Nr 10. In July, August and September you can strike very high temperatures. Last August it was 38 degrees for a couple of weeks and it then settled to about 34. I took a few t-shirts, a possum cardie, a denim skirt and some dresses. I also packed a nice raincoat. Swiss are well dressed, that is important to them. Cheers from a Swiss living in New Zealand
10 Top mistakes (summarized for quick reference): 1. Not having Swiss Francs 2. Bringing the wrong travel adapter 3. Getting the wrong train ticket 4. Putting feet on train seats 5. Speaking too loudly 6. Not budgeting or planning ahead 7. Expecting to shop on Sundays 8. Not being aware of local language differences 9. Only visiting cities and ignoring countryside 10. Not packing the right clothing
Number 9 is so true. I'm from the Netherlands and everyone is visiting Amsterdam. But A'dam is not the Netherlands as the Netherlands really is. It's a tourist city, where I miss our culture. I'm from Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands, with the biggest event, with visiters over 70 countries, in whole Europe. And no tourist knows it :")
Do not, DO NOT! underestimate mountains in Switzerland. I live in Valais, and every day I can see multiple helicopters above my house going back and forth from mountains to hospitals because tourists underestimate the dangers. Weather can vary extremely fast, and you can very easily find yourself trapped on a summit, or end up blocked by a collapsed pathway because a river has overflown. Please do not make that mistake, you can always contact a tourist agency that can hook you up with a guide, who can make your experience become truly something else.
I can only second that. I grew up here, near the mountains. They are hauntingly beautiful but they also have caused me more pain than anything else has. I have lost family members, peers at school, and other acquaintances. And keep in mind these were all careful people, who were neither doing anything "stupid/careless things", who have lived here their whole lives and we're more experienced than almost any tourist will ever be. So please enjoy the beauty of our nature, but take it slow and easy and tread carefully!
There was this one time, walking from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjochhütte in spring on skies in full gear while watching that guy in flipflops "running" ahead of us. It is a "safe" and relatively short walk over a prepared path on the snow... on the glacier at about 3500m. Let's just say it was very memorable.
As a Swiss citizen ( French speaking side) I want to say bravo for your good advises. Well done ! You could also add to this list: don’t go to the top of the Jungfrau ( highest train in Europe ) with bad weather. You’ll pay a fortune for the train ticket and won’t see anything once on top 😉 About the power adapter, you’ll probably find it in post offices. Often post offices display all kinds of traveler’s gadgets such as power adapters.
Looking to come to Switzerland for Christmas with my kids (17, 10, and 7 years). Would love a Christmas town, a train ride with amazing views (not too long), and skiing / snowmobiling. Would be doing 7 days. Any help and recommendations would be great. Thanks.
@@boboutelama5748 I don’t understand what you’re saying and why you saying it. This TH-cam channel is for fun information so making statements out of the context just for bashing is stupid. Nobody pretends that Switzerland is perfect but knowing that it has a lower crime rate than most of the countries around makes your statement particularly insulting. I cannot understand the motivation behind such comments other than some kind of frustration you may have experienced with my country.
@@caliglory1240 better that than having to fear that your house will be burglarized every time you step out of it, or fearing that your wife or daughter get raped on the way to the movie theater.
Besides having the right clothes you should also look at the weather reports. The weather varies a lot due to the varied topography. Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne and Basel have about the same altitude, but very often different weather. And the weather changes often: Fog in Zurich, icy wind in Geneva, in Interlaken you see only clouds and no mountains, but a sunny day for a hike near St. Moritz. Two days later rain and clouds in St. Moritz, but near Interlaken you can see a panorama over hundreds of kilometers from every mountain top, Zurich and Lucerne are warm and sunny - and the next day rain everywhere but in Ticino. The forecast over the next three days is pretty reliable, but rarely the same for all of Switzerland.
It is really dangerous not to wear good shoes. I think a lot of ppl underestimate the mountain hikes because they are so easy accesable with our transport system. U can get up to 300 meters above sea level only with train and cablecar and up there u have a complete different climate. But dont worry we have lots of rescue choppers to get u out there for a good price of 600.- to 800.- swiss francs 😂
what kind of shoes are appropriate depends as much on the skill level as on the terrain. i can easily climb a dry alpine route in my birkenstock sandals (blue/white/blue, don't use without guide or knowledge about the specific dangers). anyone without lots of experience, should always wear shoes that protect the ankles if the route has a red/white/red marking. red/white/red means: use at your own risk and falling of may be the last mistake you're ever making. and never try to cross snow without proper hiking boots.
When I first traveled by train from Geneva to St Gallen, I began speaking French on the train. Because we were in Geneva, I thought it more polite to ask questions and engage the locals in the regional language, as best I could. I was studying in Austria, so my German was stronger at the time. Still, I didn't want to assume all Swiss speak German for the tourists. I had just come from France, so I settled into my seat. A very nice and polite family sat across from me and allowed me to practice my French with them. Not all nationals are eager to converse, so I always allow them to begin, if they are interested, and many times they will create smalltalk about from where I come and where am I going, what are my plans, etc. This family spoke pristine French, and I was delighted for the opportunity to practice. After the train crossed the line from Fribourg/Freiburg and the conductors began asking for tickets and passports in German rather than in French, as previously done, the family from Geneva, quickly switched to German, and I was stunned. It turned out that they were from the Zurich area all along, and that they had given me the courtesy of practicing my French, when I would have felt more comfortable in German from the start. Still, the lesson learned is that don't assume everyone will speak a certain language. Test the waters, and try what you can. We can erase the "rude American" stereotype little by little, when we make an effort to acclimate to our surroundings in their homeland.
When you buy fruit in the shop ( Migros / COOP ), you have to weigh your fruit and put the price sticker on the bag. If you get to the cashier and you dont have the price on the bag with the fruit, people queuing behind you are not going to like you.
