An Expat Talks about Moving to Zug, Switzerland
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Zug
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
Wish I had brought:
1) Sufficient bedlinen (different sizes in every country I have lived in)
2) Enough English books (too expensive here)
I should have left:
1) All my exotic plants (too cold for too long)
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With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
- Contact the International Women's Club (Zug or Zurich) or the PTA/PTO of the various international schools for advice.
- There is little choice only, be prepared for this and not too depressed.
- Make sure you choose a house you will be happy to live in, you will spend a lot of time there!
- The Swiss are friendly but very distanced, however they love to practise their English at all times!
- Outdoors facilities are abundant, make sure you have a car to use them.
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
Rental single home, 3 to 4 bedrooms, with a small garden yes this is typical, yet there is a large part of the international community who lives in large houses!
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
- Through a relocation agent (one I wouldn't recommend)
- Newspapers are also a good choice, internet wasn't well developped at the time, this is improving
- We chose a neighboorhood close enough to the school and the work place.
- Taxes didn't influence us at the time but should definitely be considered, Zug is less expensive taxwise, one needs to keep in mind that each community sets their own tax level!
Cigna Global Health
With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
Cigna Global Health
With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
Definitely higher than in my home country but also dependent on location (rural, city etc) housing costs in Switzerland for a single family home, four bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, small garden vary between 3700 and 5500 SF excluding extras.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Zug
- 7 Tips for Living in Zug
- Pros & Cons of Living in Zug
- Cost of Living in Zug
- Health Care in Zug
- The Insider's Guide to Zug
- 5 Tips for Living in Zug
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Switzerland
- Best Places to Live in Switzerland
- Real Estate in Switzerland
- Pros & Cons of Living in Switzerland
- Mental Health Care in Switzerland
- What It's Like Living in Zug
- Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Switzerland