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Expat gu idE : Switzerlandincludes zur i c h c i ty g u i dethis expat guide offers information and advice if you are moving to switzerland.

click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.

You can also read our city guide to Geneva.

Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa, and we have operations in UK, Denmark, USA,

Spain, France, Hong Kong, Egypt, UAE and Australia.We care for the lives in our hands, and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services, help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health. Our dedicated team respects everyone’s individuality, culture, privacy and dignity, and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership.

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Moving to SwitzerlandSwitzerland’s prosperous cities and cantons make the country an ideal expat destination. Expat workers have long been

integrated into the economy, particularly the financial and diplomatic sectors, where the demand is high. More than 21%

of Switzerland’s 7.5 million workers are foreign nationals.

Although above average salaries compensate for it, the cost of living is exceptionally high. Crime is a rarity, and social

problems virtually non-existent. Appropriately for a country famed for its watch-making, Switzerland runs likes clockwork,

a point of great pride for the Swiss.

Switzerland ranks second in quality of life according to the Economist. The few drawbacks include an occasionally insular

population of locals who don’t fully welcome expats, and comprehensively cold and snowy winters. But as they say, if life

gives you snow, go skiing, and that is precisely what many expats find themselves doing on the world-class Alpine slopes

around Geneva, Interlaken and St Moritz.

Shipping and removalsTo import your household goods into Switzerland, you need to complete Form 18.44: “Declaration/Application for

clearance of household effects”. Together with this you need to submit assurance of a residence authorisation or proof of

accommodation. Ensure your removals company advises you on these requirements. You can find out more information

here and download the form from the Swiss Federal Customs Administration.

To import pets from your home country, you need a veterinary certificate and electronic tagging. Check in with the

Federal Veterinary Office (www.bvet.admin.ch) for the precise details.

Customs information: www.ezv.admin.ch

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Working in SwitzerlandBelow you will find information about:

• Visas and work permits

• Banking, money and taxes

• Business culture

• Public holidays

Switzerland has a formal work culture where it is important to observe rules of decorum and etiquette. The Swiss are

typically reserved and should be greeted with the appropriate title of Herr or Frau rather than first names. Punctuality is

important as meetings start on time and are run efficiently. The right to four weeks holiday per year is guaranteed by law.

Visa and work permitsGetting a work visa and residence permit for Switzerland is not easy unless you work for the United Nations or have

specialist skills. Non-EU candidates will need to possess skills that are not available among the local population.

For UN employees, it is a simple matter of being issued with a carte de legitimation which entitles the bearer to live in

Switzerland for the duration of their employment.

A bilateral agreement between the EU and Swiss government now makes it straightforward for citizens of the European

Union to work in Switzerland. By 2014 it is planned to scrap work visa requirements entirely for EU citizens.

Banking, money and taxesYour money is very welcome in Switzerland. There are more than 600 banks in Switzerland and opening an account

is quick and easy. All you need is a passport, proof of address and either an employment contract or proof of income.

Accounts cannot be opened anonymously, although bank-client confidentiality rules are still strictly observed. A minimum

initial deposit will be required; the amount varies according to the bank.

Customer service levels are high and banking charges low. Special salary accounts pay a higher rate of interest in

exchange for fewer services. Wealthy clients might use a private bank in one of the smaller cantons.

Cash is used more frequently than credit cards and cheques for day-to-day transactions. The most popular credit card is

Eurocard. Monthly charges are around CHF50.

Expats living in Switzerland more than 180 days per year are subject to personal income tax on their worldwide income.

However, thanks to double taxation treaties with over 50 countries, tax paid in one country can be deducted from the

other. Tax rates are low and seldom exceed 30 percent. Foreign workers who are not residents will have their tax deducted

from the salaries by their employers.

Expats retiring to Switzerland, and not making an income, can opt for lump-sum taxation, the amount of which is

negotiated based on your standard of living.

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Business cultureBusiness in Switzerland is formal and punctuality is vital for meetings. Different styles vary depending on the type of

business, as well as from the Swiss-French to the Swiss-German and Swiss-Italian side. For example, Swiss-Italian/French

meetings frequently occur over meals while Swiss-German meetings are often brief and curt.

Business suits are normal for meetings for both men and women, and handshakes are the acceptable form of greeting.

Business hours are generally Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6.30pm.

Public holidaysMany public holidays are cantonal, so that each canton is free to allow them or not.

You can see a full overview of the holiday system here.