4:19 If you don’t know what ticket you need, go earlier and try to ask someone at the station that isn’t in a rush or busy. And if that doesn’t work try to find an info station. And if you buy the ticket online through an app as an example (SBB app makes traveling SO much easier) you NEED to have your ID or passport or anything that can provide who you are. Otherwise you can get a fine. I’m a Swiss native and even after all my years of experience I still get nervous about train/ bus/ tram tickets
If someone isn't Swiss, I'd caution them against buying tickets at all. The travel pass is way more cost effective. There's no way to link the foreign travel pass to the app either, which means that you can't book trips through the app but also use the travel pass. It isn't cheap (currently $283US for the three day second class pass), but if you're taking a lot of trips and using it for museums, it adds up.
To the 2nd Point. You can use most europen devices that only have 2 Prungs (the ones without grounding) in swiss plugs and vice versa (eg. Phone chragers, laptop chargers, hairdryers, etc.) but not the ones that require a grounding (3rd pin) because those are too big and the hole is in a different place (eg. more high power devices) ANd if you're from north AMerica you should check if the devices you plan to use actually support 230VAC 50hz because if they don't they most probably are going to break. Most times phone chargers say something like "Input: 100-240V 50-60hz" then you're good but if it only says 110V you better not plug it in.
Don't worry about the languages it's also complicated for us. The language borders are also hard for me as a swiss person. I Was born in the german area of the canton of fribourg. I went to highschool (10-13 grade) in Fribourg at a billagual school and I ended up as being lost all the time. Because I struggle with my second and third languages french and english and a lot of the french speakers avoid to speak german. But it works it is often ending up by speaking german, french and english at the same time. Sorry for my english skills. My bad I should practice more.
Hey you still did good my friend! I did grew up in a simillar setting haha!. An area speaking 3-5 different languages (Chavacano, Tagalog, English, Visaya, Tausug). Only well versed with three: Chavacano (Primary), English (Secondary), and Tagalog. We spoke to each other mixing words off those languanges. It worked honestly lol Just like a salad of mixed greens 😂 But ya, I can relate to what you're saying lol. Specially if certain groups refuse to speak in certain languages (due to beliefs etc, we had those too in my hometown). That can be a tough one. I'm just gonna use body language then 🤣 lol
Don't worry, most french speakers avoid to speak german because they suck at it. Those who don't will gladly answer you. Also we learn german german only at school ^^'
If you come in winter, do not ski outside the planned slopes, every years many tourists lose their life under avalanches, or falling in crevasses that are hidden below a small layer of snow.
One of the ways that I budget food is to buy from a grocery store and eating one warm meal at a locale. These are the 4 grocery stores starting with least expensive : Lidel Denner Migro Coop. The word Bio means organic. There are grocery stores that are all Bio and are the priciest of them all. The train stations have grocery stores too. Bern train station has a Lidl, Migros and Coop. Open on Sundays too. Sometimes train bakeries have self serve coffee machines. The coffee costs 2.50 CHF, you pay for the chit ( Jeton) at the register. And the coffee is fantastic.
Another: many restaurants will only be open during “normal” mealtimes - they’ll temporarily close between meals. If you go at an abnormal time like 3PM (15h00), you may not be served until they reopen for dinner at 7, for instance. Coop is always a thing, but it still helps to plan ahead!!
This is an extremely helpful advice, indeed. In most restaurants, you can not eat between 2pm and 6 pm, unfortunately. Sometimes even in very touristic places on sunday, with a lot of potential customers!
Wow, thanks for the Tip about Sundays. You saved me from spoiling my trip. We are flying back from Switzerland to India on Monday. And Sunday is my plan to make purchases. Thank to you, I get to re-plan my Purchases.
Europe actually uses 2 different plug standards: southern countries (like Italy and France) generally have what you show in the video, several central and northern (Germany and Slovakia, for sure, from personal experience) use the Schuko standard. SOME Schuko sockets are multi-standard and also accommodate the normal three-poles Eu plugs... but "strict schuko" don't. Also some Schuko have their ground sticking OUT of the socket, so your plug or adapter must have a hole. The Swiss socket IS compatible with "two pronged" European plugs (most small appliances will use that, including phone chargers), but any plug with three prongs (meaning, with the ground connector) will not go in (because as it's easy to see in your photo in the video the Swiss ground hole is a bit off to the side, so Swiss plugs aren't reversible, btw).
Came here to say this, a two-prong Type C plug that you bring with you for the rest of Europe will work just fine in Switzerland. So unless you bring a plug with a ground connection, you don't need a special adapter for CH!
Use your Debit or Credit card to get Swiss Franks from any ATM-Guichet automatique, there are Swiss Banks everywhere which also are much more efficient then US banks, when planning to hike in the Swiss Mountains buy a membership online for REGA helicopter ambulances which can save you 500 Franks for any flight to a hospital not covered by your Blue Cross health insurance- Swiss hospitals compared to USA are like 5 Star Hotels and equipment is top notch.
You can use the 2 pin plug as well for the 3 hole sockets. I never had problems to use the Swiss plugs in Germany, France, Spain and other countries even in Thailand I could use it🙃.
I agree. The common 2 pin power supplies for phones and for example macbooks are conpatible but if you have a power supply with 3 pins like for Lenovo Notebooks you will need the adapters.
I moved to Switzerland as a kid and grew up here. Your tips are on point, especially the last one. Recently many people died or got injured while hiking at the Säntis. I was baffled to read that some of them wore crocs on a mountain path!
Is living in Switzerland better than living in the United States. It looks so beautiful. My family came from Switzerland to the United States in 1831. I often wondered why they would leave such a beautiful place.
@sons they left because Switzerland at that time was very rural, and people had more kids than they could feed, so they packed their things and tried their luck across the pond.
@@sonsoftheedelweiss72 Beauty is not a consideration in mainly agricultural societies. There was quite some emigration, the exact reasons and the amount compared to other countries having to be found.
Finally a video that says it right! Switzerland is expensive, true, but if you plan ahead you get huge discounts. Also, you pay for quality! As a Swiss, however, I have found the Scandinavian countries more expensive, as well as some cities (London and Paris, especially). And the latter observation is borne out by statistics (check out which cities are the most expensive in the world....). As for chatting in parks, your observation applies to French and German-speaking Switzerland. In Ticino we are much louder😜👍!
i often have trouble with speaking quiet even though i am growing up here💀👏 but my friend moved from italy and she keeps on telling m how in ticino it's waaay louder, even experienced it myself😌
I second that. Scandinavia is at least the same expensive as Switzerland , however, I am happy to see the CHF strong these days so you can get more value 👍
Oh wow! I was looking for someone with a channel like yours. I am in the initial stages of planning my very first Switzerland trip next year. I'm soooo glad I found this channel!!!!
