Traveling tips for Switzerland – what you should know before a trip to Switzerland

Do you have any plans to visit Switzerland’s stunning scenery? You are at the right place if that is the case. Traveling tips for Switzerland is an informative guide that aims to provide you with all the information you need to make your trip as easy and pleasurable as possible.

In this guide, we delve into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics, from visa requirements and travel documents to insurance needs. We also highlight the best things to do in Switzerland, taking you on a virtual tour of the country’s most stunning locations, from the ski slopes of Zermatt to the bustling city life of Zürich.

But that’s not all. We also share insider tips on the best souvenirs to bring home and the dos and don’ts to keep in mind during your stay. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or this is your first time visiting Switzerland, this guide is your go-to resource for a memorable Swiss adventure. Happy reading and safe travels!

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Visa requirements and Switzerland traveling documents

When planning a trip to Switzerland, it’s important to be aware of the necessary travel documents and visa requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Travel Documents:

Foreign nationals must have proof of their identity to enter Switzerland. This typically means you’ll need a valid passport. It’s also recommended to have photocopies of your current and previous passports or other travel documents.

2. Visa Requirements:

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Switzerland depends on your nationality. Some foreigners, particularly those from non-European countries, may require a visa to enter Switzerland. If you do need a visa, you’ll need to fill out a Switzerland Visa application form. The application will also require two passport pictures that comply with the Switzerland visa photo requirements.

3. Insurance:

It’s also important to note that you’ll need medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Switzerland.

Best things to do in Switzerland

Switzerland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Here are some of the best things to do:

1. Visit Zermatt: This is a year-round skiing hotspot set in the imposing shadow of the Matterhorn¹. Its charming downtown area is entirely car-free
2. Explore Zürich: Switzerland’s largest city and thriving financial capital.
3. Discover Interlaken: Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it’s a breathtaking spot for a vacation
4. Experience Lucerne: Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings
5. Tour Lausanne: A beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Geneva
6. Visit Montreux: Known for its annual jazz festival and the Château de Chillon
7. Explore Geneva: Known for its Red Cross headquarters and the United Nations Office
8. Visit Bern: The capital of Switzerland, known for its well-preserved medieval city center
9. Visit the Matterhorn Sport: You can enjoy various sports activities here
10. Visit the Fondation Beyeler: It’s a museum of modern and contemporary art

Souvenir Shopping and Mementos

Here are some of the best souvenirs you can buy in Switzerland:

1. Swiss Cheese: Switzerland is famous for its cheese. You can find locally made cheese everywhere in Switzerland
2. Swiss Army Knives: Swiss army knives are famous for their versatility and quality
3. Swiss Watch: Swiss watches are known for their precision and craftsmanship
4. Swiss Cuckoo Clock: These clocks are a traditional symbol of the country
5. Swiss Chocolate: Switzerland is known for its high-quality chocolate
6. Swiss Wine: Switzerland produces some excellent wines
7. Appenzeller Dog Collar: These are traditional Swiss dog collars
8. Cow Bells: Cow bells are a traditional Swiss souvenir
9. Cheese Fondue Set: Fondue is a classic Swiss dish
10. Heidi book: Heidi is a famous Swiss story
11. Traditional Swiss Costume: These costumes represent the Swiss culture.
12. Freitag Bags: These are popular bags made from recycled materials
13. Kambly Biscuits: These are traditional Swiss biscuits
14. Swiss Wooden Toys: These toys are a great souvenir for children
15. Swiss Music Box: These music boxes are a traditional Swiss souvenir

What are the dos and donts in Switzerland?

Here are some dos and don’ts when you’re in Switzerland:

Dos:

• Observe traditional Swiss greetings. A handshake will do for new acquaintances, but when you’ve met someone more than one time, you can kiss them lightly on the cheeks three times.
• Be respectful to everyone, may it be in a village, shop, or public places.
• Give your seat to elder people.
• Be punctual in scheduled appointments.
• Dress properly. Men are obliged to wear conservative yet stylish suits, shirts, and ties; while women on the other hand should wear formal dress and subtle accessories.
• Talk about sports, foods, nature, and positive aspects of the country.
• Dispose of garbage properly.
• Observe table manners. While eating, keep your wrists on the table and make sure your elbows are hanging from them.

Don’ts:

• Avoid being on the train between 7:00 – 8:00 or 17:00 – 18:00. During rush hours, certain train routes in Switzerland are hopelessly overflowing.
• Avoid talking loudly on the train (or bus) and in restaurants.
• Don’t think the train (or bus) is late or waiting for you. The punctuality of public transport in Switzerland is at a very high level.
• Don’t explore the mountains with bad shoes. Accidents in the mountains happen again and again.
• Don’t underestimate the weather in the mountains.
• Don’t call someone by their name until invited to do so. Use surnames and alternative titles.
• Avoid white daisies and white lilies for funerals.
• Don’t speak loudly in public places, especially on mobile phones.

How much does a Switzerland trip cost?

The cost of a trip to Switzerland can vary greatly depending on your travel style, speed, and other variables. Here are some average costs to give you an idea:

• You should plan to spend around $289 (Sfr259) per day on your vacation in Switzerland.
• Past travelers have spent, on average, $63 (Sfr57) on meals and $39 (Sfr35) on local transportation per day.
• The average daily price for hotels is around $340 (Sfr305).
• A one-week trip to Switzerland for two people costs, on average, $4,043 (Sfr3,630). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
• A two-week trip to Switzerland on average costs around $4,043 (Sfr3,630) for one person and $8,086 (Sfr7,261) for two people.
• A one-month trip to Switzerland on average costs around $8,664 (Sfr7,779) for one person and $17,327 (Sfr15,559) for two people.

