Cheese, chocolate and other Swiss souvenir tips
A traveler is excited about their upcoming trip to Switzerland, specifically interested in premium chocolates that are exclusive to the country. They also want recommendations for chocolate tastings, local festivals, artisanal products, and they have questions about tipping customs and restroom etiquette.
- Try chocolates from Sprüngli and Läderach for premium options.
- Visit The Lindt Chocolate Factory in Zurich for a great chocolate tasting experience.
- No obligation to purchase during tastings, it’s fine to just sample.
- You can find Swiss watches from brands like Swatch for CHF 100 – 150.
- Tipping isn’t mandatory, but a token of appreciation around 10% is appreciated.
AI-generated summary-
1. This site has a page with wealth of information on chocolate buying so thanks for that. I am looking to buy something premium that is generally not available outside of Switzerland and very much appreciated inside. What would be the go to brand and type of chocolate for that?
2. We would like to go to a few places for chocolate tasting. I found a site that has a few recommendation, can you please comment on that? http://www.afar.com/travel-tips/the-best-of-chocolate-in-zurich
3. We are planning to go to Thun for cheese festival. So I guess that takes cares of the cheese tasting. If we cant make it to that what would be good alternative? Also, what is the expectation on payment (for both this and chocolate tasting)? Is it rude to not buy anything?
4. I am keen on buying an artisanal cow bell (need more cow bells!) that is authentic and intricate. A good place to buy such item?
5. What would be a good swiss watch brand to buy a ladies watch in 100-150 chf price range?
6. Is it customary to tip the cab drivers and at hotels (bell boy et al)? Typically how much is it?
7. If we ask to use the restrooms at shops and restaurants, is that frowned upon?
8. It seems sbb has a luggage service where they collect luggage from point 1 and deliver to point 2. Can the point 2 be outside of Switzerland, say Milan?
9. Highway 13 and 3 from st moritz to como looks pretty good! Am I missing too much if we take the bernina express instead?
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Hi cdma,
1. I recommend chocolates from Sprüngli and Läderach on top of the regular ones. You can get them in various gift packs. You can find related information here: http://www.myswissalps.com/activities/culinary
2. For chocolate tasting, I recommend visiting The Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg, Zurich. You can combine a trip to the factory with a boat trip on Lake Zurich. Check out this tour for ideas.
3. The Cheese show in Emmental is easily accessible from Bern and Lucerne. Chocolate and cheese tasting is included in the admission ticket. There is no obligation to purchase any product.
4. A lot of big souvenir shops sell cowbells. Please ask directly if you want a specific size or design.
5. Affordable Swiss watches for CHF100 – CHF150. You can get a Swatch within this price range. During sales, you can get last season stocks at marked down prices for a lot of good brands such as Swiss Army/Victorinox, Tissot, Certina et al.
6. Tipping is not obligatory in Switzerland but you can tip your porters, waiters and drivers if you wish as a token of appreciation. The customary amount is about 10% of your bill.
7. Restrooms at restaurants are usually only for guests use. Some will require passcodes given on request.
8. You can find more information about SBB luggage service here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/luggage.
9. I would stick with the Bernina Express 🙂
Hope this answers your questions. Let us know if you need more info.
regards,
Anna
Thank you very much, that was very helpful.
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