What to pack for your trip to Switzerland?

If you are planning to travel to Switzerland and you don’t know what to pack, you’re in the right place. In this article, we are going to give you some recommendations about what to take on your trip and how to get ready to fully enjoy your experience.

List of necessary things for your trip to Switzerland

If you are still wondering, why it is so important to prepare your suitcase whenever you’re about to travel, we can tell you that it is just about taking everything you need but also because every country has different regulations that you have to comply with to enter the country with no problems.

1. Get the necessary documents for your trip

One of the things that you cannot miss on your trip is the documentation needed to enter the country. Requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If you are going to make a short trip, (no longer than 90 days), you will have to get a type C Visa, plus a valid travel document from your domestic authorities, such as your passport.

The Swiss confederation has a web page that lets you make a checklist to find out the requirements to enter the country, depending on the purpose of your trip. Remember to ask about any additional information you may need to make you sure you have all your information in order. Check the Schengen visa information for short stays.

2. Plane tickets and other reservations

Buying plane tickets and booking hotels beforehand always comes in handy if you want to get them at a cheap price. However, as days go by, you may get caught up on other things or simply forget about the plane tickets confirmation or online reservation, so remember to take some time to check for this information on your cellphone, you can also print a PDF or take a screenshot so you can easily access this information.

3. Devices for remote workers

Nowadays, many travelers take their work tools and resources with them, to keep working remotely during their trips. So, it is very important that you take your laptop with you, a hard drive, so you have more space, a power bank, an adapter, and headphones to receive calls and online meetings.  

4. International card to have the internet in Switzerland

You might find many free WiFi spots in public places, you can use the roaming service, or you can rent a pocket WiFi. But, the best way to connect to the internet saving time and money, is by buying a Holafly eSIM card for Switzerland because you can buy it online, before your trip, and you will be able to connect to the internet as soon as you land.

5. Local currency and cards

Taking cash with you is another important part of your trip. Imagine that your international credit card stops working when you need to pay the check. It would be a really bad situation. So, you should take some cash with you to avoid those problems.

6. Travel insurance for accidents or emergencies

One of the requirements to applying for visas to travel to other countries has to do with the purchase of medical insurance, valid for the time spent in the country you are going to visit. In the case of Switzerland, it is recommended to get a coverage policy for up to €30,000 with insurance companies authorized by the Schengen group (You can check the list on the website of the consular office of your country). This will help you cover medical expenses in the event of an accident or an emergency.

7. What you should pack in your suitcase

Picking your clothes is very important. You have to think about your clothes and the shoes you are going to take with you. To help you with this consider the following recommendations:

Pick your clothes depending on the season of the year

The weather in Switzerland varies depending on the season. If you are traveling during fall, temperatures usually vary a lot, so you should take both warm and fresh clothes to use during the day. During winter and summer, you don’t have to worry about those weather fluctuations.

Appropriate shoes

Think about the things you are going to do in Switzerland, so you can pick the right shoes. Remember that you don’t have to take three different pairs of shoes, but if you have specific plans, for example rock climbing or skiing, then you should definitely take appropriate sportswear including shows.

Grooming and personal care products

We recommend you prepare only what is necessary, not only because it will take up space in your suitcase, but because there are products that (due to their characteristics or quantity) customs will not allow you to enter the country.

Keep in mind that you should not carry these things in your hand luggage, only in your check-in suitcase, so take the time to check the luggage restrictions in Switzerland.

First-aid kit for Switzerland

Body pain and other sudden aches can happen at any time. That is why it is very important that you carry some medication that can help you quickly relieve a headache or stomach ache during the trip.

Even if you have a medical condition, remember to prepare the necessary amount of medication to consume during your trip. Additionally, remember to take the medical prescriptions just in case authorities ask for them as proof that the medication is yours.

Packing cube, backpack, and folding bag

Packing cubes are great to organize your suitcase. With these foldable bags, you can set everything in a proper space, separating clothes, shoes and toiletries, and personal care. This way you avoid accidents and optimize maximum space.

8. What can I take in my cabin luggage?

You can pack the coats you need, your laptop, camera, charger, clothes, and shoes, especially delicate items, so you can take care of them during the trip. Always make sure that what you carry in your cabin luggage is authorized.

Remember the maximum measurements of the in-cabin suitcase, the average can vary among airlines or countries, so you should check the measurements allowed for your luggage, it can be around 56 * 45 * 25 cm including the handle, wheels, and pockets.

Turn your suitcase into luggage with a green seal

• Water bottle (reusable).
• No disposable wipes, use cloth tissues.
• Bring a cloth bag in case you go shopping.
• Use a digital eSIM.
• If you are going to protect your suitcase before checking in, use reusable covers, do not use plastic.
• Print as little as necessary, if you need something try to have it on your cellphone.
• Bring a bamboo toothbrush, they are eco-friendly.

9. Ideal complements for your trip to Switzerland

Comfort during your trip to Switzerland is very important, even more, when you prepare your luggage with anticipation. So, we recommend getting your rest kit with a neck pillow, a sleeping mask, headphones, and one of your favorite books to keep your mind busy and enjoy it during the flight hours.

When you are in Switzerland you will probably walk through different cities and tourist destinations, so it is recommended that you bring a backpack or a kangaroo to take everywhere, your travel documents, and personal identification, since you may need them at any given time. Also, you can carry your cellphone, money, and credit cards, without worrying that you carry them in your hand.

Advise to fully enjoy your trip

Advice 1: If it is the first time you travel to Switzerland, prepare to learn about a new culture and lifestyle. Maybe the people in your country are friendly and warm, and you might find the opposite in Switzerland. Think about this as a new adventure and enjoy the moment.

Advice 2: Take your documents on your cellphone. When you arrive in a country with a different language, you have to learn to communicate easily, so keeping a translator app on your cellphone and all your necessary documents may give easier to talk to others and peace of mind.

Advice 3: Prepare your suitcase carefully. Many things can happen at the airport, so make sure you close your suitcase very well, use a lock, and keep your personal identification documentation on you so you can easily find it.

Advice 4: Remember to do the online Check-In with anticipation so you don’t have last-minute issues. Preparing for a trip can be a little bit stressful, so this way you avoid having to worry about this.

Advice 5: Make sure you can connect to the internet during your trip. It is very important to be connected so you can use the necessary apps like WhatsApp to keep in touch with your family or Google Maps in case you need to know how to get somewhere.