Moving to Switzerland

"Keep in mind: - There is no free choice of school for your children, unless you are willing and able to pay for (expensive) private schools. Your children will usually go to school in the quarter you live. If you have specific school preferences for your kids, take this into consideration in the neighborhood choice. - Not only property prices vary highly between city and countryside, and between the various cantons. Also taxes and costs for (mandatory!) health insurance may vary a lot. Example: the canton of Zug may sound very attractive at first sight, because of the extremely low taxes. You'll quickly find out that this is (more than) compensated by prices for housing. Check out tax and health insurance rates at www.comparis.ch," replied a member in Olten.

"www.immoscout.ch is a good website to find houses/apartments, both for sale and for rent. When you consider to buy a house: - may be a good idea as mortgage interest rates are low - keep in mind that a bank will not give mortgages for more than 80% of the value of the house. You need to finance the rest of the house yourself - check which legal conditions you must oblige when buying property. In particular, try to organise your work/stay permit before you buy, as this will make buying conditions easier and cheaper," said one expat in Olten.

"Expat homes and apartments in Switzerland typically offer spacious layout, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and modern furnishing. Many homes and apartments come with modern kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, designer bathrooms, and ample storage space. They often have balconies with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Alps and Lake Geneva. Expat homes and apartments are usually in close proximity to amenities, such as shops and restaurants. In addition, public transport is usually conveniently located nearby," explained one expat living in Switzerland.

"It's a ski chalet, 2 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath with a large loft. It can easily sleep 8-10 people. The shower (and when the electricy turns off and on) is the pacing item here," said one expat in Wengen.

"Property is expensive, whether you buy or rent. In the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, prices can be astronomic," replied a member in Olten.

"About the same as in the San Francisco Bay Area. A nice small (100 sq. meters) ski chalet is about USD 450,000. I think that's because it is in a tourist area. I know that some places of comparable size are less expensive in Interlaken," commented one expat who made the move to Wengen.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Switzerland may depend on a variety of personal factors, such as budget, desired location, timeframe, and housing needs. Generally, purchasing a home may offer more long-term stability than renting, but it may also involve higher up-front costs, such as down-payments, closing costs and various taxes. Renting generally delivers more flexibility, but renters may also have to deal with fluctuating rental rates and shorter-term agreements. By considering one’s needs and financial means, one can make an informed decision about buying or renting in Switzerland," said one expat in Switzerland.

"This is crazy but Miracle Whip, Saltine Crackers, and KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce are things I can't live without. When we shipped our goods to Switzerland we included about 15 bottles of hair shampoo! Unless you are addicted to a specific kind/type--leave those kinds of things at home," explained one expat living in Wengen, Switzerland.

"hmmmm... Swiss sometimes do not understand German jokes. I laugh but the Swiss don't," said one expat who made the move to Zurich.

"It is important to be aware of local customs when visiting Switzerland. Public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing are generally seen as inappropriate, particularly among strangers. It is also important to be punctual when making arrangements with Swiss people. Showing up late may be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful. Additionally, it is considered rude to wear shoes inside the home, so it is best to take them off when entering someone's home. With regard to tipping, Swiss culture does not heavily emphasize tipping and is considered an optional gesture," explained one expat living in Switzerland.

"Switzerland is renowned for its high quality of life and numerous employment opportunities. The country is also known for its stunning landscape, vibrant cities, culture and superb transport system. Expats are also drawn to the country thanks to its excellent education system, low crime rate and renowned banking sector. Additionally, Switzerland has low taxes and offers expansive access to the European Union (EU). The country also prides itself on its strong sense of neutrality and international recognition for its stability and neutrality," offered one expat living in Switzerland.

"Healthcare services in Switzerland are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is available to all Swiss citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Foreign residents are also eligible for public healthcare, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Switzerland can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. They may also choose to purchase private health insurance, which can provide additional coverage," stated one expat who made the move to Switzerland.

"Switzerland has a highly developed healthcare system that provides excellent medical services. The country has a comprehensive network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services. Swiss doctors are highly trained and experienced in providing quality medical care. The country also has a well-developed system of health insurance that covers most medical expenses. In addition, Switzerland has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized treatments and services," wrote one expat living in Switzerland.

"Health Insurance is mandatory but privately paid by the insured. Cost is regulated for basic requirements but supplemental is at providers discretion. Can be expensive," commented one expat living in Lausanne.