ULTIMATE SWISS PLANNING GUIDE | Everything you need to know before visiting Switzerland!

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland but don’t know where to begin? Whether your Swiss vacation is taking you to the mountains in Interlaken or the cities like Zurich, this 30-minute long, jam-packed video gives you EVERYTHING (literally) you need to know when planning your trip to Switzerland. We have the top 30 tips, tricks, budget hacks, and everything in between that you NEED TO KNOW when visiting Switzerland. Let’s get into it!
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The no-international fee credit cards we use in Switzerland:
→ Marriott Travel Credit Cards: www.referyourchasecard.com/25...
→United Travel Credit Cards: www.referyourchasecard.com/21...
Other we mention:
→ WNDR: Hotel Booking Platform: book.justwndr.com/@thetraveli...
→ Hotel Guest Cards: www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/p...
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Need more help planning?
→ Book a consultation: www.thetravelingswiss.com/con...
→ Purchase our itineraries: www.thatch.co/@thetravelingswiss
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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!
Keep up with us!
→ Instagram: / thetravelingswiss
→ Website: www.thetravelingswiss.com
→ Buy Us a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/Travelin...
This channel is a labor of love, if you enjoyed the video please make sure to subscribe!
xx Lex & Louis

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

If you need more personalised help, from a custom itinerary, to a 1:1 call - head to our website to learn more: www.thetravelingswiss.com

[@godleads1]

I had just came back from Switzerland two days ago. I spent two weeks there. I've learned so much from you guys. Thank you soooo much. Can't wait to go back to Switzerland!!! What a beautiful country. I found Swiss people to be so nice, polite and helpful. I think I left a piece of my heart there in Switzerland.♥

[@guapify2320]

That's great! What beautiful places would you recommend visiting in Switzerland?

[@user-mt4uw7sm7y]

We are traveling to Switzerland in April of 2024, and I've been binge watching your videos. These are so very helpful!!! Thank you so much.

[@Ravroid]

Thank you guys for all of the super useful info. I've been binge watching your videos and learning a ton before my trip.

[@hidsgi-games5369]

One thing about things being closed on Sundays: Shops in train stations, specially larger stations, are often open all week round and late into the evening, including Sunday (may not be valid for every canton). So if you find yourself needing groceries on a Sunday, try the train station.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Always a good tip! Or to search for the mini shops attached to the gas stations like a Migrolino or Coop Pronto

[@mayankgupta5219]

Hello. I am planning to visit interlaken and lucerne for 03 days each and two days in zermatt. Is it a good idea to take bernese oberland pass with half fare card and saver day pass for lucerne region?

[@jennifershail7890]

Planning for Sept 2024. I am a little overwhelmed! Thanks for your videos!!!!

[@milespalero]

Yaay! Me, too. I am planning a trip w/ my husband.

[@mrsnegrich]

Me too, from Canada.

[@charlesrenniemacki]

This is, undoubtedly, the very best travel channel on youtube - not just for Switzerland, but for every global destination. We're going to Switzerland in June, hence the watching, and subscribing to this channel - but it's amazing how informative these videos are when considering how much you DON'T think of when travelling full stop. Thankyou Alexis and Louis, for all your hard work in making the world much more of a global community.

[@MyBruge]

How was your trip?

[@JanPBtest]

One important bit that a US (say) tourist might want to know is that in case of medical emergency (of a reasonable kind, not involving helicopters, etc.!) it's perfectly reasonable to visit a doctor in Switzerland, even without any Swiss medical insurance. That's what happened to my partner last week in Lausanne: he got covid (which was not very serious) and _then_ some sort of _other_ virus and bacterial infection which wouldn't go away after several days. So we went to an urgent care next door (found on the Internet) and after the doctor was done with him, we waltzed out with a box of penicillin. That doctor's visit cost us 110 CHF and the penicillin 36 CHF, so nothing astronomical. Americans usually assume it will cost a fortune no matter what. So def. worth considering if you are in some sort of medical stress, even without insurance.

[@JanPBtest]

I keep saying "penicillin", of course it was some more modern antibiotic. Its container box was imprinted in German, French, and Italian but the pharmacy printed out a sticker with the text in English.

[@allanpeterson3358]

Love ❤❤ your videos 😊😊. I will be in Zurich on 08/02/2023.

[@guapify2320]

How was it?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Fantastic video y'all! Jam packed with so much helpful content. Great work!

[@mrsnegrich]

J’aime beaucoup vos vidéos. Merci infiniment ❤❤❤

[@fiveinitaly]

Great tips friend

[@siracampos1929]

These are great tips! Thanks!

