Is Switzerland as expensive for food and drink costs as it is rumoured to be? I'm thinking of going in the summer to Zermatt and Davos - the hotels are half board, so I'd only need to buy lunch each day. Take out sandwich, coffee, cake - that sort of thing. What kind of prices are we talking here? Also, what about drink costs in bars?
I'm from UK, in the north - it's v cheap here.
Cheers.
Switzerland has enjoyed the same bad reputation as Scandinavia - the fact that these countries are/were a bit more costly than neighbouring ones has gradually been exaggerated - so that "20% more costly" grew into "200% more costly".
The last years Switezland could easily compete with say London pricewise - both also had hotels and restaurants for the super rich only.
Right now you will have to care more about the value of the respective currencies:
The GBP has been dropping a lot, so most countries has become more costly for you. Fortunately for you the CHF has also fallen some - more resently - and if economy in EEurope goes really bad, there is a big risk (chance for you) that the CHF will suffer more.
One year ago you would have gotten 2,07 CHF/GBP - now unfortunately only 1,65 CHF/GBP - But any EUR-country would also have become more costly for you.
And where you are going - Zermatt and Davos - are international resorts with sky-high prices, more so than the Swiss norm. You'll find it dificult to find cheaper shops there. Best to find a supermarket like the Migros chain and shop there.
If you really want to economise (but then why are you staying in Zermatt and Davos?), cheapest way to get lunch is to make your own sandwiches by buying ingredients in a supermarket. You can get a small loaf of bread for around £1, and get a tin of tuna, ham, cheese and marg. You can get a litre pack of orange juice for around £1. After tucking into a buffet breakfast at your hotel, you won't want a big lunch anyway. Also the cafeteria attached to Migros will be cheaper than just about any other place to eat.
Drink prices in smart bars will make your eyes water. Half a pint of lager will be around 4 SFr (£2.40), and a small bottle around 5 SFr (£3). Spirits from around 11 SFr (£6.60) a shot (double).
If you want to skip the sandwiches you and eat a proper meal consider going to a migros restaurant or gourmessa. they are everywhere in switzerland. it's your equivalent to tesco in the uk, a bit more upmarket. you eat a salad from the wide buffet range (great quality) at about CHF2.20/100g) or set menu (warm food) for Chf 10.95 -14.00 franks (£5-8). also, don't forget that food might be a bit more expensive but rail travel is very cheap compared to the UK (about 1/3)
hi friends, it Depends on what region or canton of Switzerland u are going to visit, the food & drink on offer will vary. Because Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and surrounded by several countries each with their own traditions and tastes, food and drinks. Switzerland has been influenced by all its neighbouring countries. The food and drink to be found in the south Switzerland is Italian food, while areas of Switzerland that border offers food that is very French in taste.