Switzerland gets closer to Sunday shop openings; Swiss healthcare found to be most expensive in Europe; and more news in our roundup this Tuesday.
Switzerland gets closer to (occasional) Sunday shop openings
The idea of shops opening 12 Sundays per year – that is, one Sunday per month – is getting traction in Switzerland.
The Federal Council is in favour of this move, but only as long as each canton can decide whether to implement this measure on its own territory.
The consultation period on this matter ended on Monday and the Federal Council must now present a final draft taking into account all the opinions expressed in this matter.
READ ALSO: Shops in Switzerland could be allowed to open one Sunday per month
Switzerland tops the European rankings for healthcare spending
The government spent around 10,000 francs per capita in 2023, according to data from Eurostat – the statistical office of the European Union. That adds up to 11.7 percent of the country’s GDP.
The EU average is around 3,500 francs.
Even when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), Switzerland led Europe in 2023, Eurostat reported on Monday.
PPP comparisons take into account differences in price levels between countries.
To compare, Liechtenstein (around 9,746 francs) and Luxembourg (around 6,356 francs) ranked behind Switzerland (around 10,035 francs). Germany spent around 5,446 francs per capita on healthcare, France around 4,023 francs, and Italy around 2,847 francs.
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Germany lures Swiss shoppers with a new app
Right now, cross-border shoppers from Switzerland who want to get a VAT refund on purchases abroad have to queue up at customs, and have their receipt stamped by a customs officer.
But a new German app will make this process easier and quicker.
Instead of a paper receipt, the eAKZ app generates a digital card with a code at the point of purchase. The retailer scans this code and uploads the digital receipt to the customer’s app.
The difference can be paid out in cash or credited towards the next purchase.
When the customer crosses the border, the app detects this via GPS tracking. This crossing serves as confirmation of export. Stamping the receipt and tax-free forms at customs becomes unnecessary.
On their next purchase, the customer can present the generated confirmation in the app to the retailer and receive a VAT refund.
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