[@LindsK23]

This is so helpful. Thank you! ❤

[@theintelligenthusband9039]

Thanks for the loads of information

[@Carol_Kalola_U]

Very informative! Thx a lot!

[@franh8043]

Thank you for the bountiful information guys!

[@debasmitadutta4798]

Very useful video, thank you so much 😊

[@user-wg5ir4ow9f]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@ashishanand5536]

So useful info love u both

[@constantindragut199]

Hey Guys. I want to say many thanks and appreciation to both of you to offer us great informations about Switzerland. Many Congratulations!!!

[@imeldamansfield1482]

Hello Alexis and Lo! 😄I’m new subscriber from Seattle,WA.I like watching this video of your folks . Thank you for this guide / tips! At least I have a heads up before traveling to Zurich this coming June 2023. My first time traveling to Europe! 😄Will always be there watching your new videos folks! May you both have more and more success into your journey! Thanks for your both efforts updating us always the very good stuff / very informative ones ! Love you both Alexis and Lo…. ❤️ ❤️ Have a blessed journey folks !💒🙏🏻. Imelda Mansfield - New subscriber -Seattle WA. 🇺🇸🌎

[@rkravzkaur]

Very useful video, Thank you so much ❤️

[@larry2436]

very helpful

[@gehhrald]

Thank you for all these video! I'm in the midst of planning my trip and your videos are so informative and helpful!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

I'm so glad!

[@lauraezell7723]

Very thorough guide. Smaller suitcases (carryon size) can also often fit on the floor in the spaces between two seat benches on the train.

[@DaveNabrotzkyYoungevity]

You are both sooo helpful as we plan our upcoming trip. Thank you

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JamieAdStories]

I am off to Switzerland again at Easter and this is very useful.

[@DwayneKlassenTheCoachForMen]

Great content! Glad I found your channel. I'm in Calgary 🇨🇦 and heading to Europe for 3 months solo trip (Epic Eurail Journey I'm all about the trains) in mid-July and will be spending 10 days in Switzerland in late August and Early September. These tips are so appreciated. 🙏

[@nicolenew1708]

AMAZING

[@pagangod_Infinity]

Hiya Alexis & Louis, Thank you🎉 Very useful info, especially the Guest Card(free public transport) that's ❤ly

[@logicalfallacydetector5196]

Thank you guys for this detailed video! I’ll be visiting Switzerland next month for the first time 😝😝😝😝

[@rkw2917]

There is also an English speaking radio station WRS (World Radio Switzerland) DAB or can be streamed online or via app

[@GlobetrotterGranny]

This was a phenomenally helpful video, especially about the apps!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Glad you think so!!

[@ccgnoix]

Thank you for a wonderful & practical video of all the important things to know! I'm returning for a second trip this month, but I had to do a refresh knowledge since my last trip was 5 years ago. I couldn't remember the coin for the WC. Lol. Thankful I saved some coins to have with me for this upcoming trip.

[@elpidiaholguin9643]

thanks 🙏

[@jrhernandez7861]

My spouse and I like your videos, we planning to visit Switzerland this summer!!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Enjoy planning ! :)

[@user-cl8ub8tv7y]

Thanks

[@6554532]

Thanks very useful. Please consider doing a video for new expat families. Tips and recommendations on places to live, buying a car, finding school, health system, etc.

[@jennifertodd4132]

Another great video. We are now 64 days until we leave. I am having issues on what to pack or not pack for clothing. We are planning on buy food as breakfast is the only meal provided, except on the Glacier Express. Going to check out the apps for food.

[@robertgingg7243]

I’ve been watching your videos for a few months now and I’m finally a week away from my Swiss vacation. I can’t wait. Thanks for all your tips and great information. One question I have is since most things are closed on Sunday would that be a good day to go to Jungfraujoch? I have one more week to watch your videos for more great info. Thanks!

[@shellytriano2351]

Thank you for all of your videos, they are so helpful! I have a question about dining in the Lauterbrunnen area. If the last dinner seatings may be around 6, is it normal to have dinner in hiking boots/clothes? Usually I would shower & change before dinner but now I’m wondering if we’ll have time.

[@anjericamparcon]

I love how informative your videos are. It’s a great help for our trip. Do you guys recommend the luggage services in the train stations and door to door services? Thank you and keep at it.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Hi! Unless you have more luggage than you can physically manage, I think it's much easier to keep your luggage with you!

[@anjericamparcon]

Thank you!

[@moderatobd6493]

Hey guys! This was amazing information! I'm still a bit confused about exactly how to read the train station boards....do you have a video on that or.....?

