Shows
Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE88 Come on in! The Swiss house tour tradition--- Send us your questions ---The unspoken rule of giving a tour of your home when guests come overWhen guests visit where you live in Switzerland, the host almost always offers them a look around. In this episode, we talk about this unspoken rule in Switzerland and why it led to some confusion in our home.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland00:00 - Intro01:22 - Listener messages08:24 - What to do if you have visitors over...
2026-01-1524 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE87 Nebelmeer: The fog that drives the Swiss to the mountains--- Send us your questions ---Switzerland's weekend mountain ritualWhy do the Swiss regularly abandon foggy cities for the mountains? That’s the question we get into in this episode. Beyond this beloved autumn and winter weekend pastime, we take a look at your messages, our latest poll results, Swiss bytes, and we even pack in a fresh “Learning Swiss German” segment.We’d love to hear from you! Send your feedback, questions, or voice messages to hello@swissandchips.com.Notes on this epi...
2025-11-2019 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE86 - Can you ever truly feel accepted as an expat in Switzerland?--- Send us your questions ---What acceptance looks like amongst the SwissMoving to Switzerland as an expat is definitely challenging and it can feel hard to be accepted. But what does being accepted really mean anyway? In this very personal episode, Jo talks about what fitting in means to her and we discuss integration from a very Swiss perspective, including their ongoing interest in expats. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland00:00 - Intro01:32 - Listener Feedback
2025-10-0225 min
Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE85 - If you could change one thing about Switzerland...--- Send us your questions ---In this episode of Swiss and Chips - Your British Guide to Switzerland, it's all about our listeners’ voices. We asked what annoys you about Switzerland or what you would change, and you replied!From the pain of exchange rates to supermarket stress (again), Mexican food and laundry room drama (again). Also, don’t forget to vote in our listener poll.Feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Drop us a line to hello@swissandchips.com! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide...
2025-09-1120 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE84 The Hidden 100-Year Swiss Tradition You've Never Heard Of--- Send us your questions ---There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could?Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland00:00 - Intro01:08 - Listener FeedbackNiesenbahn, the longest stairs in the worldMarzili-Bahn, the shortest one in Switzerland08:32 - 1st August badge 20251.-August-Abzeichen 2025Swiss...
2025-07-3120 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE83 Navigating Switzerland's Unspoken Rules: A New Series--- Send us your questions ---There is no listener poll this week, but a listener survey: What's the one thing you would change about Switzerland if you could?Send us an audio message or text to +41 76 282 67 66 or email hello@swissandchips.com.Notes on this episode00:00 - Intro01:09 - Listener Feedback09:40 - Coming to a restaurant, be ready to order16:20 - Swiss bytes: As an expat, if you could change only one thing about Switzerland...
2025-07-1026 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE82 - To lüft or not to lüft?--- Send us your questions ---Let the sunshine (and fresh air) in! In this episode we talk about the Swiss ritual that plays out daily in homes, offices, and schools across the country: Lüften. It’s the practice of throwing windows open wide and letting fresh air circulate through rooms and buildings. But why is Lüften so important to the Swiss mindset? As always, we’ll give you some insights, but mostly personal experiences of living with the fresh air in Switzerland.00:00 - Intro01:50 - Listener Feedback07:08...
2025-05-2221 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandThe surprising reality of day-to-day life in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---Not everything is as glossy as it seemsMany thanks to all the listeners who reach out to us! Today’s episode is for you. If you have questions or thoughts you want to share with us and the other listeners, let us know!In this episode, we talk specifically about Jonathan’s feedback and his experiences of visiting Switzerland. It inspired us to talk about some other surprises and controversial aspects of ordinary life in Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss...
2025-04-0321 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWalking Across Borders: Switzerland to France on Foot--- Send us your questions ---A journey to Fahy and the history of Tête de Moine cheese.In today’s episode of Swiss and Chips, we’re taking you on a journey across the Swiss-French border on foot! Join us as we explore the charming town of Fahy, visit the House of the Tête de Moine cheese, and dive into the history behind this delicious Swiss cheese. We’ll also share our experience of crossing the border and why many people shop across it. Tune in for an adventure filled with cheese, culture...
