Geneva

Emergency in Switzerland: 112; police 117; ambulance 144; fire 118. If staying across the border in France, use the French local plan and 112. Say which country you are in. [S68] [S73]

Plan the airport and the border together

Official Swiss advice specifically mentions petty theft at Geneva airport and on trains to and from Geneva. Keep passports, phones and bags controlled while collecting luggage, reading tickets or arranging a car. [S74]

Geneva itineraries may combine Swiss meetings with accommodation or outings in France. Record the country and full address of each overnight stop. Confirm the pickup side, border route, documents and insurance coverage with the operator before departure. Schengen participation does not remove the need for valid travel documents or applicable customs checks. [S78]

Family arrivals and longer stays

• Use a verified booking or designated transport service. A name board, Mandarin-speaking greeter or knowledge of your itinerary is not sufficient verification.
• Put the child's or older relative's needs into the booking: seating, mobility, medication and a reachable companion. Do not divide the group across unfamiliar vehicles without a clear contact plan.
• At a rental or second home, check who can enter, where visitors wait and how maintenance appointments are confirmed. Give the household the local emergency plan for that address, not just the principal's hotel details.

Private banking and introductions

Apply the same FINMA and counterparty checks as in Zurich. A meeting described as private banking, a family office or a diplomatic introduction does not establish legitimacy or permission to offer a service. Confirm the contracting entity and authority before sharing documents or moving funds. [S80]

Send sensitive identity material only through the verified institution's agreed channel. Keep address documents and asset information out of casual group chats. A first appointment should not require wallet access or an immediate signing session.

Lake and mountain outings

For a boat, ski or mountain trip, check the operator, weather, suitable equipment and how help is summoned. Include the whole route and any cross-border activity in the insurance review. Preserve a way to contact the group that does not rely on one phone. [S74]

If an incident occurs: tell emergency dispatch the current country, town and exact position. Notify your trusted contact and accommodation when safe. A consulate or private adviser can assist with the aftermath, but does not replace local emergency dispatch. Retain booking details and the police reference for later follow-up.