Is Switzerland Safe for Black Travelers? My Experience as a Ghanaian Visiting Switzerland

If you’re a Black traveler thinking about visiting Switzerland, you might be wondering, “Is it safe for me?”

I get it. As a Black person, traveling to a new country always comes with a few concerns Will I be treated fairly? Will I face racism? Will I feel comfortable?

Well, I recently visited Switzerland, and I can confidently say: YES! Switzerland is very safe for Black travelers!

As an African (from Ghana), I traveled to Switzerland by train from Stuttgart, Germany, stopping in Zurich before continuing to Geneva. I had an amazing experience, and in this article, I’ll share my honest thoughts about safety, friendliness, challenges, and overall experience in Switzerland as a Black traveler.

My First Impressions of Switzerland

When I first arrived in Zurich, the first thing that caught my attention was how organized and clean the city was. Everything felt modern, efficient, and well-maintained. The people were busy but polite, and nobody stared at me or made me feel uncomfortable.

Coming from Germany, I expected Switzerland to feel similar… but it had its own unique charm. The air was fresh and the streets were clean. As for the trains, they ran on time like magic.

From the very beginning, I felt safe and welcome.

Is There Racism in Switzerland? My Honest Experience

One of the biggest fears for Black travelers is experiencing racism in a foreign country. During my stay in Switzerland, I can confidently say: I did NOT experience any racism at all.

• No one treated me differently.
• No one stared at me awkwardly.
• No one made me feel uncomfortable.

People were polite, helpful, and respectful in both Zurich and Geneva. Switzerland is very international, and I saw people from different backgrounds… Africans, Asians, Middle Easterners, and Europeans all living and working together.

Trust me when I say Switzerland is a rich and diverse country with people from all over the world. This is more prominent when you visit in big cities like Zurich and Geneva. Owing to this, being Black didn’t make me stand out.

Of course, I can’t speak for every single Black traveler’s experience, but personally, I felt completely safe and accepted.

The Train Ride

My trip to Switzerland started with a train ride from Stuttgart, Germany, to Zurich. Let me tell you this was one of the best train rides of my life!

• The views were breathtaking mountains, lakes, and small villages covered in snow.
• The train was super comfortable, clean, and on time.
• I had zero issues as a Black traveler no weird looks, no rude behavior, nothing.

From Zurich, I continued by train to Geneva, and the experience was just as smooth and enjoyable. If you’re planning to travel inside Switzerland, I highly recommend taking the Swiss trains. They are fast, reliable, and offer some of the best views you’ll ever see!

People in Switzerland: Friendly or Reserved?

Swiss people are known for being polite and respectful, but they can also come across as a bit reserved.

Coming from Ghana, where people are naturally warm, open, and love to chat (even with strangers) it felt a bit different. In Switzerland, people tend to mind their own business. They’re not the type to just walk up and start a random conversation. But that doesn’t mean they’re rude. It’s simply how their culture works – quiet, private, and respectful of personal space.

That being said, if you ask for help or directions, they’ll respond kindly and assist you without hesitation. You just have to make the first move. And when it comes to places like restaurants, stores, and hotels, the service I experienced was always professional and genuinely friendly.

The Biggest Challenge: Switzerland is EXPENSIVE!

Let’s not sugarcoat it – Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries I’ve ever been to. Is it beautiful? Absolutely. Is it safe? No doubt. But is it cheap? Not at all.

A simple meal in a regular restaurant can easily cost you CHF 18 to CHF 35 (around $20 to $39). And I’m not even talking about anything fancy. Just normal food, like a burger or a plate of pasta. You’ll enjoy it but your wallet will feel it.

A small bottle of water in a supermarket? CHF 2.50 to CHF 4.50 (about $2.80 to $5.00). At first, I thought I was reading the price wrong. You really start appreciating free tap water after that.

Accommodation is another story. A decent hotel room in places like Zurich or Geneva can cost anywhere from CHF 130 to CHF 270 per night (roughly $145 to $300). That’s a lot especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget or staying for more than a few days.

So if you’re planning to visit, here’s what I recommend:

• Buy food from supermarkets like Coop or Migros. They have ready-to-eat meals that are way cheaper than restaurants.
• Use public transport. Trains, trams, and buses are efficient and safe, and they’ll save you a lot compared to taxis.
• Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. You’ll find clean and cozy options that don’t break the bank.

Yes, Switzerland will drain your wallet if you’re not careful. But honestly, it’s still worth it. The scenery is unreal and the people are respectful. Everything runs so smoothly in this country. If you plan well, you can enjoy the best of Switzerland without going broke

The Weather: Cold, Cold, and More Cold!

I visited Switzerland in winter and I was honestly not ready at all. I thought I could handle it, but this cold is not the Accra type. It hits you straight to the bone.

Coming from Ghana, where the weather is warm almost every day, adjusting to the Swiss winter was no joke. Zurich was freezing. The temperatures were below 0°C (32°F), and I’m not talking about small cold. It was the kind that makes your nose hurt.

Geneva was even worse. Cold plus wind? That combination humbled me real quick. I had to wear everything I packed, and then borrow some more. Jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves – the full package.

If you’re not used to serious cold like me, do yourself a favor. Pack properly. Get thick clothes, gloves, a solid winter jacket, and don’t forget thermal socks. The winter in Switzerland is beautiful, no doubt, but trust me it’s also brutal.

What I Loved About Switzerland

Despite the cold and high prices, there are so many things I loved about Switzerland:

The Amazing Scenery

Switzerland is like a fairy tale… snowy mountains, beautiful lakes, and charming towns. Everywhere you look, it feels like a postcard!

The Efficient Public Transport

Trains, buses, and trams run perfectly on time. Traveling is stress-free and easy.

The Clean and Safe Environment

Switzerland is one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world. Walking alone at night in Zurich or Geneva is extremely safe! The cleanliness and safety of the these cities reminded me of Singapore (which is also one of the safest places to visit).

The International Atmosphere

So many different cultures, languages, and people! You never feel out of place.

Should Black Travelers Visit Switzerland?

Absolutely YES! Switzerland is one of the safest, most beautiful, and most welcoming places I have visited. As a Black traveler, I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. If you’re thinking about visiting Switzerland, don’t worry about racism. My advice is just prepare for the cold weather (if you visit during the winter) and the expensive prices!

Would I visit Switzerland again? Without a doubt! Next time, I’ll go during summer so I can enjoy the lakes and mountains without freezing!