2025-03-1315 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSkiing in Switzerland: going beyond the bunny slopes--- Send us your questions ---Tips, passes, and resort advice for newbies on the pistesIn today’s episode of Swiss and Chips, we’re talking about how to enjoy a ski day when you’re ready to move beyond your first slope but you’re not ready to hit a “red” yet. We discuss some basics, like choosing the right ski pass or picking a resort, and skiing etiquette. But mainly Jo shares her personal experience. 00:00 - Introduction to this episode01:26 - Listener feedback03:08 - Swiss Bytes: Alertswiss
2025-02-1324 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandOnly in Switzerland: The curse of the washing room in apartment buildings--- Send us your questions ---It’s been a while, but we’re back - and we’re diving straight into a topic that’s Swiss and surprisingly sensitive: the (unspoken) rules of the shared washing room. We’ll share some personal stories of washing room drama and tell you what you need to know when searching for a new flat.00:00 - Intro02:42 - Swiss BytesMost popular Swiss songs in the 1980'sCow song: Link to the cow video06:27 - The curse of the washing room in apartment buildings18:47...
2025-01-2321 min
Law and the Future of WarThe Geneva Conventions and Non-State Armed Groups - Katharine FortinSend us a textIn this episode, Simon speaks with Dr Katharine Fortin about non-international armed conflicts, focussing on the intersections between IHL, international human rights law and armed non-State actors. Dr Katharine Fortin is a senior lecturer of public international law and human rights at Utrecht University's Netherlands Institute of Human Rights. She is the Editor in Chief of the Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights and founder of the Armed Groups and International Law blog. Her book The Accountability of Armed Groups under Human Rights Law (OUP, 2017) won the Lieber Prize in 2018. She is...
2025-01-1546 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to be polite in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---“Especially in times of the pluralisation of lifestyles, there is a need to know how things should be done correctly. Because manners provide security in how to shape interactions positively. They simplify interactions and prevent misunderstandings.” This is a quote from the ‘Swiss Knigge’, a book about good manners and behaviour in Switzerland. Though often associated with formal manners, Knigge in Switzerland has evolved to cover modern-day needs, while retaining its core values of explaining respect and politeness. In this episode, we give you an overview of the book’s...
2024-10-2836 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandLearning Swiss German with 'ABC SRF 3' - Discover Swiss Traditions--- Send us your questions ---Let's dive into another episode about Swiss German through the lens of the traditional Swiss radio game ‘ABC SRF 3’. We' haven’t laughed so much in an episode yet; we’ll let you decide if that’s a good thing.And we introduce two new segments. First, we address user questions and feedback, featuring Cathy, who proudly participates in Swiss traditions. Second, get ready for the brand new "Swiss Bites" (with a must-hear sound effect) and our listener poll.00:00 - Intro01:53 - Listener Feedback04:06...
2024-08-0823 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandLet‘s talk about Swiss National Day--- Send us your questions ---Swiss National Day is coming up! Let’s talk about what happens on the big day and what it means to the Swiss. We’ll help you figure out how to mark the occasion even if you haven’t been in Switzerland for long. We also have some new features in our podcast for you: “Swiss bytes”, listener feedback and our survey. 00:00 - Intro01:58 - Listener Feedback03:14 - Swiss BytesUS Marine reacts to Why the Swiss love their Guns (more than Americans)Another in...
2024-07-1818 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to survive Swiss queuing culture--- Send us your questions ---How do you cope with the chaos, confusion, and frequent frustration of queuing in Switzerland? In this episode, we explore Swiss queuing culture and share our experiences and advice on how to survive and possibly thrive in the chaotic queuing land of the Alps. We have some horror stories to share that you might be able to identify with. Whether you’re a newcomer, a visitor, or a long-time resident, we hope this episode will help you to navigate Swiss queueing protocol, or at the very least, give you a laugh....
