The Ultimate Checklist: Switzerland
🇨🇭Welcome to Switzerland🇨🇭
Switzerland is a landlocked gem tucked away in the heart of Europe, famous for its jaw-dropping landscapes, stunning alpine views, charming cities, and, of course, its delicious world-class chocolate.
Whether you're there for the adventure or just to indulge in some serious chocolate-tasting, Switzerland has something magical for everyone!
The Essentials
☀️ Weather
Switzerland experiences four distinct seasons, the below should help in identifying when would be the best time to visit Switzerland for you!
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather with fewer tourists.
Summer (June to August) is perfect for hiking, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C.
Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 7°C.
🧧 Money Matters
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Credit cards are widely accepted in most places, but it’s always good to carry some cash, especially for small transactions, outdoor markets, and local transport.
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.
💬 Language
Switzerland has four official languages:
German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
English is widely spoken in urban areas and tourist spots, so you’ll have no trouble getting around.
🛜 Connectivity and Wifi
Wifi is widely available in all hotels and the majority of cafes, restaurants and malls.You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or city centers.
An alternative to SIM cards are eSIMs, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can download on your phone and use for the duration of your trip (link below)
🔌 Plug and Sockets
Switzerland uses Type J plugs, with three round pins in a triangular shape. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz, so bring the right adapter if needed.
🆘 Safety and Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, and Medical Emergencies: 112
Switzerland is a safe country, but always exercise basic precautions, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Travel and Transport
🛫 Air
Switzerland has several international airports, with Zurich, Geneva, and Basel being the largest. They offer easy access to the rest of the country via trains and public transport
🚝 Public Transport
Switzerland’s public transportation system is one of the best in the world! Trains, trams, and buses are punctual, clean, and efficient - perfect for travelling within Switzerland as well as visiting neighbouring Countries. For city travel, Zurich, Geneva, and Basel have excellent tram networks.
Top Tip - Consider buying a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats.
🚙 Road
Car rentals are available at major airports and cities. Be aware that Swiss road rules are strict, and you’ll need a vignette to drive on the highways (for more information click here). Switzerland drives on the right-hand side of the road
For quick trips within a city you can use a taxi app such as Uber or Ola.
🍲 Food and Culture
Switzerland’s culture is a blend of German, French, and Italian influences, and you’ll experience this diversity in the food too. Here are a few Swiss must-tries
🍫 Chocolate – You can’t visit Switzerland without tasting its world-famous chocolate.
🧀 Fondue – Melted cheese served with bread, perfect for a traditional Swiss meal.
🥔 Rösti – A delicious dish made from grated and fried potatoes, often served with eggs or sausages.
🍂 Raclette – Melted cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and onion
For more Top Tips - make sure to check out my Blog below!
🧳 Packing List
You’re almost ready! Here’s what you shouldn’t forget for your Swiss adventure:
🧥 Warm clothing – Even in summer, temperatures in the mountains can be chilly, so pack layers.
🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen – For both sunny summer hikes and winter days on the slopes.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes – Switzerland is perfect for exploring on foot, from cobblestone streets to mountain trails.
☂️ Rain jacket – Sudden rain showers can occur, especially in spring and autumn.
📱Useful Apps
Thank you for reading and make sure to save for your future reference!
For bonus tips and tricks head to my blog!!
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