[TRV Compass] Switzerland

[TRV Compass] Switzerland

— Updated on June 16, 2018

0. General tips to travel the country

When planning to travel to a new country you consider the weather, the culture, the people. The best times to travel to Switzerland depends greatly on what you are looking for as a travel experience. The low season is between October through March, except December.  During low season, many mountain resorts are closed and sights and restaurants open fewer days and shorter hours. Mid season is April through June, and September. In these months, the weather is warmer, and resorts are open longer hours and you can still benefit from lower prices. The high season is between July through August, December, and April. Everything is open and businesses are very busy.  You would have to expect prices to be higher than the low or mid season.

I. Transportation ( Uber, Taxi etc.)

Invest in a Swiss Travel pass. Switzerland is extremely easy to travel because of their impeccably run transit system, which includes everything from buses to trains, and cable cars.  If you plan on traveling to different cities get a pass that allows unlimited travel.  This gives you 50% of of mountain railways and cable cars.  This will not only save you money on travel but gets you free  entrance to over 500 museums. The taxi’s in Switzerland are known as some of the most expensive transportation in the world, and most cities have very clear signage which makes each city easy to navigate even when walking and signs telling you when the next bus will arrive.

II. Accommodation

There are unlimited types of accommodation in the country; hotels, Hostels, Apartments, and Bed and breakfasts.  It all depends on what you are looking for in your trip and your budget.  Be sure to do a in-depth research, read reviews and compare prices always.

III. Food

Do not waste your money on bottled water, Switzerland is home to the world’s cleanest and best tasting tap water and you will notice if you try and compare the two that you prefer the tap water over the bottled water, you can drink from nearly any tap or free flowing fountain unless there is a sign saying not to. (eg. in train bathrooms)

Switzerland is known for its chocolates.  Be aware of tourist traps; chocolate shops.  Use your willpower and go to the supermarket, instead.  You will find equally good chocolate or better in an entire isle for cheaper prices that even the locals will eat.

IV. Safety

As a general rule in most countries when traveling abroad keep your purse and personal items close and secure, and take out minimal cash, pickpockets target tourists and will bump into you in a large crowd and steal your wallet or phone if you are unlucky.

Always check the weather, as the mountains tend to send ever changing weather down over the country, be sure to check with a tourist office or hotel desk if there are any changes in the weather or avalanche warnings.

When hiking be sure to remain on marked paths, drink lots of water and take rests when you feel tired or dizzy as the high altitude is likely to affect you as well as making your skin more likely to be burned by the sun, so it is wise to bring extra sunscreen with you. And should you decide on seeing a sporting event , be sure to keep an eye on your surroundings and take notice of all possible exits as sometimes the games can bring out rowdy behavior even gang violence, so be aware at all times and ready to leave should the need arise.

V. Climate

The climate is ever changing because of the mountains, be sure to check the weather every day and ask the travel desk in the tourist office, or the hotel desk if there is anything different that you need to know about before going about your plans for the day.

Check the climate of the places that you visit before you travel.  >>> CHECK WEATHER <<<

VI. Power Plug & Voltage

The power supply in Switzerland in 230 v and the frequency of 50hz. You can bring your usual appliances without a converter unless you are from the UK, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Power Plug: 1) Type J ***Type C also works but Type N does NOT work. Voltage: 230V, 50Hz

Get universal socket

Get step-down converter

VII. Language
The language is usually straightforward in every country speaking mainly the same language, Whereas Switzerland has four national languages. The languages being German, French,  Italian and Romansh. When greeting locals Swiss German in the safest bet. Though many locals do speak English so you shouldn’t have a hard time communicating.

VIII. Currency

The Currency in Switzerland is known as Swiss Franc, and it is at a conversion of 1 usd to 1.05 Swiss Franc at the current exchange rate.

Quick currency conversion:
USD 1 = CHF 1

IX. Visa Requirement Check

Samuel Ferrara