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You are here: Home Life in Lifestyle Moving to Switzerland: Practical information
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13/08/2008Moving to Switzerland: Practical information

Moving to Switzerland: Practical information Just arrived in Switzerland? Here are 15 things you need to know!

1. Emergency numbers
For a list with emergency phone numbers, please click here.

2. Telephone Directory
Looking for a telephone number? Click here for the electronic phone book.

3. City Maps
If you need a local city map, click here.

4. Train timetables
Click here for SBB’s timetables.

5. Tax calculator
Click here and calculate your income tax (for natural persons).

6. Health insurance
Click here to compare rates and services of health insurances.

7. Weather forecast
For information about the weather and weather forecasts, click here.

8. Expat groups
Expat groups in Bern
Expat groups in Zurich
Expat groups in Zug

9. Computer issues
If you have problems with your PC, get in touch with PC Repair. They will fix these problems at your home. They charge CHF 100,- per hour on-site plus a CHF 50,- call-out charge. There is a minimum first time charge of CHF 150,-, which includes the call-out charge.

Visit the site here: http://www.pc-repair.ch

10. Opening hours for shops
General opening hours for larger stores:
Monday to Wednesday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Thursday 8:30 am to 9:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Shops are closed on Sundays and official Swiss public holidays.

11. Postal service
Opening hours of post offices vary, depending on the size of the office. While smaller offices close between 12h and 13.45h, post offices in shopping malls follow the opening hours of the mall.

The opening hours for main post office in bigger cities are:
Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday closed

For information about services and prices, please click here.

12. Writing a date correctly
When writing the date, make sure to use the order: DD/MM/YY (day, month, year). If you really want to avoid confusion, then write out the month in full (ex.: 8 May 2008, instead of 8/5/08).
 
13. Speed and alcohol limits
Speed limit in built-up areas: 50 kph
Speed limit on country roads: 80kph
Speed limit on motorways: 120 kph

Alcohol limit for drivers: 0.5 o/oo

14. Public holidays
For an overview of public holidays in Switzerland, please click here.

15. Relocating pets

Click here for a comprehensive overview of the factors involved in bringing a beloved animal to a new destination

[Expatica, 2008]
Photo by: http://www.dreamstime.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumaxart/



2 reactions to this article

Melanie posted: 2011-09-29 18:10:00

I'm just planning my move to Switzerland myself so this guide is very helpful, thank you. Here is a guide specifically on Healthcare options in Switzerland I thought others might find helpful http://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance-coverage/healthcare-in-switzerland/

Melanie posted: 2011-09-29 18:11:24

Sorry this is the link <a href="http://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance-coverage/healthcare-in-switzerland/">http://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance-coverage/healthcare-in-switzerland/</a>

2 reactions to this article

Melanie posted: 2011-09-29 18:10:00

I'm just planning my move to Switzerland myself so this guide is very helpful, thank you. Here is a guide specifically on Healthcare options in Switzerland I thought others might find helpful http://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance-coverage/healthcare-in-switzerland/

Melanie posted: 2011-09-29 18:11:24

Sorry this is the link <a href="http://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance-coverage/healthcare-in-switzerland/">http://www.cignaglobal.com/health-insurance-coverage/healthcare-in-switzerland/</a>

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