SWISS CULTURE SHOCKS: 10 Culture Shocks I've Experienced as an American Abroad in Switzerland

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Hey guys! In this video we’re talking all about Swiss CULTURE SHOCKS! As an American Expat/Immigrat who has lived abroad in Switzerland for the past 4 years, I’ve noticed a lot of differences both big and small! In this video we’ll discuss the top 10 differences of life in Switzerland versus life in the United States from the perspective of an American. We'll take a look at Swiss Culture and society versus the US and compare!
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Bienvenue & Willkommen! We are Lex & Louis - and together we are The Traveling Swiss. We're an international couple (USA + Switzerland) who have recently moved from NYC to Switzerland. Come travel with us - we'll give you tips and guides, and hopefully have a few laughs along the way. Our goal is to show you that borders are meant to be crossed!
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xx Lex & Louis

[@phillipharriott8632]

Definitely the supermarket opening hours was my main shock🤣. But Switzerland is truly the most amazing country to explore. So safe and easy to get around. And to live amongst the immense beauty, I’m so envious. And I’m from Australia.

[@JanPBtest]

1:50 About toddlers: when a friend of mine in California got her baby she started really investigating the food and esp. the formula (she is a biochemist). And she told me she was floored to find out that several (more than five IIRC) ingredients she found in the American formula were illegal in Europe, classed as toxic of various degrees. 2:20 The coloring: yes, many of the food coloring chemicals are illegal in Europe. 2:55 This is something that I haven't experienced but I live in Interlaken which is perhaps a bit of an oddball in that sense because of all the visitors and the culture that grew around the "hospitality industry". But even in villages off the beaten path I get greeted with smiles and "grüessech". (BTW, I have established so far that the boundary between "grüessech" and "grüezi" lies somewhere between Interlaken and Thun in the western direction and Zürich in the eastern. The research continues.) 7:00 Yes, copay exists only in America AFAIK. Another thing that doesn't exist in Europe is preexisting conditions: it's illegal for the insurer to consider or ask about them. And of course there is no relation whatsoever between work and health insurance. 10:08 The Sunday closing is in many countries in Europe (certainly Poland and Germany from the top of my head). The pay gap between men and women is a long story but research (not politics) show that this is simply due to the fact that women on average work less hours than men. The actual time difference is almost exactly equal to the pay gap. Especially in the US the pay gap cannot be really caused by anything else because American CEOs are liable to be sued by the stockholders if the money spent ends up depressing the stock value. So no sane CEO would ever deliberately want to hire men over women while knowing full well that "men are more expensive". 14:36 Yes, the self-checkouts in Switzerland are FAPP an honor system. The self-checkout stations have no scales on them to keep you from skipping scanning an item, for example. The last screen only asks: have you scanned all your items? "Ja!", says I. 18:00 Yeah, this is totally a prayer to the government :-) I don't think this exists anywhere outside America (someone correct me, please). My culture shock is also related to trust: the bills you are expected to pay seemingly on trust. So we bought a nice old wooden chest and a little marbletop table at a second hand store, it cost 160 francs. The guys delivered it and when I wanted to pay them, they said, yeah yeah, pay next time you are at the shop. I was busy for a week and when I finally went to the store, I couldn't find anyone there to take my money. So I went home and mulled over for another week, went again, and finally found someone to give the money to. It was rather cool!

[@aryross4368]

Great video, I'm a Swiss who moved to the US 8y ago and can definitely relate! Now I have reverse cultural shock when visiting Switzerland, like I need to remind myself not to smile to strangers in the street. Or when I chit chat with the cashier at the grocery store I can see most are not used to it/seem very shy. US taught me patriotism (as a Swiss we have so much pride for our country that there is no need to display it, like "everyone knows CH is the best country in the world", pas besoin d'en faire tout un fromage😂). Agreed about patriarchy, I feel my chances of having a career similar to a man's are much stronger in the US.

[@markusf58]

Great video, as a Swiss who has been to the U.S. many times I can totally understand your points. I especially like the way you explain your opinion, well considered and never arrogant. Great job!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Thank you! I tried to give as much context as necessary in places and not to present things in a way that was too sensational or hyperbolic, there are arguments to be made for all of my points on both sides I'm sure!

[@peterpluim7912]

We once visited a small village near the Rütle, I think it was Seelisberg at Easter. There was a huge parking lot and not a single car in it so we thought we wouldn’t need to pay. We walked for two hours and never saw a single person. We came back to the car and noticed a parking fine. There is tiny policeman in every Swiss person and sometimes they have to let it out.

