Group trips to Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. However, during daylight saving time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2. So if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Liechtenstein and if it's 12pm in New York, it will be 6pm there. Daylight saving time usually starts from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Liechtenstein uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Here are the daily exchange rates you might find useful:

• 1 GBP is approximately 1.20 CHF
• 1 USD is about 0.90 CHF
• 1 EUR is roughly 1.05 CHF

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. ATMs are widely available if you prefer withdrawing cash directly in Swiss Francs.

In Liechtenstein, you can use both credit and debit cards at most places, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash as smaller businesses might not accept cards. ATMs are available for withdrawing Swiss Francs, the local currency, just in case you need it. Keep in mind that some places might have a minimum spend for card payments.

In Liechtenstein, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. The service charge is usually included in your bill at restaurants and cafes. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip, about 5 to 10 percent, is a nice gesture if you’ve received good service.

• For taxi drivers, you can round up the fare.
• For hotel staff, a small tip for porters or housekeeping is appreciated but not required.

In Liechtenstein, you can enjoy the convenience of using roaming if you are coming from Europe or the Schengen area. This means you can use your existing data plan without extra charges. However, if you're not from this area, buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan can be a good option. Providers like Swisscom and Salt offer reliable services. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public places, so you'll stay connected without much hassle.

In Liechtenstein, the official language is German. You'll often hear a variety of Alemannic dialects. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might encounter:

• Hello: Hallo
• Thank you: Danke
• Please: Bitte
• Goodbye: Auf Wiedersehen

German is widely spoken, so knowing these basics can help you get around more easily.

In Liechtenstein, the plugs are Type C and Type J. The standard voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. If your devices use a different plug type or voltage, you may need a universal adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Always check your device's voltage compatibility to avoid any issues.

The main religion in Liechtenstein is Roman Catholicism, with the majority of the population identifying as Catholic. While there are no specific dress requirements related to religion, it is always respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Liechtenstein celebrates several Catholic holidays, including Christmas, Easter, and Assumption Day on August 15th. Be aware that during these holidays, many businesses and attractions may have limited hours or be closed.

When packing for Liechtenstein, it's good to be prepared for varied weather, especially if you're planning to explore the beautiful outdoors. Here's a list of essentials to consider for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight layers for warmer days
  • Warm sweater or fleece for cooler evenings
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable pants or jeans
  • Shorts for warmer days
  • Swimwear if you're visiting a pool or spa
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hiking boots if you're planning to trek in the Alps
  • Casual shoes for city exploring
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Travel guide or map
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo
  • Any personal medication
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
  • Motion sickness tablets if you plan on mountainous drives

Packing these essentials will ensure you're ready to enjoy all that Liechtenstein has to offer.

The weather in Liechtenstein varies by season and region, but here's a general idea:

• Winter (December to February): Cold and snowy, ideal for winter sports. Temperatures can drop below freezing.
• Spring (March to May): Mild with occasional rain. Temperatures gradually rise.
• Summer (June to August): Warm and pleasant, great for hiking. Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (September to November): Cool with vibrant fall colors. Expect some rain.

The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.