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We taste traditional Swiss food and drink so you don't have to: Rivella

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

From Bern to Colmar: Swiss and Chips over the border

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

The must-know websites for Switzerland

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?

Six things you'll find in a Swiss kitchen (and what's missing!)

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

Voting in Switzerland

First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music). 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

Driving to the UK from Switzerland

The traditional ways to travel between the UK and Switzerland are plane, train and car. 2022 turned out to be the year we used the channel tunnel to make the trip for the first time. We drove from Bern to England and then back a few weeks later. It was

Becoming Swiss, part seven: 'Crossing the Finish Line'

It took around two years, but the moment has finally come. Ten months after the final interview a confirmation letter arrived in the post: Jo is Swiss! Now that's worth talking about. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music). If you are

A 'BEA' Special: the must-see traditional Swiss agricultural fair

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

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!

Relocating to Switzerland: Part 2

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

Relocating to Switzerland: A personal perspective

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. First time here? Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! (iTunes [https://itunes.

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.

Trip tip: An easy walk through the vineyards

Vines, food and splendid views: if you're looking for a short and easy walk to do by yourself or when you have visitors in town, this is an episode for you! We talk about a scenic, circular walk in canton Bern that will take you from the village of Twann

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

What to expect at a Swiss apéro

Before or instead of a dinner, at a garden party, a wedding, an office function or even a funeral, it‘s always the right time and place to join or organise a classic Swiss apéro. But what is expected at this typically Swiss get-together? We talk you through the food

Having a baby in Switzerland

There have been a few long breaks between our last podcast episodes, but we had a good reason: we have a new person in our family! Please welcome Maeve, our beautiful baby girl, who you may now hear in the background of some of our recordings. She was born in

The weirdest thing you saw when you moved to Switzerland

Setting foot in another country can mean a significant change to your lifestyle and sometimes a culture shock. We asked in our Facebook group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/swissandchips/permalink/3385790701469805/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXg39EdpwXHY6T2D_d2vp6afrrMpA39UDweSwOQBf0a5RnYrubUYUUBCJiVurVJSyjgpK_CDWjch6iCImti0FZzeTHbWJZoUksRtswUImKCI1FFBn3kN9SVbGO11QdmC6kuRH8fLrQGeZ8KqivETojSaifYfLb4Ciaej29h0IpbOMJarrcTx8IPNMGvZutbtjk&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R] about the weirdest thing you’ve experienced since mov

How to celebrate Christmas as an expat in Switzerland

Christmas is drawing nearer but thanks to coronavirus, making plans to celebrate it this year isn't very easy. It's difficult enough to get together with family if you live in the same country, but almost impossible if you don't. We like to look on the bright side though! This year

Becoming Swiss, part four: The Swiss citizenship test

We're still here and still making podcasts: not as often as we'd like, but there's a good reason for that, which we'll explain in this week's episode. But the main topic in this episode is the Swiss citizenship test. Did you know we have a Facebook group? Switzerland for English

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

Unspoken Swiss rules

We love to hear from you! Chat with us on Twitter @jofahy [http://twitter.com/jofahy] or @simonzryd [http://twitter.com/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

How to hike to the top of a Swiss mountain

We love to hear from you! Chat with us on Twitter @jofahy [http://twitter.com/jofahy] or @simonzryd [http://twitter.com/simonzryd]. Hiking in Switzerland is a favourite national pastime, especially in autumn, which means there are plenty of maps, online resources, and books to help you find the perfect

This is what it sounds like in Switzerland's capital, Bern

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

Swiss German sayings: what they mean (and how to say them!)

"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

The Swiss and Chips guide to dating in Switzerland

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. Did you know we

Get a holiday vibe without leaving Switzerland

With the temperatures heating up again this week, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Switzerland and get to know a few places where you can create the feeling of going on holiday without straying too far from home. We explored some of the locations the Swiss head to when

Hit the road: driving in Switzerland

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 our podcast, and driving in Switzerland was one topic you suggested. In this episode we talk about why you might decide to get a

Your questions about Switzerland: answered!

There’s been lots of questions in our facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers [https://www.facebook.com/groups/swissandchips/permalink/2141426299239591/], 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

Taking to the classroom to learn Swiss German

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

Do you need to know Swiss German to move to Switzerland?

Moving to a country where you don't speak the language can be a 'chicken and egg' situation: which one comes first, the local language or the move? It's challenging for anyone relocating abroad, and for newcomers to German-speaking Switzerland in particular, this is a big issue. Not only is it

Where to find Swiss second-hand delights

Looking for furniture, clothes or something for your home in Switzerland that won't cost the Earth? Then you definitely need to find your nearest flea market or second-hand shop. In the German-speaking part of the country thrift stores are called "Brockis" (short for "Brockenhäuser"). In this episode we'll take you

'Fête des Vignerons': make merry at the Swiss winemakers' festival

If you’ve looked at any Swiss newspapers or programmes in the past few months you’ll have heard about the famous ‘Fête des Vignerons [https://www.fetedesvignerons.ch/en/faq/?fwp_categories-faq=tickets ]’. It’s a once-in-a-generation event that sounds like it's not to be missed. So what’s

Shopping in Switzerland: what do you buy where?

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.

Dealing with cultural diversity, the Swiss way

Switzerland is a very diverse country with four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The Swiss also share their border with five countries: Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein. And out of all the people living in Switzerland, 25% don't have a Swiss passport [https://www.bfs.admin.ch/

Becoming Swiss, part two: 'Getting the Right Information'

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 [https://www.bern.ch/themen/auslanderinnen-und-auslander/einburgerung] is

Is it time to take a Swiss German course?