This was very helpful. Thanks. I've been to Switzerland several times but it is best to update what I should bring and other topics. Swiss francs! And clothing to be best prepared! Train tickets...got it, thanks!
Point 9 I highly recommend also. If you plan to go mountain hiking and are a beginner it most probably turns out in a bad memory. If you are experienced no problem. There are some really nice hiking trails at lower altitude. What I would recommend also is a travel insurance. If the Air Ambulance has to pick you up for some reason it quickly costs $20‘000. But the health system is best in class. I would not care about speaking loud in the train. Also Swiss are not always holy in this aspect. Personally I would avoid crowded places like Zürich, Geneva, Interlaken etc. they are just packed with tourist, summer and winter. And the voltage is not 110V but 220V. Just keep that in mind. Anyway Switzerland offers a scenery that is outstanding on little space.
Thank you for pointing out that it is rude to put feet on the seats. No one likes getting their pants dirty because someone else put their shoes on the seats.
You mentioned that grocery and clothing stores are often closed on Sundays--are public transport and restaurants still open on Sundays? We are doing a European trip in multiple countries this summer and are stopping in Interlaken for 4 days. One of those days is a Sunday. Will we still be able to get around the Jungfrau area and see things on a Sunday?
Sure, public transport works on Sundays, don‘t worry! Shops/stores are usually closed, but you‘ll always be able to find restaurants, especially in popular areas. Hope you‘ll enjoy your trip, welcome to Switzerland! 😊
For Europeans traveling with SwissPass or day passes: the route from Valais to Ticino via Centovalli is included, including the Italian routes. Do you understand me?
@Anonymous One She is absolutely correct. You may have been to Switzerland but just not taken this particular route, very popular with those travelling from the Lake Geneva area to the Italian-speaking region.
@Anonymous One ? Not sure what either of your comments is getting at. By halbtax, are you referring to a half-fare card? What does "probably german" mean? I re-iterate: for people holding a SwissPass or Day Pass, the route from the Valais to the Ticino via Domodossola and the Centovalli is included.
Number 6 is so important! When we were in Switzerland, we were amazed at how expensive (though beautiful) it was. We ate so much grocery store salami! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Hi . We are planning to visit Switzerland next year . Would like to know which is the best season to visit the the country. Which is the shoulder month .
Any suggestions of buying train tickets for tourist going from lugano to Strasbourg via basel. Looking at Rail Europe to purchase thru or any other suggestions of discounts? Appreciate any suggestions thanks
Thanks for mentioning the point about putting your feet up in the train. I commute between bern and zurich daily and I often do it, but I take my shoes off for it and only on the way to work, while im freshly showered ;)
When i was a teenager i always got in trouble because i put my feet on the bench in trains. Also 25 years ago the trains were divided into smoker and non somoker wagons (smoker were red and non smoker green) so u always had the party people in the red wagons and the "normalos" in the green ones. And if u come in december the last 2 sundays before christmas all shops will be open.
Thanks for this! I’ll be in Switzerland (Zurich) next month (Feb) to snowboard and I ordered a travel plug adapter mid video. I assumed my EU adapter would suffice.
Hi, what a wonderful video. Just want to ask, when did u buy the swiss pass? I was told that u have to buy it at least 6 months before arriving in Switzerland?. Doesnt make sense. Can i buy it say a month before departure from my home country? Also can i buy 3 swiss passes for my family using only one email and one handphone or do they require 3 emails and 3 handphones to buy 3 swiss passes. tqvm in advance for ur help.
These are all things I learned as an exchange student in Zurich. And prepare yourself… the Swiss love to stare.. especially if you go against Swiss mores.
This is super helpful! 😍😊🤩 Thank you for all the tips! The one where people talk softly/are quiet on trains reminds me of Japan! 😊 Also, I didn’t know that tickets would be cheaper when planning ahead! that’s really good! 😍😍
If I'm going to be traveling across Switzerland over a five day period, would it be my best option to buy the half fare card, Swiss Travel Pass, or something else?
Buy a eurail/interrail pass and travel for "free" in some amazing panoramic routes. Do the journey Luzern to Montreux via Interlaken, you will love it.
Even as a Swiss I have bought the wrong type of train ticket in the past. The machines can be very confusing sometimes 😂 But the interfaces are getting better.
1.Have Swiss Francs (cash); 2.Bring right adapter; 3.Get correct train tickets (2nd class is fine); 4. Don't put feet up on seats; 5.Don't speak too loudly; 6.Plan trips/buy tickers in advance; 7.Nothing is open on Sundays; 8. Learn sayings in 4 local languages; 9.Visit small towns, off beat paths; 10.Pack correct clothes due to altitude/weather/temperature changes.
Once I sat in a train and a guy put his feet on the seat. The train driver saw it and announced through the loud speaker that he should put his feet down. It was hilarious.
Point 4: yes you may put your feet up on the opposite seat, provided there are not many people and xou put a newspaper, a jacket or something else between the seat and your feet so the seat doesn't get soiled. Taking off your shoes is also okay.
Hi, I live in NYC and am I'm travelling to Zurich this Thanksgiving, for the first time to Switzerland and plan on doing typical touristy stuff. I just came across your video and found it to be very informative. Thanks so much
I have a question . Can Rhine falls and Riding the Bernina Express be done on the same day ? I will be staying near Zurich Airport. Can anybody advice please ?
Good Video. As mentioned in comments, Main thing you should be careful while traveling bin Switzerland is checking whether report before planning. As we all know, wheather reports are 99% accurate in Swiss and if you didn't get nice sun, you won't be able to enjoy the mountains and Nature
Oh non, especially in the mountain, weather forecast are not accurate at all in Switzerland, even 24h before... That's why you should always have warm and waterproof clothes at the bottom of your bag when you go hiking...
