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Geneva Safety Guide

Geneva Safety Guide

Health, security, and travel safety information

Home › Safety Guide
Generally Safe
Geneva is one of the safest cities in Europe and consistently ranks among the world's most secure destinations for travelers. As the headquarters of numerous international organizations and a global diplomatic hub, the city maintains exceptionally high safety standards with low crime rates and excellent infrastructure. The Swiss healthcare system is world-class, and emergency services are highly efficient and professional. Despite its excellent safety record, Geneva is not immune to petty crime, particularly in tourist-heavy areas and around transportation hubs. Pickpocketing and theft from vehicles can occur, especially during peak tourist seasons. The city's high cost of living means that even minor incidents can be financially impactful, making travel insurance particularly important. Visitors should exercise normal precautions as they would in any major international city. The local population is generally helpful and multilingual, and the city's compact size makes it easy to navigate safely. Switzerland's political neutrality and stable governance contribute to an environment where travelers can focus on enjoying their visit with minimal safety concerns.

Geneva is an exceptionally safe destination where standard travel precautions are sufficient for a worry-free visit.

Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers before your trip.

Police
117
For emergencies requiring immediate police intervention; English-speaking operators available
Ambulance
144
Medical emergencies; highly professional paramedic services with rapid response times
Fire
118
Fire emergencies and certain rescue situations
General Emergency (EU Standard)
112
Universal emergency number that redirects to appropriate services; works from any phone including mobiles without SIM cards
Geneva Police Non-Emergency
+41 22 427 51 11
For reporting non-urgent incidents such as theft; also visit police stations at Rue de Berne 6 or Boulevard Carl-Vogt 19
Rega (Air Rescue)
1414
Swiss air rescue service for mountain emergencies or serious accidents requiring helicopter evacuation
Poison Control
145
24-hour toxicological information service

Healthcare

What to know about medical care in Geneva.

Healthcare System

Switzerland has one of the world's best healthcare systems, and Geneva offers exceptional medical facilities. Healthcare is primarily private but highly regulated, with mandatory health insurance for residents. Tourists pay out-of-pocket or through travel insurance, and costs are very high by international standards.

Hospitals

Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) is the main public hospital network with emergency services at Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4. Private facilities include Clinique La Colline, Clinique des Grangettes, and Hirslanden Clinique La Colline. Emergency rooms accept walk-ins but expect to pay 500-1000 CHF minimum for emergency visits before treatment costs.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (pharmacie/Apotheke) are widely available and marked with green crosses. Many medications requiring prescriptions elsewhere are available over-the-counter. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide medical advice. Rotating 24-hour pharmacies are available; check www.pharmaciedegardegeneve.ch for current on-call pharmacy. Common medications are expensive (15-40 CHF for basic items).

Insurance

Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is absolutely essential. Switzerland is not part of the EU, so European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are NOT valid. Medical costs can easily reach thousands of francs for minor incidents and tens of thousands for serious issues. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation.

Healthcare Tips

  • Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names as Swiss brand names may differ
  • Keep all receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims
  • Tap water is safe to drink throughout Geneva and of excellent quality
  • Dental care is not covered by most travel insurance and is extremely expensive in Geneva
  • For minor ailments, visit a pharmacy first as pharmacists can recommend treatments and save you expensive doctor visits
  • Download the Swiss emergency app 'Rega' which can transmit your GPS location to rescue services

Common Risks

Be aware of these potential issues.

Petty Theft and Pickpocketing
Low to Medium Risk

Pickpocketing occurs primarily in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and during major events. Thieves typically work in pairs or groups and target distracted tourists. Vehicle break-ins, particularly targeting rental cars with foreign plates, occur in parking areas.

Use anti-theft bags, keep valuables in front pockets or concealed, stay alert in crowds, avoid displaying expensive items or large amounts of cash, use hotel safes for passports and extra cash, never leave valuables visible in parked vehicles
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Low Risk

Geneva has extensive cycling infrastructure, and cyclists move quickly. Pedestrians unfamiliar with bike lanes may inadvertently walk into cycle paths. Trams are quiet and can approach unexpectedly.

Look both ways before crossing bike lanes (marked in red), stay alert for trams and cyclists, only cross streets at designated crossings, be cautious when exiting taxis or buses
High Costs Leading to Financial Strain
Medium Risk

Geneva is one of the world's most expensive cities. Travelers often underestimate costs, leading to budget overruns and potential financial emergencies. ATM fees can be high, and credit card fraud, while rare, can be financially devastating.

