Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Zürich uses the CHF (Fr.) and Ottawa uses the CAD ($). Conversations can stay in French, which is official in both countries. Cars drive on the right in both, so rentals feel familiar.
- Country
- Switzerland
- Capital
- Bern
- Currency
- Swiss franc (CHF · Fr.)
- Language
- French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh
- Calling code
- +41
- Drives on
- Right
- Country
- Canada
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD · $)
- Language
- English, French
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Right
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Zürich and Ottawa?
Zürich is 6 hours behind Ottawa. Zürich runs on GMT+2 and Ottawa on GMT-4. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 2 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is Zürich from Ottawa?
About 6,129 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 7h 43m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do Zürich and Ottawa use?
Zürich uses the Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.); Ottawa uses the Canadian dollar (CAD, $). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call Zürich from Ottawa?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 011), then +41, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in Zürich and Ottawa?
Both Switzerland and Canada count French among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. Zürich also has Swiss German, Italian, Romansh; Ottawa adds English.
Do Zürich and Ottawa drive on the same side of the road?
Yes — both drive on the right. Rental cars feel identical between the two.