[@kimbertossa3094]

I’m a Swiss who grew up in Canada and moved back to Switzerland in 2020. I’m now a mom of a 2 month old and am quite happy that women in Switzerland aren’t expected to work as much. I personally believe it’s better for the family and I won’t be putting my child in daycare to be able to go to work.

[@anatyphoon2896]

Max. Arab and Muslims doesn't like to leave their child's between other hands and they feed them healthy too

[@jeremylane6824]

Great video! If you ever want to experience the opposite end of the spectrum as far as rule following goes, head south! I lived in Naples for a few years and lines, crossing the street, driving etc. is chaotic but like everything you get used to it and even learn to appreciate it after a while.

[@maryhaller3913]

Thank you for sharing openly and honestly on some topics that prove to be challenging for many. I am an American living in America. My husband and I visit Switzerland often and absolutely love and appreciate both the Swiss culture and the Swiss political system of Direct Democracy. We value the Swiss people that we have met and what we have experienced as their culture and way of life. I am thankful for what we currently have in the USA. There is however room for improvement, just as there is everywhere. We did not find Switzerland to be overly expensive. It is our understanding that the costs are fair for what you get when the big picture is considered. The country works well because the people for the most part have a healthy work ethic. The respect of each other’s privacy that the Swiss people show for each other is amazing and a trait to be admired and replicated by other cultures and countries. You mentioned that Switzerland is a Christian country, from what I understand Christians are supposed live a life that respects others and brings honor to God. The Swiss bring the reality of that way of life to their society and through their version of Democracy. This is just my understanding from what I observed and read about over the years. To some things up, Switzerland is a small country that speaks quietly. In doing so they send a big message to the US and the world.

[@frenchriver9878]

We usually travel from the U.S. to Switzerland once a year, and find that many of your observations ring true. I always look forward to the yogurt, for example. Small diary shops sometimes have wonderful flavors of locally-produced yogurt (made with both cow and sheep's milk), sold in small glass jars. One of my favorites is "hiver," which somehow actually tastes like winter. And we always gorge ourselves on rhubarb yogurt, because its not available in the U.S. Regarding Swiss stand-offishness-we do find that people in villages and smaller towns will often exchange a musical "bonjour!" with us, especially older people. And I love the observation that Swiss people must have little police officers living in them. (I've realized that there may be one in me as well.) Finally, we enjoy the trusting nature of the Swiss. Last year we went to an antiques shop in a midsized city and found a few things to buy. We didn't have enough cash, and asked to pay by credit card. The woman explained that she didn't have the ability process credit cards, but that their second shop at the other end of town could take our credit card. So she wrote out a receipt (for about $1,500 worth of items), wrapped up our antiques, and sent us off with them to the other shop to pay.

[@TiaZilber]

This is really great and funny. I'm a Swiss raised in (and still living in) the US West Coast but spent a LOT of time in CH. You captured some issues that I think are quite deep. The whole patriarchal (and Christian thing) is real, and while it has its benefits for the family unit as a whole, it also keeps a real glass ceiling on women and directly impacts their agency. The friend issue is also very true, and it's very isolating and sad for the older generations as they loose their support network when friends die off. I'm grateful that I have a fairly close and large family in CH, and I've gotten a chance to spend a good amount of time with them when I visit. But it is hard to make friends with the Swiss as you age. It's possible, but it's still hard. And omg, the rule following - WOW! My mom who is 93 and lives near me in the US is so very concerned about following the rules. It's almost clinical. I wonder how much of it is related to the trauma of WWII when it was a matter of life and death to keep everyone safe? I don't think my grandparents were so strict.

[@1anonymousb]

I was surprised at the opening hours in Switzerland. I thought things were open until 10 or 11. I do this thing when I travel where I'll try the local McDonald's once just to see what it's like. In Basel, staying in a hotel without my own kitchen or anything, I found myself going there every night. That wasn't the travel food experience I was looking for!

[@mrsnegrich]

Thanks so much Alexis and Louis for your very informative videos. I’m soooo looking forward to go to Switzerland in September, i can almost taste it, like the « hiver » yogurt. I’m from Québec, so my French will be a bit different I suppose but we’ll understand each other. ❤❤❤

[@user-br8nw8gk2w]

Love all your videos, can't wait to visit.

