Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland

We'd love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio message directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 830 72 96. After 13 years of living in Switzerland, Jo is finally allowed to have her say in her new home country and participate in the democratic process. The Swiss elections are coming up and after becoming Swiss, this might be the second most exciting day for a new citizen. The papers have arrived (a long time ago) and are ready to be explored. Let's do the unboxing together and talk about the specialities of the Swiss elections. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What's it like to get the the election material for the first time? What's inside the envelope? How do you vote? Smartvote Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast! We'd love to answer your question in our show. Please leave us an audio question directly on our website. Get in touch via email and we'll answer your question directly in the show (if possible). Find us on Instagram and become part of this community.

We'd love to answer your question in our show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 830 72 96. The Swiss can't get enough of it: Rivella is the Alpine nation's traditional soft drink of choice. But there's an unusual ingredient hiding beneath the bubbles of this thirst-quenching liquid. Any idea what it is? In this episode, we'll introduce you to the delights of Switzerland's weird and wonderful fizzy refreshment, and Simon takes a blind Rivella taste test to find out how Swiss he is after all. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Facts and figures Different colours of Rivella bottles and their meaning The drink experiment! Learning Swiss German How to properly order a Rivella in Switzerland. Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips podcast! We'd love to answer your question in our show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website or send a voice message to 0041 76 830 72 96. Connect with us and become part of the community Don't miss the latest episode of Swiss and Chips. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, email or RSS! Jo Fahy on Mastodon, Simon Zryd on Mastodon

Don't miss the latest episode of Swiss and Chips. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, email or RSS! If you're looking for Christmas magic, put Colmar, France on your list of must-see places. A beautiful city at any time of year, it is decorated and lit up to perfection every Christmas. The city's cobbled streets are flanked by Medieval or Renaissance-period buildings and small canals run alongside the main thoroughfares. There are six different markets to see, each with a different focus such as artisan crafts, food or even an area aimed at children. On top of all that, the city's park has an ice rink and even a merry-go-round that has been adapted into a highly festive rotating drinkery. Although Switzerland has an abundance of lovely Christmas markets, a trip to Colmar is something special: we'll tell you why in this latest episode!   Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland We talk about user feedback. Send yours here. Colmar and its Christmas markets Learning Swiss German The word in this episode was "biräweich". Teaching a Swiss It's time for Simon to learn more about the English language. Send a word or expression in English as a voice message to 0041 76 830 72 96 and explain why it's important to know. Simon will try to figure out what it is and how to say it in Swiss German in the next episode. If you send us your address, you'll get a postcard as a thank you from us :) Do you want Swiss and Chips with that? Why not subscribe! Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Music Download as an mp3 Other ways to subscribe Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast! We'd love to answer your question in our show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website or send your audio to 0041 76 830 72 96. Connect with us and become part of this community.

Don't miss the latest episode of Swiss and Chips. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, email or RSS! It can take time to figure out what the useful websites are when you move to a new country. What are the most-popular car-sharing, price comparison, weather and buy-and-sell sites in Switzerland? We crowdsourced a list of the must-know websites in Switzerland from our Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers. In this episode we explain why they're useful and what we personally think of them. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Send your audio file to our inbox or directly to 0041 76 830 72 96 Vote results from our last episode Full list of useful websites from our group on Facebook Galaxus and Gonser tutti, anibis Comparis Toppreise deepl Meteo Suisse Mobility Peakfinder Alertswiss How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat - a previous episode Learning Swiss German The word in this episode was "Sidäfin". Teaching a Swiss It's time for Simon to learn more about the English language. Send a word or expression in English to 0041 76 830 72 96 and explain why it's important to know. Simon will try to figure out what it is and how to say it in Swiss German in the next episode. If you send us your address, you'll get a postcard as a thank you from us :) Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast! We'd love to answer your question in our show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website or send your audio to 0041 76 830 72 96. Connect with us and become part of this community.

