Scotland & Switzerland

Travel Resources VACCINATIONS We recommend using resources such as the Center for Disease Control as you consult with your ho me doctor or other trusted medical sources, in order to make the best possible decision regarding y our health. CLICK HERE for more information. If you reside in the Central Virginia Region, below are local medical offices that you may consider consulting. Keep in mind some vaccinations require a minimum amount of time to take effect before entering Thailand. Communicate when and where you will be traveling. Lynchburg Health Department: Phone: (434) 947-6785 Address: 1900 Thomson Dr., Lynchburg, 24501 Liberty University Health Center: Phone: (434) 338-7774 Address: Located in Commons 3 1606 Regents Pkwy Rustburg Family Pharmacy: Phone: 434‐332‐1730 Address: 925 Village Hwy Suite B. Box 1005 Rustburg, VA 24588 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE International travel insurance is included within your trip costs, covering you from October 23rd, 2021 through October 3rd, 2021. The policy is comprehensive in nature and is used throughout the University for All International Travel. If you would like coverage for additional aspects of travel beyond what is highlighted in the policy, please feel free to purchase separate third party insurance as a supplement to what is already provided. For more information on your current coverage email [email protected] CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS “WHEREVER YOU GO The Swiss Franc and the British Pound is Switzerland's and Scotland's legal tender, BECOMES A PART OF YOU respectively. All major international credit cards are accepted in large cities. Dollars can be withdrawn in cash using an ATM card, but SOMEHOW.” fees will apply. ― ANITA DESAI Make sure to contact your bank a few weeks before departure to alert them to your international travel dates and locations. This will keep your cards active while abroad. Keep in mind that fees will be charged for international purchases. Contact your bank for these fees. VAT Scotland's general VAT rate is 20%, with other rates including 0% that can apply to certain transactions. The Value-added tax (VAT) is administered by the Cabinet Secretary of Finance (https://www.gov.scot/policies/taxes/vat/) Switzerland's standard VAT rate: 7.7%. The Value- added tax (VAT) is administered by the Swiss Department of Finance (https://www.ch.ch/en/vat- rates-switzerland/) This rate applies to goods and services that are not exempt, or specifically liable. CELL PHONE USAGE Most cell phone carriers have additional international packages that you can add on at a monthly or daily rate. Depending on the carrier, this can cost anywhere from $10-$40 and will provide limited text messages, data usage, and calling minutes. MEALS Scottish cuisine depends largely on the nation's natural assembly of vegetables, fruits, oats, fish, and game. The food of Scotland is hardy, relying largely on simple food tastes that don't have many spices. The meats eaten in Scotland originate in Scotland like venison, wild boar, small game birds, fish, pork, and lamb. Lamb is a large part of their diet, especially the staple meal of Scotland, haggis. Swiss cuisine is largely influenced by French and Italian cuisine, remaining relatively plain due to Switzerland's agricultural community. Potatoes, cheese, and bread play a large role in the palette, especially when bread and potatoes are eat with fondue. Tarts and quiches are traditional dishes of Switzerland, originating in Switzerland. Like Scotland, Swiss food relies largely on the products of animals and not actually the animals themselves due to the large historical populations of farmers. This is why cheese and milk chocolate are highly consumed in Swiss culture. INTERNET ACCESS Your hotels and bus may have access to the internet, however keep in mind that unless you have purchased an international data plan for your phone, access to email, texting, and other Internet-based applications will be subject to Wi-fi availability. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Lonely Planet – FUN FACTS A helpful guide to understanding culture, travel tips, and additional insights. 1. The official animal of Scotland is the unicorn. Currency Converter – Plan how much money you 2. Scotland has the highest proportion of red heads need to bring in US Currency. in the world. Passport Application – Don’t have a passport 3. Imports of Haggis to the US from Scotland has yet? Follow the U.S. Department of State’s been banned since the 70s. instructions for applying for a passport. 4. Golf was invented in Scotland at St. Andrew's Links 5. The shortest commercial flight is in Scotland and lasts about 2 minutes. 6. The entire population Switzerland could fit inside underground bunkers made by the Swiss government. 7. Not only does Switzerland have one of the highest rates of gun ownership but also one of the lowest crime rates of all industrialized countries. 8. Around 25% of the Swiss population is foreign. 9. Switzerland holds the second highest life expectancy in the world behind Japan. 10. About 11 kilos (24 lbs.) of chocolate are consumed by the average Swiss..

Load more