One country, several ways to say hello
Switzerland sits in the heart of Europe, and its four national languages tell part of its story: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Travel across the country and station names, menus and greetings change. That variety is part of the pleasure of being here.
Davos is in Graubünden, a canton with German, Italian and Romansh traditions. You will hear Swiss German around town and plenty of English during the international meeting week. A friendly hello and a polite question are a better starting point than worrying about a perfect accent. “Grüezi” is a useful greeting to recognise.
The small things make a difference
Our advice is simple: be on time, leave space for people getting off a train before you board, and remember that the person beside you may be going to work rather than to a conference. A busy week is easier for everyone when visitors are considerate neighbours.
Give yourself an unhurried first evening if you can. Find your nearest stop, get something to eat and work out the walk back to your accommodation. Those small discoveries make the following morning feel much less like an obstacle course.
Three things to sort before you land
Check your card’s overseas charges, make sure your phone plan includes Switzerland, and pack the right plug adapter. They are mundane jobs, but doing them at home beats finding out at the hotel with a flat battery.
Then save your accommodation address and first confirmed invitation somewhere you can open without a connection. You do not need every detail of the week decided. A reliable first journey and a little breathing room are a good beginning.