When it comes to shopping for your new space, you might be like me and struggling to find the right things. So, here’s a curated list of must-have items available on Amazon that will make your Swiss apartment feel like home in no time, and answers all of your Amazon questions!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
- Personal Tips from My Move to Switzerland
- Amazon in Switzerland: How to Shop and What to Expect
- Does Amazon Have a Dedicated Swiss Website?
- Shipping to Switzerland
- What About Customs and Import Duties
- Amazon Prime in Switzerland
- My Essential Amazon Finds for Your Swiss Apartment
- Balancing Sustainability and Convenience
- Summary of Must-Have Items from Amazon
Personal Tips from My Move to Switzerland
This post comes straight from my current life: moving into a new apartment in Switzerland. My husband and I have recently left the city center for a quaint little town by the water. With a bigger apartment that’s a bit older and farther away from many shops, we’ve found ourselves needing a lot of new things. Thankfully, Amazon has been a lifesaver in so many ways. I’ve seen a lot of misinformation online about ordering from Amazon in Switzerland, so I wanted to share my personal insights to help make your life easier too.
I recently saw a TikTok claiming that you can’t order from Amazon if you live in Switzerland, and if you do you’ll be faced with a big duties fee, but that’s simply not true! You can easily and quickly order from the Amazon.de site! I order from there often, and things always arrive on time, plus returns are super easy—unlike many other stores in Switzerland. Some places in Switzerland either charge a return fee, don’t allow returns at all, and all around make the process a total pain. Worse yet, often if items are opened, you might only get store credit at a reduced rate. This is why I don’t recommend ordering from Galaxus or Interdiscount.
Amazon in Switzerland: How to Shop and What to Expect
If you live in a city, Amazon is at the forefront of convenience (especially in Switzerland when online shopping is a total pain). However, if you are living in Switzerland, you might have noticed that things work a bit differently compared to other countries you may have lived in. So, here’s everything you need to know about using Amazon in Switzerland, from shipping options to tips on finding the best deals—while keeping your values in mind.
Does Amazon Have a Dedicated Swiss Website?
Unlike many other European countries, Switzerland does not have its own dedicated Amazon website (like amazon.de for Germany or amazon.fr for France). Instead, Swiss residents typically use neighboring Amazon sites, primarily Amazon Germany (amazon.de), to make their purchases. Amazon Germany offers a wide range of products and is often the go-to choice because of its proximity and more favorable shipping options.
Shipping to Switzerland
One of the biggest considerations when shopping on Amazon from Switzerland is shipping. While Amazon Germany does ship to Switzerland, not all products are eligible for international delivery. To find items that can be shipped to Switzerland, you can filter your search results by selecting the “International Shipping” option or by entering your Swiss address before browsing. Delivery times to Switzerland typically range from a few days to a week, depending on your location and the shipping method selected. Express shipping options are available for faster delivery, but in my experience things come quite quickly.
What About Customs and Import Duties
When ordering from Amazon to Switzerland, it’s important to be aware of customs and import duties. Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so goods imported from EU countries, including Germany, may be subject to VAT (Value Added Tax) and customs duties. Amazon usually provides an estimate of these costs at checkout and I’ve personally never had an issue with being charged anything upon delivery. Here is information regarding VAT and duties!
Amazon Prime in Switzerland
Amazon Prime is a popular service that offers benefits like free shipping, access to Prime Video, and more. However, Amazon Prime in Switzerland comes with some limitations. While you can subscribe to Amazon Prime through Amazon Germany, the free shipping benefits may not always apply to deliveries in Switzerland. Access to Prime Video may be restricted or differ from what is available in other countries, as well. We personally do not have prime because it doesn’t offer us much here in Switzerland.
Shopping Tip: I personally don’t buy beauty products on Amazon, so if you are looking for beauty, check out Guide to Shopping for Beauty Products Across Switzerland!
My Essential Amazon Finds for Your Swiss Apartment
Nespresso Machine
Amazon Pick: Nespresso Verturo + Milk Frother
This was the first thing we purchased literally once we laded in Switzerland. We knew finding good ground coffee was going to be hard (we moved from Portland, Oregon and Stumptown will forever be our favorite). However, these machines are perfect for making a quick, and honestly really good cup of coffee or espresso. Plus, with various pods available, you can explore a range of flavors. They are also great depending on the size of your kitchen, as counter top space is super limited in many apartments, so you can purchase a machine that fits perfectly.