Where should I go first time in Switzerland?

For first-time visitors to Switzerland, here are some recommended places to visit

1. Zermatt: A year-round skiing hotspot set in the imposing shadow of the Matterhorn1. Its charming downtown area is entirely car-free
2. Zürich: Switzerland’s largest city and thriving financial capital.
3. Interlaken: Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it’s a breathtaking spot for a vacation.
4. Lucerne: Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland, framed by snowcapped mountains and medieval buildings.
5. Lausanne: A beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Geneva
6. Montreux: Known for its annual jazz festival and the Château de Chillon.
7. Geneva: Known for its Red Cross headquarters and the United Nations Office.
8. Bern: The capital of Switzerland, known for its well-preserved medieval city center.

Are there any budget-friendly activities in Switzerland?

There are several budget-friendly activities you can enjoy in Switzerland:

1. Hiking and Scenic Walks: Switzerland is known for its beautiful landscapes. You can explore the country’s stunning scenery by going on hikes or scenic walks.
2. Paragliding: If you’re up for an adventure, paragliding is another affordable outdoor activity.
3. Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva: Enjoy the crystal clear mountain water, swans, and castles at Lake Lucerne. You can also explore the beauty of Lake Geneva.
4. Chapel Bridge: Visit this unforgettable landmark and enjoy the fresh flowers, sparkling waters, and bustling old town
5. Chateau de Chillon: It is a beautiful castle in a spectacular location, easily reached by steam boat.
6. Grocery Store Restaurants: Some of the major grocery store chains in Switzerland, like Migros and Coop, have their own IKEA-esque eating areas. Some are buffet-style where you can stack your plate with as much food as you’d like for a fixed price, while others are focused on meal deals and a-la-carte items

Why is Switzerland closed on Sunday?

The tradition of Swiss businesses closing on Sundays originates from the country’s Christian heritage, where Sunday was observed as a day of rest and worship. While the religious significance has waned, many Swiss still see Sunday as a vital day for relaxation and family time.

This practice isn’t exclusive to Switzerland and reflects a broader cultural commitment to work-life balance. Exceptions exist, such as shops in transportation hubs and occasional openings for larger stores, especially before holidays like Christmas.

Which month is best to visit Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on the activities you’re interested in:

• Summer (June – September): This is the best time for hiking and exploring. The weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, with vibrant cultural events and operational tourist attractions. June is considered the best month overall as you’ll enjoy the scenery in its best beauty.
• Winter (December – February): This is the best time for skiing. Switzerland offers magical landscapes and cozy Christmas markets during this time
• Shoulder Seasons (May and September): These months offer Swiss charm for less. Not only is it cheaper, but the heat is less intense than in high summer. May is known for blossoming trees and the start of the swimming season. September is perfect for hiking or biking

Does Switzerland have a dress code?

Switzerland doesn’t have a strict dress code, but there are some general guidelines to follow when dressing in Switzerland:

• Sleek and Classy: Swiss people often strike a balance between comfort and elegance. Classic pieces like a tailored pair of dark jeans or a high-quality white blouse fit right into the Swiss style ethos.
• Neutral and Earth Tones: Like in Germany, the Swiss tend to favor neutral and earthy tones. Consider packing clothes in black, white, beige, navy, or earthy greens and browns to fit the local aesthetic.
• Clean and Smart Jeans: Jeans are quite popular in Switzerland too, but the preference leans towards clean and smart rather than distressed styles.
• Sophisticated Casual: Even on casual days, Swiss style tends towards a more polished look.
• Quality over Quantity: The Swiss appreciate high-quality items. Instead of packing a lot of clothes, opt for a few high-quality, well-made pieces that will last longer and look better.
• Subtle Patterns: While solid colors are the norm, if you want to add patterns, go for something understated.
• Elegant Footwear: Comfortable yet classy footwear is key in Switzerland.
• Understated Accessories: Swiss style is about being understated yet classy.

What NOT to wear in Switzerland:

• Avoid Flashy Colors and Prints: The Swiss style leans more towards understated elegance, favoring neutral tones and subtle patterns.
• Steer Clear of Casual Activewear in Cities: Sweatpants and casual activewear are usually reserved for sports activities in Switzerland.
• Avoid Overly Casual Footwear: While comfort is important, especially when exploring Swiss cities, avoid overly casual or worn-out shoes.

How much does it cost to travel to Switzerland from Nigeria?

The cost of traveling from Nigeria to Switzerland can vary greatly depending on the time of booking, the airline, and the route. Here are some estimates:

• The cheapest way to get from Nigeria to Switzerland costs around SFr 669¹.
• The quickest way takes just 8 hours.
• The most popular route is from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Zurich Airport in Zurich. On average this flight takes 12 hours 58 minutes one way and costs $1,604 round-trip.
• Another popular route is from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Geneva International Airport in Geneva. On average this flight takes 12 hours one way and costs £921 for the round trip.

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What is the cheapest city in Switzerland to visit?

The cost of visiting a city in Switzerland can vary greatly depending on various factors such as accommodation, food, and activities. However, here are a few cities that are often considered more budget-friendly:

1. Uri: With a population of around 36,000 people, Uri is one of the cheapest places in Switzerland. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Uri is 1400 Swiss Francs per month.
2. St. Gallen: Located in northeastern Switzerland, St. Gallen is an ideal destination for those who love city life but are mindful of their budget.