It is a non-existent relationship. To me, the strangest part is when you order something online. In the states this would definitely be a situation in which you would pay with a credit card. Yet here in Switzerland, instead of automatically charging a credit card, you will be sent an invoice. For example, I bought a curtain for one of the windows from an online Swiss provider. The website did not ask for any billing information. When my curtains arrived there was a bill enclosed in the box. It is not possible to pay the bill by card either. You may return the invoice with a check or go to the local bank/ post office and pay for it in cash there. It is totally baffling to an outsider such as myself. You receive the goods or services BEFORE paying for them. This would never fly in the US, the company would have been put out of business by unpaid invoices a looong time ago.
I suppose this is why the US is in debt and Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries.

Labels: cultural differences, money matters, shopping

Sweet Dreams and Goodnite

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Cheap in Switzerland? Am I hallucinating?
Manor has an outlet store, similar to Nordstrom rack, Filenes Basement…etc in the US. Now Manor Outlet doesn’t really compare since it is much much smaller, but either way, low prices in Switzerland are refreshing no matter what! Today was the first time that I ventured in and I walked out with two pairs of shoes and some kitchen supplies for under $30 CHF. --- which by the way is about the same as a meal at the corner bar.

Labels: basel, shopping, what a steal

Sweet Dreams and Goodnite

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