2024-03-0520 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandDecoding Swiss German Nicknames--- Send us your questions ---Switzerland, a country known for its linguistic diversity, is home to the unique dialect of Swiss German. It has many variations around the country, with words, sounds and phrases changing by city or valley. Here, we dive into a very specific topic of Swiss German - the use of nicknames.In this episode of ‘Decoding Swiss German Nicknames’, we aim to unravel the meanings, origins, and usage of nicknames. Let’s decode together!Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandUser f...
2023-12-2119 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat noise does an animal make in Swiss German?--- Send us your questions ---Discovering animal sounds in Swiss German: A fun exploration at the Dählhölzli Petting ZooCome with us on a stroll through the famous Dählhölzli petting zoo in Bern where we talk about the different animal noises in English and Swiss German.A special welcome and thanks to all our super early subscribers: Samir, Julian, Nuclei, Alicia, Nicholas, Joee and many more - we really appreciate the early support!And Krissy! She was the first to comment in the subscriber chat about what...
2023-12-0719 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland5 things you need to know before going to a Swiss cinema--- Send us your questions ---The experience of going to see a film in Switzerland has some quirks. The first question you’re probably going to ask yourself when trying to catch a new release is what language it’s going to be shown in and secondly, how much the pleasure is going to set you back. In this episode, we talk about which kind of cinema typically shows films in which languages, how dubbing or subtitles come into play, the financial consequences of a cinema trip in Switzerland and where to find out wha...
2023-11-2311 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandUnboxing the Swiss ballot papers--- Send us your questions ---After 13 years of living in Switzerland, Jo is finally allowed to have her say in her new home country and participate in the democratic process. The Swiss elections are coming up and after becoming Swiss, this might be the second most exciting day for a new citizen. The papers have arrived (a long time ago) and are ready to be explored. Let's do the unboxing together and talk about the specialities of the Swiss elections.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland...
2023-10-1915 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWe taste traditional Swiss food and drink so you don't have to: Rivella--- Send us your questions ---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 refreshment, and Simon takes a blind Rivella taste test to find out how Swiss he is after all.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandFacts and figuresDifferent colours of...
2023-02-0217 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandFrom Bern to Colmar: Swiss and Chips over the border--- Send us your questions ---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 Christmas.The city's cobbled streets are flanked by Medieval or Renaissance-period buildings and small canals run alongside the main thoroughfares. There are six different markets to see, each with a different focus such as artisan crafts, food or even an area aimed at children. On top of all that, the city's park has an ice rink and...
2022-12-2210 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandThe must-know websites for Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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? We crowdsourced a list of the must-know websites in Switzerland from our Facebook group, Switzerland for English Speakers. In this episode we explain why they're useful and what we personally think of them.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandSend your audio file to our inbox or directly to 0041 76 282 67 66...
2022-12-0118 min
Evolution Exchange GamingEvo Gaming #49 - The Psychological Impact of Indie Game DevelopmentGuests are Simon Bergqvist from Agera Games, Viktor Zryd from Flamebait Games, Alexander Bergendahl from Lootlocker and Johannes Norneby from Nornware AB
Hosted by Paul Hackett
2022-11-1756 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSix things you'll find in a Swiss kitchen (and what's missing!)--- Send us your questions ---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 implements, we lift the table cloth on the secrets of Switzerland's home dining habits - and we reveal a few foody preferences of our own along the way. Plus: what's missing in a standard Swiss kitchen? We name three items that we can't live without, but which have proven to be somewhat of a novelty to your average Swiss.
2022-11-1020 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandVoting in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 Swiss polls in person.In this episode, we talk about how to vote in person or by post, and how to navigate political discussions with the Swiss.The Swiss and Chips voteCome and vote, we want to hear from you!Notes on this episode of Swiss an...
