What do you think about life in Switzerland? Did anyone live there? Any thoughts and suggestions?

Question

What do you think about life in Switzerland? Did anyone live there? Any thoughts and suggestions?

Answer 1

I've lived in Switzerland for 5 years now. It's growing on me. I think that even if you like stereotyping, you can't stereotype all of Switzerland. The Italian part is more laid-back than the French part, which is infinitely more laid-back than the German part. The cities are fairly cosmopolitan, but the villages can be quite xenophobic. The German language spoken here is very different from anything you may have learned in school. Salaries are amazing. Housing prices are high. The cheese is good, the trains are flawless. Don't plan to do anything but walk in the mountains or ski on a Sunday. It's a big adjustment but it is worth it.

Answer 2

I worked near Zurich for a year, then in Zurich for 6 months.  It's

quite a culture shock.  The people can be very stiff and rigid.

The standard response to a question is often" Because that's the

Swiss way."  A lot of times they can only see one way to do things.  So you have to learn to be FLEXIBLE.  And if you want to

do everything the way you do it in America, then DON'T GO!

But if you are open-minded and ready to experience something

new, then go.  It's great, the country is beautiful, and you'll probably learn a lot about life.

Answer 3

I live in Switzerland (Berne) and am half swiss, half american. Here's my opinion:

-beautiful view of the alps when it's sunny, though usually it's rainy (like today)

-even in the summer it can be really cold

-everything is expensive (Levi jeans cost 120 CHF!!)

-most swiss people are stiff, can come across as unfriendly

-everything is smaller (cars, milk containers, etc.)

-downtown shopping experience is depressing (would prefer a mall)

-mountains are great, especially for skiing

-lots of smokers, smoking allowed right in front of school

-swiss LOVE their noon break, anoying

Answer 4

I lived near Basel Switzerland for 6 months. I really enjoyed it, though I found everything quite expensive. There are some really beautiful sites, such as Basel, Bern, Chur, St Gallen, Zurich, Lausanne, Lucern, Valis, Geneva, Interlaken etc. When you go you must try the local food, like Roclette, Fondue, Spatzli, and the Swiss soft drink Rivella. (Don't forget the Chocolate!)

Answer 5

Here's the US State Department's information sheet for travel to Switzerland.

Switzerland is a highly developed democracy.  Liechtenstein is a democratically run constitutional monarchy.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Switzerland at for additional information.  

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:   A passport is required for travel to both Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days in either country.  For more information on entry requirements for both countries, travelers may contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone], or the nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.  See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of Switzerland’s web site at http://www.swissemb.org for the most current visa information.

Find more information about Entry and Exit Requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:  Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Switzerland, violence by anti-globalization, anti-Semitic, and an anti-establishment (anarchist) groups does occur from time to time.  This violence is typically in the form of property damage and clashes between these groups and the police.  The potential for specific threats of violence involving American citizens in Switzerland is remote.  The Consular Agencies in Zurich and Geneva may close periodically to assess their security situation.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:  Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime.  However, pick-pocketing and purse snatching do occur in the vicinity of train and bus stations, airports, and some public parks, especially during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas) and when conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities.  Liechtenstein has a low crime rate.  Travelers may wish to exercise caution on trains, especially on overnight trains to neighboring countries.  Thieves, who steal from passengers while they sleep, can enter even locked sleeping compartments.  

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.  

Switzerland, through the 26 cantons, has a program to assist victims of crime and their immediate relatives.  Medical, psychological, social, financial, and legal assistance are available throughout the country.  This program also protects the rights of the victim during the criminal proceedings.  The victim may receive compensation for some damages, if requested during the criminal procedure.  Information is available at the Swiss Department of Justice located on Bundesrain 20, 3003 Bern, telephone: [phone], as well as on the Internet at www.bj.admin.ch

See our information for Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Good medical care is widely available.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Switzerland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Although many roads are mountainous and winding, road safety standards are high.  In some mountain areas, vehicle snow chains are required in winter.  Road travel can be more dangerous during summer, winter holidays, the Easter break, and Whitsunday weekend (late spring) because of increased traffic.  Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires purchase of a sticker or “vignette,” which must be affixed to the car’s windshield.  Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings points, gas stations and at Swiss post offices.  Drivers using the highway system without a vignette are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot.  Public transportation in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is excellent.

Please refer to our Road Safety page.  

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Switzerland as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Switzerland’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initi...

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Costs of search and rescue operations are the responsibility of the victim, thus, travelers who plan to participate in mountain activities (summer and winter) are strongly encouraged to buy mountain search and rescue insurance.  Search and rescue insurances is available inexpensively in Switzerland and may be purchased at many Swiss post offices.  Information can be obtained form the Swiss National Tourist Office, at http://www.myswitzerland.com, at most tourists information offices or with the Swiss Air Rescue Organization at http://www.rega.ch.  Such insurance has proved useful as uninsured rescues can easily cost $25,000.  

Switzerland’s customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes.  ATA Carnet Headquarters located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10036, and issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States.  For additional information call [phone], send an email to [e-mail], or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.  

Please see our information on customs regulations.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Switzerland’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Switzerland are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  

Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Switzerland are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Bern, with the Consular Agencies in Geneva or Zurich or through the State Department’s travel registration website , and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy, Consulate, or Consular Agent to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bern; Tel. [phone], fax [phone].  The Embassy’s after hour’s emergency telephone number is (41) (79) 354-7248.  If the Duty Officer cannot be reached, please call Marine Post One at (41) (31) 357-7777.  The Embassy’s email address is [e-mail] . The U.S. Embassy website at http://bern.usembassy.gov answers many questions of interest to Americans visiting and residing in Switzerland.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Zurich is located at the American Center of Zurich, Dufourstrasse 101, 8008 Zurich; Tel: [phone], fax [phone].

The U.S. Consular Agency in Geneva is located at rue Versonnex 7, CH-1207 Geneva, Tel: [phone] fax [phone].

There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Liechtenstein.  For assistance and information on travel and security in Liechtenstein, U.S. may contact or register at the U.S. Embassy in Bern at the address above.