[@SteveInNEPA1]

Thank you, Alexis and Louis. This is your best video yet! We started watching you a few months ago and now have our itinerary set and air/hotel reservations secured for 8 days in late June. Two questions if you have time to respond (one is just fun): 1. Is your Swiss pillow reversable, with an American flag on the other side for Alexis? 2. We're thinking of a Swiss Flex Pass and Berner Oberland Pass. Do we have to be actively using one of our Flex Pass days to qualify for the discount on the Berner Oberland Pass, or just have it valid over the period? Many thanks to you both!

[@luvmeluxe8324]

Hi guys! We’ve learned so much from you both and love your videos! ❤️ We’ve been to Switzerland twice now (July 2022 and Dec 2022) and have done everything you guys have recommended, so thank you so much for all the value you guys provide! You both are our go-to for everything Switzerland! Just a quick question: do you remember what restaurant that is you showed Louis eating the fondue towards the end of the video? The kids and I just watched and they were like “mommy we have to go there and eat fondue!” Lol…that view was amazing! 😍

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

It’s the restaurant at the top of the harder kulm in Interlaken! Your kids have great taste ;) nothing beats fondue with a view!

[@luvmeluxe8324]

@@TheTravelingSwiss thank you so much the quick reply! Appreciate you guys!

[@lizareyes5987]

Hello, i have been watching your video & doing my itinirary gir August. We are a family of 4 ( children 15& 9). Is it wise to have a half fare card & bernes oberland pass for stay in Lucerne, Interlaken w/ visit to Bern & Grindelwald?

[@philipohmes9395]

Many thanks for all of the useful information. Has a decision been made between Germany and Switzerland, whether the 49 Euro Germany Rail Pass will allow one to go from Freibug im Breisegau to Basel with out a surcharge? Basel is my favorite town in Switzerland.

[@AdventureswithNan]

Thanks for the great video..I have been following you for a few months now. I am planning our trip to Switzerland and Italy for September. We plan on renting a car since I have so many places on our itinerary. Would you happen to have any suggestions on where to rent a car from?

[@jenniferjacobs7797]

Hello. Thank you for the helpful tips. Being based in Geneva, I wanted to ask you a question about visiting Chamonix in late September. I read where the lifts close in late September? We are flying into Geneva because it is the most cost effective for us. I was thinking GVA --> Chamonix for a day or two --> Montreux or Zermatt for a few days --> Wengen for four to five days. Thank you.

[@leivdy]

Hi I'm planning to go to Switzerland in September and I've been watching your travel videos. Can you give any tips on what to do when choosing a prepaid phone service for a tourist especially when there won't be Wifi in some areas?

[@slee7717]

I’m so happy to see your tube. I already subscribed 😮 We’re going to end the May to Swiss. May I ask you what is weather? Should carry heave coats or boots?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

We have a month by month guide which gives weather, rain, etc for every month: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHOumJeEhqySl6M I would check it out

[@dandanni3124]

Hello, your video is very helpful! I cannot find the weather app on IOS. Does it go by another name?

[@mesalady2007]

Can you do an itinerary with in depth visit? I can easily spend 3-4 weeks in Switzerland!

[@mayankgupta5219]

Hello. I am planning to visit interlaken and lucerne for 03 days each and two days in zermatt. Is it a good idea to take bernese oberland pass with half fare card and saver day pass for lucerne region?

[@xxx_phantom_xxxw_t_a9479]

Hello from Basel, actually, if you can (or have to) give the SBB a bad grade, it's for the fact that they haven't managed the WLAN (and mobile phone reception) on the train satisfactorily to this day, which is really a bit incomprehensible these days. But that's really the only thing I can fault.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

totally agree! no complaints elsewhere but come on, 2023 and no reliable wifi?!

[@stingrhey2o209]

Hi Alexis and Louis. Just want to ask.Is super saver day pass applicable to tourist? We are travelling to Switzerlandnin April for 5 days.Unfortunately there is no 5 days Swiss travel pass,so we might just get the 4 day travel plus then A day pass on our last day.And also ,are kids go free with the Super saver day pass? Thanks a million.

