Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch through our contact form here, or email us directly at hello@thezurichinsider.com, letting us know which kind of service you are interested in and your wishes.    Should you be interested in a Curated Experience, please let us know your preferred date, time, pick-up location, and the number of guests traveling with you. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Should you desire a phone consultation first, let us know the best way to reach you.    To create your Designed Experience, please let us know your preferred date/s, rough itinerary, wishes and desires, pick-up location, and the number of guests traveling with you. We will get back to you as soon as we can to schedule a consultation to answer your preliminary questions, for us to get to know each other, and ultimately to see if we are a good match.    Do not forget to mention anything we should consider when planning your tour (health issues or physical limitations, dietary requirements, etc.)

Question 2

How do I gift an Experience (Gift Card)?

Accepted Answer

A gift card can be purchased for any amount towards any Experience, or you can buy a specific tour. The gift card is customizable for any occasion, such as weddings, birthdays, achievements, work rewards, thank-yous, etc.    Connect with us to customize and purchase your Gift Card. Please include the amount or the specific tour you would like to buy, the recipient's complete name, number of participants, and, if applicable, the occasion for such a fabulous gift.    Terms & Conditions for Gift Cards

Question 3

How long in advance should I book an Experience with you?

Accepted Answer

For all Experiences, the sooner, the better, especially during the high seasons.   However, for Curated Experience, last-minute inquiries could work, as only your host's availability is a planning factor.

Question 4

Do you charge a planning fee?

Accepted Answer

YES. For Exclusive - Designed Experiences/ Day Tours/ Multi-Day Tours/ Layover & Transfers, we kindly ask you for a deposit of CHF 250.00, which includes a planning fee of CHF 175.00,  before we start tailoring your Experience to your wishes and desires.    The one-time planning fee of CHF 175.00 covers our expertise and time spent carefully planning and customizing your unique Experience's itinerary.   The planning fee is non-refundable. The difference is credited towards the total cost of your tour.    NO. For booked Original-Curated Experiences, we do not charge a planning fee as the tours have a specific itinerary based on different topics and preferences. Slight alterations and personalizations to the planned tour do not incur a planning fee or deposit. You pay the total amount of your Experience at the time of booking.   Due to these extraordinary travel circumstances, we are even more flexible with our Cancellation and Change Policy.

Question 5

How much can I expect to pay for an Experience?

Accepted Answer

Curated Experiences: the price ranges from CHF 175.00 to CHF 860.00 for a full-day tour (8 hours). The total cost depends on the number of participants, for example:    1h CHF‎ 175.00 (Up to 5 Pax) CHF 250.00 (Up to 10 Pax) CHF‎ 300.00 (Up to 15 Pax) 1.30h  CHF‎ 220.00 (Up to 5 Pax) CHF 290.00 (Up to 10 Pax) CHF‎ 340.00 (Up to 15 Pax) 2h CHF‎ 260.00 (Up to 5 Pax) CHF 330.00 (Up to 10 Pax) CHF‎ 380.00 (Up to 15 Pax) 2.30h CHF‎ 320.00 (Up to 5 Pax) CHF 370.00 (Up to 10 Pax) CHF‎ 420.00 (Up to 15 Pax) Each additional 30 minutes adds CHF 40.00   Additional personalization costs will be added separately. For example, private car/van and professional driver, public transportation (bus, tram, gondolas, train, etc.), food, tickets, shows, museums, etc.    Designed Experiences/ Layover & Transfers/ Day Tours to other cities & Multi-Day Tours: contact us, including your wishes, for a first estimate. Do mention duration (hours/days), the number of participants, destination, highlights, excursions, private or public transportation, specific desires, etc. The more elements we have, the more precise our first estimate will be.    Once you accept our first estimate, we will send you a personalized offer (including the planning fee of CHF 175.00).

Question 6

Do you also collaborate with businesses (B2B)?

