topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

How to assimilate

Crime and the legal system in Switzerland

Major museums in Switzerland

Culture and social etiquette in Switzerland

How to open a Swiss bank account

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4081.2 -0.61
Hang seng 18713.41 0.25
Straits Times 2772.75 -0.24
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home Moving to Getting Started Utilities in Switzerland

Getting Started

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


23/02/2010Utilities in Switzerland

Utilities in Switzerland How to set up electricity, telephone, TV and internet in Switzerland.

Utilities

The Swiss energy market is privatised, with consumers offered a wide choice of service providers. Many companies cover all three services: electricity, gas and water.

When renting a house, utilities are usually excluded from the monthly rent. Apartments, however, commonly include heating and hot water in the rent.

Companies send bills every two to four months. Tenants pay an estimated charge which is re-calculated every six to 12 months based on metre readings.
    
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy is responsible for regulating the energy market and increasing energy efficiency in the home. As environmental awareness increases, incentives for decreasing energy use are emerging.    

Electricity in Switzerland is between 220-240 volts, and the electrical plug has three round prongs. You may need to replace your electrical appliances from home or purchase adapters.

Gas is uncommon in Switzerland for household use due to its high cost. If your house requires gas you can contact one of the listed suppliers.

Main suppliers:
Swiss Electric
Atel
Axpo
Buzman

Telephone and internet

Swisscom is the national telephone supplier, providing the following services:

  • Landlines: Swisscom Fixnet
  • ISDN internet: Multiline ISDN
  • DSL Internet: Bluewin
  • Mobile phones: Swisscom Mobile (other mobile phone providers include Orange and Sunrise)

To set up internet or telephone service you will need a copy of a residence permit (or other photo ID) and a one-time connection payment. Service can usually be installed within a few days.
    
Mobile phones can be paid with a 12- or 24-month subscription or by prepaid card. Some providers have facilities for recharging the card at train ticket dispensers, the post office or ATMs.

Phone/internet providers:
swisscom.ch
orange.ch
t-mobile.ch
sunrise.ch

talktalk.ch 

  • Landlines: Swisscom Fixnet
  • ISDN internet: Multiline ISDN
  • DSL Internet: Bluewin
  • Mobile phones: Swisscom Mobile (other mobile phone providers include Orange and Sunrise)

To set up internet or telephone service you will need a copy of a residence permit (or other photo ID) and a one-time connection payment. Service can usually be installed within a few days.
    
Mobile phones can be paid with a 12- or 24-month subscription or by prepaid card. Some providers have facilities for recharging the card at train ticket dispensers, the post office or ATMs.

Phone/internet providers:
swisscom.ch
orange.ch
t-mobile.ch
sunrise.ch

Television and radio

Swiss residents pay a tax for TV and radio access. The annual cost of CHF 20 allows unlimited access to television and radio programmes. Failure to pay can result in fines of up to CHF 5,000. For more information visit www.billag.com.

Once you have the licence there is a wide range of regional and national radio stations available, including the English-language World Radio Switzerland.

Each linguistic region of Switzerland has their own state-owned and private range of television channels which are obtained from a standard receiver. Most television programmes are shown in the regional language, although some channels have dual-language options.

For a wider range of programs you can subscribe to a monthly cable service. Many city apartments already have a cable TV connection, enabling you to receive national and international channels.

Satellite dishes are also an option if you require a specific selection of channels. However, some landlords may require approval before dish installation.

Television service providers:
www.swisscable.ch
bluewin.ch
www.cablecom.ch/en/index.htm
www.naxoo.ch
www.slingmedia.com/

Text: Chris Morillon / Expatica 2009


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

Looking for a job?

Browse all jobs

Search for a home?

Browse all houses
Discussion Forums

Finding your way in Switzerland

Trekking and Backpacking

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Let's coach..Saturday.Free.In English.

Finding your way in Switzerland

Chinese Nanny (Ayi) wanted

Finding your way in Switzerland

Need Househelp who prepares Thai food

Student forum Switzerland

@SAP Business Objects Online Training in Netherlands by SAP BOSS

participate in the forums

Moving to essentials
Moving to expert Q&A
ask your question
Inside Expatica
Residence and work permits in Switzerland

Residence and work permits in Switzerland

How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.

Switzerland's healthcare system

Switzerland's healthcare system

Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.

Banking in Switzerland

Banking in Switzerland

Explaining Swiss currency, banknotes, credit cards and bureaux de change.