2022-10-2016 min
Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandDriving to the UK from Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 an experience to remember! And one that’s worth talking about and sharing with you.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandWhy did we end up driving by car? What is...
2022-09-2913 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part seven: 'Crossing the Finish Line'--- Send us your questions ---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.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandWhat happened so far: Check out our other episodes on 'How to become Swiss'. What happened since the interview What changes after becoming Swiss What's next?Learning Swiss GermanOur word in this episode...
2022-09-0813 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandA 'BEA' Special: the must-see traditional Swiss agricultural fair--- Send us your questions ---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 to see for children and adults. We recorded while out on a day trip in Switzerland, so there's not one, but two recommendations of places to visit in this episode. One of them is an insider tip about a slightly h...
2022-05-0211 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandE61 St. Moritz in winter--- Send us your questions ---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! With breathtaking winter scenery and vintage Winter Olympics sights, there is lots to do here even if you're not skiing. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandReasons to go (there's more to s...
2022-04-1412 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandRelocating to Switzerland: Part 2--- Send us your questions --- 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 between England and Switzerland The surprises that come with renting a flat Working in Switzerland and finding a job Previous episodes we refer to in the show: How to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat How...
2022-01-2020 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandRelocating to Switzerland: A personal perspective--- Send us your questions --- 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. ...Join the community ChatSubscribe to the free newsletter...Send your questions:Drop us an email: hello@swissandchips.comSend a voice message to play on the show +41 76 282 67 66Find us on Bluesky: Jo and SimonFind us on Instagram......
2021-12-3014 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to organise a Swiss (and British) passport for your newborn--- Send us your questions ---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. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandOrganising the Swiss passport: where to get it, what you need and how to take a picture.The British passport: The long list of documents, how to organise them and roughly how l...
2021-12-0914 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part six: 'the interview'--- Send us your questions ---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. My moment finally came when I was invited to the office that handles citizenship applications in Bern. I've read so many reports in the media about the difficult questions posed at these interviews and heard numerous horror stories about...
2021-11-1805 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandTrip tip: An easy walk through the vineyards--- Send us your questions ---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 to Ligerz, via the vineyards and back along the lakeside to Twann. To get to Twann, you can go by train or park your car at the train station....Join the community ChatSubscribe to t...
2021-10-1407 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part five: ‘One form to rule them all’--- Send us your questions ---Once you have fulfilled all of the criteria to apply to become Swiss (take a look at our previous episodes in this mini-series if want to know more about this), you will be faced with filling out "the form". This is where you provide all of your personal details including your entire education history and certificates, Swiss employment history, references and more. In this episode, I explain exactly which documents I had to gather as part of the more than 50 pages I had to put together.Notes on this...
2021-07-2910 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat to expect at a Swiss apéro--- Send us your questions ---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 and drinks, the preparation, and, as always, the subtleties of navigating a Swiss event.What is a Swiss apero?The classic Swiss apéro involves nibbles and drinks and is suitable for any occasion.The...
2021-06-1713 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHaving a baby in Switzerland--- Send us your questions --- 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 early 2021 and our lives became a whirlwind of excitement. Now that the chaos has calmed down we wanted to give you an update and share Jo's thoughts on how pregnancy and having a baby in Switzerland is different to...
2021-04-0607 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWeirdest thing you saw when you moved to Switzerland--- Send us your questions --- Setting foot into another country can mean a significant change of your lifestyle and sometimes a culture shock. We asked in our Facebook group about your weirdest thing you’ve experienced when you moved to Switzerland and got loads of fun and interesting comments as well aas interesting discussions started. Thanks a lot for that! In this episode we talk about a few of them and Jo will tell you about her personal story when she moved to Switzerland. ...Join the community ChatSubscribe to...
2021-02-2318 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to celebrate Christmas as an expat in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 could be a chance to find new ways of celebrating Christmas and maybe start some new Swiss traditions at home.In this episode we talk about the parts of a Swiss Christmas that are perfect for our socially-distanced, outdoor...
