TOP 20 TOURIST MISTAKES TO AVOID IN SWITZERLAND: What to know before visiting Switzerland in 2024!

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  • Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 103

  • @TheTravelingSwiss
    @TheTravelingSwiss  9 месяцев назад +7

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

  • @timmccabe4654
    @timmccabe4654 8 месяцев назад +54

    All of these reflect mistakes I’ve made or lessons that took too many trips to learn: 1) One of my “favorite” mistakes was booking a hotel in a smaller town near a church that rang its bells, all night long! Inquire in advance, especially with Airbnbs/similar. 2) Careful about expecting to find luggage lockers at stations. Stations at/near tourist destinations almost all have them but many smaller stations don’t - or have a limited number. 3) I was once sternly counseled by a female train conductor that, “In Switzerland, we do not ask questions of others until we have first greeted them!” Greet every shopkeeper and other service worker appropriately- Gruezi, bonjour, Buongiorno. 4) A good rule of thumb to tell if the town you are speaks Swiss German, French or Italian is whether the name of the town seems into fit in one of those languages. 5) Pay attention to the overhead train platforms signs that indicate which platform sections (A, B, C…) the first and second-class cars of the approaching train are going to stop at so that you get on a car that reflects your fare class. And keep your feet off the seats! (Yes, that’s a widely practiced rule.) 6) Don’t try to put large suitcases on the small racks above seats. Leave them at the luggage areas often at either end of each car and be sure to use the space in between back-to-back seats to slide in even medium-large suitcases. 7) Staying at an old hotel during the summer? If the weather is going to be warm/sunny, you may want to call ahead and request that they not put you on the top floor. Top floor rooms often have sloped ceilings, reflecting the contour of the roof, upon which the sun is beating down. It will be hot if they don’t have AC. 8) Americans- Discover credit cards are also very scarcely accepted in Europe. 9) On credit card readers, when prompted, select CHF (Swiss Francs). If you select $USD, you will likely get hit with an extra currency conversion fee. 10) In medium and large cities, there are often reasonably priced and good quality buffets with sit down table areas at some of the larger supermarket and department stores. 11) Eating out in a tourist town or at a popular restaurant…? Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance. Places fill up.

    • @buske328
      @buske328 8 месяцев назад

      Super tips 👍

    • @DuneGames
      @DuneGames 6 месяцев назад

      It's funny you say to greet people - when on other sites they've said that don't be offended if a shop keeper doesn't greet you and simply says, "What do you want?"

    • @SamarKanguri
      @SamarKanguri 4 месяца назад

      Great additional tips. #9 really important for Americans. I figured it out mid way thru my trip. Hope to never do this mistake again!

    • @Rimrock300
      @Rimrock300 3 месяца назад

      @@SamarKanguri #9 I would say is a good advice to any national travelling abroad; make payments in the local currency first of all

  • @carrollat3125
    @carrollat3125 9 месяцев назад +7

    Travelling to Switzerland this May 2024. You videos are such a big help in planning things out. Thanks to the both of you

    • @Henris-clips
      @Henris-clips 8 месяцев назад

      Im swiss

    • @makeupbyjassiekaur7512
      @makeupbyjassiekaur7512 6 месяцев назад

      Hi we are traveling to Zurich next week! Did you already travel? if yes any tips please?

  • @mountainlover830
    @mountainlover830 9 месяцев назад +5

    Last year, for the first time in 12 visits to Switzerland, I encountered some fountains that were NOT for drinking. Granted they were in less touristy towns of Delemont and Spiez. All were marked by small signs, though the one in Delemont were very obscure.
    GREAT video, guys! Wonderful for first or even second time guests to Switzerland.

    • @GJ_Brown
      @GJ_Brown 8 месяцев назад +1

      I'm concerned loyal fans of this channel will believe what they are told here that ALL Swiss fountains are safe to drink from and maybe end up getting sick.

  • @robertpearson8798
    @robertpearson8798 5 месяцев назад +5

    One mistake that applies to pretty much everywhere is to not complain about things being different than they are at home. If you want everything to be the way you’re used to at home….just stay home.

  • @ns9256
    @ns9256 9 месяцев назад +1

    Hello, thank you for the tips about visiting Switzerland. We we’re there last December 2023. We had so much fun, the people, the nature, all I can say is the best ever I’ve ever been. It’s really expensive but it’s worth to visit.

