Budget preparation

Compared to other cities, life in Geneva is expensive. We recommend you plan your budget carefully and follow our advice in order to prepare your stay in the best possible way.

In Switzerland, the official currency is the Swiss franc and is usually indicated as CHF (1 CHF ≅ 1 USD & 1 EUR). Merchants may accept Euros (banknotes only) and the change is given back in Swiss francs.

You will be able to withdraw money in town in different places such as ATMs (known as “bancomats” in Switzerland) and several foreign exchange offices near “Gare Cornavin” and in the city centre.

You may find banknote and currency rates on the Banque cantonale de Genève website.

The price of a hotel room in Geneva varies greatly depending on different factors such as :

The cost of a meal may vary between 20 and 30 CHF. We recommend you to plan a budget of around CHF 50 per day for food expenses.

You will find a large number of take-away restaurants (fast-food, take-away, bakeries and international grocery stores).

Approximate prices:

  • Breakfast: in a hotel it costs an average of 15 CHF.
  • When a reservation is made by the CAGI, it is included in the price of the room.
  • Lunch: Cafeterias of International Organizations such as UN Geneva, ICRC and WIPO, offer budget menus for less than 20 CHF;
    The daily special usually costs between 16 and 25 CHF in restaurants in Geneva.
    Foodtrucks are available around the “Place des Nations” during the lunch break.
  • Dinner: at a restaurant, plan a budget of at least 30 CHF, drinks included.

Public transport:
When staying in a Geneva hotel, you will receive the Geneva Transport Card allowing you to travel free of charge on the Geneva public transport network (UNIRESO: bus/tram (TPG), train (CFF) and boat (Geneva “Mouettes”) for the entire duration of your stay. You will receive a link by email 3 days before your arrival allowing you to reach your hotel from the airport.

Taxis:
Fares from the airport to the city centre vary from 35 to 45 CHF and depend on traffic, time of the day, luggage, etc. You may request a taxi anywhere in the city, by calling one of the following numbers:

The delegate's practical guide

Travel preparation
Partner hotels
Arrival in Geneva
Useful information
Delegates Information Desk

View all practical information

CAGI services
for visiting delegates

Accommodation for visiting delegates

To financially support the stay of participants in international conferences

CAGI's meeting spaces

To work: spaces dedicated to International Organizations, Permanent Missions and NGOs

Support for international NGOs

To assist and inform NGOs established or wishing to set up in Geneva

Cultural Kiosk at UN Geneva & CERN

To take advantage of offers at preferential rates and tourist information

Social events

To participate in local events between Genevans and Internationals

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Contacts

Access by public transport (TPG): Line 5: Intercontinental stop; lines 8, 20, 22, 60: Appia stop. No parking on site.
Opening hours : Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:00pm. Between noon to 2pm by appointment.
La Pastorale:

Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates.