A First-Timer’s Guide to Switzerland

Transport and accommodation

The Basel airport is often recommended, given its ease of access and cheaper flights. Tourists from French-speaking countries might prefer the Geneva airport. Switzerland has a highly efficient public transportation system. Practically all places are accessible by public transport. You can opt for transport by boat, cable car, train, cog railway, or bus based on your personal preferences.

Finding good accommodation at a prime location in Switzerland can be quite expensive. Making hotel bookings in advance and having the entire trip planned beforehand is advisable. Not just accommodation, even tourist attractions may be crowded during the peak season, and booking the tickets online in advance is suggested.

Cultural etiquette

Visitors to Switzerland often remark on how rigid the Swiss can appear with their social and cultural norms. On-the-dot punctuality is practiced and expected; late will not leave a good impression. There are a couple of customs relating to drinking and friendly hospitality that it helps to be aware of:

• When toasting, go around the table and “cheers” everyone, making eye contact with each person as you do so. It might feel awkward and time-consuming, but that’s how it’s done.
• Always wait for a toast to be made before you start drinking. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and make a toast if you’ve been waiting for a while to have a sip!
• When visiting a friend for dinner or a gathering, bring a gift to show your appreciation to the host. Also, don’t inquire into personal matters during the conversation, unless the others make it clear that they are comfortable discussing them.
• Say hello if you pass by someone while out walking.
• When eating fondue, which you will undoubtedly have the chance to do, keep it hygienic and civilized!

Useful phrases in Swiss German

The four official languages of Switzerland are German, Italian, French, and Romansh. Although English is generally known and spoken, you will feel much more in place and appreciated if you make effort to speak German.

A useful phrase is “Grüezi”, which is a general greeting. Another is “Wie viel?” which translates to “how much?” when bargaining the price of a product. In addition to this, “Ich heisse” is useful for introductions, it means “I am” stating your name and following up with this is “und dir?” which means “and you?”. Another useful phrase is “Haben Sie ein?” which means “have you got a” followed by what you’re requesting.

The weather can be unpredictable; a flexible schedule is advised – remember to carry an umbrella and sunglasses and you’ll be good to go for anything the skies have for you.

Food

Eating out can also be quite expensive, but buying from the supermarket is generally cheap. As low as 10 CHF (Swiss francs) per day is doable if you don’t mind surviving on bread and cheese. Take-away food like Kebabs starts at 10CHF, and restaurant mains are 15CHF upwards in cheap places.

Traditional Swiss foods like R?sti or Sp?tzli tend to be cheap too. Picking a restaurant by a mix of price, type of food, and how nice the place looks can be a good way to choose where to eat.