Window Screens
Amazon Pick: Easy to Install Window Screens
If you are moving from the US you will be shocked, and if you are like me, SUPER ANNOYED that windows do not have screens. Switzerland’s summers are beautiful, but keeping bugs out can be a challenge, and trust me when I say, the bugs and spiders are relentless. Luckily, window screens are a simple solution, allowing you to enjoy fresh air without worrying about mosquitoes or flies. They’re easy to install and make your home much more comfortable. We’ve installed these on every window and it’s been a life saver.
Fridge Organization Containers
Amazon Pick: Clear Fridge Containers
Swiss apartments have fridges you’ve probably never seem before. Sleek and hidden, they are pleasing to the eye, but they offer very minimal space. To maximize space and keep things organized, I highly recommend fridge containers. I used them to keep certain items together, like cheese and dairy products. You can also stack them to maximize space even more.
Air Purifier
Amazon Pick: Levoit Air Purifier
With Switzerland’s clean air, you might not think you need an air purifier, but this is a must for us. We’ve never lived in such dusty apartments – it’s crazy! An air purifier helps keep your apartment’s air fresh and clean, especially during pollen season which can run for months. We’ve noticed a big difference in dust and air quality when we use ours.
Induction Cookware
Amazon Pick: Stainless Steel Cooking Pots and Saucepan
Induction stovetops are common in Swiss apartments, and having the right cookware is essential. Induction-compatible pots and pans heat evenly and cook your meals faster, and are a must-have for any kitchen. Plus, they’re energy-efficient!
Compact Shoe Rack
Amazon Pick: Trend Metal Shoe Rack
Swiss apartments often have limited space, aka no closets, so a compact shoe rack by the door is a lifesaver. It keeps your entryway tidy, especially during the rainy or snowy months when you don’t want wet shoes tracking dirt inside. It’s a simple way to keep things organized and clutter-free.
Curtains
Amazon Pick: Affordable Curtains
All apartments in Switzerland will come with large metal outside blinds, and if you are like me, these are the bain of your existence. They are loud and make your cozy home suddenly feel like a prison when they are down. In order to combat these horrible things, linen curtains are perfect. I personally don’t splurge on curtains because we have a cat and she always fails to snag them, so these are affordable and don’t make me stress about snags.
Clothes Drying Rack
Amazon Pick: Amazon Basics Clothes Drying Rack
Again, with space being limited in Swiss apartments and tiny clothes dryers, a compact clothes drying rack is a must-have for efficient indoor drying. This is especially true during the winter months when outdoor drying isn’t practical. It still makes me laugh that so many people here dry their clothes outside, even in the colder seasons!
Cordless Table Lamp
Amazon Pick: Re-chargeable Trendy Table Lamp for less!
Swiss apartments can have tricky layouts, and outlets aren’t always where you need them. A cordless table lamp is the perfect solution, providing light wherever you need it without the hassle of cords. It’s also great for creating a cozy atmosphere in any room.
Cord Hiding Boxes
Amazon Pick: Simple box to hide cables and cords
Cable clutter can quickly make your space feel messy, especially like I said above, outlets can be in the worst places. Cord hiding boxes are a simple way to keep all your cables neatly organized and out of sight. They’re perfect for your living room, office, or any area where electronics are in use.
Non-stick Backing Liners
Amazon Pick: Silicone Baking Mats
This is a bit random, but a personal must for me. These not only save on space in the kitchen because dish racks are tricky to fit, they make cleanup a breeze!
Balancing Sustainability and Convenience
As someone who is not a huge fan of fast fashion and tries to shop sustainably, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find eco-friendly options in Switzerland. While Amazon offers convenience, it’s also known for promoting fast fashion and mass-produced goods, which can be at odds with sustainable shopping values. However, there are ways to use Amazon more mindfully:
- Look for Sustainable Brands: Amazon does offer a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly brands. Use keywords like “organic,” “fair trade,” “sustainable,” or “eco-friendly” in your searches to find products that align with your values.
- Choose Amazon Warehouse: Purchasing open-box and pre-owned items from Amazon Warehouse is not only cost-effective but also a way to reduce waste. This can be a great option for electronics, books, and home goods.
- Be Mindful of Packaging: Amazon’s packaging can sometimes be excessive. Where possible, opt for products that offer minimal or recyclable packaging, and combine orders to reduce the number of shipments.
Summary of Must-Have Items from Amazon
Shopping on Amazon in Switzerland requires a bit of extra consideration, especially if you’re trying to shop sustainably. By being mindful of your purchases and exploring alternative options, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without compromising your values. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or unique finds, understanding how to navigate Amazon’s offerings in Switzerland will help you make the most of your shopping experience while staying true to your principles.
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