Practical and Security Information for Delegates

The local time for Geneva is UTC + 1 hour.

May is a mild pleasant season in Geneva, with average temperatures of 15°C/59°F to 20°C/68°F during daytime and 5°C/41°F to 10 C/50°F during nighttime (based on meteorological averages). More information.

Electricity in Switzerland uses 220V.

WIPO travel agency partner, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The agency is located on the ground floor of WIPO’s GBI building (right-hand side of the main lobby of the building), next to the cash dispenser ATM on the ground floor.

Accommodation in Geneva is often in high demand and delegates are recommended to make hotel reservations well in advance. WIPO does not have a hotel reservation service and delegates should book hotels directly.

Information and hotel reservations

• Geneva Tourism
• Geneva Welcome Centre
• Geneva hotels
• Negotiated hotel rates issued by the United Nations Office at Geneva

The nearest taxi stand is located just outside the CICG on rue de Varembé. Taxis may be called by dialing +41 22 320 2020, +41 22 320 2202 or +41 22 331 4133. Requests for a taxi may also be made at the WIPO reception desk.

Delegates arriving at Geneva airport can obtain a free public transport ticket valid for a 80‑minute journey around the Geneva area. The free ticket can be obtained at the automatic distributor located in the luggage claim area, just before going through customs. Buses 5 and 28 stop at Place des Nations (UN flag entrance and “ Broken Chair” monument), at walking distance from WIPO. The train takes only six minutes from the airport to the Cornavin Geneva train station.

Delegates staying in a Geneva hotel can obtain a local transport card from the hotel reception free of charge, valid for the duration of their stay. The personal and non‑transferable card allows free access to trams, buses, trains and yellow taxi-boats on Geneva’s territory.

The following bus and tram stops are at walking distance from WIPO:

• Bus stop: “Vermont”, bus line 5 (this line also goes to and from the airport);
• Bus stop: “UIT”, bus lines 8, 11 and 22; and
• Bus/Tram stop: “Nations”, bus lines 8, 11, 22, 28, F, V, Z; tram line 15.

Further information on Geneva public transportation

• Transports publics genevois
• UNIRESO

A public paid parking is available at the Place des Nations lot adjacent to the ITU building that is across the street from WIPO.

A post office is located on the ground floor of the CICG building at 17 rue de Varembé.  Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The closest bank to WIPO is UBS, located on 17 bis chemin Louis‑Dunant. Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (Cash dispenser ATM 24h). A cash dispenser ATM is also available on the ground floor of WIPO’s GBI building (right-hand side of the lobby of WIPO main building). Both ATMs can deliver Swiss Francs and Euros using internationally-recognized credit cards.

Geneva’s local currency is the Swiss Franc (Sfr.), which is divided into 100 centimes. There are currency exchange counters in the arrival area of the international airports and in the hotels.

Tea and coffee will be available to delegates each day during the morning and afternoon breaks. Restaurants located in the WIPO PCT Building and the WIPO NB Building are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (lunch will be served from 11.30 a.m. to 2.45 p.m.). Also available is a coffee/tea lounge (with coin-operated machines) on the 13^th and -1 floors of WIPO AB Building.  Drinking water dispensers are available at different locations in the WIPO buildings, rooms and corridors.

The neighboring International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) buildings also have corporate restaurants (badge and photo ID will be required). A number of cafés and restaurants are within walking distance of WIPO.

For the duration of the Diplomatic Conference, all delegates will be covered by illness and accident insurance schemes. If an illness requiring urgent care or an accident occurs during the Diplomatic Conference (even if outside the premises), delegates should contact the WIPO Medical Unit. Medical care at the Centre Médical du Léman will be covered by the insurance subject to showing a photo ID and the Conference badge. Outside working hours, and only in case of emergency, delegates may contact the Hôpital Cantonal.

In case of accident and in order to reimburse any medical costs as quickly as possible, delegates should contact the Human Resources Pension and Insurance Unit and fill a declaration form (hrpi@wipo.int; Tel:  +41 22 338 8166 or 9733).

Although Switzerland (Geneva) is rated as “low risk” regarding personal safety and security, delegates should remain vigilant regarding their safety and the security of their property. Petty crime and crimes using distraction methods are common in a number of areas in the city (train/bus terminals) and involve pickpocketing as well as purse and/or cell‑phone snatching. Robbery and/or threats of robbery are uncommon, but not unheard of. If accosted, do not resist and comply with demands to turn over personal property. Remember that your personal safety is of paramount concern.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Take note of fire safety instructions in your hotel (emergency exits).
• Take care and secure your personal property (luggage/briefcase/electronics, etc.).
• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you and do not expose expensive jewelry in public.
• When possible, avoid walking alone especially in the evening, try to use crowded routes and keep to well-lit areas.
• Use public transport modes (bus/train/taxi) that are considered safe modes of moving about the city.
• Be aware of individuals presenting themselves as police officers and always ask for formal police identification.  Police identity cards feature a photo of the officer, their name and rank and are inscribed with the Republic and Canton of Geneva, as well as the word “Police” crossed with a yellow and red tie. If there is uncertainty regarding the authenticity of a police officer, challenge him, attract the attention of others and if possible call the police emergency number (117).
• Be particularly vigilant at the airport, the train station and when checking into your  hotel.
• Never leave valuables on car seats – doing so attracts the attention of thieves.
• Be careful when using bank machines and note if anyone is lingering about. If you feel uncomfortable, find another ATM.
• Carry your hotel information with you: phone number, address, hotel taxi service.

Please report all security (crime/attempts) incidents to the Police (Tel: 117) and to WIPO’s Safety Security Coordination Service (SSCS) (Tel: +41 22 338 7478, security.coordination@wipo.int). SSCS is available 24/7 to provide delegates with assistance if a police report is required and to provide liaison with the Geneva Diplomatic Police Group.

WIPO’s onsite security guard force, Arndt, is available to assist you should a safety/security incident occur on the WIPO campus or in close proximity to it and if immediate assistance is required. They can be reached via the emergency number 9999 from WIPO internal phones and via +41 22 338 9999 on external phone lines.