The Land of Lake Geneva, The Matterhorn,

Skiing & Famous Watches

Information on Relocating to Switzerland

• The capital city of Switzerland is Bern with about 123 thousand people. The political centre is in Bern. Switzerland is a federal Republic.

• Language: The language spoken are German, French, Italian and Romansch (0,6%) besides that many people speak English too. The TV programs are in German, French and Italian mostly. There are 3 German, 2 French, 2 Italian  and 1 Romansch channel. Many more available through cable and satellite.

• Population: The population is about 7 million people from several different cultures and backgrounds: German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%.

• Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community are: Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich and Zug.

• Housing: The availability of houses in the whole country and particularly  in these areas varies. At the moment the market is better than before. Most Expats rent their houses or apartments some buy their homes. Both options are available and will be looked at with you but mainly depend on your company policy, income and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. You will pay roughly Euro 1056 - Euro 1907 for an apartment and Euro 3235 - 8000 for a town house (Geneva). The local currency is Swiss Franc.

• Schools: Besides the famous Swiss International boarding schools there are of course the American school,  the British school, The International school and all the local schools in various languages. Depending on the age we can tell you about waiting lists etc.

• Transportation: The public transportation system is one of the best in the World. You can get to almost all places by public transport. If trains don't t go to a village, then the yellow buses, called "Postauto" and run by the national post service, will take you there. Tickets can be bought in any train station, and then there are also the plains, taxi's and here and there the boat, across the lakes.

• Banking: Most banks are open from 8.00 am until 12.00 pm and from 1.30 pm until 5.00 pm.

• Shopping: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 am until 6.30 pm, on Thursday from 9.00 am until 8.00 or 9.00 pm mainly in the big cities. Saturday from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm. Sundays and Holidays the shops are closed. (the only exception may be a bakery that may be open in the morning.)

• Climate: On the plateau and lower valleys of Switzerland a temperate climate prevails, with a mean annual temperature of about 10°C (50°F). The temperature decreases about 2°C (3°F) for every additional 300 m (about 1000 ft) of elevation. Rainfall also varies considerably according to elevation. Rainfall on the plateau and in the lower valleys is about 910 mm (about 36 inches) annually; the higher regions generally receive more rainfall. Much of the rain falls during the winter in the form of snow; the peaks of most mountains about 2700 m (about 9000 ft) or higher are snow-covered all year round. Large glaciers are at higher elevations, especially in the Alps. The Bise, a cold, Northerly wind, predominates in the winter, and the Foehn, a warm, dry Southeasterly wind, predominates during the rest of the year.

• Culture: Switzerland has a lot of culture. Art galleries are very popular as well as the many museums that Switzerland has for example in Geneva alone you'll find over thirty museums, several concert halls, over twenty theatres, about thirty cinemas and more than a hundred private art galleries and this doesn't even include the festivals like the Wilhelm Tell festival etc. etc.  There are of course also a lot of outdoor activities and sights to see.

• Public holidays: January 1st- New Year's Day - National, January 2nd - 2nd Day of New Year - National, Good Friday - National (except the canton of Ticino) Easter Sunday - National, Easter Monday - National (except Luzerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden, etc.) these date vary usually end of March or April, Whit Monday - National (except Valais), May 1st - Labor Day - Geneva, May 29th Ascension - National, August 1st - Confederation Day - National, December 25th - Christmas Day - National, December 26th - St Stephen's Day - National, December 31st-Commemoration of the Restoration St Sylvester - Geneva.