Swiss and Chips – Your British guide to Switzerland

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Jo Fahy

Jo Fahy

I'm a British journalist who has lived in Switzerland since 2010. I've experienced all the highs and lows that come with moving to a new country and want to help you find your way here too!

View on the lake of St. Moritz in winter during sunset.

St. Moritz in winter

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!

British and Swiss Passport

How to organise a Swiss (and British) passport for your newborn

If you have a British-Swiss child and live in Switzerland, like we do, how do you go about getting their first passports? In this episode we'll explain everything from organising all of the documents to taking a suitable picture of your little one. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe

Becoming Swiss, part six: 'the citizenship interview'

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.

Swiss Flag blowing in the wind. Blue sky in the background.

Becoming Swiss, part five: ‘One form to rule them all’

Once you have fulfilled all of the criteria to apply to become Swiss (take a look at our previous episodes in this mini-series [https://swissandchips.com/tag/becoming-swiss/]if want to know more about this), you will be faced with filling out "the form". This is where you provide all

Becoming Swiss, part three: 'Starting the Application Process'

Becoming Swiss, part three: 'Starting the Application Process'

After living in Switzerland for ten years, I can now formally apply to become a Swiss citizen! There are a number of conditions I had to make sure I met before applying, which we mention in this episode of the podcast. We'll talk you through how to start the process

What are we missing when trying to make Swiss friends?

What are we missing when trying to make Swiss friends?

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

Walk with us along Bern's Aare river

Walk with us along Bern's Aare river

If you can only get out outside at the moment to go shopping or for some fresh air, you might be starting to get a little bored of your local surroundings. Pop your earphones in and come with us as we head out for a walk along the Aare river

Five ways to perfect your Swiss knowledge while staying at home

Five ways to perfect your Swiss knowledge while staying at home

The coronavirus might have stopped you from getting out and exploring Switzerland, but you can still learn plenty about Swiss culture from inside your own home. Here's our list of five things every person interested in getting closer to the Swiss or looking to become Swiss should know. We chose

When to shake hands in Switzerland

When to shake hands in Switzerland

Shaking hands in Switzerland is common: children learn it at school and it seems to be a regular feature of everyday life. But when is holding out your hand too much and when would it be a faux pas not to? What are the alternatives when you can't shake hands,

Should you join an English-speaking club in Switzerland?

Should you join an English-speaking club in Switzerland?

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 [https://www.britishresidents.ch], which we visited in October 2019. Should you sign yourself up to a