You talked about planning ahead to get discounted train tickets. I have been trying to plan a family (of 7 adults) vacation of a lifetime for next September, for the last year. We're staying in Mürren for a week and are deciding on another type of experience in the Bernese Oberland for the last three days. (Flying in and out of Zurich.) I am trying to be as wise as possible with our money. I am have gotten so many different opinions on the OB, Swiss Travel, and Half-Fare Ticket. What would you suggest we buy (and what other town would you suggest we spend our last three days to make the most of this dream vacation)?
About the discounted train tickets on the SBB app. If you are not in Switzerland they will not give you the discounted train ticket price to buy in advance. . I did turn my location off in the US and it still charges full price. I tapped on the % symbol. It showed 21 CHF but charged 31 CHF Luckily I’m in Switzerland every month ( work) and spend my vacation there too. I will have to buy the advanced discounted train tickets while I’m there.
Very useful ... I am planning to vist Zermatt next month for a week and planning to buy a 6 days 'Swiss Pass' for train journey. Hope I can use the Swiss Pass in Glacier Express as well.
top tip switzerland the tains are amazing. if your staying somewhere planing visit another city usually get a day pass it covers you for the buss tram in city your visiting. Also you want to visist an attaction go to the SBB ticket office or online as usually you get a great discount ticket. Next if unsure ask for help most of us can speak more than one language. one biggest things missing from the list is unless your swiss or have residency permit you cant get a sim card here. I know we go home uk or romania or latvia we just buy a pay as you go one for the holliday here its a big no.
My family and I are planning to visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and other attractions where there is going to be snow given the altitude between the end of Aug and early Sep. Do we need to pack snow boots to visit these places?
Unless you are booking some type of private glacier tour $$$ with a certified mountain guide you won't actually walk on any snow. You see glaciers from the observation decks/patforms and lifts but you will not walk on snow. Bring normal hiking boots. You don't need winter gear.
It would have been nice if some fellow American travelers on our train from Zermatt to Interlaken West had listened to number 5 before their trip. During the course of the ride, all of their fellow passengers knew about their community in Seattle, about their professions, about their tennis club, about their friends and of course their political views and how ignorant everyone else is who doesn’t vote the way they do. Needless to say it was annoying to everyone and embarrassing to those of us in the section who are American. Unfortunately they seemed oblivious (or didn’t care) to the fact that they were the only ones speaking loudly.
very good!-here I am living in Italy and I did not know Swiss have different electrical outlets! So does Italy! Different than EU round outlets. You should add Swiss cell SIM needed. My Italy plan gives me limited data-not voice.
We live between Bern and Thun which is connected by the beautiful Aare river. People swim and go tubing on it all summer long. But, every year 2 or more people die in it. An Indonesian diplomats son just died in the Aare recently. It's almost always foreigners. Locals know the Aare can be cold causing muscles to cramp. The Aare may look deceptively slow but it is not, and it is powerful. Never go in it alone or if you are not a strong swimmer.
Generally speaking, most of the drownings occur to young men between the age of 20 and 30 and under the influence of alcohol. They overestimate themselves.
Love this video! I first arrived in Fribourg as a 30-year-old student. Have returned many times, and I’ve set five novels in Switzerland! Looking forward to my next trip, always. 🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭
If you need more personalized help, from a pre-planned itinerary, to a 1:1 call - head to our website to learn more: www.thetravelingswiss.com
Nr 10. In July, August and September you can strike very high temperatures. Last August it was 38 degrees for a couple of weeks and it then settled to about 34. I took a few t-shirts, a possum cardie, a denim skirt and some dresses. I also packed a nice raincoat. Swiss are well dressed, that is important to them.
Cheers from a Swiss living in New Zealand
10 Top mistakes (summarized for quick reference):
1. Not having Swiss Francs
2. Bringing the wrong travel adapter
3. Getting the wrong train ticket
4. Putting feet on train seats
5. Speaking too loudly
6. Not budgeting or planning ahead
7. Expecting to shop on Sundays
8. Not being aware of local language differences
9. Only visiting cities and ignoring countryside
10. Not packing the right clothing
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Number 9 is so true. I'm from the Netherlands and everyone is visiting Amsterdam. But A'dam is not the Netherlands as the Netherlands really is. It's a tourist city, where I miss our culture. I'm from Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands, with the biggest event, with visiters over 70 countries, in whole Europe. And no tourist knows it :")
@@nadi737 Like visiting the USA and only visiting NY LA or Chicago and ignoring the Rockies, Virginia, Grand Canyon
What about restaurants?
@@Grandtrunk Restaurants are all open on Sundays in Switzerland.
Do not, DO NOT! underestimate mountains in Switzerland. I live in Valais, and every day I can see multiple helicopters above my house going back and forth from mountains to hospitals because tourists underestimate the dangers. Weather can vary extremely fast, and you can very easily find yourself trapped on a summit, or end up blocked by a collapsed pathway because a river has overflown. Please do not make that mistake, you can always contact a tourist agency that can hook you up with a guide, who can make your experience become truly something else.
This is really great advice! Thank you for sharing
I can only second that. I grew up here, near the mountains. They are hauntingly beautiful but they also have caused me more pain than anything else has. I have lost family members, peers at school, and other acquaintances. And keep in mind these were all careful people, who were neither doing anything "stupid/careless things", who have lived here their whole lives and we're more experienced than almost any tourist will ever be. So please enjoy the beauty of our nature, but take it slow and easy and tread carefully!
There was this one time, walking from Jungfraujoch to Mönchsjochhütte in spring on skies in full gear while watching that guy in flipflops "running" ahead of us. It is a "safe" and relatively short walk over a prepared path on the snow... on the glacier at about 3500m. Let's just say it was very memorable.
Do they speak English in Switzerland?
@@kblasterbug it is not a requirement, most of the newer generation does.
As a Swiss citizen ( French speaking side) I want to say bravo for your good advises. Well done ! You could also add to this list: don’t go to the top of the Jungfrau ( highest train in Europe ) with bad weather. You’ll pay a fortune for the train ticket and won’t see anything once on top 😉 About the power adapter, you’ll probably find it in post offices. Often post offices display all kinds of traveler’s gadgets such as power adapters.
