Switzerland: Things to Know Before Visiting
Switzerland. A country vacationed by the rich to ski and drink hot coco on their winter holiday. As a New Yorker, I thought I knew what “expensive” meant, but this scenically beautiful place brought a whole new meaning to the word. Now I know why you need to be rich to vacation in Switzerland!
Recommendation: 7/10
Table of Contents
SAFETY | TRANSPORTATION | LANGUAGE | MONEY | TOURISTY LEVEL
The Top of Europe (Jungfrau)
Switzerland is a very strict country that will fine you for anything and everything; thus, they have an unbelievably low crime rate. I traveled throughout multiple cities in Switzerland via train, and I felt very safe.
The train system is very easy to navigate IF you have the SBB app, which tells you when and where a train departs.
If you are a non-European citizen traveling around Switzerland, I recommend getting the SBB Swiss Travel Pass or the EuRail Pass. I purchased the 7-day EuRail Global Pass since I was visiting Switzerland and Italy during my trip. Additionally, if you are from Europe, but not from Switzerland then you can buy the Swiss Travel Pass as well.
The Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited trips via train, bus, and boat. The Eurail Pass is only valid for trains. There are select trains not included in the pass and all bus rides are not included, so you would need to buy those tickets through the SBB app. The Eurail website/app will tell you which trains rides are included in your pass.
TIP: Activate your ticket when boarding the train to avoid an 80 CHF (~$87) fine!
Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, Italian, French, and Romansh. There are different regions where each language is more prevalent, but residents of different regions communicate with each other through ENGLISH! This was very convenient for me as I do not speak any of their official languages. Additionally, most signs were written in 4 languages: German, Italian, French, and ENGLISH. Funny enough, I never saw a sign with Romansh on it.
CHEAP OR EXPENSIVE?
EXPENSIVE!!! Disgustingly expensive. Why did chicken and rice cost me $50?!?!?! Make it make sense. Another wildly expensive experience was going to the Top of Europe (Jungfrau). I accidentally bought a ticket reservation and not a ticket to get on the train. While I was able to swipe through the gate to get aboard, I was informed by the train conductor that my ticket reservation was useless and that I needed to pay $150 for the train ride. (Of course, it is up charged because I am buying on the train ☹ -- The normal price is about $100)
CASH OR CREDIT CARD?
I used my credit card for everything.
It is only touristy when you are doing a touristy activity. I felt like a local riding around different cities on the trains.
With all the essential information you need in hand, it's time to plan your trip to Switzerland, and what better way to kick-start your planning than by exploring my Sample Itinerary for Switzerland.
