IQOS in Switzerland: devices, TEREA flavours 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 together and where you can find IQOS in Switzerland. Good to know first: Heimat does not sell IQOS devices or sticks. This is an information page only.

What is IQOS?

IQOS is a brand of Philip Morris International, the group behind Marlboro. The first IQOS launched in 2014 in Japan and Italy, and Switzerland followed shortly after. Philip Morris has its operations centre 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 is no flame and no ash. The tobacco in the stick is brought to a set temperature, creating 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 heats the tobacco in a controlled way and much less intensely. Older IQOS devices use a heating blade that goes into the stick. The current ILUMA generation heats the stick from the inside by induction: every TEREA stick contains a small metal strip that warms 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 applies to heated tobacco devices and sticks as to cigarettes: sale only from 18.

IQOS ILUMA devices at a glance

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

TEREA, DELIA and LEVIA: which sticks fit which IQOS?

With IQOS it matters that device and stick go together. ILUMA devices only work with SMARTCORE sticks, the ones with the metal strip inside. The older HEETS do not fit an ILUMA.

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

TEREA flavours in Switzerland

TEREA sticks come in many varieties. The names do not stand for strength but for taste. A few examples that people in Switzerland often search for:

Which TEREA varieties are available changes regularly. New ones are added, others disappear. You will see the current range best 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, tobacconists, petrol station shops, dedicated IQOS stores and online in the official IQOS shop. You must be of legal age for an IQOS Club account or the online shop login, and your age is checked when you buy.

Prices for devices and sticks are set by the manufacturer and may differ depending on promotions and point of sale. Heimat does not sell IQOS products.

Prefer real tobacco from Switzerland?

Not everyone wants to charge a device, buy refill sticks and keep track of the right generation. If you prefer to smoke the classic way or roll your own, have a look at Heimat. 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 relationship with the owners of these trademarks and does not sell IQOS products. The information on this page is for information only and does not claim to be complete.