A couple of questions regarding Switzerland:

1) There are 4 of us renting a chalet in Switzerland for almost 2 weeks in May. We will be renting a car because the chalet is in a small town. Is it fairly easy to drive around Switzerland? Also, are there any good online maps of Switzerland's roads?

2) We're debating whether or not we should bring our laptop from the U.S. to Switzerland. Our laptop will allow us to download our pictures to it as well as watch DVDs that we'll bring with us. However, would it be easy for us to get wireless internet access in Switzerland if we want to check email? Also, any issues with U.S. laptops and European power supplies that we should be aware of?

Thanks for any direction on this!

I can partially answer question 2. Most laptops are dual voltage. Flip it over and doublecheck on the label. You will just need a plug adaptor. I used my HP laptop successfully in Italy.

Internet is typically not free in Switzerland, unless you are using the hotel's free computer in the lobby (for short email checking only). I always take my laptop along and buy time on Swisscom, using my credit card. You can purchase a small amount of time (minutes/hours) or full days or more. I find that the places I stay (in cities) have wireless available. You just need to buy your swisscom time.

That said, I note that you are staying in a chalet. It probably will not have wireless. In that case, maybe you will be better off looking for internet places along the way. IMO... not easy to find! Maybe others will give you suggestions on that.

We always drive in Europe. It's not that difficult to do. We head to Switzerland again in a matter of a couple of weeks and will be driving around Zurich and Lucerne.

Hi specter,

I think you might be surprised at how excellent -- and FUN -- the trains are in Switzerland. I bet even your little town or village is well integrated into the public transport system, so if you want to use the trains, it would be easy and convenient. There is even a train station in the basement of the Zürich airport

In fact, you'll find that many places do not allow cars; some of the mountain villages and all of the mountaintops can only be reached by train.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know all of your options just in case you decide to go green!

s

1) Yes, it is easy. Though, there still is a chance in May that the highest mountain pass roads are still closed due to weather. As in the US, you will find advance notice already in the lower elevations along the road if the pass is open or closed. On maps, winter closures are given in Roman numbers, e.g. X-IV means closed from October through April.
For online maps: www.viamichelin.com

2) www.swiss-hotspots.ch

Excellent answers from above posters. I'm willing to bet because of the huge mountain of snow we have in the mountains that the passes will be closed till end of May - beg. of June. However, if we suddenly get a warm stretch, things still could change suddenly.

Besides the excellent Swiss-hotspot website, I believe all McDonald's offer hotspots as well. There are also internet cafes dotted all over the tourist areas.

You might check with the owner of your chalet to see if they offer Internet service. We've booked an apartment for a week in Lauterbrunnen and Internet service is included in the rental. First time we've ever considered taking our laptop with us to Switzerland.

>We head to Switzerland again in a matter of a couple of weeks and will be driving around Zurich and Lucerne.

Have fun. I will wink you from a train as you are stuck in the traffic jam.

In Switzerland you want to use your laptop to watch DVDs? Or even to contact someone? (picture storage I can understand, but digital cameras have a pretty large capacity these days) Why don't you ditch the computer and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world?