Budget significantly more than for other European cities, inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocking, use credit cards with chip-and-PIN technology, keep emergency funds separate from daily spending money, photograph credit cards (both sides) for emergency replacement
Weather-Related Incidents
Low Risk

Sudden weather changes can occur, particularly in spring and autumn. Winter ice can make sidewalks slippery. Summer heat waves, while rare, can affect those unaccustomed to high temperatures without air conditioning.

Check weather forecasts daily, wear appropriate footwear in winter, stay hydrated in summer, layer clothing for temperature changes, be aware that many buildings lack air conditioning
Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
Low Risk

Electric scooters and bikes are popular but can be hazardous for inexperienced users. Accidents involving tourists unfamiliar with local traffic rules occur occasionally.

Wear helmets (not always provided), familiarize yourself with Swiss traffic rules, avoid riding under the influence, use dedicated bike lanes, check scooter brakes before riding, avoid riding on cobblestones in Old Town

Scams to Avoid

Watch out for these common tourist scams.

Petition Scam

People approach tourists with clipboards asking them to sign petitions (often for deaf/mute charities or social causes). After signing, they aggressively demand donations, and accomplices may pickpocket distracted victims.

Politely refuse to engage with anyone approaching with clipboards or petitions, never stop to sign anything on the street, keep moving and be aware of your surroundings if approached
Overpriced Currency Exchange

Some currency exchange offices near the train station and tourist areas offer extremely poor exchange rates with hidden fees buried in fine print, resulting in losses of 15-20% or more.

Use ATMs at banks for best rates, avoid exchange offices at the airport and train station, compare rates before exchanging, use credit cards where possible (inform your bank of travel to avoid foreign transaction fees)
Fake Taxi Overcharging

Unlicensed taxis or legitimate taxis taking unnecessarily long routes to increase fares. Some claim meters are broken and quote inflated fixed prices.

Use only official taxis with clear company markings and working meters, use apps like Uber or Taxi-Phone Geneva (+41 22 331 41 33), agree on approximate fare before departure, take a photo of taxi license if concerned
Restaurant Bill Padding

Some tourist-oriented restaurants add items to bills that weren't ordered or charge for bread/water that was assumed to be complimentary. Rare but occurs in heavily touristed areas.

Always check bills carefully before paying, ask if bread/water is complimentary before accepting, keep track of what you ordered, don't be embarrassed to question discrepancies
Counterfeit Watch Sales

Individuals approach tourists offering 'authentic' luxury watches at discounted prices, claiming they're genuine items being sold for quick cash. All are counterfeits.

Never purchase luxury goods from street vendors or unauthorized sellers, only buy from official boutiques, understand that genuine luxury watches never sell at steep discounts on the street
Fake Police Officers

Rare but has occurred: individuals posing as plainclothes police ask to check wallets for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash or cards during the 'inspection.'

Real Swiss police rarely conduct random street checks; ask for official identification, call 117 to verify if suspicious, never hand over your wallet or allow anyone to handle your money, know that real police will accompany you to a station rather than inspect items on the street

Safety Tips

Practical advice to stay safe.

Transportation Safety

  • Geneva's public transportation is excellent and safe; validate tickets before boarding to avoid fines of 100 CHF
  • Keep belongings secure on crowded buses and trams, especially lines connecting to the airport and train station
  • Taxis are safe but expensive; ensure meter is running or agree on price beforehand
  • Walking is safe at night in most areas, but stay in well-lit streets and avoid shortcuts through parks after dark
  • When renting bikes or e-scooters, familiarize yourself with Swiss traffic rules and always use bike lanes
  • Be cautious crossing tram tracks with wheeled luggage as wheels can get stuck

Money and Valuables

  • Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible for better security
  • Switzerland uses Swiss Francs (CHF), not Euros, though some places accept Euros at poor exchange rates
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller establishments prefer cash
  • Keep daily spending money separate from emergency funds and important documents
  • Photograph important documents and store copies in cloud storage
  • Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable items when not needed
  • Be discreet when handling money; Geneva's wealth attracts opportunistic thieves

Accommodation Safety

  • Geneva hotels generally maintain high security standards; use room safes and ensure doors lock properly
  • Be cautious with Airbnb and private rentals; verify host legitimacy and read reviews carefully
  • Keep windows and balcony doors locked when absent, even on upper floors
  • Don't leave valuables visible from outside windows
  • Know your hotel's emergency exits and procedures
  • Verify identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door

Food and Water Safety

  • Tap water is safe to drink throughout Geneva and of excellent quality
  • Food safety standards are very high; food poisoning is rare
  • Many public fountains (except those marked 'non potable') provide safe drinking water
  • Restaurant hygiene standards are strictly enforced
  • Be aware that Swiss portions may be smaller than expected given the high prices
  • Tipping is included in bills (service compris), but rounding up is appreciated