Looking to come to Switzerland for Christmas with my kids (17, 10, and 7 years). Would love a Christmas town, a train ride with amazing views (not too long), and skiing / snowmobiling. Would be doing 7 days. Any help and recommendations would be great. Thanks.
@@boboutelama5748 did you have a bad day that makes you speak out of your butt like that?
@@boboutelama5748 I don’t understand what you’re saying and why you saying it. This TH-cam channel is for fun information so making statements out of the context just for bashing is stupid. Nobody pretends that Switzerland is perfect but knowing that it has a lower crime rate than most of the countries around makes your statement particularly insulting. I cannot understand the motivation behind such comments other than some kind of frustration you may have experienced with my country.
@@SuperBechticriminal doesn't even want to be in a country that life freezes on every Sundays.
@@caliglory1240 better that than having to fear that your house will be burglarized every time you step out of it, or fearing that your wife or daughter get raped on the way to the movie theater.
Besides having the right clothes you should also look at the weather reports. The weather varies a lot due to the varied topography. Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne and Basel have about the same altitude, but very often different weather. And the weather changes often: Fog in Zurich, icy wind in Geneva, in Interlaken you see only clouds and no mountains, but a sunny day for a hike near St. Moritz. Two days later rain and clouds in St. Moritz, but near Interlaken you can see a panorama over hundreds of kilometers from every mountain top, Zurich and Lucerne are warm and sunny - and the next day rain everywhere but in Ticino. The forecast over the next three days is pretty reliable, but rarely the same for all of Switzerland.
at least tennis shoes (or sneakers are you say) are ok - I have seen tourists in dam flip flops on some trails! easy way to spot the non-swiss
It is really dangerous not to wear good shoes. I think a lot of ppl underestimate the mountain hikes because they are so easy accesable with our transport system. U can get up to 300 meters above sea level only with train and cablecar and up there u have a complete different climate. But dont worry we have lots of rescue choppers to get u out there for a good price of 600.- to 800.- swiss francs 😂
@@m.m.6670 if u pass by a psytrance party on sundays u can see lots of barefoot freaks dancing in the mountains on mushrooms n lsd
what kind of shoes are appropriate depends as much on the skill level as on the terrain. i can easily climb a dry alpine route in my birkenstock sandals (blue/white/blue, don't use without guide or knowledge about the specific dangers). anyone without lots of experience, should always wear shoes that protect the ankles if the route has a red/white/red marking. red/white/red means: use at your own risk and falling of may be the last mistake you're ever making.
and never try to cross snow without proper hiking boots.
@@muenschti more like 3000, 6000-8000.
When I first traveled by train from Geneva to St Gallen, I began speaking French on the train. Because we were in Geneva, I thought it more polite to ask questions and engage the locals in the regional language, as best I could. I was studying in Austria, so my German was stronger at the time. Still, I didn't want to assume all Swiss speak German for the tourists. I had just come from France, so I settled into my seat. A very nice and polite family sat across from me and allowed me to practice my French with them. Not all nationals are eager to converse, so I always allow them to begin, if they are interested, and many times they will create smalltalk about from where I come and where am I going, what are my plans, etc. This family spoke pristine French, and I was delighted for the opportunity to practice. After the train crossed the line from Fribourg/Freiburg and the conductors began asking for tickets and passports in German rather than in French, as previously done, the family from Geneva, quickly switched to German, and I was stunned. It turned out that they were from the Zurich area all along, and that they had given me the courtesy of practicing my French, when I would have felt more comfortable in German from the start. Still, the lesson learned is that don't assume everyone will speak a certain language. Test the waters, and try what you can. We can erase the "rude American" stereotype little by little, when we make an effort to acclimate to our surroundings in their homeland.
When you buy fruit in the shop ( Migros / COOP ), you have to weigh your fruit and put the price sticker on the bag. If you get to the cashier and you dont have the price on the bag with the fruit, people queuing behind you are not going to like you.
😂 Ja genau!
😀😀😀
4:19 If you don’t know what ticket you need, go earlier and try to ask someone at the station that isn’t in a rush or busy. And if that doesn’t work try to find an info station.
And if you buy the ticket online through an app as an example (SBB app makes traveling SO much easier) you NEED to have your ID or passport or anything that can provide who you are. Otherwise you can get a fine. I’m a Swiss native and even after all my years of experience I still get nervous about train/ bus/ tram tickets
If someone isn't Swiss, I'd caution them against buying tickets at all. The travel pass is way more cost effective. There's no way to link the foreign travel pass to the app either, which means that you can't book trips through the app but also use the travel pass.
It isn't cheap (currently $283US for the three day second class pass), but if you're taking a lot of trips and using it for museums, it adds up.
is having a SwissPass for 3days worth it? Can I explore Schilthorn in the morning and Grindelwald First in the afternoon? Thank you
To the 2nd Point. You can use most europen devices that only have 2 Prungs (the ones without grounding) in swiss plugs and vice versa (eg. Phone chragers, laptop chargers, hairdryers, etc.) but not the ones that require a grounding (3rd pin) because those are too big and the hole is in a different place (eg. more high power devices) ANd if you're from north AMerica you should check if the devices you plan to use actually support 230VAC 50hz because if they don't they most probably are going to break. Most times phone chargers say something like "Input: 100-240V 50-60hz" then you're good but if it only says 110V you better not plug it in.
Don't worry about the languages it's also complicated for us.
The language borders are also hard for me as a swiss person. I Was born in the german area of the canton of fribourg. I went to highschool (10-13 grade) in Fribourg at a billagual school and I ended up as being lost all the time. Because I struggle with my second and third languages french and english and a lot of the french speakers avoid to speak german. But it works it is often ending up by speaking german, french and english at the same time.
Sorry for my english skills. My bad I should practice more.
Eln you speak (type) better than most Americans!
Hey you still did good my friend!
I did grew up in a simillar setting haha!. An area speaking 3-5 different languages (Chavacano, Tagalog, English, Visaya, Tausug). Only well versed with three: Chavacano (Primary), English (Secondary), and Tagalog. We spoke to each other mixing words off those languanges. It worked honestly lol
Just like a salad of mixed greens 😂
But ya, I can relate to what you're saying lol. Specially if certain groups refuse to speak in certain languages (due to beliefs etc, we had those too in my hometown). That can be a tough one.
