GENERAL INFO

The post office is located about three blocks from the Villa. It costs 1.80 Swiss francs to send a normal sized letter (about two pages) and postcards to the US. It takes 4-10 business days for mail to get to the US from Switzerland and vice versa. For priority mail you can use the EMS service, the cost depends on weight. Send Federal Express packages only if you have an account with Fed Ex. It is possible to mail packages home from the post office; however it is quite expensive and the post office only accepts cash in Swiss Francs.

From the US, you may find that Global Priority is a more economical way of sending bulky letters and small items. While first class mail is charged by the weight, Global Priority is charged by the size of the envelope, up to four pounds.

Mail is collected Mon-Fri from the post office and is sorted on the table in the corridor. Incoming packages from U.S. could be charged customs fees. If you are sending books, electronic equipment or generally items above the value of CHF 100.- please contact CESA administrative assitant to obtain a declaration letter to join with the package in order to be exempted from Swiss Custom fees.

Post Office (Riva San Vitale)
Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 2:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. / Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

ADDITIONAL POST OFFICE INFO

For both domestic and international post, there’s a two-tier system. A Priority post is delivered next day in Switzerland, within five days to Europe, and within ten days worldwide (both of the latter by airmail); B–Economy post takes three days domestic, up to ten days to Europe, and up to eight weeks by surface delivery worldwide. For all A post, you should write a prominent “A” with a box around it above the address, or ask for one of the blue stickers.

In Villa Maderni there is a copying and fax machine available.

Emailing from the Villa is the same as emailing from VT campus. You will be able to use the your usual VT email account.

CESA has a password protected wireless internet access and a network printer available in the main Villa Maderni.

CESA computer lab has 5 computers available to all students and the College of Architecture has a small computer lab only available to architecture students (one plotter and two computers).

VT rules apply for the use of computer lab usage (e.g. downloading, etc.) The rules are in the Hokie Handbook.

PAY TELEPHONES

There are two pay telephones available for student use at the Villa. The phones accept coins or phone cards. Access numbers for SPRINT, AT&T, and MCI are listed on the phones. The numbers are:

Downstairs: 011-41-91-648-3496 - Upstairs: 011-41-91-648-3096

There is no free local calling in Switzerland.

CALLING THE USA

You may either use coins or a calling card such as SPRINT, AT&T, and MCI. There are many options when it comes to calling cards. The best thing to do is shop around for the best deals and to inform the card company you will be spending time in Europe to avoid any confusion in billing. If you have a calling card, make sure you understand its terms and usage rules. Many calling cards are only inexpensive for one predetermined number, and prohibitively expensive for all others.

USING INTERNET SERVICES

Instead of using regular phones to call the US consider setting up an account in google talk, skype or other free internet calls providers. Skype also allows you to call landlines (worldwide) at a very low calling rate. Additional infomration can be found directly in each provider website.

 

Management Entity: Office of International Research, Education, & Development,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA - 24061-0334