Being an Expat in Switzerland: 10 things you need to know

Are you deeming about moving to Switzerland? Are you inquiring to find out what living here might be for you and your family? Before you begin to worry about starting a bank account, proceeding with health insurance, and finding a house to rent in Switzerland, let us begin to discuss everything that matters living here in this article. Being an Expat, you also need to know how to compare Switzerland’s health insurance and mortgage loans. 

Are the Swiss territories very different?

There is a lot of gossips about the four regions of Switzerland, and yes, they dissent considerably in terms of the language, literature, history, geography, or business activity. Switzerland is a small but incredibly assorted land with a wealth of adventures just waiting for you to explore.

What is the healthcare situation in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a world-class universal healthcare system. It is notable because the country spends big on the healthcare sector – more than CHF 8,785 (€8,000) per resident. But, unlike several other countries, it is not funded by taxes. Alternatively, all Swiss citizens contribute to canton-run Swiss health insurance schemes. Many people use online health insurance comparison sites to pick the best health insurance provider for them. It helps a lot of people there to save big on their health insurance premiums annually. We have already published many articles on a health insurance comparison, mortgage load in Switzerland, and how to get discounts on health insurance as an individual. Must check out these articles after you finish this one.

Many take out private health insurance. With this, all citizens can access healthcare, and the insurance covers around 80%-90% of expenses. 

Basic Swiss health insurance gives a broad range of benefits. As such, plans usually incorporate outpatient hospitalization, emergency care, prescribed medications, and vaccinations. A policyholder can get prenatal care, gynecology check-ups, and rehabilitation on top of it.

Is learning the local Swiss language a must?

The four official languages in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. English is unofficially in the fifth position. German, will take you a long way in the Swiss-German part, and if you are moving to Geneva, then French is of great benefit. The other two languages are Italian and Romansh.

Is it hard to find a home to rent in Switzerland?

Particularly in the larger cities, job opening rates are very low, so make sure you set the right expectations for yourself and your family: settle on the deal-breakers and the things you can do without them. To ease it out, you can search online to compare mortgage loans in Switzerland. You will get to see comparison results of almost all the mortgage loan companies right on your screen with all features, discounts, etc., to choose from.

Is finding a job in Switzerland disheartening?

There are several ‘in demand’ acknowledged divisions like medicine, IT (or potent cheese production). Still, if you do not know the local language and do not have sufficient experience, it may be extremely difficult and very time-consuming to find a job in Switzerland. Better to do proper homework about your area of interest to work and live in.

Is Switzerland really expensive?

You have probably heard Switzerland is expensive, but make sure to balance out high expenses with high Swiss salaries. Switzerland’s transport cost is high, but the infrastructure is generally excellent, with minimum delays and good connections. The price of a single trip on any Swiss city public transportation network is around 5 CHF. However, there are reduced (the half fare card), or you can buy a cheaper ticket for fewer distances. The level of taxes you also pay highly depends on where you reside. Taxes vary from one canton to another, high to lower. For example, Geneva, Zurich, Bern have higher taxes, while Zug, Uri, Nidwalden, Appenzell Innerrhoden have lower taxes. Within the same canton, also there could be differences between urban and country tenants.  

Even if it is too expensive, you never run out of funds in Switzerland. You can easily find Loans with minimum interest rates through different online loan websites or companies in Switzerland.

How long does it take to adjust to life in Switzerland?

Sunday is a day of relaxation. Just like in Germany, all stores close on Sundays in Switzerland. You’ll have to get used to doing all your purchasing by Saturday at 5 pm (when the shops close) and take more freedom to experience other things in life. There are many occasions, local and Swiss-wide that ultimately change the face of any Swiss town. For example, carnivals in February, alpine drops in early autumn, music festivals in summer.

Discover the Swiss social manners: The Swiss are generally socially reserved, observed as rigidness or denial. Prospective social interactions are more natural than unconscious ones. It will not be a wind to meet people and make friends, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Swiss rules and regulations 

Switzerland is also known for its bit weird-sounding rules. But they almost all make sense to the Swiss. There are many laws made to strengthen common sense. For example, rules that may be involved in your rental agreement, like ‘no flushing and no shower after 10 pm’, are there to enforce common sense and stress the fact that you should not bother your neighbors. Rules implementing Sunday rest (no laundry, no sound) are there for just about the same reason. You can negotiate them with your neighbors, as long as you remain polite. For example, it is common to inform your neighbors if you host a dinner and even ask them to join the party. 

If not adopted, law-enforced rules like keeping several animals in pairs, recycling, waste disposal, and parking have quite strict fines.

Is it easy to find love in Switzerland?

Dating is difficult everywhere, but it can be even more challenging in Switzerland if you are not intimate with local customs. The Swiss are not expressly romantic and do not indulge in public displays of love. But, they do take love sincerely. Because it is a reserved community, the Swiss like to take their time to get to know you. It is more comfortable for ex-pats in Switzerland to meet people and date in larger cities like Zurich and Geneva. Fortunately, the Swiss are open to dating immigrants – 35% of the country’s marriages in 2019 were between a resident and an ex-pat! 

Is Switzerland good for having and raising kids?

With such a high quality of life, Switzerland is also a great place to have kids. There are loads of outdoor locations to travel to and a wealth of child-friendly facilities all over the country. The country is likewise very safe. It signifies children are often raised to be independent at an immature age and then proffered free rein to go on their own. Most Swiss kids go to and from school on their own or with mates. 

In addition, ex-pats in Switzerland have admittance to some of the best learning in the world. The Swiss educational system includes private, government and, foreign schools, as well as boarding schools. 

Conclusion

Expect to have a wonderful time in Switzerland. Enjoy the brilliant landscape, the many beautiful lakes and waves, the most interesting history, and when your visitors arrive from overseas, be sure to have some wine from Valais and a cheese tray ready to serve. There are currently no laws linking to consuming cheese in Switzerland, but there should be! Possibly open your panes and warn your next-door neighbor. To enjoy best do your homework in detail. It will ease out your life and settle you at the earliest.