I'm just gonna use body language then 🤣 lol
Don't worry, most french speakers avoid to speak german because they suck at it. Those who don't will gladly answer you.
Also we learn german german only at school ^^'
@@jcheck6 most people speak (type) better than most Americans
@@Nokyyyyy „German German“? You mean High German , also called script German.
If you come in winter, do not ski outside the planned slopes, every years many tourists lose their life under avalanches, or falling in crevasses that are hidden below a small layer of snow.
Hi! Do you have insta? Or any contact method
Or ski in the Jura
It's smaller, safer, less peoply and the view isn't that bad
Appreciate all the vital information 👍✨🙏
One of the ways that I budget food is to buy from a grocery store and eating one warm meal at a locale.
These are the 4 grocery stores starting with least expensive :
Lidel
Denner
Migro
Coop.
The word Bio means organic. There are grocery stores that are all Bio and are the priciest of them all.
The train stations have grocery stores too. Bern train station has a Lidl, Migros and Coop. Open on Sundays too.
Sometimes train bakeries have self serve coffee machines.
The coffee costs 2.50 CHF, you pay for the chit ( Jeton) at the register.
And the coffee is fantastic.
Another: many restaurants will only be open during “normal” mealtimes - they’ll temporarily close between meals. If you go at an abnormal time like 3PM (15h00), you may not be served until they reopen for dinner at 7, for instance. Coop is always a thing, but it still helps to plan ahead!!
This is an extremely helpful advice, indeed. In most restaurants, you can not eat between 2pm and 6 pm, unfortunately. Sometimes even in very touristic places on sunday, with a lot of potential customers!
Wow, thanks for the Tip about Sundays. You saved me from spoiling my trip. We are flying back from Switzerland to India on Monday. And Sunday is my plan to make purchases. Thank to you, I get to re-plan my Purchases.
Europe actually uses 2 different plug standards: southern countries (like Italy and France) generally have what you show in the video, several central and northern (Germany and Slovakia, for sure, from personal experience) use the Schuko standard. SOME Schuko sockets are multi-standard and also accommodate the normal three-poles Eu plugs... but "strict schuko" don't. Also some Schuko have their ground sticking OUT of the socket, so your plug or adapter must have a hole.
The Swiss socket IS compatible with "two pronged" European plugs (most small appliances will use that, including phone chargers), but any plug with three prongs (meaning, with the ground connector) will not go in (because as it's easy to see in your photo in the video the Swiss ground hole is a bit off to the side, so Swiss plugs aren't reversible, btw).
Came here to say this, a two-prong Type C plug that you bring with you for the rest of Europe will work just fine in Switzerland. So unless you bring a plug with a ground connection, you don't need a special adapter for CH!
th-cam.com/video/O-0BbX3_RMk/w-d-xo.html
As another American living in CH, I agree and applaud your tips. 👍❤️
Awesome video and great information , Muchas Gracias
Use your Debit or Credit card to get Swiss Franks from any ATM-Guichet automatique, there are Swiss Banks everywhere which also are much more efficient then US banks, when planning to hike in the Swiss Mountains buy a membership online for REGA helicopter ambulances which can save you 500 Franks for any flight to a hospital not covered by your Blue Cross health insurance- Swiss hospitals compared to USA are like 5 Star Hotels and equipment is top notch.
In Lucerne the super touristy kitsch shops are open on Sunday.
We plan on starting in Geneva and work our way up with our final destination being Europa Park. Helpful video, thank you!
Thanks for the plug tip. Who knew?
You can use the 2 pin plug as well for the 3 hole sockets. I never had problems to use the Swiss plugs in Germany, France, Spain and other countries even in Thailand I could use it🙃.
I agree. The common 2 pin power supplies for phones and for example macbooks are conpatible but if you have a power supply with 3 pins like for Lenovo Notebooks you will need the adapters.
Hi, do you have a video advising on what are Mobile plan options for travellers to Switzerland? Thanks. Doesnt seem to anyone has done a video on this
Fabulous channel. Thankyou for the tips. I will be traveling to Geneva next April 2024. Look forward to watching more of your videos……Thankyou again
I moved to Switzerland as a kid and grew up here. Your tips are on point, especially the last one. Recently many people died or got injured while hiking at the Säntis. I was baffled to read that some of them wore crocs on a mountain path!
Hello, are there hot air Balloon in Switzerland in January ?
Is living in Switzerland better than living in the United States. It looks so beautiful. My family came from Switzerland to the United States in 1831. I often wondered why they would leave such a beautiful place.
@sons they left because Switzerland at that time was very rural, and people had more kids than they could feed, so they packed their things and tried their luck across the pond.
Hi, do you do mind to share with me, where should i bring my 1 yr baby to play sledge in swiss this janury?
@@sonsoftheedelweiss72 Beauty is not a consideration in mainly agricultural societies. There was quite some emigration, the exact reasons and the amount compared to other countries having to be found.
Thank you so much. Really helpful advices
Finally a video that says it right! Switzerland is expensive, true, but if you plan ahead you get huge discounts. Also, you pay for quality! As a Swiss, however, I have found the Scandinavian countries more expensive, as well as some cities (London and Paris, especially). And the latter observation is borne out by statistics (check out which cities are the most expensive in the world....). As for chatting in parks, your observation applies to French and German-speaking Switzerland. In Ticino we are much louder😜👍!
i often have trouble with speaking quiet even though i am growing up here💀👏 but my friend moved from italy and she keeps on telling m how in ticino it's waaay louder, even experienced it myself😌
I second that. Scandinavia is at least the same expensive as Switzerland , however, I am happy to see the CHF strong these days so you can get more value 👍
Excellent videos thanks Alexis, Louis ..Tony Australia
Oh wow! I was looking for someone with a channel like yours. I am in the initial stages of planning my very first Switzerland trip next year. I'm soooo glad I found this channel!!!!