2020-11-2413 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part four: The Swiss citizenship test--- Send us your questions --- 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 Speakers is a great place to ask questions and share experiences. Take a look! Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Why is an exam part of becoming Swiss? How...
2020-10-2719 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part three: 'Starting the Application Process'--- Send us your questions --- 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 in Bern specifically, as there are differences depending on where you live and exactly which type of naturalisation you are applying for. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland Contacting the naturalisation...
2020-08-0415 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat are we missing when trying to make Swiss friends?--- Send us your questions ---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 tips that can help you feel less isolated here? We share our insights on this contentious topic and give you an update on Jo's application to become Swiss.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide...
2020-05-1918 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWalk with us along Bern's Aare river--- Send us your questions ---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 in Bern.Where did we go on our walk?'Dählhölzli' section of the Bern animal park, including the children's zoo Elfenau park, including Bern city's greenhouses and the rare species garden...Join...
2020-04-1419 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandFive ways to perfect your Swiss knowledge while staying at home--- Send us your questions --- 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 a film, a book, a musician, a recipe and a game that you can look up and enjoy to see you through your weeks staying at home in Switzerland. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips, your British G...
2020-03-2417 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhen to shake hands in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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, for example during the Coronavirus outbreak? We'll run you through the hand-shaking dos and don'ts of Swiss culture!Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: your British Guide to SwitzerlandWhat to do if you don’t kn...
2020-03-1015 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandShould you join an English-speaking club in Switzerland?--- Send us your questions ---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, which we visited in October 2019. Should you sign yourself up to a club? Listen and find out!Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandThe British Residents' Association of Switzerland...Join the community ChatSubscribe to the free newsletter...Send your questions:
2020-02-2513 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandUnspoken Swiss rules--- Send us your questions ---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 you live or work. But what about those unspoken rules? The ones you don‘t know exist until a realisation slowly dawns on you that you‘ve been doing something differently to everyone else, and never known.Notes on this episode about unspoken Swiss rulesHow important are unspoken Swiss rulesWhere, when and how to greet peopleHow to toast and other rules...
2020-02-1120 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to hike to the top of a Swiss mountain--- Send us your questions --- 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 hike! To get you into the mood, we'll tell you what you have to watch out for and give you all sorts of other tips, including a short excursion we made recently up a mountain and tell you what secrets are waiting for you at the top. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips, Your British Guide to Switzerland: How...
2019-10-0819 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandThis is what it sounds like in Switzerland's capital city, Bern--- Send us your questions ---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 and hear as you head up into the city centre, walking over a beautiful bridge and ending at one of the city's main attractions, the Zytglogge. Take in the sounds of Bern wherever you are in the world.
2019-09-1715 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSwiss German sayings: what they mean (and how to say them!)--- Send us your questions ---"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 at the right moment, this is our pick of some useful sayings in Swiss German.In this episode, we try to explain their meaning and talk about when you can use them. Notes on this episode of S...
2019-09-0320 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandThe Swiss and Chips guide to dating in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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. How to date in Switzerland: Show notes How to make friends in Switzerland. Where to look? How to ask? What to do on a first date? Special things to think about? ...Join the community ChatSubscribe to the...
2019-08-2017 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandGet a holiday vibe without leaving Switzerland--- Send us your questions --- 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 they need a 'staycation'. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What's German for 'staycation'? Get ready to drop this phrase into Swiss conversation What’s summer like in Switzerland? - Weat...
2019-07-2315 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHit the road: driving in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 this episode of our podcast, and driving in Switzerland was one topic you suggested in our Facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers. We talk about why you might decide to get a car, and how leasing, hiring and car sharing works. Notes on this episode of Your British Guide to Switzerland Owning a car - Great public transport, do...
2019-07-0913 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandYour questions about Switzerland: answered!--- Send us your questions ---There’s been lots of questions in our facebook group, Switzerland for English speakers, 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 to the forms, to saying and doing the right thing..it can be tough! But there‘s always a funny side in the end. Notes on this episode of Your British Guide to Switzerland How to figure out how many bedrooms a Swiss apartment has What the...
