In the digital age, e-commerce platforms have revolutionized the way we shop, offering convenience, variety, and accessibility at our fingertips. However, as Switzerland is not a part of the European Union, you’re often slapped with extra import, custom and/or VAT taxes on top of your purchase when you order something from outside of Switzerland…So let’s break down the two major online shopping queens here: Amazon and Galaxus — and which one deserves your Swiss Francs. 💸

Amazon

Yes, that Amazon. You know her. You love her. She’s global, fast, and gives you everything from yoga mats to air fryers and books you’ll never finish. But in Switzerland? She’s a little… complicated.

There is no Swiss version of Amazon but both amazon.de (Germany) and amazon.fr (France) will ship to Switzerland.

Why we love it:

• Familiar platform and user friendly
• Wide range of products often at a lower price point

Our tips:

• Make sure to enter your local shipping address first before you start shopping, as not all products will ship to Switzerland.
• Pricing and product availability differ on both (.de & .fr) sites, so it’s worth cross checking if you’re having trouble finding something or want to find the best deal.

Galaxus

Galaxus, Switzerland’s very own online darling. Think of her as Amazon’s chic, local cousin who knows all the Swiss brands, delivers on time, and speaks your language (literally — site in EN, DE, FR, IT).

Why we love it:

• Smooth returns
• Swiss approved products with no surprises

What can improve:

• Lack of customer’s reviews
• Doesn’t always have all the product information and may require you to do product research on the side

⚖️ Pros & Cons Breakdown: Amazon vs. Galaxus

Feature	Amazon (DE/FR/IT)	Galaxus
🚚 Shipping	From EU (Germany/France/Italy); may take 3–7 days	Local Swiss warehouse, fast (1–3 days)
💰 Price	Prices are usually cheaper	Slight markup, but includes taxes/duties
🧾 Customs & VAT	May get surprise customs bill if you are ordering from a 3rd party 😱 (import taxes are covered if you’re buying directly from Amazon)	All taxes included, no surprises
🛠️ Warranty & Returns	Complicated (cross-border)	Easy Swiss returns & guarantees
🛒 Product Range	Huge! Literally everything	Big, but not Amazon big
🧡 Support	Hit or miss	Friendly Swiss customer service

💡 Local Girl Tips: What You Need to Know

1. Customs Drama is Real

Ordering from Amazon without checking the seller? You might get a surprise customs fee. Not cute. 😤 If you must use Amazon, choose items sold and shipped by Amazon to help reduce the risk.

2. Check for Swiss Plugs 🔌:

Amazon loves sending UK or EU plug versions. Galaxus? Always Swiss-compatible. No adapter drama.

3. Returns & Repairs

Galaxus is so much easier for returns. Amazon cross-border returns can be a pain (and expensive). If you’re buying electronics or something pricey, go local.

4. Galaxus Has a Secret Twin: Digitecthe Right Platform for You

Need tech stuff? Galaxus’ sibling site Digitec is your go-to for laptops, phones, and gadgets. Same company, same great service.

5. Delivery Days & Speed

Galaxus is super Swiss — punctual and precise. Amazon can be a bit of a gamble depending on where the item ships from.

💬 So… Which One Should You Use?

💖 Use Galaxus when:

• You want a stress-free, local experience
• You’re buying electronics, appliances, or anything with a warranty
• You can’t deal with customs/duties drama
• You need something quickly

🌍 Use Amazon when:

• You’re looking for niche or specialty items not sold locally
• You’ve checked reviews and are okay waiting a bit
• You’re okay with potential customs fees
• You’re buying books or international brands

🛒 Other Swiss Shopping Queens to Know

Site	What’s It Good For
Manor.ch	Department store vibes
Zalando.ch	Fashion, shoes, returns are 💯
Coop@Home / Migros Online	Groceries delivered to your doorsteps if you’re lazy 😉
Ricardo.ch	Swiss eBay! Great for second-hand deals

👯‍♀️ Final Verdict from Your Expat BFF

If you’re new here and just want peace of mind, Galaxus is the way to go. It’s reliable, local, and very Swiss — in a good way. 🇨🇭✨ But don’t ghost Amazon completely! Just make sure you’re shipping wisely, and keep an eye on 3rd party sellers.

With that, happy shopping, love! 💅 Whether you’re building your furnishing your new apartment or just need some shampoo, you’ve got this.