Communication is key when it comes to fitting in and feeling at home in your adopted country, and being able to understand and speak to people does make your daily life much easier. But that's easier said than done in the German-speaking part of Switzerland where Swiss German is the

Becoming Swiss, part one: 'Before it begins'

Becoming a Swiss citizen is a long and somewhat complicated path with a few hurdles to overcome along the way. A few weeks from now Jo will start the process of applying to become Swiss and with that, we are beginning a new series in our podcast: 'Becoming Swiss'. It'll

What do you say in Switzerland when...

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

How to learn to ski as a complete beginner

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

Ice skating on a frozen Alpine lake

Want to experience something magical this winter? Try the frozen Lake Oeschinen, high up in the Swiss Alps: it’ll amaze Swiss and expats alike.

How can I get over homesickness?

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

The hidden history that makes Dover so exciting - a Swiss view

As a Swiss, it is always interesting to hear the thoughts of tourists or expats, when they explore Switzerland — what do they want to see, what is surprising for them and what is boring. This does not only widen my horizon and lets me think about my home in a

The best Christmas present ideas to take home from Switzerland

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

How often do Swiss people use other Swiss languages?

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? Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland A trip to see the light projection at the

How to make friends in Switzerland

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

Swiss German words that don't translate to English: part two

In German and Swiss German there are some words that we don't have an equivalent for in English. We think you'll find some of them quite useful! As there are so many words that are hard to translate, we split the show into two episodes: this is part two of

Swiss German words that don't translate into English

Today's episode is a direct challenge for you! We talk about Swiss German words, Swiss slang and German words that are hard to translate into English. Did you know: we discuss all our episodes and many other topics in our Facebook group 'Switzerland for English Speakers [http://facebook.com/groups/

What to do on a Sunday in Switzerland

Did you know: we discuss all our episodes and many other topics in our Facebook group 'Switzerland for English Speakers [http://facebook.com/groups/swissandchips]'. "All" shops are closed on a Sunday in Switzerland! Well, maybe not all, but many at least. Luckily Switzerland offers many other exciting things

How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat

It's not easy to find the perfect place to live and it's even more difficult if you move to a different country. In this episode we answer the all-important questions for English speakers moving to Switzerland, who are looking for the perfect apartment. Should you rent or buy? How much

Going to school in Switzerland: for kids and adults

Children in Switzerland walk to school alone. A typical Swiss school day contains some surprises compared to other countries and can be quite a revelation for expats new to Switzerland. In this episode, you'll get two different perspectives: what surprises expats in Switzerland about the schools and what a typical

How to find a job in Switzerland as an expat

It's one of the big questions you'll be asking yourself before you move to Switzerland: how can I find a job there? Once you arrive in Switzerland it might not prove as easy as you'd hoped to find a job as an expat either. However, if you know where to

What's the weather like in Switzerland?

A heatwave has been hitting Europe and while Switzerland’s not part of the EU, it’s still part of Europe! To cool down on these baking hot days, Swiss, tourists and expats alike flock to the country’s lakes, rivers and pools whenever they can. In case you missed

Ten Swiss German phrases you need to know

There are many word or phrases in Swiss German that expats in Switzerland or tourists in the country will start to hear. The dialect varies from place to place in German-speaking Switzerland - so prepare to be surprised! There also aren't as many grammatical rules as there are in high

Wild swimming in Switzerland

Summer has started in Switzerland and with temperatures rising above 30°C, all over the country people are jumping into rivers and lakes to cool down. With crystal clear water coming from the mountains there are many beautiful places to go for a dip, even in the big cities. In

How to learn Swiss German (or should you learn high German)

For the first time on our show, we're answering questions from our listeners in the Facebook group "Switzerland for English speakers [http://facebook.com/groups/swissandchips/]". If you'd like to join in the discussions, network with other English speakers interested in Switzerland and share your experiences, please feel free to

Getting to know the Swiss over dinner: do's and don'ts

You've found your way to Switzerland and started setting up a life here. Now it's time to try and get to know the locals, and what better way to do it than over some food? But where to begin? And how to go about it without committing any major faux-pas?

An utterly delightful royal wedding special

How much does a royal wedding cost, and most importantly - who pays? We discuss the crowds, the fans, the republicans, the police and the homeless.

Full steam ahead! Buying Swiss train tickets

There a number of different types of tickets and railcards you can buy to travel around Switzerland whether you have just moved here, or you're only visiting. We run through the discounts available, where and how to buy tickets and how much you can expect it all to set you

A typical Swiss picnic

The food people pack for a picnic would be similar all over Europe, right? Well, as it turns out, a Swiss picnic contains some very typical items, and they're quite different to what would be found in a British picnic basket. Are you following us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/

Swiss and Chips: over the border

We are in Italy for the week: first at the International Journalism Festival [https://www.journalismfestival.com] in Perugia, and then Rome. In this episode we talk about why it's different to travel to neighbouring countries from Switzerland, than it is from England. Are you following us on Instagram [http:

The flight factor: flying in and out of Switzerland

Although Switzerland isn't a big country, it still has a number of airports and each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages. Looking for the perfect flight home can be like searching for the holy grail at first, but if you know some basics, it becomes pretty straightforward. Are

What do the Swiss think about British people

Most Swiss have an opinion about everything and everyone. And that includes the English. Although the first image that springs to mind when thinking of the English might be one of Brits abroad: the red faced, football shirt-wearing, beer can-waving lad that's a familiar sight in warmer countries during the

Swiss food vs. British food: eat your way happy!

There are some big differences between Swiss and British food, and what the standard expectations are on both sides.

Swiss Surprises

The first show is about Swiss surprises: expectations versus reality. Are you following us on Instagram [http://instagram.com/swissandchips/]? Notes on this episode * All about the Swiss and Chips podcast, why we're making a podcast in the first place and what can you expect. * We want to hear from