UBC July 2024 - Getting Around

Welcome back to July's UBC. This month I'm going to be talking about cultural differences between Switzerland and the USA.

Today I am going to talk to you about simple things that affect getting around in Switzerland if you don't know of the local customs. 

Just the other day we were discussing hotels. What I didn't mention in that context is more of a general nature:

Let's assume you arrived by public transportation, which is wise because taxis are super expensive in Switzerland. 

The directions from the hotel said that you have to take tram number 6 from Zurich main station and get off at the "Zoo" stop. From there, follow Zürichbergstrasse for a few meters and then turn right onto Orellistrasse. After about 450 meters you will find the hotel on the left side of the street. 

What you might expect is something like this:

You won't find the street sign anywhere above the road you are on. It is usually attached to the wall of a building that is parallel to the road. Or it is attached to a post. Either way, you have to actively look for it, which makes navigating hard at times, even for us.

In contrast to the USA, where certain roads and avenues go on for miles (I thought Melrose was never gonna end), Swiss roads are quite short. 

Good thing there's the Google Map app that will guide you! Granted your phone comes with an international plan with unlimited data roaming. 

Speaking of your phone and other electronic devices: be prepared for different plug types ("Type J"), a voltage of 230V, and a frequency of 50Hz, so in order not to run out of battery, bring appropriate plug adapters.

Checking in, you may be told your room is on the first floor. As an American you are stunned: there's actually guest rooms on the ground floor? No, there aren't. Around here, the first floor is actually the first floor above ground floor!

Next thing you'll do is looking for the elevator. Again, you may be surprised - in old buildings it may very well be that there aren't any elevators. You'll have to drag your bags up the stairs. 

By now you're ready for a refreshing shower. Wait, what's this? 

Photo by Pixabay

A removable shower head! Best thing, and I don't understand why in the US, they're typically attached. So unpractical not only for showering, but also for cleaning?

Let's stay in the bathroom for a minute, the toilet, to be specific. Can you spot the two flush buttons? What are they about? 

Photo by Skylar Kang on Pexels

One is slightly smaller than the other one? They control how much water is needed to flush down your toilet. Remember, we Swiss are economical with our water?

Another thing about toilets... Public ones: You will find them in Switzerland, they're usually clean and well-maintained, with stalls built all the way to the floor for privacy. However, in many places you have to pay to use them., especially at freeway rest areas and train stations. It used to be one CHF or Euro in coins, but many accept credit cards in the meantime. It can be a hassle if you're not expecting it or don't carry any cash and that's all they accept. 

Anyway. When you're done, it may be appropriate to open the window if there's one. Another interesting fact about windows: most Swiss buildings have windows that can be opened the regular way, and cracked open. 

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

That wraps up our look at some simple but imprtant aspects of getting around in Switzerland. What do you think?