IQOS in Switzerland: devices, TEREA varieties and what you should know

IQOS is the best-known heated tobacco device in Switzerland. Many people look for an IQOS shop, the new ILUMA or the right TEREA sticks. On this page we explain how IQOS works, which devices and sticks exist, what goes with what and where you can find IQOS in Switzerland. Important up front: Heimat does not sell IQOS devices or sticks itself. This page is for information only.

What is IQOS?

IQOS is a brand of Philip Morris International, the group behind Marlboro. The first IQOS was launched in 2014 in Japan and Italy, followed shortly afterwards by Switzerland. Philip Morris has its operational headquarters in Lausanne, which is why Switzerland is still one of the most important IQOS markets.

An IQOS is an electronic device into which you insert a short tobacco stick. The device heats the tobacco instead of lighting it. There's no flame and no ash. The tobacco in the stick is brought to a set temperature, producing a nicotine-containing aerosol that you inhale.

How does a heated tobacco device work?

In a cigarette, the tobacco burns at very high temperatures. A heated tobacco device like IQOS, by contrast, heats the tobacco in a controlled way and much less intensely. Older IQOS devices use a heating blade that sticks into the stick. The current ILUMA generation heats the stick from the inside by induction: every TEREA stick contains a small metal plate that heats up in the device's magnetic field.

Important: heated tobacco also contains nicotine, and nicotine is addictive. A heated tobacco device is not risk-free. In Switzerland, the same minimum age rules apply to heated tobacco devices and sticks as to cigarettes: sale only from age 18.

IQOS ILUMA devices at a glance

The ILUMA family has replaced older devices such as the IQOS 3 DUO. It comes in several versions that differ mainly in design, features and price. You use the same sticks with all ILUMA devices.

TEREA, DELIA and LEVIA: which sticks go with which IQOS?

With IQOS, it's important that device and stick match. ILUMA devices only work with sticks featuring SMARTCORE technology, i.e. with the metal plate inside. The older HEETS don't fit an ILUMA.

Caution: according to the manufacturer, TEREA, DELIA and LEVIA must not be inserted into older IQOS devices with a heating blade. The metal plate can damage the device.

TEREA varieties in Switzerland

TEREA sticks come in many varieties. The names don't stand for strength but for taste. A few examples people in Switzerland often search for:

Which TEREA varieties are currently available changes regularly. New varieties are added, others disappear. It's best to check the current range directly at your point of sale.

IQOS shop: where can I buy IQOS in Switzerland?

In Switzerland you can get IQOS devices and sticks at many kiosks, specialist tobacconists, petrol station shops, dedicated IQOS stores and online in the official IQOS shop. You must be of legal age to open an IQOS Club account or log in to the online shop, and your age is checked when you buy.

Prices for devices and sticks are set by the manufacturer and may vary depending on promotions and point of sale. You won't find any IQOS products at Heimat.

Prefer real tobacco from Switzerland?

Not everyone wants to charge a device, keep buying sticks and keep track of the right generation. If you'd rather smoke the classic way or roll your own, Heimat is worth a look. Our tobacco grows in Switzerland in the Lake Constance region and is processed in our own manufactory, without artificial additives.

More brands at a glance: Marlboro Gold and Red, Marlboro Crafted, Camel cigarettes, American Spirit and Parisienne cigarettes.

IQOS, ILUMA, TEREA, DELIA, LEVIA and HEETS are registered trademarks of Philip Morris Products S.A. Heimat has no business connection with the owners of these trademarks and does not sell IQOS products. The information on this page is for general information and makes no claim to completeness.