[@zoosiab1976]

Love your videos! We have 3 couples coming from Minnesota USA in late July early August . We will stay in Grindelwald but will do day excursion to Lauterbrunnen and Wegen then come back to hotel. Will the weather be raining or dry for scenic yellow and red/white/red hikes? Also, we want to rent a car to access areas and scenic that trains don't stop to view. Is the car rental process similar to that in the US? We will definitely take advantage of your hotel and excursion recommendations and discounts. Thank you so much for your travel educational videos. It was most helpful.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Car rental is the same process, even lots of the same companies! Just know that you’ll to specify an automatic car if you want one because most in Europe are manual. In the summer you can have rain but it tends to pass quickly, I just recommend waterproof hiking shoes for sure

[@markusf58]

… and be aware that the red/white hikes can be quite strenuous, but it’s no problem if you‘re experience hikers and pay attention to the approx. hiking tikes on the signposts. Grindelwald an its area is gorgeous, enjoy! 😊

[@azhurdeenbacchus772]

Hey guys so I am traveling to Switzerland in June and will be staying the whole time in Zurich but would like to get around frequently and see all the best places that I am able too with a great amount of excursions. Would you suggest I do the Swiss half pass and book the other tours or should I do the Swiss travel pass? Also I saw that some of the other passes include that you stay the night over at those location.. is that a must or can I easily travel back and forth to Zurich to those popular regions?

[@concza]

Hi is it advisable to also use debit card instead of credit card?

[@SDhish-jt4pp]

Link to the booking site doesn't work in Australia.Can you please reshare link .Thanks

[@sushajacob8866]

I would like to buy an itinerary. Can you please let me know which one is the best suitable for Aug end - early sept ? Thank you for all your videos....Love them!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

hi! all of them will work in these time frames no problem, it just depends on where you'll be based (options for being based in Zurich, Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lucerne -- or if you want to travel across the country)

[@lola7037]

The WNDR website isn't working for me. Do you have another link by chance?

[@JovyGutang-ub8se]

Hello, how many day to travel and to see the entire switzerland's attractions?

[@cielindaq9190]

Question: do we need a visa from USA ? Thnx

[@socalskater5757]

Thank you for your very informative and helpful videos! We are planning a trip to Zürich and we would appreciate any recommendations you would have for a prepaid debit card to use in ATMs to obtain Swiss Francs. We would like to avoid taking our American debit cards and just preload cash on a prepaid card to take with us, along with some Swiss Francs. I have seen some videos on Wize and Revolut but would appreciate your advice and recommendation on a prepaid debit card to obtain in the US to use in Zürich and Switzerland. Thank you in advance.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

I’ve only used (and still use the American debit cards) I think youll run into more trouble than it’s worth getting a prepaid debit. You can also order currency from your bank at home, Bank of America for example used to charge me a flat $7 to take up to $1000 USD equivalent in foreign currency, it just had to be requested in advance

[@socalskater5757]

@@TheTravelingSwiss Thank you for your reply!! My concern is if the American Debit card tied to my U.S. bank account is lost/stolen, then it opens up the risk on my entire bank account, not just what would be lost on a prepaid debit card that's not tied to my checking account in the U.S.

[@socalskater5757]

@@TheTravelingSwiss One additional question I have on using a Debit Card would be - Do you know if a plain U.S. ATM debit card without VISA or Mastercard card logo would work in the Swiss Bank ATMs? I would feel safer to use a plain ATM card knowing that if it's lost or stolen, that the card is useless without the PIN Number.

[@TSinRM]

Thanks for the very helpful travel tips. A couple follow-up questions regarding local languages. I speak standard high German and find Swiss German is impossible to understand. Can I assume that Swiss German speakers all speak high German as well as Swiss German? Lastly, is it "uncool" to speak German in French speaking parts of Switzerland?

[@bemoll7311]

Salue. Also erstens sind (Hoch)deutsch und Schweizer Mundart 2 verschiedene Sprachen. !! So zumindest ist die Beurteilung der Sprachwissenschaftler. Darum verstehen uns "die Deutschen" kaum. ausser die Württemberger, die Schwaben, die Bayern. Und JA, in der Romandie (franz. Teil der Schweiz) sollte man französisch sprechen können, oder dann halt englisch. Hat historische Gründe.

[@Julia-zp2dh]

I tried using the wndr site to book hotels but it says it’s no longer accepting new reservations :(

[@socalskater5757]

Do Chase United Airlines Visa credit cards that you refer to work in Switzerland without a Pin number? In the U.S. we use Chip and Signature not Chip and Pin. Thanks in advance for all of your help and assistance!!

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Ive never had a problem with them personally! work for contactless payment with the chip

[@SteveInNEPA1]

Same.. but always a good idea to know your PIN. And, remember, for banks like Chase, changing a PIN if you've forgotten it, is usually done by snail mail... so, best to do that at least a few weeks prior to travel to give it time. Chase also, apparently, no longer requires notification of upcoming travel for most cards, but check before you go. Finally, some Chase cards, like Freedom, do incur foreign transaction fees, while one's like United or Marriott Chase cards do not incur fees.

