MySwissAlps.com includes Are Swiss made items such as such as Victorinox/Mondaine cheaper?
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I’m lucky enough to be going back to Switzerland again for a holiday next month and have been wondering if Swiss made items like Mondaine watches or Victorinox products are cheaper in Switzerland than the UK. I’ve done some research online but get mixed results and I would prefer to support Swiss retailers than buy similar items in the UK.
I have read about the tax refund system in Switzerland but it probably won’t apply to my possible purchases as they will probably be under the 300 CHF limit but also understand that a small extra purchase in the same store may make the difference to qualification. Has anyone experience of making a claim and can advise if it is straight forward to do.
I’m so pleased to be going back to Switzerland again and have my STP pass sorted along with hotels and now in the last of the planning stages. This time I am concentrating on the Geneva, Vevey and Zermatt region and am delighted to see that it coincides with various music and art festivals.
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Hi Sally B,
In February we were in Switzerland and I had a big birthday. My big present was a Mondaine ‘Stop2Go’ wall clock, a smaller version (25cm) of the SBB clocks seen in Swiss railway stations. Every minute the second hand pauses realistically while the minute hand moves on a minute. It cleverly checks itself every morning at 6am against internet time and so far has run well and accurately.
To address your question more directly, I bought it in the Zurich HB SBB shop for CHF299. Taking account of the poor exchange rate at the time (about 5% worse than now), the sterling amount arrived in my credit card account at about £285 or roughly the same price as the average in the UK at the time. Note that, when I had looked, UK supply was limited.
Have a good holiday next month.
Andrew
Hello again Sally B
(Like andrew) I am a British ‘senior’ who has been visiting Switzerland regularly for many years….
On reading your thread earlier today my initial reaction was that I could not say anything useful. However, casting my mind back, I have from time-to-time bought books in Switzerland. To be more precise books on Swiss public transport; books written in German and/or French. Books difficult to obtain in Britain.
About 30 minutes ago I spotted that andrew had filed a reply, focusing on his recent purchase of a Mondaine clock. His last sentence is ‘Note that, when I had looked, UK supply was limited.’ [My emphasis.]
My conclusion is simple. Buy Swiss-made items in Switzerland if they are difficult to obtain in Britain.
Best wishes for your holiday
Roger
Thank you Andrew and Roger – Exchange rates are or can be a problem. I’ll do some more research about what I want buy in the UK and what is available in Switzerland.
Thank you Andrew and Roger – Exchange rates are or can be a problem. I’ll do some more research about what I want buy in the UK and what is available in Switzerland.
Hi Sally,
Swiss brands aren’t always cheaper in Switzerland as prices can vary depending on the exchange rate, the specific model, and any sales or promotions running at the time. Best to compare the local prices with prices abroad before buying.You can find practical information about shopping in Switzerland here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activities/shopping/
Regards,
Anna
Hello Sally–
Coming from the U.S. and given the exchange rate, I don’t think these branded products are cheaper in Switzerland (except perhaps if you go to a company or flagship store with a clearance section?) However, my husband and I bought pocket knives at a Victorinox store and had them engraved as gifts to family members back home. These turned out to be very popular souvenirs and worth the price! They almost didn’t make it back into the U.S. as my husband accidentally packed them in a bag intended as a carryon (I don’t know what he was thinking). A very kind security agent advised us to take the bag back and check it instead. Lesson learned!
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