Living in Switzerland but shopping in Germany

Does anyone have much experience with shopping both in Switzerland and across the border in Germany, France or Italy? Do you find that shopping outside of Switzerland saves enough money to justify a half-day shopping trip plus cost of petrol? How much do you save shopping across the border as opposed to doing the same shopping in Switzerland?

Hi Vishna,

Ultimately it comes down to what you buy, how much you spend, how close to the border you live, how you pay, whether or not you reclaim VAT and (most importantly) how much your time is worth.

If shopping local makes more sense for you, check out these tips for trimming the cost of grocery shopping in Switzerland:

/en/save-on-groceries-in-switzerland

Hi. I am interested in doing my shopping in Germany or France from now on. Do you think it is worth it to do this? The Swiss franc is so strong nowadays.

Hi gentnovo33,

Whether or not shopping in neighboring countries is advantageous depends on various factors. These include: the current CHF/EUR exchange rate; the currency exchange costs; foreign transaction fees if you pay with credit or debit cards; what goods you plan to buy.

You can import up to 300 francs worth of goods into Switzerland on a VAT-free basis. As a resident of Switzerland, you can also reclaim foreign VAT if you have receipts stamped by foreign customs offices when leaving those countries. Germany now only lets you reclaim VAT for purchases totaling at least 50 euros.

Note that there are strict limitations on the quantities of meat and dairy products and alcoholic beverages which can be imported into Switzerland on a customs-duty-free basis. Amounts exceeding these limitations must be declared and customs duties paid or fines will be applied.

Best regards from Moneyguru