Communication and Language

  • French is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
  • Learn basic French phrases for politeness; locals appreciate the effort
  • Emergency services operators speak English
  • Download offline maps as data roaming can be expensive
  • Free WiFi is available in many public areas, hotels, and cafes
  • Consider purchasing a Swiss SIM card for extended stays; coverage is excellent

Cultural Awareness

  • Swiss culture values punctuality, quietness, and respect for rules; follow local customs
  • Quiet hours are typically 22:00-07:00 and all day Sunday; avoid noise during these times
  • Photography is generally allowed, but ask permission before photographing people
  • Jaywalking is frowned upon; always use crosswalks even if streets appear empty
  • Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces and many outdoor areas
  • Sunday shopping is very limited; most stores are closed except in tourist areas

Health Precautions

  • No vaccinations are required for Geneva, but ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date
  • Air quality is excellent; no special precautions needed
  • Pollen allergies can be significant in spring; bring antihistamines if susceptible
  • Pharmacies can provide excellent medical advice for minor ailments
  • Keep a basic first aid kit for minor issues to avoid expensive medical consultations
  • Dental emergencies are very expensive; address dental issues before traveling

Information for Specific Travelers

Safety considerations for different traveler groups.

Women Travelers

Geneva is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Switzerland has strong gender equality, and women are respected in all aspects of society. Street harassment is rare compared to many other destinations, and women can move freely throughout the city. However, standard precautions should still be observed, particularly at night and in less busy areas.

  • Walking alone at night is generally safe in central areas, but stick to well-lit main streets and avoid parks after dark
  • Public transportation is safe at all hours, but sit near the driver or in populated cars late at night
  • The Pâquis district can have more street harassment at night; consider alternative routes or taxis
  • Swiss men generally respect personal space; persistent harassment is unusual and can be reported to police
  • Dress codes are liberal; wear what's comfortable, though modest dress is appreciated in some contexts
  • Solo dining is completely normal and accepted; women dining alone won't attract unwanted attention
  • Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, move to a populated area or enter a shop
  • Download safety apps like bSafe or share your location with trusted contacts when out late
  • Hotel and hostel security is generally excellent; solo women travelers are common and well-accommodated
  • Emergency services are responsive and professional; don't hesitate to call 117 if you feel threatened

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Switzerland is LGBTQ+-friendly with strong legal protections. Same-sex marriage has been legal since July 2022. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals, and Geneva is particularly progressive given its international character. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation are illegal and prosecuted.

  • Geneva's LGBTQ+ scene is smaller than major cities but welcoming; popular venues include Le Declic, Le Tube, and Playground
  • The annual Geneva Pride (Marche des Fiertés) typically occurs in June with good attendance and support
  • Dialogai (www.dialogai.org) is the main LGBTQ+ organization offering support, information, and social events
  • Public displays of affection are generally accepted in Geneva's cosmopolitan areas without issue
  • Hotels and accommodations are LGBTQ+-friendly; discrimination is illegal and rare
  • Rainbow flags and LGBTQ+ symbols are visible in supportive businesses, particularly in central districts
  • Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory; openly discuss your needs with medical staff
  • While generally safe, exercise normal caution late at night and in less populated areas as you would anywhere
  • Switzerland's neighboring countries (France, Italy) have varying levels of acceptance; Geneva itself is very welcoming
  • Transgender travelers should carry identification matching their gender presentation when possible, though legal protections exist

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Geneva due to Switzerland's extremely high medical costs and the fact that most foreign health insurance (including EU health cards) is not valid. A single emergency room visit can cost 1,000-2,000 CHF before treatment, and serious medical issues can result in bills exceeding 50,000 CHF. Medical evacuation to your home country can cost over 100,000 CHF. Additionally, trip cancellation protection is valuable given Geneva's high accommodation and transportation costs.

Medical coverage of at least 100,000 USD/EUR (preferably 250,000+) for emergency treatment Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage (minimum 250,000 USD/EUR) Trip cancellation and interruption coverage to protect pre-paid expenses Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage coverage (particularly important given high replacement costs in Geneva) 24-hour emergency assistance hotline with multilingual support Coverage for adventure activities if planning skiing, hiking, or mountain activities in nearby Alps Rental car coverage if planning to drive, as Swiss accident liability can be significant Personal liability coverage of at least 1,000,000 CHF (Switzerland has strict liability laws) Coverage for trip delays and missed connections Dental emergency coverage (dental costs in Geneva are exceptionally high)

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