Don't miss the latest episode of Swiss and Chips. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, email or RSS! Warning: this episode is a rollercoaster! We try to navigate our way through a traditional Swiss kitchen, and explain the classic items you'll find in any Swiss kitchen cupboard. From flavourings to implements, we lift the table cloth on the secrets of Switzerland's home dining habits - and we reveal a few foody preferences of our own along the way. Plus: what's missing in a standard Swiss kitchen? We name three items that we can't live without, but which have proven to be somewhat of a novelty to your average Swiss. Interested in connecting with us and other listeners? Want to chat about the show, talk about life in Switzerland or even meet up? We want to know how! Please vote and we'll try and make it happen. If anything is missing, you can add it in the comments at the bottom of this page. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Vote results from our last episode Thanks to 'AGBinCH' for the helpful comment What you'll find in a Swiss kitchen Aromat and Kressi After Eights in Switzerland, here, here and here What's missing in Swiss kitchens Learning Swiss German Chnuuschti - if you have a better explanation, let us know in the comments. Enough of the fondue, here's where you can load up your plate with another portion of Swiss and Chips! Why not subscribe? Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Music Download as an mp3 Other ways to subscribe

Always the latest Swiss and Chips Podcast. Subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify email or RSS! After Jo got her Swiss passport it was time to step up and get her first real taste of Swiss democracy… and what better way to do it than going to vote in the regular Swiss polls in person. In this episode, we talk about how to vote in person or by post, and how to navigate political discussions with the Swiss. The Swiss and Chips vote Come and vote, we want to hear from you! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland First time voting in Switzerland! When can you vote after becoming Swiss? When can you go and vote and how often? Where can you vote? How does it work? Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode: 'Gfröörli'. Connect with us Thank you for listening to the Swiss and Chips Podcast!  We'd love to answer your question on the show. Leave us an audio question directly on our website.  Get in touch via email and we'll answer your question right in the show (if possible). Connect with us on Twitter Jo / Simon or Instagram and become part of this community.

The BEA is open! This annual traditional Swiss fair is a must-see for anyone living in or around Bern and it's open until May 8 this year. From donkey displays to fairground rides and the chance to sample local beers and a staggering range of cheese, there is so much to see for children and adults. We recorded while out on a day trip in Switzerland, so there's not one, but two recommendations of places to visit in this episode. One of them is an insider tip about a slightly hidden place. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music) And if you are looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland check out our Facebook group. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland The BEA website with prices, opening hours and tickets The map to find your way around the event A hidden place for you to check out in Switzerland: Schwarzsee (Black Lake): find two on our website. Learning Swiss German Our word in this episode is: 'Zuckerwatte'. Hungry for more Swiss and Chips? Here's where you can find other episodes from our podcast! Why not subscribe? Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Google Play Music Download as an mp3 Other ways to subscribe

Snow, a frozen lake and beautiful mountains: there aren't many more things you need to complete the perfect Swiss winter destination. When we headed to St. Moritz in January 2022 we had high expectations for this famous ski resort with a glitzy reputation. And it absolutely lived up to them! With breathtaking winter scenery and vintage Winter Olympics sights, there is lots to do here even if you're not skiing. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music) And if you are looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland check out our Facebook group. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Reasons to go (there's more to see than the ski slopes!) How to get there Where to stay What to do while you're there Learning Swiss German This episode's word is: Iischzapfä. Hint: you'll see a lot of these in Switzerland in the winter! Don't forget to visit our website for photos.

What is it really like to move to Switzerland? In the second of two episodes looking back at when Jo first relocated from the UK, we delve into some of the unexpected sides to setting up a new life among the Swiss. In this episode we cover: Differences in lifestyle between England and Switzerland The surprises that come with renting a flat Working in Switzerland and finding a job Previous episodes we refer to in the show: How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat How to find a job in Switzerland as an expat

Jo moved to Switzerland just over a decade ago, so it seemed to be about time to talk about her experience, the highlights, and what she would do differently if she would do it all over again.

It's the big moment in the Swiss citizenship process: finally you will meet someone face-to-face who will decide whether all the paperwork you have collected, all the forms you have filled out and all the studying you have done is enough to make you a viable candidate for becoming Swiss. My moment finally came when I was invited to the office that handles citizenship applications in Bern. I've read so many reports in the media about the difficult questions posed at these interviews and heard numerous horror stories about people being grilled on matters of Swiss society and history, or being asked highly personal questions. What actually happened was something quite different.

Once you have fulfilled all of the criteria to apply to become Swiss (take a look at our previous episodes in this mini-series if want to know more about this), you will be faced with filling out "the form". This is where you provide all of your personal details including your entire education history and certificates, Swiss employment history, references and more. In this episode, I explain exactly which documents I had to gather as part of the more than 50 pages I had to put together.

Setting foot into another country can mean a significant change of your lifestyle and sometimes a culture shock. We asked in our Facebook group about your weirdest thing you’ve experienced when you moved to Switzerland and got loads of fun and interesting comments as well aas interesting discussions started. Thanks a lot for that! In this episode we talk about a few of them and Jo will tell you about her personal story when she moved to Switzerland.

Finding it difficult to make friends with the Swiss is a common complaint from expats in Switzerland. Do the Swiss really have such different ideas about friendship? What does it take to be able to read between the lines in a conversation with a Swiss person and are there any tips that can help you feel less isolated here? We share our insights on this contentious topic and give you an update on Jo's application to become Swiss. Looking to connect with other English speakers in Switzerland? Check out our Facebook group. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland How to make friends in Switzerland

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: your British Guide to Switzerland What to do if you don’t know whether to shake hands or not? Hand shake or kiss on the cheek? When shaking hands is a must An optional hand-shaking moment When to avoid shaking hands 'Der Schweizer Knigge', a well-known guide to Swiss etiquette (book in German)

Joining a club in Switzerland is a simple way to make new friends and connections. There are several English-speaking clubs in Bern and other Swiss cities, like the British Residents' Association of Switzerland, which we visited in October 2019. Should you sign yourself up to a club? Listen and find out! We always love to hear from you: Chat with us on Twitter @jofahy or @simonzryd or write an email to hello@swissandchips.com. Don't forget to join our Facebook Group: Switzerland for English speakers. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland The British Residents' Association of Switzerland

We love to hear from you! Chat with us on Twitter @jofahy or @simonzryd. It can feel like there are a lot of rules governing life in Switzerland. They‘re often written on signs in public places or in the building where you live or work. But what about those unspoken rules? The ones you don‘t know exist until a realisation slowly dawns on you that you‘ve been doing something differently to everyone else, and never known. Notes on this episode about unspoken Swiss rules How important are unspoken Swiss rules Where, when and how to greet people How to toast and other rules with alcohol Quiet times

Come on a walk through one of Bern's picturesque neighbourhoods, Kirchenfeld, and listen in to what the Swiss capital sounds like on an ordinary day. Starting off at the Tierpark (animal park), walking through Helvetiaplatz with many of the country's important museums, I'll talk you through what you will see and hear as you head up into the city centre, walking over a beautiful bridge and ending at one of the city's main attractions, the Zytglogge.  Take in the sounds of Bern wherever you are in the world.   

"There's enough hay down there now" to "even his chopping block will calve": these are just a few everyday sayings that make perfect sense in Swiss German, but don't exactly translate into English. Whether you've heard some of them already, or just want to impress with a sentence or two at the right moment, this is our pick of some useful sayings in Swiss German. In this episode, we try to explain their meaning and talk about when you can use them. And as always, we have some suggestions and questions from our Facebook group Switzerland for English Speakers - feel free to join the group, get involved in the discussions and maybe even meet some new friends. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Göschenä - Airolo Chasch nät z Füfi uz Weggli ha Das macht der Braatä onät fiis. Däm Chalberet no dr Schittschtock Winä kertä Hentschä Äs het solangs het Äs git nüt wos nät git Uf altä Pfanä leertmä chochä Dr schnäller isch dr Gschwinder Äs isch gnueg Heu nitna Dr gschider git naa u der Esel blibt schtaa

Is dating in Switzerland any different to anywhere else in the world? The Swiss have a reputation for being difficult to get know, so in this episode, we talk about expectations, stereotypes and traditions when it comes to attempting to get romantically involved with a Swiss. How to date in Switzerland: Show notes How to make friends in Switzerland. Where to look? How to ask? What to do on a first date? Special things to think about?

Do you need a car in Switzerland? And what other options are there apart from buying one? We asked what you wanted to hear about in this episode of our podcast, and driving in Switzerland was one topic you suggested in our Facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers. We talk about why you might decide to get a car, and how leasing, hiring and car sharing works. Notes on this episode of Your British Guide to Switzerland Owning a car - Great public transport, do you really need a car? - Regular trips to the countryside, lots to take with you, or a particular commute might be some reasons why you decide you need a car - Leasing a vehicle: very common in Switzerland: this is how it works A car just for when you need it - Renting: all the big name companies are in here in Switzerland too: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis. They’re in towns and at airports, it’s just like a renting a car in any other country - Car-sharing schemes: the biggest is Mobility. There are different types of memberships, it doesn’t cost too much and is very easy to use. There are different payment options including membership, annual fees and pay as you go. The cars belong to the company. - Sharoo: you can borrow cars that other people own. They set out their prices: how much you pay depends on time and distance travelled. Driving licence - Don’t forget if you live here you’ll need to swap your licence for a Swiss one within the first year. - If you can’t drive yet, in 9 cantons in Switzerland you can even take the basic theory test in English. There are driving instructors who speak English, just have a look for them in your area.

There’s been lots of questions in our facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers, over the past couple of weeks, so we wanted to talk about a few of them. Moving to Switzerland can be quite a confusing time, from the paperwork to the forms, to saying and doing the right thing..it can be tough! But there‘s always a funny side in the end. Notes on this episode of Your British Guide to Switzerland How to figure out how many bedrooms a Swiss apartment has What the differences in saying hello across German-speaking Switzerland are What the different public holidays are and why And a few other questions, including taxes and weddings!

Many say it can't be done, but some of us will still try! Jo has been attending a Swiss German course and in this episode, she shares her experience of signing up and going to classes. From precisely what the course entails, to what happens in the classroom and the kind of things she has learnt, there were some unexpected elements to the course. Could taking a Swiss German class be something for you? Have a listen as we talk about the pros and cons of taking on learning the local dialect, and let us know what you think! You can get in touch in our Facebook Group "Switzerland for English Speakers" or in one of many other ways.  

What are the main shops in Switzerland and where do you go for specific items? In this episode we go through the big name shops, what they sell and where you can find them, plus we talk about some smaller, specialised shops or boutiques, and what you can buy online. Find out about the classic out-of-town shops traditionally frequented by farmers which could be useful for you and the surprisingly affordable electronics. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Shopping in Switzerland Food Migros, Coop, Denner Aldi, Lidl Globus, Manor, Loeb Clothes Alprausch Zalando Furniture Ikea Micasa, Interio, Pfister Others Landi Obi, Migros do-it / Coop bau+hobby Digitec, Brack Toppreise.ch

Applying to become Swiss is a long process and requires lots of forms, documents and appointments. If you've lived in Switzerland long enough to think about applying, this probably won't come as a surprise! In the city of Bern, an information evening is offered to people who want to apply. We went along to clear up some questions I had about the process, and to find out as much information as possible. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What the evening was like: who was there, what language did they speak, how long did it last New information we found out: applications to start the process can only be submitted from the day you have been in Switzerland for ten years, citizenship in Switzerland is threefold (local community, canton and federal level) What you can do in advance of the ten year mark: learn or improve your German and take a recognised language test (A2 written, B1 spoken is required), fulfil residency requirements (check with your local community and canton, and check years in advance. In Bern you need to have lived three of the last five years in the place where you are applying, and the last two years before you apply in the same local community, "Gemeinde" of Bern), get a C permit, and if you previously lived in a different canton you need to apply for the document to confirm when you lived there Costs vary, but it looks like it will cost approximately CHF3000 and take roughly 2.5 years  

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Is it time to take a Swiss German course? After the first few hours in the classroom on my course in Bern, we talk about some important points you'll need to know before you decide to start learning Swiss German and I'll give you some insight into my experience so far. What's it like in the classroom Taking a Swiss German course - pros and cons Where can you learn Swiss German, and a helpful episode from our archive: How to learn Swiss German, or would High German be better? Emil Bärndütsch, the book Other points to consider

Did you know we have a Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers? It's a great place to ask questions or share experiences. Take a look! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Becoming Swiss, part one In this first episode of the new series 'Becoming Swiss', we'll guide you through what it takes in theory to (hopefully!) become a Swiss citizen, what it means to apply for the Swiss passport, hopes and fears, and some personal thoughts on the system. What does it mean to get the Swiss passport? What does the procedure involve and what are the general rules? When can it start and how long will it take? Does it matter where you start your procedure and when? How fair is the system? Why is Jo doing it? What are her worries?