2019-06-2518 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandTaking to the classroom to learn Swiss German--- Send us your questions ---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 kind of things she has learnt, there were some unexpected elements to the course. Could taking a Swiss German class be something for you? Have a listen as we talk about the pros and cons of taking on learning the local...
2019-06-1117 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandDo you need to know Swiss German to move to Switzerland?--- Send us your questions ---Moving to a country where you don't speak the language can be a 'chicken and egg' situation: which one comes first, the language or the move? It's a challenging situation for anyone relocating abroad, and for newcomers to German-speaking Switzerland, this is a big issue. It's hard to get hold of resources to learn this dialect outside of the country. Once here, there are many different regional variations to get to grips with, and the differences between Swiss German and high German can feel overwhelming. In this episode we talk about...
2019-05-2114 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhere to find Swiss second-hand delights--- Send us your questions ---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 through how you can find them and what to expect, and tell you where to look online if rummaging for a bargain in person isn't really your thing.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British g...
2019-05-0714 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to Switzerland'Fête des Vignerons': make merry at the Swiss winemakers' festival--- Send us your questions ---If you’ve looked at any Swiss newspapers or programmes in the past few months you’ll have heard about the ‘Fête des Vignerons’. It’s a once-in-a-generation event that sounds like it's not to be missed. So what’s all the fuss about, and will there be wine?Notes on this episodeWe try to answer the most important questions before it begins.What is the 'Fête des Vignerons'?The festival is a massive production that takes place in a huge arena in...
2019-04-2215 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandShopping in Switzerland: what do you buy where?--- Send us your questions --- 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. Find out about the classic out-of-town shops traditionally frequented by farmers which could be useful for you and the surprisingly affordable electronics. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Shopping in Switzerland Food Migros, Coop...
2019-04-0915 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandDealing with cultural diversity, the Swiss way--- Send us your questions ---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.So how does this work? How do the Swiss communicate and how do they all get along with each other?Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandMarco's post in our Facebook Group that started off t...
2019-03-2621 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part two: 'Getting the Right Information'--- Send us your questions ---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 is offered to people who want to apply. We went along to clear up some questions I had about the process, and to find out as much information as possible. Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to Switzerland What the evening...
2019-03-1215 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandIs it time to take a Swiss German course?--- Send us your questions ---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 spoken language. It's a dialect that most Germans struggle to understand and it sounds different in every village you go to.Learning Swiss German is tricky, but not impossible. After passing my German C1 exam, I decided to give...
2019-02-2518 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandBecoming Swiss, part one: 'Before it begins'--- Send us your questions ---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 track her progress and give you insight into one person's journey through the Swiss naturalisation system.Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Becoming Swiss, part oneIn this first episode of the new...
2019-02-1217 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat do you say in Switzerland when...--- Send us your questions ---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 sneeze to trickier discussions about salaries, or dare-we-go-there, politics. It can take a while to work out what you need to say when, to avoid seriously offending your new-found friends, colleagues or anyone else you meet, so we have a few...
2019-01-2926 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to learn to ski as a complete beginner--- Send us your questions ---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 you like it? Once you've decided to go for it, there are lots of things to consider before you even set foot in the snow.In this episode we guide you through all the important questions and share our...
2019-01-1521 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandIce skating on a frozen Alpine lake--- Send us your questions ---Imagine walking along a snowy path between the trees in the Swiss Alps until suddenly, a vast lake, completely covered in ice and surrounded by a sheer cliff face, opens up before you: this is what you'll experience if you head to the Osechinensee or Lake Oeschinen in the Bernese Oberland, which has frozen over. It's a veritable winter wonderland!We wrapped up warm and headed out for a skate on the ice. And we've compiled everything you need to know to experience this magical day in the Swiss...
