Reply to: Positive Brexit Story II

[BlasterBates]

Switzerland is in EFTA, so what tariffs would cease if they were in the EU? My (limited) understanding is that Swiss retailers charge more "just because they can". Even Swiss watches are more expensive in Switzerland than Germany, yet Swiss VAT is only 8%. I'm guessing part of the reason is the strength of the CHF, and they would never give that up to join the Euro, so I'm not convinced by your conclusion.

This is how it was before the CHF was high. You are right it's all part of what happens when you throw up the barriers. Exceptions are electrical goods and petrol.

Going to a supermarket in Switzerland requires taking along your financial advisor. Norway's the same which is why they all pile over to Sweden to do their shopping.

[Mordac]

The fact is the Swiss depend on the fact that they can pop over to the EU to get decently priced goods. In Switzerland only certain things are reasonably priced, other things are horrendously expensive. This is purely because it isn't in the EU. I worked in Luxembourg for a while, which is similar to Switzerland in many respects and everything was much simpler and goods reasonably priced.

Switzerland is in EFTA, so what tariffs would cease if they were in the EU? My (limited) understanding is that Swiss retailers charge more "just because they can". Even Swiss watches are more expensive in Switzerland than Germany, yet Swiss VAT is only 8%. I'm guessing part of the reason is the strength of the CHF, and they would never give that up to join the Euro, so I'm not convinced by your conclusion.

[BlasterBates]

You obviously haven't had the pleasure of being stopped by Swiss customs at the German border.

I have indeed, on many occasions

Firstly there is an allowance so you can do your weeks food shopping. Obviously for larger items you have to pay Swiss VAT but it is still a lot cheaper. German VAT is refunded or not charged as most shops will arrange it and deliver for you.

[darmstadt]

You obviously haven't had the pleasure of being stopped by Swiss customs at the German border.

I have, going into Switzerland. They wanted to know how much money I had on me and were rather disgusted when I replied "about 80 Euros!"

[clearedforlanding]

The fact is the Swiss depend on the fact that they can pop over to the EU to get decently priced goods. In Switzerland only certain things are reasonably priced, other things are horrendously expensive. This is purely because it isn't in the EU. I worked in Luxembourg for a while, which is similar to Switzerland in many respects and everything was much simpler and goods reasonably priced.

You obviously haven't had the pleasure of being stopped by Swiss customs at the German border.

[BlasterBates]

The fact is the Swiss depend on the fact that they can pop over to the EU to get decently priced goods. In Switzerland only certain things are reasonably priced, other things are horrendously expensive. This is purely because it isn't in the EU. I worked in Luxembourg for a while, which is similar to Switzerland in many respects and everything was much simpler and goods reasonably priced.

[NotAllThere]

If it does happen then I'm sure the roaming charges will be reciprocated.

But I'd think that competition amongst providers to offer the best package will ensure the costs are low or even zero. When I was in the US last year ( which, I don't believe is in the EU ) my roaming charges were minimal and entitled me to use my UK data and calls.

You might not have heard of this, but there's this thing called "WiFi". It's pretty cool, its a near-ubiquitous offering throughout Europe and the UK. You can get it in hotels, in restaurants, pubs, cafes and in lots of public places and spaces. Lots of places offer it because it's a lure. Two coffee shops to choose from? I'd pick the one with WiFi.

I cannot remember the last time I paid for WiFi.

WhatsApp anyone?

I live in Switzerland. Current rates for unlimited roaming are around £100 a month - for voice/SMS, includes 4GB data. As someone who is regularly around Europe, yes, there's plenty of free wifi available, but it is by no mean ubiquitous.

Sorry to be a downer on your fantasy, but these are the facts for living in a non-EU country.

[darmstadt]

At least it's good for creating new political parties:

https://www.onenationgb.uk/

[tomtomagain]

Try pulling your hair out with German "Wifi". Too many places have been burnt by Waldorf Fromer.

That's funny, I had not heard of it. Just had a quick read up.

Well for me it's a non-issue. I generally use a VPN, don't download illegal torrents and very rarely visit Germany.

The EU should mandate it across Europe. Level playing field and all that.

[tomtomagain]

That's the spirit!

Indeed it is. Better be optimistic and deal with changes as they occur then pessimistic and just roll over and die.

The long-term trend is for mobile calls and data charges to tend towards zero. BREXIT or no BREXIT, EU or Non-EU.

The long-term trend is for increased wi-fi coverage globally.

In a decade we'll all be using our Elon Musk provided satellite-broadband anyway so it won't make one iota of difference.

[darmstadt]

You might not have heard of this, but there's this thing called "WiFi". It's pretty cool, its a near-ubiquitous offering throughout Europe and the UK. You can get it in hotels, in restaurants, pubs, cafes and in lots of public places and spaces. Lots of places offer it because it's a lure. Two coffee shops to choose from? I'd pick the one with WiFi.

On the bonny banks of the Danube in Bratislava there is free Wifi as noted by the signs on the benches there, sponsored by the government of Taiwan!

[northernladyuk]

If it does happen then I'm sure the roaming charges will be reciprocated.

But I'd think that competition amongst providers to offer the best package will ensure the costs are low or even zero. When I was in the US last year ( which, I don't believe is in the EU ) my roaming charges were minimal and entitled me to use my UK data and calls.

You might not have heard of this, but there's this thing called "WiFi". It's pretty cool, its a near-ubiquitous offering throughout Europe and the UK. You can get it in hotels, in restaurants, pubs, cafes and in lots of public places and spaces. Lots of places offer it because it's a lure. Two coffee shops to choose from? I'd pick the one with WiFi.

I cannot remember the last time I paid for WiFi.

WhatsApp anyone?

That's the spirit!

[northernladyuk]

Project Fear predicted meltdown and plagues of locuts immediately after the vote, not really worth bringing it up is it?

Oh I forgot you are a remoaner so you have to whine on.

Whereas in fact the economy is booming!

[clearedforlanding]

If it does happen then I'm sure the roaming charges will be reciprocated.

But I'd think that competition amongst providers to offer the best package will ensure the costs are low or even zero. When I was in the US last year ( which, I don't believe is in the EU ) my roaming charges were minimal and entitled me to use my UK data and calls.

You might not have heard of this, but there's this thing called "WiFi". It's pretty cool, its a near-ubiquitous offering throughout Europe and the UK. You can get it in hotels, in restaurants, pubs, cafes and in lots of public places and spaces. Lots of places offer it because it's a lure. Two coffee shops to choose from? I'd pick the one with WiFi.

I cannot remember the last time I paid for WiFi.

WhatsApp anyone?

Try pulling your hair out with German "Wifi". Too many places have been burnt by Waldorf Fromer.

[tomtomagain]

If it does happen then I'm sure the roaming charges will be reciprocated.

But I'd think that competition amongst providers to offer the best package will ensure the costs are low or even zero. When I was in the US last year ( which, I don't believe is in the EU ) my roaming charges were minimal and entitled me to use my UK data and calls.

You might not have heard of this, but there's this thing called "WiFi". It's pretty cool, its a near-ubiquitous offering throughout Europe and the UK. You can get it in hotels, in restaurants, pubs, cafes and in lots of public places and spaces. Lots of places offer it because it's a lure. Two coffee shops to choose from? I'd pick the one with WiFi.

I cannot remember the last time I paid for WiFi.

WhatsApp anyone?