  • @TrevorSTrevorS
    @TrevorSTrevorS 8 месяцев назад +2

    Thanks Alexis and Louis, another interesting vid. I thought I was quite experienced with travelling in Switzerland but I made a mistake last time I visited. We had a Half Fare Card instead of a Swiss Pass, and bought a ticket from Brig to Zermatt and back. On the way back the guard clipped our tickets after leaving Zermatt, we then broke our journey by getting off the MGB train at the Jumbo between Visp and Brig to buy some groceries. This is fine in the UK as long as you do it on the return journey not the outward journey. Anyway we got back on the next train to Brig with our shopping and the guard came round and said to break our journey we should have informed the guard on the first train from Zermatt so as he did not clip our tickets. Luckily the guard on the second train accepted our apology and did not fine us or make us pay again.

  • @angiebee598
    @angiebee598 7 месяцев назад +5

    Since I missed out on telling you my mistake...back in 1987, I bought a train ticket for Lausanne but actually the ticket agent misunderstood me and sold me a ticket to Lucern which ended up being a lovely mistake.

  • @cintechdigital
    @cintechdigital 4 месяца назад

    I'm also from New York, and I have to say, I truly admire how well-organized everything is in Switzerland. It's impressive; every country could benefit from such efficiency and order. What an exemplary model for the world! Thank you both for sharing these valuable insights with us.

    • @Rimrock300
      @Rimrock300 3 месяца назад +1

      I agree, the Swiss are great at keeping things well-organized, clean and tidy, I love to see this when I visit. It's a part of their speific culture and way of thinking, but others can take some inspiration for sure. It's not for all foreginers to potentially live there in the long run and 'feel great', to many I guess it can be a bit too 'stiff', conservative, too many rules, in relation to what they are used to in their own culture

  • @icarus191980
    @icarus191980 8 месяцев назад +3

    Love all the information!!! Great job ! Love categorised topics

  • @SethRBaron
    @SethRBaron 9 месяцев назад +2

    Thank You
    You keep doing a great job with these videos and the beauty of Switzerland 🇨🇭 - I’m hoping to get back as soon as possible and will definitely reach out again to assist with an itinerary or ideas!! Thank You

  • @ashwinathlye3338
    @ashwinathlye3338 2 месяца назад

    You guys are a lifesaver! I didn't even know about francs and the type J adapter for instance. All other tips are also very helpful and reassuring. Thank you so much!

  • @thibod07
    @thibod07 4 месяца назад

    Thank you!
    My son who lives in the Liechtenstein had given us similar advices for our last trip in Switzerland! You may add that when you pay or buy something in switzerland with your credit card pay in swiss frank the conversion rate with your credit card is better then having a conversion on the spot to your currency from the swiss frank.
    We are canadians and for us to talk loud in a public place is very bad so it was like being at home to follow that simple curtesy rule.

  • @JohnnyIrby-mk3bx
    @JohnnyIrby-mk3bx 6 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for this insightful video! As someone planning a trip to Switzerland, these tips are invaluable. I'll definitely be mindful of these common tourist mistakes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Can't wait to explore Switzerland with confidence in 2024! 🇨🇭✨ #TravelTips

  • @terrymarrone7062
    @terrymarrone7062 6 месяцев назад +2

    Thank you for providing such useful information! Greatly appreciated.

  • @markfromct2
    @markfromct2 7 месяцев назад +2

    This video is good. Thank you. (liked)

  • @PagingMyPast
    @PagingMyPast 2 месяца назад

    Very helpful! Im coming in early December for 4 days before taking a train to Munich to catch up w a tour group. I want to do scenic train and local transportation. I’m very worried about them. Only used a train in Scotland once and was very confusing! I’ll check out your other videos on the subject!

  • @amandabricot
    @amandabricot 9 месяцев назад

    Hi from Canada! Thanks for another great video :-) It was funny how Louis nodded when Alexis said americains can be loud 🤣 North Americains are often very loud, indeed. I love Switzerland and I appreciate so much the quietness that you can find pretty much eveywhere. I remember my surprise the first time I went to a departement store in Geneva. There were probably 300 people having lunch in the food court and not a single noise! Have both a great weekend and 'see' you soon!

  • @ben_1
    @ben_1 3 месяца назад

    14:17 regarding tipping: I have never been asked if I wanted to add a tip to my card payment, nor have I ever heard it from someone else. Most Swiss people will just say the total amount including the tip after getting the bill. So let's say the total is 56.30, you hand them your card and say "60 is fine".
    Also, you don't generally _have_ to tip, unlike in the US, so tipping is mostly a sign of courtesy. Most people will round up depending on the total, often around 5%.