2019-01-0116 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to get over homesickness--- Send us your questions ---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 something great is going on back home. Don’t worry, everyone feels homesick at some point! We've got some ideas to help you get through it....Join the community ChatSubscribe to the free newsletter
2018-12-1828 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandThe best Christmas present ideas to take home from Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 ideas for you as well!Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: Your British Guide to SwitzerlandHere are some specific gift ideas that we talk about in this episode: Alprausch Swiss Federal Railways watch: th...
2018-12-0423 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow often do Swiss people use other Swiss languages?--- Send us your questions ---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? A trip to see the famous annual light projection at the Swiss Federal Palace, the Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, brings up the question as to how much the Swiss are expected to use Swiss languages other than their own in their daily life. We answer listener questions: - when are high German and Swiss German used? - is it possible to get a...
2018-11-2020 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to make friends in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 will make your life in Switzerland easier, and hopefully better. In this episode we talk about my first steps trying to make friends and get to know people in Switzerland as an expat, and I'll give you some tips...
2018-11-0626 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSwiss German words that don't translate into English: part two--- Send us your questions ---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 the Swiss German/ high German challenge. How many of the words do you know? Notes on this episode of the podcast:ZugzwangInnerer SchweinehundHundsverlochetiBürogummiVe...
2018-10-2317 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSwiss German words that don't translate into English--- Send us your questions ---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.Notes on this episode:Input from our listeners in our Facebook Group:Susy: SchadenfreudeSeamus: BitslyKatharina: FremdschämenSusy's second word: LängizitSome others:FernwehFeierabendMuskelkaterZugzwangInnerer SchweinehundHundsverlochetiOhrwurmBürogummiVerschlimmbessernKummerspeckBünzliTüpflischiiserSturmfrei...Join the community ChatSubscribe to the free newsletter...S...
2018-10-0915 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat to do on a Sunday in Switzerland?--- Send us your questions ---"All" shops are closed on a Sunday in Switzerland! Well, maybe not all, but many at least. Luckily Switzerland offers many other exciting things for expats and tourists to do on a Sunday. We recorded this episode on the top of the Gurten, a 'must see' in Bern - on a Sunday. Tune in and get some inspiration and ideas about what you can do, and what the Swiss do, on a Sunday....Join the community ChatSubscribe to the free newsletter...Send...
2018-09-2516 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat--- Send us your questions ---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 will it cost? Where to find an apartment in Switzerland as an expat, and which documents will you need before you can secure a lease on a new place. After this episode you'll know where and how to start looking and...
2018-09-1135 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandGoing to school in Switzerland: for kids and adults--- Send us your questions ---Children in Switzerland walk to school alone. They go home at lunch time and there is no security at the school. A typical Swiss school day also 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 Swiss school day looks like (from someone who's actually been to one)! Plus, we discuss German language exams, and take a trip to a traditional Swiss...
2018-08-2822 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to find a job in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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 look for a job and what you must include in an application, it will be much easier.Where should you look to find a job in Switzerland as a foreigner, how can you make the most of your skills...
2018-08-1421 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat's the weather like in Switzerland?--- Send us your questions ---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.So is it better to experience summer or winter in Switzerland? In this episode we try to explain Swiss weather and when the best time to visit Switzerland is.When is the best time to visit Switzerland, as far as the weather is con...
2018-07-3118 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandTen Swiss German phrases you need to know--- Send us your questions ---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 German, which sounds great in theory, but makes learning Swiss German quite difficult for expats in Switzerland. But don't let this discourage you if you're thinking of moving here or coming to work here as an expat. You...
2018-07-1719 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWild swimming in Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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. One more reason why Switzerland is a great place to live as an expat, right? With crystal clear water coming from the Swiss mountains there are many beautiful places to go for a dip, even in the big cities. In this episode we talk about what it's like to go wild swimming in Switzerland as an expat, how to find the best spots and how to s...