Welcome!! I hope it’s helpful :)
This was very helpful. Thanks. I've been to Switzerland several times but it is best to update what I should bring and other topics. Swiss francs! And clothing to be best prepared! Train tickets...got it, thanks!
One of the finest & beautifully done videos about Swiss tourism.
Point 9 I highly recommend also. If you plan to go mountain hiking and are a beginner it most probably turns out in a bad memory. If you are experienced no problem. There are some really nice hiking trails at lower altitude. What I would recommend also is a travel insurance. If the Air Ambulance has to pick you up for some reason it quickly costs $20‘000. But the health system is best in class. I would not care about speaking loud in the train. Also Swiss are not always holy in this aspect. Personally I would avoid crowded places like Zürich, Geneva, Interlaken etc. they are just packed with tourist, summer and winter. And the voltage is not 110V but 220V. Just keep that in mind. Anyway Switzerland offers a scenery that is outstanding on little space.
Just found your channel! You are adorable! Thank you so much for all these valuable tips❤
Thank you for pointing out that it is rude to put feet on the seats. No one likes getting their pants dirty because someone else put their shoes on the seats.
You mentioned that grocery and clothing stores are often closed on Sundays--are public transport and restaurants still open on Sundays? We are doing a European trip in multiple countries this summer and are stopping in Interlaken for 4 days. One of those days is a Sunday. Will we still be able to get around the Jungfrau area and see things on a Sunday?
Sure, public transport works on Sundays, don‘t worry! Shops/stores are usually closed, but you‘ll always be able to find restaurants, especially in popular areas. Hope you‘ll enjoy your trip, welcome to Switzerland! 😊
Plug type was useful, thanks
For Europeans traveling with SwissPass or day passes: the route from Valais to Ticino via Centovalli is included, including the Italian routes. Do you understand me?
@Anonymous One She is absolutely correct. You may have been to Switzerland but just not taken this particular route, very popular with those travelling from the Lake Geneva area to the Italian-speaking region.
@Anonymous One ? Not sure what either of your comments is getting at. By halbtax, are you referring to a half-fare card? What does "probably german" mean? I re-iterate: for people holding a SwissPass or Day Pass, the route from the Valais to the Ticino via Domodossola and the Centovalli is included.
Great tips for every country. 😊 Thanks for wording it so well. ❤
Number 6 is so important! When we were in Switzerland, we were amazed at how expensive (though beautiful) it was. We ate so much grocery store salami! Thanks for sharing! 😊
Do they speak English in Switzerland?
@@kblasterbug many people do
Yes, if you spend your trip eating exclusively at restaurants, Switzerland will be expensive.
@@kblasterbug Yes, generally the younger generation will know some English.
Hi Alexis. Thank you so much for all the info. We are giong to be in Switzerland n in 3 weeks... can't wait
Thank you. Very informative video.
Hi . We are planning to visit Switzerland next year . Would like to know which is the best season to visit the the country. Which is the shoulder month .
Your video is really informative! I wish I could visit Switzerland one day! I'm sure this is a great place to visit as you said.
Any suggestions of buying train tickets for tourist going from lugano to Strasbourg via basel. Looking at Rail Europe to purchase thru or any other suggestions of discounts? Appreciate any suggestions thanks
Your video is really good. Thanks!!
Informative and quite accurate, well done :)
Awesome video Alexis. Great tips and just the way you present is outstanding. I love all your videos❤❤
Thanks for mentioning the point about putting your feet up in the train. I commute between bern and zurich daily and I often do it, but I take my shoes off for it and only on the way to work, while im freshly showered ;)
When i was a teenager i always got in trouble because i put my feet on the bench in trains. Also 25 years ago the trains were divided into smoker and non somoker wagons (smoker were red and non smoker green) so u always had the party people in the red wagons and the "normalos" in the green ones.
And if u come in december the last 2 sundays before christmas all shops will be open.
party / normalos 🤣👌
Thanks for this! I’ll be in Switzerland (Zurich) next month (Feb) to snowboard and I ordered a travel plug adapter mid video. I assumed my EU adapter would suffice.
Love it super helpful
Thanks you both of you guys..!!🤗🤗
Thanks for the useful tips. WIll you be able to guide on which train is the best if we want to travel from Montreux to Cologne in Germany?
Hi, what a wonderful video. Just want to ask, when did u buy the swiss pass? I was told that u have to buy it at least 6 months before arriving in Switzerland?. Doesnt make sense. Can i buy it say a month before departure from my home country? Also can i buy 3 swiss passes for my family using only one email and one handphone or do they require 3 emails and 3 handphones to buy 3 swiss passes. tqvm in advance for ur help.
These are all things I learned as an exchange student in Zurich.
And prepare yourself… the Swiss love to stare.. especially if you go against Swiss mores.
I am flying into Basel next week and staying in old Town. Does anyone have a suggestion as of the mode of transportation I should use??
This is super helpful! 😍😊🤩 Thank you for all the tips! The one where people talk softly/are quiet on trains reminds me of Japan! 😊 Also, I didn’t know that tickets would be cheaper when planning ahead! that’s really good! 😍😍
If I'm going to be traveling across Switzerland over a five day period, would it be my best option to buy the half fare card, Swiss Travel Pass, or something else?
We will be visiting Zurich the first week of April in 2023. What type of temperatures and precipitation might we expect. Thanks Harold
Hi how do I see the famous scenes in the movies do I need to go to the countryside 😊
Buy a eurail/interrail pass and travel for "free" in some amazing panoramic routes. Do the journey Luzern to Montreux via Interlaken, you will love it.
Even as a Swiss I have bought the wrong type of train ticket in the past. The machines can be very confusing sometimes 😂 But the interfaces are getting better.
Olivier, thank you for making us tourists feel better.
Thank you for all the helpful tips!! What about attractions and restaurants in the Interlaken area on a Sunday? Are they usually closed as well?
1.Have Swiss Francs (cash); 2.Bring right adapter; 3.Get correct train tickets (2nd class is fine); 4. Don't put feet up on seats; 5.Don't speak too loudly; 6.Plan trips/buy tickers in advance; 7.Nothing is open on Sundays; 8. Learn sayings in 4 local languages; 9.Visit small towns, off beat paths; 10.Pack correct clothes due to altitude/weather/temperature changes.