[@silvanfricker1437]

Swiss here. I agree with all your points, including the one about the patriarchal system. You're also correct in your assumptions on where it stems from. It has its root in a very comservative, christian religious past. The social insurance system for example was designed back in that time and reflects that way of life. And despite changes having been made to.adress some of these issues, it's a feature of our political system that change is slow - if that's good or bad may depend on your perspective. At least, offcial and legal change is slow. Society and every day life changes quite a bit before any of it is reflected in laws and regulations. As for the last point, about patriotism, I would add that while flags are not as ubiquitous as in the US, many single family homes feature flagpoles and fly (Swiss) flags, especially in the countryside. On the other hand, most official buildings, for example schools, police and fire stations don't have them. Those that do very often fly the cantonal or communal flag.

[@AH-yx5ng]

Like your mix of serious vs. lighthearted and criticizing vs. praising comments. From a Swiss point of view I agree with most of your comments (I especially liked the „little policeman in every Swiss“ 😂), but believe that there are considerable differences within Switzerland; e.g. much more patriotism incl. Swiss flags displayed in rural areas than in Zurich/Geneva. Having worked 4 years in the US midwest during the late 90s, I also encountered some positive and negative „shocks“. E.g. the huge portions of food in restaurants (including. all-you-can-eat), the dependency on cars, the never ending commercials on TV. Small-talk was e.g. something that enjoyed a lot and also the stressless driving on highways, the possibility to shop groceries at 2am after going out, and the more prevalent ethnic food. Time for me to revisit the US soon.

[@Larry82ch]

Wow, I didn't know about the pledge of allegiance in schools! As a swiss I only knew about those from documentaries about dictatorships 😅

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

😅

[@petersabol2979]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. I have to say Switzerland is very special even on European scale. I sometimes like to say it is an island in the middle of Europe, though this is to some extent true also for other non-EU countries. Regarding the rules, Switzerland has gone to extremes in many aspects and I suspect this is a legacy of former theocratic protestant regime that was ruling the country. Given the long-term tradition of direct democracy and exercised subsidiarity, strong rules emerge as one of one the paradoxes of Switzerland.

[@petersabol2979]

In other words, rules should serve people, not vice versa. If someone stops you at night because you have crossed a road with no traffic, that is worrying. It bears signs of either totality, or, if in mentality of local people, of a sect of sort (or both). Please correct me if I am wrong.

[@OUBobcat08]

I live in Germany (moved here almost two years ago from the US) and that tiny policeman comment made me laugh so hard.

[@karenrebholz9439]

Why, in a country you describe as full of rule followers, is there so much grafiti?

[@Larissa-fq3ix]

Lex I love how genuine and professional you are, while at the same time being totally relatable. My fiancé and I will be traveling to Switzerland for the first time this November for our honeymoon, and I can already relate to many things you've explained, just from my own research, without even having visited Switzerland yet. Thanks for all of your awesome videos. I look forward to each and every one with you & Louis! :)

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Thank you for the kind comment! Hope you have a wonderful honeymoon in Switzerland!

[@gr_br]

First I'd like to thank you for posting this sincere video which gives us a broader look at ourselves. Before commenting I should say I moved here to Switzerland from the U.S. four months ago and now call Switzerland my new resident home 😊 1. Food: Different here (Switzerland) than in the United States. 2. Strangers smiling: I live in beautiful Matten bei Interlaken, people here smile all the time. They even laugh at my silly antics and at my funny jokes. 3. Language diversity: I'm starting to learn German in this part of the country (Bern) but many locals here speak decent English anyway. 4. Healthcare system: I had an ugly accident recently and had stayed in three different spitals (hospitals). Long story... Lets just say the medical practices here in Switzerland are very different but a whole lot more affordable! 5. Rules: In my new home I have a washer and dryer down in the basement (bomb shelter) which means I can use them everyday even on Sundays with no worries of disturbing the neighbors. Crossing streets against the red traffic lights, well, I have no comment, except that I don't jaywalk even when I was back in the United States. 6. Store opening hours: Different here (Switzerland) than in the United States. 7. Patriarchal society: Different here (Switzerland) than in the United States. 8. Honor-system and self check-out: Different here (Switzerland) than in the United States. And also, I can buy beer or wine here at self check-out but not in many stores in the U.S. Who have some merchandise behind lock-and-key due to shoplifting issues. 9. Tight social circles: Back in the U.S. I lived in the San Francisco bay area for just over 16 years and was never able to make any friends - lots of acquaintances, yes, but never any real true genuine friends 😑 10. No outward display of patriotism: Swiss flags are everywhere outdoors and posted on every thing, including on beverage soft drink bottles. Alexis, thanks again for opening up about the true differences of our adopted Swiss home and of our beloved United States of America. Sincerely, - GR ps, Say hello to Louis

