Travel Checklist: 8 Things You Need for Your Trip to Switzerland

Getting ready for your Swiss vacation?

Brimming with countless snow-capped peaks and picturesque lakes, Switzerland is always a great choice as a holiday destination. You can spend hours and hours just taking in all the breathtaking sights. If you’re up for some action, you won’t run out of options—from skiing down the Swiss Alps or hiking to untouched mountains.

Before you board that flight, we’ve listed down everything you’ll need, so you can get more time soaking in the scenery and less time stressing:

Thinking of renting a car? Take the train (or bus or boat) instead. Switzerland boasts one of the finest transport systems in the world. It’s on time, easy to navigate, and well-connected. Plus, there are several villages, like Zermatt and Mürren, which don’t allow cars. To save money while you’re traveling from one canton to another, get a Swiss Travel Pass on Klook. With a single pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on trains, buses, and boats throughout the country. Plus, it also includes free access to over 500 museums and exhibits.

One alternative to the Swiss Travel Pass is the Interrail Pass. No more lining up in long queues at the train station or buying individual tickets for each destination. The pass gives users unlimited train rides in select areas of Switzerland. Plus, it also includes discounts on accommodation and attractions.

Another way to get savings on your transportation costs is to get the Swiss Half Fare Card. Pass holders will enjoy discounts of up to 50% on Switzerland’s trains (including premium panorama trains!), buses, boats, and select cable cars for an entire calendar month. On top of that, it also includes discounts on urban public transportation in 90 cities!

Visiting Switzerland in the summer? Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket to keep you dry and warm, especially if you plan to hike or do any outdoor activities. The rainfall is heaviest between May and August, so it’s best to be prepared. Plus, it’s better to dress in layers because you can always remove them later if it gets warmer.

If you’re looking for some day trip inspiration, look no further than this Jungfraujoch Day Tour from Zurich. Leave behind the city’s towers and buildings for snow-covered peaks. You’ll take a ride to the highest train station in Europe, explore an ice tunnel, take in the finest views from the Sphinx Observation Terrace, and ride the scenic Gondola Eiger Express. On top of that, you’ll also stop by Lauterbrunnen to get a taste of the charming Swiss countryside before returning to Zurich.

Where better to spend time in nature than Switzerland? Make the most of your trip by going on an easy hike and packing some comfy and waterproof shoes! Use your Swiss Travel Pass to get to the most picturesque hiking destinations like the Rigi Panorama Trail and the Zermatt Five-Lake Trail and take in the alpine views on your way to the peak.

If you’re going to come to Switzerland from a different European country, you might notice the sockets look a little different. Most of the continent uses sockets with only two holes while Switzerland uses three holes. The good news is you can still use your European travel adaptor. Just make sure the prongs fit because sometimes European plugs are too big for Swiss sockets. The voltage is the same as the rest of the continent which is 230 V/50 Hz!

Instead of buying a SIM card after your arrival, make sure everything is working properly and get your SIM card before you go. With Klook, you can get your SIM card delivered right to your doorstep. Stay connected with your very own European number, so you can make calls and send messages. Of course, you’ll also be able to enjoy high-speed internet, thanks to the 4G connection. 

What better way to remember your incredible Swiss vacation than with photos and videos? Remember to pack your camera to capture all the stunning sights you’ll see. Take extra batteries as well, especially if you’re planning to go on long hikes or full-day trips to make sure you capture every moment.

When it comes to stunning sights, Mount Titlis is one of the places to be. As one of the highest peaks of the Uri Alps, it boasts captivating views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It also gets snow year-round so you’re guaranteed to see postcard-worthy panoramas even if you visit during the summer. Save yourself the hassle of planning and book a day trip to Mount Titlis from Zurich, so you can just sit back and soak in all the sights.

When you’re in one of the big cities, you’ll have no trouble using your credit card for your purchases. But if you’re planning to use your Swiss Travel Pass to travel to smaller villages, it’s best to bring cash, specifically Swiss Francs. Some stores may accept euros but you’ll receive Swiss Franc coins as change.

Save money and bring your own water bottle! As you travel through various towns using the Swiss Travel Pass, don’t be afraid of getting water from the drinking fountains. Switzerland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world. In fact, it even has a much better ecological balance than the mineral water bottles you see in grocery stores—it’s because 80% of their water comes from underground sources while the rest is taken from lakes.

With these eight items, you're all set to go on exciting and joyful adventures in Switzerland! Whether you want to go skiing down snowy slopes or just want to soak in all the alpine sights, it’s sure to be a holiday to remember.