Switzerland Autumn 2024 (with Milan, Munich, and Strasbourg on the side)

My friends and I just recently got back from an 8-day trip to Europe. This was my second trip to the EU, and it was my friends' first time. We also visited a good Swiss friend of ours, who helped us figure out how to get around Switzerland and to other nearby countries.

Flight

My friends booked their flights (Etihad Airways, ZRH-MNL, round trip) for around PHP 42,000. I booked late, and it cost me about PHP 54,175.

For me, nag-add ako ng seats. I picked standard window seats for 81 EUR on all flights, para may view and pwedeng sandalan ng ulo 😅. The flight is around 9 hours from MNL-AUH, and then 6 hours for AUH-ZRH.

Accommodation

Plan lang namin to stay within Zurich, and we booked separately ung place to stay. For me I booked through Delta Serviced Apartments. So far, ung apartment is very decent.

Food

Our Swiss friend occassionaly invited us for breakfast during our stays. This helped us a lot sa expenses food-wise. Nag-baon din ako ng 3-in-1 coffee mix and biscuits galing dito Pinas, just for mornings na walang libre 😅

A proper meal I might say is around 40 CHF when eating in a restaurant.

Transportation

Since we planned to use trains to travel to other countries, we bought the Eurail Flexi Pass for 4 days (198 CHF per adult). The pass also supports SBB trains. For SBB trains going to other countries, you will need seat reservations (5 CHF).

Additionally, if you have the Eurail Pass, you are entitled to a 25% discount when purchasing tickets for Titlis.

We also bought a 6-day ticket for public transportation (trams, buses, boats) within only 1 zone in Zurich for 49.60 CHF.

Weather

Since it was autumn, the average temperatures ranged from 10°C to 15°C. I packed jackets, warm innerwear, long sleeves, gloves, and scarves. When going up to the mountains, it’s important to bring thick jackets since the winds up there can be very cold. Rain is also expected during these months, so don’t forget to bring an umbrella.

Mobile Data

Since my phone is eSIM-capable, I bought one from Airalo (5GB for 20 USD). The eSIM I purchased works for 30 European countries. I always use Airalo for my other international travels since it is very reliable.

And if you want to get 3 USD off your first purchase on Airalo, you can use my referral code DUSTIN7127 😅

Payment

I was able to use only my cards when paying during our trip. Di ako nag-withdraw ng cash.

I have my BPI Mastercard and BDO AMEX Explorer Card. All the establishments I visited in Zurich and Milan accepted my AMEX card. However, in Munich and Strasbourg, they do not accept AMEX.

Expenses (w/o souvenirs)

I kept a list of my expenses during our trip, but don't have the exact PHP price. The currency conversion in the table below is based on the latest exchange rates:

• 1 CHF is 67.56 PHP
• 1 EUR is 63.02 PHP

*Estimated average cost of 40 CHF per meal, for 8 days