Shopping in Switzerland

Whether you are looking for the ultimate Swiss Army knife, a classical watch or an extravagant piece of jewellery - or maybe just some chocolate and cheese, you will find it in Switzerland.

It will come as no surprise to learn that Switzerland is one of the most expensive country. In a recent survey, Zürich was judged to be twenty percent more expensive than London , Paris and Tokyo. However, this gives a somewhat slanted view, since you’re unlikely to be spending like a local, and most places in the rest of Switzerland aren’t very much more expensive than you’d expect for Western Europe. However, Swiss food prices are notoriously high, for no readily apparent reason, and this translates into higher-than-normal restaurant prices. Accommodation costs can go through the roof, but careful choices will keep per-night rates affordable.

Quality is the byword in Switzerland. You may be sure that anything you buy will stand up, if you can afford it. Prices are fixed, no bargaining. Clothing is more expensive that in India, but there is a good selection. Shopping hours vary (Monday through Friday from 08:00 - 19:00; Saturdays from 09:00 - 17:00 is common in cities). In suburbs, towns, and villages, shops close for lunch. In some cities, stores close on Monday mornings. All stores are closed on Sundays and national and local holidays except for food stores in the larger train stations, which are in most cases open late at night as well.

Special purchases include embroidery and linen, Bernese woodcarving, chocolate, cheese, Swiss army knives and luxury handmade clocks and watches. Zürich is the shopping capital, centered on the luxury boutiques and department stores of the celebrated Bahnhofstrasse.

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF: symbol SFr) = 100 cents (called centimes in French, rappen in German and centesimi in Italian). Notes are in denominations of SFr1,000, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SFr5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Currency Exchange

There are exchange bureaus at train stations and banks.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available.

Traveller's Cheques

Pound Sterling, US Dollar or Euro cheques are accepted at airports, railway stations and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1630.