Prices are high: the supermarket, the Saver Day Pass, and tap water

Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe, and the way to afford it is to eat like the Swiss do between restaurant meals: Coop and Migros supermarkets have good hot counters, bakeries, and picnic food, and tap water is excellent everywhere, including the fountains in every village. For trains, the Saver Day Pass (bought ahead for a specific date) and the Half Fare Card (worth it for trips over a few days) beat the full-price fares; the Swiss Travel Pass suits all-day-every-day travelers.