  • @Shakespeare3977
    @Shakespeare3977 9 месяцев назад +1

    Hit on every concern I had! thank you so much. 😁

  • @Mirror9911
    @Mirror9911 9 месяцев назад

    Nice video, thanks 👍. Yes coins are must have, also for parking you will often need coins.

  • @Celestialkarma
    @Celestialkarma Месяц назад

    Thanks for sharing useful information God Bless

  • @doctornebula
    @doctornebula 8 месяцев назад

    This was very thorough and helpful. Thank you!

  • @lesliedavis3836
    @lesliedavis3836 8 месяцев назад

    Great Video. Your comments are spot on. I worked many years in Yosemite National Park in CA. Beautiful place, a must see for visitors, but there are places to avoid because of crowds in the summer. You can get around them, but some places are simply too packed with people. Thank you for your information. Does 'What app" work for free in Switzerland. My daughter just told me that it costs money when people travel to Switzerland. Have you heard this?

  • @amyp.1269
    @amyp.1269 8 месяцев назад

    I didn’t know about the lockers. Thank you for the info.

  • @faby5660
    @faby5660 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you so much! This is so valuable 👏 going in September 2024 so I'll be checking the other videos too.

  • @saiblair6774
    @saiblair6774 8 месяцев назад

    Nice! I just found what i am looking for! We are planning for swiss vacay.
    Will contact for consultation.
    We are thinking about visiting Switzerland but no idea where to go 😂. I've been there twice to Geneva and Davos for work, but it was work and work.

    • @mountain_tom
      @mountain_tom 5 месяцев назад

      hi saiblair6774. "No idea where to go?" Depends on your available time slot. Small ones: 1) take a train ride between Bern-Lucern. to see the green hills and valleys. 2) take a ride to the south of switzerland: Tessin. Take the cog railway on the Monte Generoso Peak and enjoy the environment. 3) Take the Train to St.Gallen, then visit the Säntis Peak by cable car. Still in switzerland and a lot of mountains..... 4) Visit the Rheinfall nearby Schaffhausen.
      the enlargement ones: 5) take a ride with the Glacier express, from St. Moritz to Zermatt, Reservation is mandatory. 6) Hike the trail on the Lötschberg Railway South Ramp, from Hohtenn down to Brig. 26km long, takes 8h for walking. Still switzerland - but comlete different views. 7) Visit the Grand Dicence Dam in Wallis. The highest concrete dam in the world. Include a guided visit tour into the dam. 8) take a ride by car or bike over the Gotthard Pass. Make a brake on summit and visit the Fortress Sasso Da Piginia on east. Once top secret for decades its now an interesting historic public visiting possibility. Hope you'll enjoy your stay...

  • @crazygooner3398
    @crazygooner3398 4 месяца назад

    Great video! I’m planning a trip Switzerland next year.

  • @BeamJam
    @BeamJam 4 месяца назад

    Thank you for this information! very helpful!

  • @peterpluim7912
    @peterpluim7912 7 месяцев назад

    The Bernina Line runs normal trains and panoramic trains. You have to pay a surcharge for the panoramic trains so watch out. If you walk up to the lake, you cannot take the first train back. Your ticket will be checked on the train and you will be forced to pay the surcharge. :)

  • @louisaNdoya
    @louisaNdoya 24 дня назад

    Thanks for his video l have learned a lot, please l want to know more about the four languages.

    • @TheTravelingSwiss
      @TheTravelingSwiss  24 дня назад

      check out this video: ruclips.net/video/5N0hp37vgHA/видео.htmlsi=ZiEnN1T116SxzAVw !

  • @v.s.9421
    @v.s.9421 4 дня назад

    You are great! ❤

  • @alejandranavarro-schuller5374
    @alejandranavarro-schuller5374 7 месяцев назад

    great tips!
    thank you

  • @thekapampangandentist7108
    @thekapampangandentist7108 3 месяца назад

    Gd day guys. We are coming over by Sept. 1st week. What clothig do you suggest our group should bring and wear. Tnx for the reply..

  • @citrastar88
    @citrastar88 8 месяцев назад

    Hi. Thanks for the heads up about being a bit more quiet in public. (American here). do you have any tips for traveling with young children here? You mentioned cobblestone. Should we try to avoid strollers?

    • @markusf58
      @markusf58 8 месяцев назад

      Strollers are absolutely no problem in the cities...

