In order to open a Swiss bank account, you will need your passport and residence permit. This means that you cannot open an account immediately on your arrival, so make sure you have either adequate cash in the form of traveler's cheques or an ATM card from your bank at home.
Banks usually are open from 9 am to 5 pm. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere.
Paying bills
Usually you have to pay the bill within 10 to 30 days. Afterwards you often have to pay a 5% p.a. penalty.
Bills are paid in Switzerland by means of slips of orange or red paper with the payee, payor, amount due and bank account information. These can be handled through your bank, if you have an account (mailed in, fed into special machines on the bank premises, or paid online -- ask the teller for help) or also very easily by going to any post office with enough cash to cover the bill. You give the cash to the teller and the money is posted to the account of the person or company on the bill. You will receive a stamped slip verifying payment.