[@yajairamhernandez]

I was there last week and we had to sign in COOP (grocery store) with our United Explorer card but the tap to pay worked for Chase Sapphire Preferred and Freedom.

[@sophiesalicornchannel6071]

We are travelling end of September, should we bring wool and bubble jackets?

[@markusf58]

Definitely a good idea if you want to go to the mountains!

[@safieeaziz2398]

Do the supermarkets have a microwave where you can heat up the prepacked meals?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

many of them do!

[@safieeaziz2398]

That's handy, thank you!

[@kauaiboy5o]

Thinking of traveling to Switzerland late May or September. Wife and I were in Germany/Ausrria last year. With the European economic/Ukraine war situation, is it a lot more expensive to travel to Switzerland now in terms of accomodations, food and transportation? My plan is to get an overview of Switzerland and travel by train to the Zurich, Lucern, Luzanne, Geneva, Bern, Lugano, Interlaken, staying at each location 2-3 nights in or near city centers to maximize time with final destination Salzburg. Any of these cities would be redundant and pass or too costly and spend more time in certain cities than others?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

I don't think you need to spend time in both Geneva and Lausanne - you can easily reach Lausanne from Geneva in about an hour or so for a day trip (and vice versa) I would pick one to use as a base for the region

[@Carol_Kalola_U]

I’ve heard that we can send our luggages free from Zurich airport to our hotel is that true?

[@pattiepats]

Just an FYI. Not sure if it's just me, but seems your links are not working. Thanks!

[@kszksz9383]

The WNDR doesnt work :(

[@ilovesuisse1]

Accommodation.

[@MrAlvinSinfulSong]

Up the mountain those restaurants with toilets if you go when the restaurant is about to close they might not ask for money 😅 they didn't asked me for it.

[@cartoonman1111]

Their website has one “l” in traveling in the url.

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

so does our handle on youtube and instagram :) american spelling of the word

[@stayfocused1041]

Great video! I am planning a 3 weeks trip to Switzerland from the USA, arrival Zurich. For health reasons, I am taking a medicinal herb called kratom daily. Mainly for severe nerve pain due to Multiple Sclerosis. I am discovering that this herbal remedy is banned in Switzerland. Some sites say so, some sites don't. It is very confusing. Is it authorized with a medical prescription? Or do the Swiss authorities throw you in jail or fine you heavily for bring that herbal remedy in your luggage? Even the Embassy is not clear. I do not want to spend a lot of money on plane tickets and hotel reservations and be in (serious) trouble upon arrival or having it seized. Anyone really knowledgeable about this topic? Thank you

[@sumerariaz3985]

Hello.Travel Teacher.i Like this Videos.This is Very Useful information Videos.i am Planing to Visit Switzerlabd.Because i Love Nature.i Love Switzerland.Beauty of Switzerland my Heart of Touching.💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰i Love SwitZerland.Very Good information Videos.Useful Videos.Hopful Videos.Make Mind to Plan Videos .i Love it.🏆🌟🏅👌🏆🌟🏅👌🏆🏅🏅👌🏆🌟👌🏆Thank You So Much make this Videos.GOD BLESS YOU.Wish You all the Best.🌹🎻🕯🌹🎻🕯🌹🎻🕯🌹🎻🌹🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 Pakistan Lahore.👋👋

[@sandeepkhanna2671]

Fabulous video. Thank you. Very informative and useful. Just a suggestion for Alexis to make this video even better. You have a wonderful presence and are very engaging. But please do keep looking at the camera as its very distracting to see you constantly look at your partner. Almost feels as if you are seeking validation. Hope you understand where I am coming from. Keep doing the good work. Bless you both.

[@SabaFaizanMUA]

Hello guys. The webpage you gave for Accommodation, the price is in dollars. Can we still buy from UK? Also does the website do buy now pay later or pay at the property?

[@TheTravelingSwiss]

Hi there! You can buy from the UK, it'll just convert based on the current conversion rate to pounds.There is no buy now pay later, but there are a lot of fully refundable options

[@SabaFaizanMUA]

@The Traveling Swiss - Alexis & Louis thank you for your reply guys. When ever you get chance can you do latest viseofor Matterhorn Zermatt 2 days visit, with train passes

[@BerkayAlperX]

üzüldüm lan çocuğa

[@oscarguerra2162]

For god's sake, let him speak! What an energy drainer girl.

[@Virenss4]

Can you please make a guide on prepaid mobile hotspots? Might make for a good short