Do you know how to respond in Switzerland to avoid an intercultural mishap? Once you've started picking up the language as an expat, you'll start to notice the mother-tongue speakers around you reply in certain ways to specific situations or questions. This can be from anything as simple as a sneeze to trickier discussions about salaries, or dare-we-go-there, politics. It can take a while to work out what you need to say when, to avoid seriously offending your new-found friends, colleagues or anyone else you meet, so we have a few short cuts for you. Did you know we have a Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers? It's a great place to ask questions or share experiences. Take a look! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland When one word isn't enough: saying goodbye Heard a sneeze? Make sure you're ready with this word... Food at a restaurant tastes like rubbish? Be prepared to dish this phrase out What to say (or not to say) when you bump into Bob from the office at the weekend You're in deep water if you find yourself in a discussion about salaries or politics. Be prepared!

If you're moving to Switzerland you might think that skiing will become a big part of your life: as a beginner that can either be really exciting or completely terrifying! However you feel about taking to the slopes, it's definitely something to try, or how will you ever know if you like it? Once you've decided to go for it, there are lots of things to consider before you even set foot in the snow. In this episode we guide you through all the important questions and share our experiences from the side of a complete beginner, and as a former ski instructor! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Does every Swiss ski? How important is skiing for Swiss people? Is skiing really a must-do activity if you move to Switzerland? If you do want to learn, where do you start? Location, slopes, equipment, lessons, first day on skis.

Imagine walking along a snowy path between the trees in the Swiss Alps until suddenly, a vast lake, completely covered in ice and surrounded by a sheer cliff face, opens up before you: this is what you'll experience if you head to the Osechinensee or Lake Oeschinen in the Bernese Oberland, which has frozen over. It's a veritable winter wonderland! We wrapped up warm and headed out for a skate on the ice. And we've compiled everything you need to know to experience this magical day in the Swiss mountains. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland - What is the lake like? - What makes it so special? - How do I get there? - What should I take with me?  

You've taken a huge step: packed your bags, filled out all the forms and moved to a completely new place. But once the initial period of excitement wears off, living abroad can start to feel a little bit lonely, especially if your new life isn't fully set up yet, or something great is going on back home. Don’t worry, everyone feels homesick at some point! We've got some ideas to help you get through it.

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, it's definitely time to pick up the Christmas presents you want to take or send back from Switzerland for friends and family abroad. We have sack-loads of ideas, from traditional Swiss souvenirs, to the more unusual. Hopefully there will be some ideas for you as well! A special thanks to everyone in our Facebook group: Switzerland for English Speakers, who had plenty of great suggestions to share. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Here are some specific gift ideas that we talk about in this episode: Alprausch Swiss Federal Railways watch: they even sued Apple over using the design, and won Caran d’Ache pens and pencils Läderach chocolate Tête de moine cheese Hobelkäse Belpler Knolle Kressi vinegar Products made from Swiss army materials

Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. But how often do the Swiss use, or try to use, a language that's not their mother tongue? A trip to see the famous annual light projection at the Swiss Federal Palace, the Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, brings up the question as to how much the Swiss are expected to use Swiss languages other than their own in their daily life.  We answer listener questions: - when are high German and Swiss German used? - is it possible to get a working holiday visa as a Canadian? And we talk about our meet-up with our Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers!

Making the move to Switzerland is the first big step for expats: starting a social life is one of the next, and it can be just as difficult. The Swiss are not known to be very open at first - luckily there are some simple steps you can take that will make your life in Switzerland easier, and hopefully better. In this episode we talk about my first steps trying to make friends and get to know people in Switzerland as an expat, and I'll give you some tips and ideas from my own experience. We also talk about some prejudices expats have about Switzerland and give you the Swiss perspective: What do the Swiss think about expats, what do the Swiss think if you don't speak their language and how can you respond if the Swiss are rude? We really hope this episode will make your life in Switzerland as an English speaker a bit easier and give you the courage to get out there and start making this country your home! Notes on this episode: Celebrating the 20th episode of 'Swiss and Chips': thank you for listening! If you like the show, please support us and leave a review on iTunes. German C1 exam: I took the test: here's how it was, and I explain how a language tandem works. How I made friends in Switzerland, and what it was like when I first moved here. Make friends with a Swiss: some tips from a Swiss perspective.