Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
You don’t need specific vaccinations to visit Switzerland if you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines. These typically include:
1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)2. Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis3. Varicella (Chickenpox)4. Polio5. Annual Flu ShotAlways check the latest travel advisories and consult your healthcare provider before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Switzerland, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for SwitzerlandCulture & Customs
Respect privacy and personal space; don’t ask personal questions unless you’ve built rapport. Punctuality is key, so always be on time. Use a firm handshake when greeting. Dress modestly, especially in churches or formal events. Avoid loud conversations and keep your volume down in public places.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Switzerland is quite progressive; Zurich and Geneva are especially welcoming. Women should feel comfortable traveling alone but stay aware of surroundings, as with anywhere. A small gift when invited to someone’s home is appreciated; flowers or chocolates are good choices.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Switzerland.
- Fondue: Melted cheese served in a communal pot over a portable stove, eaten by dipping bread into the cheese using long forks. It’s a staple during the cold months and a social meal that brings people together.
- Rösti: Essentially Swiss hash browns, made from grated potatoes fried until crispy. Originally a farmer’s breakfast, it’s now a popular side dish across Switzerland.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped over boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. Traditionally, it’s made using a special grill, making it a fun and interactive meal.
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: A dish from Zurich, consisting of sliced veal cooked in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce. It’s a comforting plate that showcases Swiss love for rich, hearty flavors.
- Älplermagronen: Swiss-style mac and cheese with a twist, combining pasta, potatoes, cheese, and cream, often topped with caramelized onions and served with applesauce. It originated in the Alps, making it a soulful mountain comfort food.
Yes, tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink and is consumed by locals without a second thought. It’s sourced from pristine natural supplies, so you can confidently fill up your bottle straight from the tap. No need for bottled or filtered water unless that’s your personal preference.
The main language in Switzerland is
German. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your German skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Switzerland includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Switzerland,
English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. While the country has four official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—many Swiss people are multilingual and often speak English fluently, especially the younger population and those in the hospitality and service industries.
In cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, you’ll find that English is commonly used in shops, restaurants, and public transportation. However, in more rural areas, English proficiency may vary, and you might encounter locals who primarily speak one of the national languages.
Overall, as a traveler, you should find it relatively easy to communicate in English throughout Switzerland, but learning a few basic phrases in German, French, or Italian can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Switzerland is CHF (₣).
ATM Access: ATMs are everywhere, even in smaller towns. They’re your best bet for getting Swiss Francs (CHF), and fees are typically lower than using currency exchange services.
Cash or Card? While cards are widely accepted, especially in cities, having some cash is smart for small purchases like a coffee or a bus ticket in rural areas. Always useful for those random mountain hut cafes.
Currency: Stick to CHF because dollars and euros are not typically accepted, except maybe in tourist-heavy spots, and you’ll get a terrible exchange rate.
Card Acceptance: Most places take major credit and debit cards, but always ask if there’s a minimum spend to avoid awkward moments at the register. If you’re venturing into the Alps, some remote places are still cash-only.
Exchanging Money: If you must exchange cash, do it at banks or official currency exchange offices. Avoid airport kiosks since their rates are usually poor. In a pinch, ask locals where they swap cash—sometimes the post office has decent rates.
In Switzerland, tipping isn’t obligatory as service charges are included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. For instance, in restaurants, you might round up the bill to the nearest 5 or 10 CHF. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest franc is common practice.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.