - Firefighters
140 - Emergency road services
144 - Emergency doctor and ambulance
162 - Weather forecast
The area code to call Switzerland from abroad is 0041. The most usual regional code for the canton of Vaud is 021, but there is also 024, 022 or 026. When calling from abroad, remove the first 0; example: 0041 21 613 26 26 from abroad, but 021 613 26 26 from Switzerland.
Most regions of Switzerland have a telephone and fast internet network. WI-FI (wireless internet) access is common and often free in restaurants, hotels and sometimes in public spaces. Apart from public spaces, the network is generally protected by a password. This is often the first question customers ask when ordering a coffee or receiving the keys to their hotel room!