  • @shadyzakaria3097
    @shadyzakaria3097 9 месяцев назад

    Thank you for this useful information you have mentioned in the vedio for the point that the euro is not accepted in Switzerland we travelled to lucerne in May 2022 we have used euro in supermarkets &restaurants, shops but we have to take the change in swiss Frank's and they not accept euro coins I want to ask if this rules changed as we will travell soon thank you ❤

  • @bhclark6128
    @bhclark6128 8 месяцев назад

    Are we good coming the first week of October in reference to closures? We'll be in the Lucerne area.

  • @profraihan
    @profraihan 9 месяцев назад

    Question on travel pass. Say if I buy an 8 day swiss pass on 23 May, please tell me when exactly it will end?

  • @florenceminjoot5475
    @florenceminjoot5475 4 месяца назад

    🙏✨👍✨Thank you! for highlighting the mistakes ✨❤️

  • @sujatadang2704
    @sujatadang2704 6 месяцев назад

    Hi...which is the best weather app to download for Lucerne, Interlaken and Zermatt??

  • @loucassoteriou576
    @loucassoteriou576 9 месяцев назад

    @thetravelingswiss american express is not accepted or issued in major europian countries(E.U member states).The reason is the change of banking regulations from Europian central bank and also the high fees that the owner of the business has to pay for the transcactions

  • @yazminmojica4458
    @yazminmojica4458 5 месяцев назад

    Most valuable video, thank you very much 💕💕💕💕💕

  • @DonnabSWfla
    @DonnabSWfla 9 месяцев назад

    Hello from SWFlorida, Great Tips!

  • @rejiabraham3403
    @rejiabraham3403 9 месяцев назад

    Hi both
    I am planning to come to Zurich in June first week on a personal trip ,I got one free day in Zurich on a Friday ,can you please suggest a best train travel to see some mountains from Zurich ,please not too far

  • @DianeKoupepidou
    @DianeKoupepidou 7 месяцев назад

    Is a Revolut card generally accepted in Switzerland? Many thanks

  • @DougPaulley
    @DougPaulley 7 месяцев назад

    Hi hi
    Thank you very much for your really useful info.
    Suggestion or request: if you could include suggestions, thoughts or experiences of disabled people, it would be great.
    Though I do appreciate it may be difficult or impossible unless you have somebody who is disabled. I know from my own frustrations that the advertised systems for making reservations for wheelchair users on trains are not... what I experience when I attempt to book them, for example.
    Just a suggestion!
    Thank you and all the best

  • @sanrourae
    @sanrourae 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks helped a lot.

  • @aaadddd4602
    @aaadddd4602 2 месяца назад

    hello what if you have the swiss air pass would i still have to reserve the golden pass would they charge me online still as its included

  • @lisatom3607
    @lisatom3607 7 месяцев назад

    Is it possible all the lockers at a station could be full? Esp in peak times like summer at a busy station?

  • @lindanormsmedrano7834
    @lindanormsmedrano7834 7 месяцев назад

    Thank you!! Can you design me an itinerary when time comes? Coming from Stockholm,Swiss.

    • @TheTravelingSwiss
      @TheTravelingSwiss  7 месяцев назад

      Hi! We have prebuilt itineraries on our website and the ability to purchase custom one also!

    • @lindanormsmedrano7834
      @lindanormsmedrano7834 7 месяцев назад

      @@TheTravelingSwiss good day! Awesome! Can you plz provide your link?? I dont see it. TiA😊

  • @awaw20062006
    @awaw20062006 5 месяцев назад

    I am new in Switzerland and I got a fine from sbb swiss of 158chf for not activating my pass early enough. What should I do?

  • @LizKParker
    @LizKParker 5 месяцев назад

    Thanks for remind travellers to take an adapter. I would not have assumed it to be different from Germany 😅

    • @TheTravelingSwiss
      @TheTravelingSwiss  5 месяцев назад

      The first time I visited Switzerland I made this mistake myself!

  • @teea2mwhy196
    @teea2mwhy196 4 месяца назад

    I hope someone can help me with this. So if I book the glacier express in advance how will I use the STP discount? Is booking the seat on glacier express jsut a reservation? Thank you!

  • @brieelizzabeth
    @brieelizzabeth 6 месяцев назад

    Great video! What is the app where I can plan my train routes called?

  • @FollowerOFtheNAZARENE
    @FollowerOFtheNAZARENE 8 месяцев назад

    Hello im visiting in april. with the total custom itinerary can i send the places i want to visit and you like customize the trip according? Im just confused about the trains and all and where everything is located so dont know how much i can do each day. I need help 😂😂

    • @TheTravelingSwiss
      @TheTravelingSwiss  8 месяцев назад

      Yes! There will be an entire form to complete for the custom itinerary where you can share all of the details of what you want to visit and we can build accordingly, review and feedback rounds included too!

