Next Steps After Your First Steps in Switzerland
Moving to Switzerland can feel like a whirlwind of new experiences and administrative tasks. After tackling essentials like securing accommodation and registering with local authorities, it’s time to focus on the next steps that will make your life here smoother and more affordable. In this guide, we’ll cover three key areas: finding the right phone plan, selecting the best transportation card, and shopping smart at grocery stores to keep your budget in check.
1. Finding the Right Phone Plan
Staying connected is a top priority—whether it’s keeping in touch with family back home, navigating your new surroundings, or socializing with new friends. Switzerland offers a variety of phone plans to fit your needs, and understanding the differences between prepaid and contract plans can help you choose the right one.
Prepaid vs. Contract Plans
If flexibility is what you need, prepaid plans are ideal. You pay only for what you use with no long-term commitment. These are great for students, short-term residents, or those on a tighter budget.
My Personal Experience: Swisscom, Aldi Mobile, and Yallo
From my experience using Swisscom, Aldi Mobile, and now Yallo, I’ve learned that each provider has its strengths. Swisscom offers the best coverage but at a higher cost. Aldi Mobile, which runs on the Sunrise network, was a solid budget-friendly option, while Yallo provides a good balance of price and service—especially for those who prefer prepaid flexibility.
New Providers Offering Even Better Deals
Recently, newer vendors have entered the market, offering competitive plans with substantial data packages and EU roaming. These companies use the networks of bigger players like Salt and Sunrise, so you won’t sacrifice coverage. Some options to consider include:
These providers typically offer no-frills plans with plenty of data, ideal for students or frequent travelers in Europe.
Top Budget Prepaid Options
For a simple, affordable prepaid plan, here are some of the top choices:
- Aldi Suisse Mobile: Budget-friendly and reliable, running on the Sunrise network.
- Lidl Connect: Affordable, using the Salt network.
- M-Budget Mobile: Migros’s service, offering solid value and good coverage.
- Coop Mobile: Coop Service, great value, additional savings with Coop supercard
Major Contract Providers
If you prefer a contract plan with more features, consider:
- Swisscom: Best for coverage, but pricier.
- Sunrise: Great coverage, good data deals, but also pricey.
- Salt: Known for affordable contracts and great international roaming deals.
- Yallo: Low-cost with flexible contracts, data and roaming deals, and prepaid options.
Tip: Shop around before committing to a plan. Whether you need flexibility, high data limits, or EU roaming, there’s likely a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
2. Choosing the Right Transportation Card
Switzerland’s public transportation system is both efficient and extensive, but without the right travel card, it can quickly become expensive. Choosing the right card for your needs will not only save money but also simplify your daily commute or weekend explorations.
Regional Monthly Subscription and Modular Passes
While I’ve previously covered the Half-Fare Card and GA Travelcard in detail (check out my previous blog here), there are other options worth considering.
- Regional Monthly Passes: If your travel is limited to a specific region, a regional travel card provides unlimited travel within your chosen zones, making it a cost-effective option for commuting or regular travel.
- Modular Passes: These are ideal for those who need to travel between multiple regions. For example, if you live in Luzern but work in Zurich, a modular travel card will cover both areas, allowing for unlimited travel across public transport systems without the hassle of buying separate tickets.
Depending on how frequently you travel, the GA Travelcard may offer a better deal, especially for those over 25. There are also reductions on both GA and modular passes for travelers aged 25 and under. To find the most suitable option, I recommend visiting your local SBB office, where staff can break down the costs and help you choose the right card.
Why You Need the SBB Mobile App
The SBB Mobile App is indispensable for navigating Swiss public transport. Once you’re logged in, your travel passes are automatically loaded, and the Swipe and Ride feature makes spontaneous travel even easier. This feature tracks your movements throughout the day and charges you the lowest fare, meaning you’ll always get the best price for your trips.
The app also lets you add guest tickets, making it a breeze to plan outings with friends or family. Whether you're commuting daily or exploring Switzerland, the SBB app simplifies your travel experience—all you need is your phone.
3. Finding the Best Grocery Stores for Your Budget
Switzerland’s high cost of living extends to grocery shopping, but with a few smart choices, you can keep your food budget manageable. From discount chains to loyalty programs, here’s how to save.
Discount Chains
For budget-conscious shoppers, discount supermarkets offer excellent opportunities to save money on groceries:
Aldi and Lidl
- Aldi and Lidl both offer a wide range of products at competitive prices.
- You can find everything from fresh produce to household items at a fraction of the cost compared to other stores.
- They're known for their frequent special offers.
Denner
- Denner is a smaller discount chain perfect for weekly essentials.
- Offers quality products at lower prices than larger supermarkets.
- Great for basic weekly shopping needs.
Don’t Forget Membership Programs
If there’s a Lidl near you, be sure to sign up for the Lidl-Plus membership. It’s free, and you’ll earn rewards every time you scan your card at checkout. Sadly, Aldi and Denner don’t offer loyalty programs yet, but Lidl’s is a great way to save over time.
Mid-Range Stores: Migros and Coop
For a wider range of products, head to Migros and Coop, Switzerland’s largest supermarket chains.
Migros
Migros is one of Switzerland's largest supermarket chains, offering a good balance of affordability and quality. Here's what you need to know:
- They have their own budget brand, M-Budget, which is great for cost-conscious shoppers.
- Migros offers a loyalty program called Cumulus. You can collect points with every purchase and redeem them for vouchers or discounts.
Coop
Coop is another major player in the Swiss supermarket scene. While it tends to be slightly more expensive than Migros, it has its own advantages:
- Coop offers a wider range of organic products and specialty items.
- They have a budget line called Prix Garantie to help you save.
- Their loyalty program, Supercard, allows you to collect points and receive cashback coupons.
Both Migros and Coop's loyalty programs are worth joining. I've personally earned cashback through both, which has helped offset future purchases.
Bulk and Farmers' Markets
If you prefer buying in bulk or want fresh, local produce, check out Aligro for large-scale purchases or visit a farmers' market in your area. These markets are often held weekly and offer high-quality fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats at competitive prices. Also, consider ethnic grocery stores, they are often found in larger cities. These can be great places to find bulk items or specialty foods at lower prices. Lastly, Otto's is the perfect place for discounted household items (cleaning supplies, pantry groceries like pasta, and clothing items).
By focusing on these key areas—your phone plan, transportation, and grocery shopping—you'll set yourself up for a smoother, more affordable life in Switzerland. Small changes in how you approach these essentials can have a big impact on your overall budget, making your Swiss adventure a lot more enjoyable.
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