2011 2012

New Year’s Day 1 Jan 1 Jan

Saint Berchtold Day 2 Jan 2 Jan

Good Friday 22 Apr 6 Apr

Easter Sunday 24 Apr 8 Apr

Easter Monday 25 Apr 9 Apr

Ascension Day 2 Jun 17 May

Whit Monday 13 Jun 28 May

Corpus Christi 23 Jun 7 Jun

Swiss National Day 1 Aug 1 Aug

Assumption of Mary 15 Aug 15 Aug

St. Leodegar’s Day 2 Oct 2 Oct

All Saint’s Day 1 Nov 1 Nov

Immaculate Conception 8 Dec 8 Dec

Christmas Day 25 Dec 25 Dec

St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) 26 Dec 26 Dec

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Living and cultureBelow you will find information about:

• Cost of living

• Language

• Popular expat cities

• Will I need a car?

For information about Bupa International healthcare click here.

With four official languages and a surprisingly multicultural population, Switzerland is diverse enough to encompass its

expat population. English is widely spoken and you will get by without having to learn one of the official languages —

German, French, Italian and Romansch.

Many expats remark on how hard it is to make friends with the local Swiss. It is true that the locals have a reputation for

being reserved and conservative, and while never hostile to expats, they are seldom outgoing. One thing that can be hard

to adjust to is the petty laws which restrict certain behaviours. For example, if you live in a block of flats, there are set

times you can use the washing machine and you cannot wash your car on a Sunday. Overall, however, Switzerland is an

easy country to adapt to, with sufficient expat communities to ease the transition from home should you need it.

Cost of livingSwitzerland is ranked the fourth most expensive place to live, according to Mercer’s 2009 Cost of Living survey. Salaries

are amongst the highest in Europe too. It is therefore essential for expats moving to Switzerland to earn a salary that

reflects the high cost of living — anything less than CHF50,000 a year will be a struggle.

The cost of living in Switzerland may be high but you get a lot for your money. Everything works in Switzerland — the

public transport is efficient, the roads are safe, there is low crime, it’s clean and extremely picturesque. For these reasons

Zurich and Geneva often rank in the top 5 cities to live in the world.

Restaurants, bars, and grocery stores are more expensive than almost anywhere else. Expect to pay 20-30% more on

groceries in Switzerland than in neighbouring countries. There are a few discount grocery stores, however these are

generally frowned upon by the Swiss.

Alcohol is still relatively reasonable due to the level of VAT and state taxes charged. VAT in Switzerland is about 8%,

compared to nearly 20% in Germany and France.

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Housing is a huge expense for expats — expect to pay anything from CHF 1000 to CHF 3000 per month for a decent

tw- bedroom apartment. This does not include water and electricity which is billed annually. Also, the availability of

apartments is not great, especially in places such as Geneva where occupancy rates are very high.

Purchasing a house is very difficult in Switzerland and is not recommended unless you plan to stay in Switzerland for the

long term. An expat’s ability to purchase will depend on:

1. their employment visa status

2. whether they are prepared to keep the house for at least 5 years to prevent price speculation

3. whether they can afford the 20% minimum down payment to be paid on the total house value

A bit of a relief comes from the low income taxes. Services are also paid for as you use them so you can definitely save

some money here.

LanguageSwitzerland has four official languages: Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch. Most Swiss people understand

English, but it helps if you speak one of the official languages, although Romansch is only spoken by an estimated 1% of

the population.

Popular expat citiesGeneva, Basel and Zurich are the most densely populated cities and the most popular expat destinations.

Will I need a car?With reliable and comfortable public transport, you can commute very easily without requiring your own vehicle. However,

on weekends, when you might want to explore the countryside or head for the slopes, you will appreciate having your

own car.

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EducationFor more information about education and schools view the guides to Geneva or Zurich

Education and schools in Geneva Swiss schools are uniformly excellent. Children are allocated places according to where the parents live, so bear this in

mind when choosing accommodation in Geneva.

The school terms run from September to December, January to March and April to June. School hours are typically from

8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm.

Wednesday afternoons are free, but certain schools have classes on Saturday mornings. Children tend to work harder at

Swiss schools, and there is plenty of homework.

Tuition is in French, so it might be worth getting language lessons before arrival, or enrolling in one of the English-

language international schools.

Education and schools in Zurich A deserved reputation for exclusive, top, private education means that you can be safe in the knowledge that your child

will receive the best education at any school in Zurich.