  • @RomesRod
    @RomesRod 5 месяцев назад

    Do y’all have any videos about montreux jazz festival

  • @shirintalwar2033
    @shirintalwar2033 5 месяцев назад

    Are coins easily available at grocery stores?

  • @kishorealfred725
    @kishorealfred725 5 месяцев назад

    Very useful... Thanks

  • @iambrujah5626
    @iambrujah5626 7 месяцев назад

    is apple pay widely used in switzerland?

  • @joeuwest489
    @joeuwest489 3 месяца назад

    Good info

  • @Alina-hy4yg
    @Alina-hy4yg 7 месяцев назад

    Can we pay by credit card in most places?

  • @Swiss_views
    @Swiss_views 7 месяцев назад

    Hello, in which city do you live? Have a blessed day.

  • @mdgulamkibria6006
    @mdgulamkibria6006 7 месяцев назад

    We have booked a place to stay which is just inside Germany border , we will be travelling from Zurich airport.do you know if there any toll or road tax etc charge on route? Thanks in advance

    • @mdgulamkibria6006
      @mdgulamkibria6006 7 месяцев назад

      Do I need to pay any type of charge to entering Germany as well ? Thanks stay blessed

    • @fiedelmina
      @fiedelmina 5 месяцев назад

      @@mdgulamkibria6006 no in Germany highways are free.

  • @sharonarmstrong201
    @sharonarmstrong201 6 месяцев назад

    I'm arriving in Zurich from Basel via train. Will I then need to find a bus or tram to get to my hotel? Is traveling on the train to the hotel managable with luggage? Is there ever anyone along the way who is available to help me with my baggage? Thanks.

  • @kd4475
    @kd4475 8 месяцев назад

    Is travelling in mid March recommended for a first time traveller?

    • @MarthaReynolds
      @MarthaReynolds 7 месяцев назад +1

      I’ve traveled in March! It’s not as crowded. You might have cold and somewhat wintry weather in the north, but if you head to Lugano, you’ll think it’s May! I personally don’t think there’s a bad time.

    • @kd4475
      @kd4475 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@MarthaReynolds hey thanks for sharing your experience! We indeed did go in March to Interlaken, Basel and Lake Thun/Brienz along with Jungfraujoch. It was all beautiful and perfect weather with minimal cold so totally recommend!

  • @MASAqueen777
    @MASAqueen777 8 месяцев назад +1

    Is Apple Pay acceptable?

    • @kayeng4935
      @kayeng4935 3 месяца назад

      So isit accepted? Haha

  • @mariagibau928
    @mariagibau928 4 месяца назад

    Ty

  • @njoynature123
    @njoynature123 5 месяцев назад

    Where do you get Franks when flying in to pay the tax

  • @SwitzerlandEducation4471
    @SwitzerlandEducation4471 8 месяцев назад

    Good

  • @harpreetsinghsodhi6271
    @harpreetsinghsodhi6271 8 месяцев назад

    Hello Alexis and Louis, I need your services, How I can better connect to you.

  • @aniziaalexander-atil2976
    @aniziaalexander-atil2976 4 месяца назад

    So is US$ cash not accepted? Only CHF?

  • @Texas_Made91
    @Texas_Made91 5 месяцев назад

    Can i use a capital one credit card?

    • @hubertnguyen5969
      @hubertnguyen5969 4 месяца назад

      If it’s MasterCard then yes. Mine worked for the entire month I was there

  • @SyedaSumera-zc3fp
    @SyedaSumera-zc3fp 9 месяцев назад

    Hello I like this video i love Switzerland. I love nature. I love this work.❤❤❤❤❤🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🌟👌🌟👌🌟👌 thank you so much make this beautiful video god bless you wish you all the best🌹🌻🌺🌹🌻🌺🌹🌻🌺🌹🌻🌺🌹🌻🌺 take care goodbye. 👋👋 Lahore Pakistan. 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 Sumera Riaz .

  • @q4life551
    @q4life551 5 месяцев назад

    What about renting a car?

  • @AshishWishful1
    @AshishWishful1 7 месяцев назад

    The guy in the whole video : 😁

  • @aniziaalexander-atil2976
    @aniziaalexander-atil2976 4 месяца назад

    So is US$ cash not accepted? Only CHF?

    • @Rimrock300
      @Rimrock300 3 месяца назад +1

      Generally no USD cash accepted. Most takes cards, visa and so on, so one do not need much cash, apart from for street vendors and such