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  • Writer's pictureRana Mubashar

9 Switzerland Travel Tips

Updated: Jan 1, 2020

Do not plan a trip to Switzerland without first reading these travel tips to Switzerland. You will save money and have a better time!



Invest in a Swiss Travel Pass


Switzerland is easy to travel, thanks to an impeccable transit system that includes everything from boats to trains and cable cars. If you plan to travel between cities, in addition to using transport within the city (such as city buses), obtain a Swiss Travel Pass that covers unlimited travel "through the Swiss Travel System network of train, bus and ship". It also offers 50 percent off most mountain railways and cable cars.


Not only will you save money on travel, but the Swiss Travel Pass also offers you free admission to 500 museums and exhibitions.


Don’t Take Taxis



Swiss public transport is easy to navigate, with well-marked signage for routes and countdown clocks that let you know when your bus will arrive. Most cities and towns in Switzerland are also passable. However, if you want to save money, avoid taxis, as you may be surprised, even during a short trip, at an exorbitant cost. In fact, a recent survey by Carspring found that taxis in Zurich are the most expensive in the world, with an average of $ 5.19 per kilometer. Therefore, not taking a taxi is one of the best travel tips to save money in Switzerland.


Mind the Altitude


Directed to the Swiss Alps? Thanks to the large network of cable cars, trains and gondolas, it is easy to quickly reach high altitudes. Be sure to wear sunscreen, as it will burn faster at higher altitudes. Do not strain too much if you are going on an excursion, and take breaks if you feel dizzy or dizzy, even if you only walk on an observation deck. Be sure to drink plenty of water, as that can help with some of the effects. Learn more about altitude sickness.


Don’t Buy Water


Buying bottled water at the supermarket in Switzerland is a total waste of your money, as the country is home to some of the cleanest and best tasting waters in the world. (In fact, in some places, you can even drink directly from a lake without harmful effects, but I do not recommend trying that on your trip if you are not familiar with the area). You can drink from any tap or one of the many sources of free flow that you will find in every town, city and, sometimes, even along mountain trails. Unless there is a sign that indicates that the water is not potable (as you will see in train baths), feel safe to drink for free and skip bottled water.


Don’t Buy Tourist Chocolate


Souvenir shops and airport kiosks display assorted assortments of Swiss brand chocolates. Use your willpower to move directly to those and to the nearest supermarket, where you will find whole aisles of equally excellent chocolate (or of better quality) that the locals eat, at less than half the price.


Check Out Less Touristic Spots


Famous places like Lausanne and Zurich are filled with tourists in the high season, so if you are adventurous and don't mind getting out of the ordinary, you will be rewarded with a cheaper and less crowded holiday experience. Try the lesser known villages of Biel, Solothurn and Thun in the summer: you probably never have to deal with crowds or ranks.


Take Out Minimal Cash



Although surrounded by EU countries, Switzerland is not part of the European Union. Since the country has its own currency, the Swiss franc (CHF), it is a good idea to get a small amount of cash when you use it for emergencies (such as when you want to buy ice cream in cash) street vendor) and use your card Credit (assuming you do not charge a currency exchange rate) anywhere else. This way, you won't get caught with a bunch of CHF left over at the end of your trip.


Also keep in mind that some places in Switzerland (but not all) will accept euros, but they will probably give you their change in CHF.


Learn Which Language is spoken


Normally, it is quite clear in advance what language is spoken in a country. Not so much in Switzerland, which has four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. This can make it quite confusing when deciding how to greet a local. As a general rule, Swiss German is a safe bet, as it is the most popular language in Switzerland, with 19 of the cantons or districts of the country that speak Swiss German. And many people speak English, so you shouldn't have much trouble communicating.


Watch Out for Closing Times


Do you want to do some souvenir shopping or buy groceries for a picnic dinner? Watch for closing times. Particularly in smaller cities, many shops close for lunch from noon to 2 p.m., and then close quite early, around 5 p.m. On Sundays and Mondays, many stores close all day.


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