Overlapping cultural influences characterise the country. Full IDD is available. Phonecards are available for use in payphones. Single band networks also in Basel, Zurich and Geneva. Facilities are available in all telegraph offices, most major hotels and post offices.
Charges are payable by phonecard or credit card.
These can be sent from post offices or arranged by dialling 110 on the telephone. Airmail within Europe takes three days. Poste Restante is available at all post offices. Saturday closing is at 1100 except in major cities. The high level of interest in local politics throughout Switzerland has led to a large number of regional newspapers.