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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@grunchlk]

Australia is somewhat of a dream destination for a lot of Swiss people. I don't get it, it's too far away and then, there's the spiders and snakes. V8 Supercars is great, the Australian Open and Grand Prix are great. But I don't want to be eaten by spiders on my way home. ( this comment may contain humour).

[@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

[@CindyJohnson-p3l]

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

[@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!

[@robertpearson8798]

We Canadians are very much the same. Small talk with perfect strangers is perfectly normal and in no way fake. The only people we engaged with in small talk in Switzerland were some tourists from both India and Australia.

[@JamieAdStories]

I enjoyed these comments as I am looking forward to spending more time in Switzerland and eventually movie there in the future, hopefully. Or, at least having a chalet there.

[@dancooper8551]

Very informative! Thanks.

[@kj8476]

About the not smiling and talking thing, if you are in the countryside it would be rude to not greet. But you con't do this in a city. Or evev in a bigger town. I would say when there are more than 1 person per minute coming along most will stop greeting. The same for chitchat, in small stores this it is normal to talk tomother people, it happens especially often when you have a child with you😂

[@lorraineallen9297]

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

[@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.

[@codyswan4918]

I'm Canadian and it sounds like Swiss culture is closer to Canadian culture than American culture. I think I'd be very happy in Switzerland! I especially love the beauty of the country.

[@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.

[@OUBobcat08]

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

[@giovannisperanza]

Swiss are very patriots, but as always, in a discreet way. We are not loud, but we darn love our flag, our country, our lifestyle. Just we are too busy enjoying our days to think about it unless it's 1. august hehe

[@belle6478]

I’m 25 and have grown and now live in Neuchâtel ( I did move to London where I’m originally from in my teens but missed town life too much). I do understand the greeting and small talk aspect but as a swissy myself I understand both ways; we are either in a very happy mood or tired and grumpy but never rude if you’re raised right, thus you will either get a nod and smile back or not and the sooner you understand it’s better to be smiley and happy for yourself and not others ( because yes when you get a greeting back it always feels nice) the better. I love walking down my street with a smile because that makes the difference in my day and could also brighten up someone else in consequence. How could you not smile when you have so much beauty in terms of nature, when people say touch some grass please do it really helps for your mental health, just spend 5 minutes sitting in some grass not on a phone ( you can listen to music or audio book) but appreciate what the one true thing in life that is free, the birds the bees and everything in between. Walking and going to parks free use them 💖

[@karenrebholz9439]

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

[@robertpearson8798]

The only place I really saw very much graffiti was in Geneva.

[@Rimrock300]

That's teenagers rebelling against what they feel is a conservative and stiff society with many rules. Like twenty years ago I had the impression that grafiti was nowhere to be seen in Switzerland. Visited in 2006, did see a little bit of it. Then 2015, much more. Might partly also have to do with a larger influx of foreginers settleingthere the later years, with other attitudus and traditions

[@jasminekleiner1987]

@@robertpearson8798 there are loads of graffitis in Berne. Just on the train on my way to town I counted more then 10 buildings with graffitis in about 2 min !

[@robertpearson8798]

@@jasminekleiner1987 We never got into Berne.

[@augnani]

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

[@Lisalove-m1q]

Thank you for sharing your insights into the different cultural things. Again, like your other videos it was priceless. We were prepared for no shoes in Airbnbs, as well as being quieter on the trains, etc. I did not realize how loud we were until we had to quiet down a bit. Super helpful. Regarding the trains, we were in line to board and were standing to the outside behind a lovely Swiss woman and suddenly before everyone could even get off the train a tour group just started getting on the train. The woman said something to a woman trying to squeeze on, not sure if there was understanding with different languages. But as soon as the Swiss woman could, she stepped in front of the group, blocking them so others could get on. I took her place so she would not be overrun and she could get aboard and I will say she turned to the group and gave them a scathing look. It was definitely deserved. But really brought home the fact that there is a proper way to do things. I love that you and your husband do this blog and have the different insights. Thank you, it was so helpful.

[@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.

[@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!

[@gianurwiler5098]

Thank you Alexis Welcome in Switzerland😘

[@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

[@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. ❤❤❤

[@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.

[@Vickzq]

Who in his or her right mind would criticize a stable conservative system... when you get a criminal charge in countries like Canada for saying a man in a dress is still a man? And you act as if it should change.

[@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.

[@macaccount4315]

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

[@Phurba_Bhutan]

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

[@CAC2021]

Do they have long waiting times to see doctors in Switzerland? And how easy is it to see specialists?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

No I've never experiences this, it's very easy to get any appointment you want. Switzerland has private health care it isn't a public government system where some of these issues arise

[@CAC2021]

@@TheTravelingSwiss oh damn Switzerland really is perfect 😂 thank you for the reply!

[@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 😅

[@curiositiesdygest]

Swiss German region …it’s like the nazi Germany…very heavy vibes from the old people in special….in another hand French and Italian part is just heaven! It’s a bit old fashion country in so many ways…

[@GerryMeyer]

Culture shock goes both ways!!

[@cedric7049]

The usual saying in Switzerland goes like that "In every Swiss citizen there's a sleeping policeman in [insert random canton that is not yours] citizen he's awake".

