There are countless reasons to visit Switzerland, but most likely it is because of its picturesque views, great road trips, charming, quaint Alpine villages, and Europe’s best scenic train journeys.
This small country has nature in abundance, and with its beauty also comes its threats. Avalanches, extreme weather, and hurting yourself by any means while you’re in the middle of nature will be some of the main things that pose a danger for you in Switzerland.
If you are asking how safe Switzerland is before you’re traveling, it is completely normal. And this is the perfect guide for you to stay safe while you’re in Switzerland. Be it petty thefts or danger in nature, it is always a good idea to travel safe and smart.
How safe is Switzerland for tourists?
Overall, Switzerland is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. The snowy wonderland can be blissful with its mountainsides, villages, gleaming valleys, and Alpine towns. The villages may be crime-free, but they pose their kind of dangers.
While in nature, you will have to be careful of rockfalls, landslides, avalanches, altitude sickness, snowdrifts, and even hurting yourself during any activity. That being said, Switzerland has very low crime rates, but that does not mean any crimes.
In fact, there is no place ever that can be completely free of crime. Pickpockets and scams are more common in the cities, and you’ll have to be aware of your belongings at all times.
Tips to Enjoy a Safe Family Trip.
1. Check the Weather
Before you travel to any location, always check the weather forecast, especially if you are traveling to mountain areas. Weather can change drastically in these locations, and in general, the weather will differ from location to location. The weather change will also be more noticeable with changes in altitudes. Be sure to check the weather forecast and prepare yourself with the required gear and safety measures.
2. Keep Purses and Wallets Secure
As mentioned earlier, pickpocketing is very common in crowded places and cities. Never leave your belongings unattended, and keep your wallets and purses secure. Don’t carry much in your hand, which will make it difficult to manage. When you are on public transport, train, bus, stations even at museums, keep your belongings close.
3. Update Insurance
Make sure you update your insurance and that it covers biking, mountaineering, skiing, and any other outdoor activity, so if you get injured, the insurance will cover you. If you get injured among the mountains or high altitude, you’ll have to be air-lifted, which is very costly, so make sure your insurance covers all outdoor sports.
4. Be Careful at High Altitudes
If you are traveling to the high altitudes, you are most likely to get headaches, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, and dizziness. These are all caused because of altitude sickness. If not taken seriously, they can get worse.
5. Stay Extra Vigilant When Attending Sporting Events
Repeating, extra safety measures should be taken during sporting events. Your chances of getting hurt increase significantly during outdoor sports activities, tripping, falling, or in any other way. Carry a first-aid kit with yourself. Equip yourself with safety gear. And if you feel any activity can cause harm to your health, then avoid participating in that. Make sure you are not alone and are always accompanied by someone, a guide, or a travel partner.
6. Don’t Break Traffic Rules.
This rule applies to any place you visit. Breaking a traffic rule or any rule will only turn out bad for you. Not only will that risk your own life but others as well, and there will be a penalty or jail time that you will have to pay. Traffic rules may vary from country to country, making sure you read about the rules and follow them correctly.
7. When Hiking Stay on Marked Paths
When you’re out hiking, it can be one of the most blissful experiences, and while every area around you may make you curious to explore, there is a reason why trails are marked. Marked trails are safer and ensure that you don’t get lost. While going off the trails will invite many unnecessary problems.
8. Carry Identification All Time
Carrying your identification all the time is very important. As an outsider, you can be asked to show your identification proof anywhere, and if you are not carrying it, that can put you in trouble.
9. Be Willing to Lend a Helping Hand
Accepting and providing help both are important while you are traveling. If you are there for the people, the people will be there for you. This way, you can know more people and create some friends along the journey.
Some More General Safety Tips:
Is Switzerland safe to travel alone?
Solo traveling is a great way to explore the world and yourself at the same time. It challenges the common notions of traveling with friends and families. You don’t have to answer anyone. You can follow your schedule, go wherever you want, do whatever you want, and explore as much as you can.
Switzerland is probably a good place to travel alone since it is safe. The violent crime rate is very low, and you will mostly have to be careful of pickpockets.
Here are a few tips that will help you stay safe and sane while traveling alone in Switzerland.
- Stay alert of your belongings while traveling in public places or crowded areas.
- Don’t get heavily drunk while you are outside. Losing your senses is the last thing you want while you are alone.
- Every public transport stops right before midnight. So, if you are outside, make sure to take a ride back at the right time, or make sure to have enough money if you plan to get a cab.
- Solo hiking is never a good idea. It is better to be with a group of hikers or with a guide. This will not only keep you safe, but you will also meet new people.
- It is a smart decision to let someone have a copy of your itinerary at the place of your accommodation if you are going out. It is only better if someone knows where you are going.
- Switzerland is not cheap, make sure you always have enough money.
- Keep in touch with your family or friends back at home. Let them know where you are staying and what you are up to.
- Stay aware, stay alert, follow your guts, and get yourself away from that situation if something feels wrong.
Are taxis safe in Switzerland?
Taxis in Switzerland are also considered safe. Their services are very good. They are easy to use, well-regulated, and overall a safe choice of transportation. Although taxis are very safe, people in Switzerland don’t use them. Because the taxis are expensive, and the public transport is great.
Though, Traserbas is a good choice if you want to use a taxi. They are not only safe but also very affordable. Many people have appreciated their services and are one of the best options to go for if you want to travel by taxi. Traserbas taxi drivers are very good, they are friendly, and cleanliness is always ensured.
You can book a Traserbas taxi in advance to commute from airports or stations. You can also book a radio taxi. At airports and stations, you can get a taxi from taxi ranks as well. So, you don’t have to take the first taxi in the line, which is very convenient.
I prefer taxis only when traveling long distances or in a situation mentioned before if it’s midnight and all the public transports has closed. Taxis are safe, but for an extra safety measure, share your ride information with someone you know at the place of accommodation or with your family back home. Traserbas is the more affordable option. You can contact them anytime, any day, as they are available 24/7.
At the End:
Switzerland is a safe country at the end of the day. Crimes rates are super low, so low. You don’t have to worry about walking alone at night. Even for a woman, traveling here will be less troublesome than traveling in any other country. But again, a low crime does not mean there can be no crime, and nature can be unpredictable as well. Follow the tips, safety measures, and your instincts.