Accepted Answer

Yes! More than to business, we cater to humans…and sometimes to their furry companions as well.    Humor aside, we closely work with travel agencies, private schools, and other businesses (pharmaceuticals, banks, law firms, etc.). We love to organize custom-tailored Experiences for their guests, team-building outings, and city tours for their visitors.    Connect with us here to start building a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

Question 7

Do you also offer private transportation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely!   We have established a long-lasting relationship with professional drivers to deliver all kinds of private transportation, from exclusive airport transfers to city tours, as well as multi-city tours, day excursions, or for the entire duration of your stay.

Question 8

How do I cancel or change an existing booking?

Accepted Answer

If you need to cancel or change your existing booking, please send requests in writing at your earliest convenience to hello@thezurichinsider.com    You can find more about our Cancellation and Change Policy here.

Question 9

Are pets welcome?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and maybe.    Yes. In all outdoor Experiences (guided city tours), your beloved pets are more than welcome.   Maybe. For Experiences that include indoor activities (overnights, private transportation, trains, museums, boats, gondolas, etc.), please let us know that you have a pet accompanying you. We will check with all locations if pets are allowed and how much the extra charge will be.    If your pet is a service animal, please mention it on the contact form.

Question 10

What are your payment methods?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we only accept bank transfers. We will implement credit card payments soon.

Question 11

What is it about you that sets you apart?

Accepted Answer

We might be more expensive than some of the other tour companies in Zurich, but this is because we offer uniquely crafted Experiences through our decennial expertise.    We know that our guests are curious, discerned world travelers, so we need to ensure that the tours deliver knowledge, tidbits, insights, and sometimes even secrets that few others do. We do this in a fun, respectful, and knowledgeable way. We delve into history and heritage at each step we take.

Question 12

What characterizes your clients?

Accepted Answer

Our guests are cultured travelers with a curious and inquisitive mind who want to experience the local culture bypassing the fabricated tourist offers.   They want to explore what is not easily found with an internet search, discover little fun details, see what lies behind otherwise closed doors, and travel with all senses.   We design our Experiences to bring the Swiss culture a bit closer to our visitors.

Question 13

What are some key facts about Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Official Name: The Swiss Confederation (Confederatio Helverica/CH - Latin) National Languages: German, French, Italian & Romansh  Currency: Swiss Franc / CHF Electricity: 220volts, 50Hz Country Codes: +41 Time Zone: CET / GMT+1 Area: 41'285 km2 in comparison, the United Kindom is six times as big, and California is almost ten times bigger. The first Death Star was 1.7 as big!! Climate: all over the place! Just kidding. But be prepared to have layers even in the summer. The weather can vary with altitude as well. Cold and rainy/snowy in the winter, cool to warm/humid in the summer with occasional showers/storms. The south has a milder climate and is Mediterranean-like.

Question 14

What are the entry and customs regulations for Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

If your country of origin is within the Schengen Area, or you already possess a Schengen Visa, you do not need an extra visa to enter Switzerland as a tourist.    For visa regulations for all other countries, please check with the local Swiss Embassy or the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration SEM here.   For Covid related entry regulations and restrictions in Switzerland, you can get more and up to date information from the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration SEM and their Travelcheck.

Question 15

What is the latest news about the Coronavirus situation in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The government is closely monitoring the Coronavirus situation in Switzerland and updating its measures whenever needed.    Always check both Switzerland's and your home country's regulations before traveling.   For Covid related entry regulations and restrictions in Switzerland, you can get more information from the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration SEM and their Travelcheck.    For further information about Switzerland's current health measures and ordinances, you can visit the Federal Office of Public Health BAG here and here.   You can find our Health & Safety Policy here.

Question 16

Should I tip in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Is tipping in Switzerland mandatory or expected? The short answer is no. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and other service bills have already included a service fee since the early '70s.   Tipping in Switzerland is not obligatory, but why not make your service provider smile for their excellent assistance?   If you received good service, the service provider would undoubtedly be thrilled to get an extra token of appreciation. Round it up to the next franc, round figure, or at your discretion.   Pro Tip: try to leave your tip in cash (on the table), as your server might not get the credit card tips. When in doubt, ask.

