There are many questions that you might have when planning your trip to Switzerland. There are many things to consider, from train tickets and weather to language and money. This list contains useful Switzerland travel tips to help you plan your trip and answer any questions. Swiss Epic Tours customized tours switzerland is an inbound travel agency located in Switzerland. Swiss Epic Tours offers private, chauffeur-guided tailor-made services throughout Switzerland and neighboring countries. We are based in Zurich and can help you create the tour that suits your needs. We can help you whether you want to book an existing tour with more privacy and comfort, or if you need a custom-made offer that meets your needs.
Don’t take Taxis
The Swiss public transport system is simple to use. There are clearly marked routes and countdown clocks that will let you know when your bus arrives. Many cities and towns in Switzerland can be reached by foot. Avoid taxis if you are looking to save money. According to a Carspring survey, taxis in Zurich cost an average $5.19 per mile. Avoiding a taxi is one the best ways to save money in Switzerland.
Remember the altitude
Are you planning to visit the Swiss Alps It’s easy and quick to reach high altitudes thanks to the extensive network of cable cars, trains and gondolas. You’ll be more likely to get sunburnt at higher altitudes if you don’t have sunscreen. If you are hiking, don’t push yourself too much. Take breaks if your feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Drinking lots of water can reduce some effects. Find out more about altitude illness.
Do not buy water
It is a waste of money to buy bottled water in Switzerland from a supermarket. The country has some of the best-tasting tapwater in the world. You can actually drink water straight from the lake in certain places without any side effects. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing that if you aren’t familiar with the area. Any tap, or any of the many free-flowing fountains, can be used to drink water. You can drink the water as it is, without any restrictions (like the signs you will see in train bathrooms).
Don’t Buy Tourist Chocolate
You can find mouthwatering selections of Swiss-branded chocolates at airport kiosks and souvenir shops. You can walk past these and go straight to the nearest supermarket. There you will find aisles of chocolates that are just as good (or even better) than the ones sold at souvenir shops.
Check Out Less Touristic Spots
In peak season, famous spots such as Zurich and Lausanne are crowded with tourists. If you’re adventurous, and don’t mind going off the beaten track, you’ll get a more affordable and less crowded vacation experience. You won’t have to deal in crowds and lines if you visit the lesser-known towns like Solothurn, Thun, or Biel in summer.
Maximize your cash
Switzerland, although it is bordered by EU countries and other EU members, is not a member of the European Union. It is a good idea for Switzerland to have a small amount of cash on hand in case of an emergency. You won’t be left with any CHF leftover at the end of your trip.
Find out which language is spoken
Normaly, you can tell ahead of time which language is spoken in a country. It’s not the case in Switzerland which has four official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh. It can be confusing to know how to greet someone local. It’s safe to say that Swiss-German is the best language for greeting locals. In fact, 19 cantons or districts in Switzerland are Swiss-German-speaking. Many people can speak English so communication should not be difficult.
Be on the lookout for closing times
Do you want to go souvenir shopping? Or do you need groceries for a picnic meal? Pay attention to closing times. Many shops close at 5pm, especially in smaller towns. Many shops close on Sundays and Mondays.