| Everybody seems to agree, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, but why is that? The anecdotal evidence is there, and in the press, the big Swiss cities are constantly ranked among the most expensive cities in the world. Zurich and Geneva regularly make it into the top ten. And the Swiss are very much aware of these price differences. A study published at the beginning of 2020 concluded that Swiss businesses and consumers could save over CHF3.3 billion a year if they were able to source such products abroad directly. The study focused on orders placed online. Geo-blocking plays a role here. It’s a common practice where retailers stop online shoppers from buying cheaper products or services from sites abroad. It can also be the case that foreign suppliers refuse to deliver to Switzerland. The result is that firms and individuals have to buy from retailers or manufacturers in Switzerland, or through exclusive importers, which costs more. The study concluded that if the Swiss could freely buy goods from neighbouring countries, the biggest savings would be in the clothing sector, followed by health-related products, cosmetics and perfumes. For instance, Swiss families could save up to CHF78 million a year if they could order nappies and baby food abroad directly, at the same prices charged in, say, Germany. The Swiss are so aware of these price differences that they call their country 'the high price island', a common expression that was even picked up by the official Swiss price watchdog. The Foundation for Consumer Protection is campaigning for an end to the high-price island. It demands that manufacturers and retailers pass on currency gains to consumers. --- swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Its role is to report on Switzerland and to provide a Swiss perspective on international events. For more articles, interviews and videos visit swissinfo.ch or subscribe to our YouTube channel: Website: http://www.swissinfo.ch Channel: http://www.youtube.com/swissinfovideos Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=swissinfovideos |
SWI swissinfo.ch – the international service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).
Since 1999, swissinfo.ch has fulfilled the federal government’s mandate to distribute information about Switzerland internationally, supplementing the online offerings of the radio and television stations of the SBC. Today, the international service is directed above all at an international audience interested in Switzerland, as well as at Swiss citizens living abroad.
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Formerly known as Spectraboi
2020-08-21 at 11:46 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Well that explains it
regie egseg
2020-08-21 at 12:16 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Соск country
Formerly known as Spectraboi
2020-08-21 at 13:21 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I mean, it did survive 2 world wars with no negative impacts that I could think og
regie egseg
2020-08-21 at 14:11 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
@Formerly known as Spectraboi its joke its not even writen in english
gvi341984
2020-08-21 at 15:01 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
SW has the weirdest healthcare in the EU
SWI swissinfo.ch - English
2020-08-22 at 09:22 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
This article gives a brief overview of the healthcare system in Switzerland: https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/health-and-emergencies/43795760 – But the full topic is indeed quite complex. Maybe an idea for another explainer video? 🙂
gvi341984
2020-08-22 at 14:28 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
@SWI swissinfo.ch – English Yes not even citizens of SW could explain the complex healthcare. Comparison between people without income and middle class income
StillSalty
2020-08-21 at 23:29 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Well we get paid 30% more than germany and have to pay 20% more. I guess its fair
SWI swissinfo.ch - English
2020-08-22 at 09:15 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
That sounds like a good deal. 🙂 Do you feel there are big differences between different social groups?
Lloyd Arsen Balbas
2020-08-22 at 14:58 (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Been to CH 4 times on business trips as an Engineer in a company headquartered in Zug. I still do conversions in my head when I go to the mall to my local currency (Philippine Peso) and it makes it easier to decide not to buy anything ?
Also about salaries in CH: my first time there after dinner once in a very nice restaurant, I asked my colleague if it is customary to leave a tip for the waiter. My companion laughed and said "You know the waiter probably earns more per month than you do" ?