[@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 :)

[@nikkioperas]

Alexis, we saw lots of Swiss flags every town😁

[@jasminekleiner1987]

I am half swiss half english but grew up and lived in Switzerland for all my life. I agree on most of the things you said. Especially the following the rules. I always call those people the „Voluntary Police“. But it’s mainly the older generation that don’t have much to do then watch over their balcony so it’s probably their way of feeling important. Although I do get annoyed at first once I cool down I feel sorry for them. I always think swiss people aren’t as unfriendly as they seem to be until I go back to visit relatives and friends in england and then I really miss their friendliness and lightheartedness. What I don’t necessarily agree with is the patriarchy or at least not compared to the USA. Recently I was on holidays with my friend from New York who grew up in Conneticut. She was so surprised by all the dads playong with their toddlers at the beaches. She told me neither her father nor any of her brothers really played with their toddlers. For me it was completely normal. Although my dad worked 100% at the time he was a very hands on dad and I see that with all of my friends with children. They all work most of them 60-80%. Only two I know work less then 50. Unfair I don’t have any children yet but I‘ve been told that most daycares don’t take kids for just one day. So they either have to look for another solution or work at least 60%. Also with some of my friends the work the do acquires them to work at least 60%. But most important all of them do want to work because they don’t want to fall out of the system and most partners snd husbands now a days are more then happy to be hands-on dad’s and work less then 100%. I‘ve got some of my friends working 70/80 or even 80/80. Also a lot of my friends have questioned their husbands about who will take on who‘s surname or just not marrying at all.

[@mikebrown1881]

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

[@jenniferw758]

Traditional family = stable, healthy society. In my opinion, daycare being the norm in the US and the traditional family under attack is the root cause of most problems society is facing today. Some begin daycare at 2 months old from 6am to 6pm. Why have children if you have someone else raise them? You don’t know these people and their morals or values. Most of a child’s brain development happens in their first five years of life. Also, the amount of abuse and neglect that occurs at many daycare facilities is tragic. Regarding Swiss patriotism, that’s one of the first things we noticed moving here. We have lived in Basel and Bern, and have traveled throughout the country. The flags, the celebration of Swiss National Day, having many Swiss friends and colleagues and noticing their pride and love of their country. I would argue that there is equal or more patriotism in Switzerland than the US. In my opinion, patriotism is a very good thing for a country! It protects the interests of the nation, helps overcome challenges, increases peace among the people, and protects the overall well-being of a nation.

[@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.

[@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

[@Thurstorm]

You should visit Ticino it’s very different than swiss German or the French part….😝

[@kj8476]

We don't need to be controlled as every swiss person has a little policeman in them 😂

[@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

[@grunchlk]

In Germany you say: "I get a croissant" In Switzerland you say: "Grüezi. I would like to have a croissant, please" When I am in Germany, I alway order as if I was in Switzerland, so funny to see the reaction of the Germans 😂.

[@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.

[@brass427]

I found that being uninformed about the rules or laws is no excuse.

[@peterpluim7912]

@@brass427 It was Easter Sunday. :)

[@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. :)

[@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 😊

[@marccurrat1229]

Sur le plan patriotique, je suis né dans l’Oberland bernois au début des années 80. À l’époque, nous devions encore chanter l’hymne national une fois par semaine. Avec ma mère, c'était encore tous les jours. La Suisse est un pays d'immigration. Lorsque j'ai obtenu mon diplôme dans les années 90, environ 30 % des étudiants de ma classe étaient issus de l'immigration, dans les années 80, c'était environ 5 %, voire moins. Aujourd’hui, la proportion est encore plus élevée. Les ruraux manifestent un peu plus leur patriotisme que les citadins.

[@noahschmid472]

the patriarchy is not against women its for the children. I am from switzerland and I would be shocked if I saw my mother onlie 10% of the week as a two year old child (the system is for kids👌🏻)

[@EricMaechler]

wir grinsen nicht - wir starren andere an (swiss stare of death) :P grosser unterschied. btw children are a privat experiment (daycare) here but is that patriachy? idont know - thanks for this thoughts - that was a funny list - i love to see how migrants/expats see my country we all can learn from that

[@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 😅

[@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]

😅

[@broledge-facts]

Patriarchal dosnt mean family oriented...

[@broledge-facts]

Lack of patriotism is due to 40% foreigners and feminism and anti nationalism 24/7 with the young people. its sad...

[@macbaar6073]

the us never had a female president... we 🇨🇭have them.

[@slvrcross]

14:20 It's almost as if modernized countries with racial homogeneity have less crime? WILD CONCEPT

[@ColonelSlade]

It's almost as if some countries don't care to immerse themselves in something as counterproductive and stupid as racism.

[@elizabethcasagrande8225]

Alexis! Throwing down the stats about gender inequity! Yes. girl! Love these videos, they are helping me out so much for trip planning and... now she's spilling the sociological T? Wonderful.

[@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... 🤔

[@curiositiesdygest]

Not the most expensive country in the world sorry…look at Monaco 🇲🇨, Singapore 🇸🇬, Norway 🇳🇴…😉