Not only Sunday but some cities are also predominantly on monday( like Zurich)
Once I sat in a train and a guy put his feet on the seat. The train driver saw it and announced through the loud speaker that he should put his feet down. It was hilarious.
Omg! That’s too funny lolol
Lol, wo isch das gsi?
much better listening then look u almost time,because of u r switzerland!:)))))
Point 4: yes you may put your feet up on the opposite seat, provided there are not many people and xou put a newspaper, a jacket or something else between the seat and your feet so the seat doesn't get soiled. Taking off your shoes is also okay.
NO, we do NOT appreciate for people to put their feet, shoed or bare, on ANY seat. You can do that in your home, but not anywhere in Switzerland….
Thanks very useful
Hi, I live in NYC and am I'm travelling to Zurich this Thanksgiving, for the first time to Switzerland and plan on doing typical touristy stuff. I just came across your video and found it to be very informative. Thanks so much
I have a question . Can Rhine falls and Riding the Bernina Express be done on the same day ? I will be staying near Zurich Airport. Can anybody advice please ?
Good Video. As mentioned in comments, Main thing you should be careful while traveling bin Switzerland is checking whether report before planning. As we all know, wheather reports are 99% accurate in Swiss and if you didn't get nice sun, you won't be able to enjoy the mountains and Nature
Oh non, especially in the mountain, weather forecast are not accurate at all in Switzerland, even 24h before... That's why you should always have warm and waterproof clothes at the bottom of your bag when you go hiking...
request you to share how to buy cheap train and bus tickets in advance. Specially zurich to geneva
Can someone please tell me what kind if converter and adaptor would work? It’s very confusing on Amazon
Good job! Thanks for
Thankyou so much.
This has been so helpful and you are very articulate.
♥️ From Tasmania
Great tips thank you so much!!!!!!!❤❤❤
Love the NO feet on seat rule on trains. We should fine in the UK too
super helpful tips😊
Thank you for the language Map!
You talked about planning ahead to get discounted train tickets. I have been trying to plan a family (of 7 adults) vacation of a lifetime for next September, for the last year. We're staying in Mürren for a week and are deciding on another type of experience in the Bernese Oberland for the last three days. (Flying in and out of Zurich.) I am trying to be as wise as possible with our money. I am have gotten so many different opinions on the OB, Swiss Travel, and Half-Fare Ticket. What would you suggest we buy (and what other town would you suggest we spend our last three days to make the most of this dream vacation)?
We have developed a free tool on our website to help select the best train pass !www.thetravelingswiss.com/free-train-pass-selector
Thank for the tips.
What will be open on Sundays in Switzerland? (Public transport wise, tourist attractions/museums, restaurants?)
About the discounted train tickets on the SBB app. If you are not in Switzerland they will not give you the discounted train ticket price to buy in advance. . I did turn my location off in the US and it still charges full price. I tapped on the % symbol. It showed 21 CHF but charged 31 CHF
Luckily I’m in Switzerland every month ( work) and spend my vacation there too.
I will have to buy the advanced discounted train tickets while I’m there.
Thanks for the great tips.
Very useful ... I am planning to vist Zermatt next month for a week and planning to buy a 6 days 'Swiss Pass' for train journey. Hope I can use the Swiss Pass in Glacier Express as well.
So did the Swiss Pass cover the Glacier Express as well?
Yes, did it cover?
God Bless You, you explain so passionately, Thank you very much
Thanks for watching!!
top tip switzerland the tains are amazing. if your staying somewhere planing visit another city usually get a day pass it covers you for the buss tram in city your visiting. Also you want to visist an attaction go to the SBB ticket office or online as usually you get a great discount ticket. Next if unsure ask for help most of us can speak more than one language. one biggest things missing from the list is unless your swiss or have residency permit you cant get a sim card here. I know we go home uk or romania or latvia we just buy a pay as you go one for the holliday here its a big no.
Very useful tips for first time visitors.
My family and I are planning to visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and other attractions where there is going to be snow given the altitude between the end of Aug and early Sep. Do we need to pack snow boots to visit these places?
Unless you are booking some type of private glacier tour $$$ with a certified mountain guide you won't actually walk on any snow.
You see glaciers from the observation decks/patforms and lifts but you will not walk on snow.
Bring normal hiking boots.
You don't need winter gear.
@margauxs 4211 thank you for your response and the clarity. Appreciate it.
It would have been nice if some fellow American travelers on our train from Zermatt to Interlaken West had listened to number 5 before their trip. During the course of the ride, all of their fellow passengers knew about their community in Seattle, about their professions, about their tennis club, about their friends and of course their political views and how ignorant everyone else is who doesn’t vote the way they do. Needless to say it was annoying to everyone and embarrassing to those of us in the section who are American. Unfortunately they seemed oblivious (or didn’t care) to the fact that they were the only ones speaking loudly.
Thanks for the helpful and interesting review! And what do you share your experience!
Thanks for the super informative content. Could you please suggest if it is ideal to visit eppese in last week of march ??
Thank you for the wonderful tips!
very good!-here I am living in Italy and I did not know Swiss have different electrical outlets! So does Italy! Different than EU round outlets. You should add Swiss cell SIM needed. My Italy plan gives me limited data-not voice.
We live between Bern and Thun which is connected by the beautiful Aare river. People swim and go tubing on it all summer long. But, every year 2 or more people die in it. An Indonesian diplomats son just died in the Aare recently. It's almost always foreigners. Locals know the Aare can be cold causing muscles to cramp. The Aare may look deceptively slow but it is not, and it is powerful. Never go in it alone or if you are not a strong swimmer.
Generally speaking, most of the drownings occur to young men between the age of 20 and 30 and under the influence of alcohol. They overestimate themselves.
Very useful video.Many Thanks..
Very nice video nice tips we will certainly use most of them.
Hi, do you know what's the weather in Zurich in june? What kind of clothes should I take with me? Thanks.
Love this video! I first arrived in Fribourg as a 30-year-old student. Have returned many times, and I’ve set five novels in Switzerland! Looking forward to my next trip, always. 🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