Americana
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ARE THERE US RETAILERS WHO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes. An increasing number of US stores are able to make international shipments. Examples include Crate and Barrel, The Company Store, Amazon.com, Nordstrom, Banana Republic (you have to call them) and David and Goliath. Shipping can be slow and you may also be required to pay Swiss duty on the items, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for in Basel it can still be worth it.
CAN I HAVE US MAGAZINES DELIVERED TO SWITZERLAND?
Yes. Many magazines offer international delivery, including Martha Stewart Living, GQ, The New Yorker, In Style magazine, and - my personal favorite, Philadelphia Magazine.
Simply contact subscription services at your favorite magazine(s) to inquire about subscription rates for international delivery. They are typically more expensive, but not prohibitively, so - especially when compared to the cost of an English-language magazine at one of the bookstores at the SBB. For example, Martha Stewart Living costs about 12 CHF per issue at the SBB whereas a one-year international subscription is $48. Note that delivery times may be slightly delayed.
IS THERE AN ONLINE SERVICE FOR AMERICAN FOOD ITEMS?
Yes! Brown sugar, JIF peanut butter, Marshmallow Fluff, Kraft BBQ sauce and other American products (PopTarts, Tang, Cheerios, Tollhouse Chocolate Chips, you get the idea) are available at www.tasteofamerica.ch. There is a 50 CHF minimum for delivery plus shipping and a 4CHF packing fee.
See Where Can I Buy… for more information about where to find your favorite American treats in Basel.
CAN I GET REALLY GOOD CORN ON THE COBB IN BASEL?
9. But things are getting better. Stick to the imported Spanish corn and you’ll do OK. And remember, while Swiss corn might not be the best, they have a jillion other amazing vegetables in season - like white asparagus and Nicola potatoes - so maybe just save the corn on the cobb for visits to the US.
*Photo courtesy of Meatball Productions.