Question 17

Can I pay with a credit card/ Euro/ US dollar in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc - CHF. Numerous vendors (shops, businesses, hotels, restaurants, etc.) accept Euros and sometimes US dollars as payment.   However, the exchange rate will not be favorable, and your change will always be given in Swiss francs.    Most vendors accept major credit cards. Ask to make sure, as sometimes small businesses (small kiosks, mountain huts, restaurants, etc.) only accept cash payments. Though this is becoming less frequent, also due to the new health measures.    When you are in Switzerland, you can exchange your currency for Swiss Francs at airports and all serviced railway station booking counters or withdraw Swiss Francs at a bank ATM ("bancomat").

Question 18

How do I pay for the freeway/highway?

Accepted Answer

When entering Switzerland with your vehicle, you must have a "vignette" (toll sticker) to use the Swiss motorway network. It costs CHF 40.00 and is available at all customs, post offices, petrol stations, and online.   The vignette is valid for 13 months (from 1 December of each year) and must be visibly applied onto the inside of the front windscreen.   Of course, you also have the option to only travel, at a more leisurely pace, outside the motorway network. In this case, no vignette is required.    Swiss traffic regulations Buy and vignette online

Question 19

Where can I park in Zurich?

Accepted Answer

The good news is that basically everywhere parking between 9 pm and 8 am is free of charge.   The less good news is that parking in Zurich during the day gets complicated and expensive. To avoid fines, extra expenses, traffic rage, and finding the elusive free parking space in the city center, chose to get around in the city with public transport.    Here are the parking possibilities in Zurich: Park-Houses (in German) White Zones: For short stays, you can use white parking places (metered). The allowed parking time in the white zones varies from 30 minutes to 4 hours (with a few exceptions).  Blue Zones: You can park in the Blue Zones for the specified time as shown on the parking disc, which you have to display on the windshield of your car. No Blue Zones are available in the city center.  Day permits: Day permits for CHF 15.00, used on the Blue Zones, can be purchased at the Zurich City Police stations or online (only in German).

Question 20

Where do I get a public transport ticket?

Accepted Answer

There are several and sometimes confusing options.   Zurich & Switzerland    You can purchase your public transportation tickets almost at all the stops that service the public transportation network. The touchscreens can be set to several languages, including English. Alternatively at the counter of the main train station in each city.    To purchase your tickets online and for more information, visit the very well-structured SBB website here.   When buing tickets for travel in Zurich, be mindful of buying the correct amount of zones to cover your entire trip/s. The city center is Zone 110, which is worth 2 Zones. Please note that the Airport is outside Zone 110.    Find more information about the Zurich public transportation network (including boats) here.   Switzerland   For unlimited travel: Swiss Travel Pass & Swiss Travel Pass Flex  For discounted travel: Swiss Half Fare Card & the Swiss Coupon Pass   If you know exactly when and at what time you want to travel, you could benefit from a discount with a Super Saver Ticket. Visit SBB website here to purchase and for more information.

Question 21

What are the transfer possibilities from the Zurich Airport to the city Center?

Accepted Answer

Train or S-Bahn (local trains): a quick and easy way to the city, with travel times between 10 and 15 minutes. Single trip CHF 6.80 (adults), CHF 3.40 (children). This ticket is valid for a one-way trip between the airport and the city.    Tram Line 10: the scenic route will take you to the city center in ca. 35 minutes. Same price as the train.  With both options, a "Day Travel Pass" is valid for 24h (from the time of issue) for unlimited rides on all public transportation services (train, S-Bahn, tram, bus, and boats); this is within the fare zones purchased.   A day travel pass from the airport to the city center will cost you CHF 13.60 (adults) and 6.80 (children)   Taxi: this service will cost you up to CHF 70.00 ca. Find the taxis waiting just outside arrivals.    Private Transfer: a private car transfer service affords you the ultimate comfort, personalized service, and luxury. Enquire here to have the transfer organized by The Zurich Insider.

Question 22

Where can I find more information about Zurich?

Accepted Answer

The Zurich Insider Blog The city of Zurich - Official website of the city of Zurich  Zurich around 1800 - Historical online version of the town model

Question 23

Where can I find more information about Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

Officially here & here Tourist Information  Official Travel Advice & Swiss Representations abroad Swiss Representation in the USA Online News & Information

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