[@lorraineallen9297]

Enjoyed the video. Great to hear some if the differences in culture 😂xxx

[@augnani]

Totally agree on the not smiling part! I kept grinning like a fool every time I met someone :) But not complaining :)

[@whydoistillexist5033]

9:06 yeah, every time I see someone break the rules I feel this itch in my brain “WRONG, that’s not allowed”. Maybe I will make a small comment, most of the time I just look on in shock and confusion. Could also have to do with my ridged thinking tho

[@gianurwiler5098]

Thank you Alexis Welcome in Switzerland😘

[@mikebrown1881]

I never got scolded or got weird looks for crossing the road when the light was red.

[@macaccount4315]

Also married to Swiss and love your content. All true 😊

[@gtrr3246]

Just return from Switzerland and completely agreed with the small talks. I lost count by the numbers for the no responses for my greetings. Regarding the self checkout, only certain cities with thefts would lock up high value items. Majority of the US doesn’t do this.

[@ShinitaiKokii]

the kids will definitely need to learn the anthem.. just not at the age of two :)

[@karoas_007]

As a Swiss, i think a lot of the points you told are more true outside of the Citys, like the stuff with the calm sundays. In the Citys they are less relevant then in the countryside. I think the difference between those two is allways realy big here in Switzerland… you can also see this at the votings, the citys are most of the time mutch more open against a theme like gendercuples

[@tkhobbes]

I think you mix "patriotic" with "traditionalist". Swiss people often are both but unlike in the US, they don't necessarily align and they don't necessarily align to "left"/"right". And while Switzerland is a "christian" country, saying that to a US audience (and coming from an American) will give a very wrong impression of Switzerland. I am Swiss btw 😊

[@yandumont]

I was born and raised in Geneva. So if you need a guide. To know better the history of this city. (the classic as well as the most underground) If you want to meet 100% local people. Answer me in this comment. I love my city. And I wish everyone would share this with me. :)

[@mystemo1980]

Really interesting conversation. As an Australian, our culture is very much about bending the rules as much as possible (lol), so when I visit Switzerland in 12 days (OMG) I am intrigued to see everything you have mentioned and admire people who know how to cross the street properly. In saying that, that mailbox example was over the top bonkers but hey not every country is the U.S. or Australia and we all need to remember that travelling or emigrating I suppose. Well done again.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Thank you for the comment! The mailbox comment was so ridiculous to me I had to laugh lol 😅

[@nikkioperas]

Alexis, we saw lots of Swiss flags every town😁

[@PhurbaSwiss]

I am an expat from Bhutan living in Switzerland for over a year. Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful videos. I especially enjoy your travel guide videos, but one thing I notice missing is the discussion of expenses, such as hotel charges, which are an essential part of trip planning. I'm wondering if this is something that isn't appropriate to include. Nonetheless, thank you and best of luck with the rest of your videos!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Thank you for your comment! We have quite a few budget videos discussing costs etc, but I have found it hard in individual to discuss prices because hotel costs can vary so widely depending on the time of year etc. We used to include prices in the past and they can become outdated quickly

[@grahamjones7070]

Hi Alexis, your 2nd comment about people not smiling back or being friendly is the one thing we found strange when we went to Switzerland last year. I think your being gracious about it really,i think it's just rude. There's a Universal language called manners.The French don't have it in their dictionary and i think it must be french side that comes out in the Swiss. Last year on most of the scenic trains we went on we met generally Americans. Within 5 minutes your in conversation with them like you've known them all your life. It's a shame because it doesn't take much effort to smile and say hello. Nice video Alexis 👍

[@Elefant295]

Well, every country has its own definition of manners. Swiss people find it quite rude if you invade their personal space, especially if you force yourself on them and only speak in English. We appreciate it if you at least try some words in our local language, which makes us warm up to you instantly. Best regards, a Swiss

[@louistheodorebourgeois1182]

I would add comfort towards nudity in spas. If you are going to a hotel’s spa with a sauna or hamam, you might make some unexpected encounters in Switzerland 😅

[@mikebrown1881]

Ou comment vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre: faire des enfants et avoir une carrière.

[@Holzschieber]

You have a strange definition of patriarchy... 🤔