2018-07-0320 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandHow to learn Swiss German (or maybe not)--- Send us your questions ---For the first time on our show, we're answering questions from our listeners in the Facebook group "Switzerland for English speakers". If you'd like to join in the discussion, network with other English speakers interested in Switzerland and share your experiences, please feel free to join the group and say 'hello'! This episode is all English speaking expats in Switzerland need to know about Swiss German and high German. What is Swiss German? Do you need to learn it? And if so, where can you learn it and how...
2018-06-1920 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandGetting to know the Swiss over dinner: do's and don'ts--- Send us your questions ---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? There are some simple (unspoken) rules that will enable you to hit the spot. In this episode, we answer the most important questions and give you a glimpse into the Swiss way of thinking, so there will be no big surprises...
2018-06-0521 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandAn utterly delightful royal wedding special--- Send us your questions ---What drives someone who's not particularly interested in the monarchy to watch a full royal wedding? We found out this weekend as we switched our TV over to the BBC and soaked up the atmosphere in Windsor for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, all from the safety of a Swiss chalet in the Bernese Alps. Notes on this episode of your 'British guide to Switzerland' podcast Who pays for a royal wedding? BBC's 'Reality Check' does a nice job of trying to break down the figures, a...
2018-05-2213 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandFull steam ahead! Buying Swiss train tickets--- Send us your questions ---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 back. The 'GA' - an annual pass for whole country: worth it if you‘re commuting or travelling a lot. CHF3860 per year / CHF340 in monthly installments. The 'Halb Tax' - the half-fare card: enables you to buy tickets for ha...
2018-05-0817 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandA typical Swiss picnic--- Send us your questions ---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. Notes on this episode Brits in a Swiss newspaper (for all the wrong reasons) Renewing a British passport when you live in Switzerland A typical Swiss picnic: what you need to pack A visit to 'Schwarzwasserbrücke' ...Join the community ChatSubscribe to t...
2018-05-0117 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSwiss and Chips: Over the border--- Send us your questions ---We are in Italy for the week: first at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, and then Rome. In this episode we talk about why it's different to travel from Switzerland to neighbouring countries, than it is from England. Notes on this episode * What is it like to have Paris and Rome on your doorstep? * How often do Swiss travel and how easy is it to cross the border? * Is there a difference in the way Swiss and Brits travel? * What is 'shopping tourism...
2018-04-1714 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandThe flight factor: flying in and out of Switzerland--- Send us your questions ---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. Notes on this episode How can you find your perfect flight home? It's all about a combination of the below factors: Price Flight time Airlines Airport location and connections What marks the different Swiss airports apart...
2018-04-0313 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandWhat do the Swiss think about British people--- Send us your questions ---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 summer months; on second thought, the English also have a reputation for being polite, respectful or even admirable. In this episode we talk about some of the most commonly-held prejudices some Swiss have about the Brits and Jo has...
2018-03-2015 minSwiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandFood: eat your way happy!--- Send us your questions ---Chunky chips or skinny fries? And is there a place in any ham sandwich for a slice of gherkin and a bit of hard-boiled egg? There are some big differences between Swiss and British food, and the expectations on both sides. Jo and Simon talk about what they love and hate in both country's cuisines.Notes on this episodeSimon's first experience with Fish and Chips. Chips vs. skinny fries: the big cultural difference.Nordsee from Nordsee.The perfect sandwich from M&S vs. Swiss sandwiches with gherkin...
2018-03-0610 min
Swiss and Chips - Your British guide to SwitzerlandSwiss surprises - expectations versus reality--- Send us your questions ---The first show is about Swiss surprises: expectations versus reality.Notes on this episodeAll about the Swiss and Chips podcast, why we're making a podcast in the first place and what can you expect.Jo talks about how she moved from England to Switzerland.Jo's expectations of Switzerland and the (surprising) reality.We discuss snow, toothpaste and obviously chocolate.How to get a bank account in Switzerland.Switzerland's four national languages.Cash vs. card payment.Children and how they get to school.The 'bad' experiences when Jo...
2018-02-2012 min