The city’s international schools are excellent, but come at a premium. They prepare children beyond the demands of

college and university requirements, often focusing on other aspects of life such as the outdoors, religion or deportment.

The Swiss schools in Zurich place a strong emphasis on mastering mathematics as a subject and on being able to

understand the curriculum in German. A much more rigid and disciplined method of teaching is employed in Swiss

Schools and school hours are different to those at American or British schools. Children in primary school are, for

example, required to eat lunch at home.

Education and Schools in Zurich:

Comprehensive list of private schools: http://www.zurich-relocation.ch/web/?details=39

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Useful informationTime: The local time in Switzerland is GMT + 1 hour (GMT + 2 hours between March and October).

Currency: The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland. It is divided into 100 rappen in German, centimes

in French, centesimo in Italian or rap in Romansh. You can check the latest exchange rates here.

Electricity: The electric current in Switzerland is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the linear, rounded three-pin type, but

rounded two-pin plugs will fit the outlet.

Safety: Switzerland’s crime rate is very low. Petty criminals, such as thieves and pickpockets, operate in the larger cities

and at public places. Expats who relocate here should exercise the same caution as they would in any other big city in the

world and should be aware of robberies on overnight trains.

Communications: When dialling out of the country, the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (eg

0027 for the South Africa) and the international country dialling code for Switzerland is +41. City/area codes are also in

use, while mobile phones operate on GSM 1800 and 900 networks and can be found all over the country. High speed

broadband ADSL internet is common in most businesses and homes available through a range of providers. Internet cafes

are available in the main towns and resorts. Some public phone booths have internet and email access.

Climate in Switzerland: Expats moving to Switzerland should prepare themselves for moderate temperatures with no

extremes. The summer months from June to September are warm and the best time for outdoor activities. Winter is cold

with snow, and expats should make use of the ski resorts open in late November before the tourist season begins.

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Embassy contact details Switzerland Embassies:

• Swiss Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 745 7900

• Swiss Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7616 6000

• Swiss Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 1837

• Swiss Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 8400

• Swiss Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 0660

• Swiss Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 218 6382

• Swiss Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 1593/4.

Foreign Embassies in Switzerland :

• United States Embassy, Berne: +41(0)31 357 7011

• British Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 359 7700

• Canadian Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 357 3200

• Australian Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 (0)22 799 9100

• South African Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 350 1313

• Irish Embassy, Berne: +41 (0)31 352 1442

• New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Switzerland): +49 (0)30 206 210.

Useful links Wordtravels.com has an extensive travel guide to Switzerland:

• http://wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Switzerland

Banking, Money and Taxes in Switzerland:

• Directory of Swiss banks: www.swconsult.ch/cgi-bin/banklist.pl

• Details on banking in Switzerland: www.swissbanking.org/en/home/faq-kontoeroeffnung.htm

Visa and Work Permits for Switzerland:

• Immigration information: www.swissemigration.ch

• Switzerland government portal: www.ch.ch

• Recruitment website: www.jobs.ch

• Recruitment resource: www.jobwinner.ch

Useful expat resource:

• www.expatica.com/ch/main.html

This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they’re relying with the relevant authorities.Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information.Bupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites.

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Expat gu idE : zurichthis expat guide offers information and advice if you are moving to zurich. click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.

You can also read our guides switzerland and geneva.

Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa, and we have operations in UK, Denmark, USA,

Spain, France, Hong Kong, Egypt, UAE and Australia.We care for the lives in our hands, and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services, help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health. Our dedicated team respects everyone’s individuality, culture, privacy and dignity, and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership.

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Moving to ZurichZurich is Switzerland’s financial engine and home to the world’s fourth largest stock exchange, but there’s much more to

this city besides commerce.

Expats in Zurich are hard pressed to find a better lifestyle while pursuing their career ambitions. The city is set against

the scenic backdrop of Lake Zurich and the Limmat River. Frequently ranked as the world’s top city to live in, Zurich is the

textbook for urban living: it’s clean, safe and reliable with a strong economy and a rich culture.

Its medieval Old Town has been transformed by the contemporary pleasures of fashion stores and bookshops, wine and

pastry shops, bars, restaurants and clubs. Having long influenced the arts and culture, Zurich is a city that pays homage to

museums, galleries and theatres.

The Limmat River runs through Zurich, creating wonderful quays along which to stroll and enjoy the sights of the sailboats

and motorboats whisking their passengers across Lake Zurich.

Because it is such a cosmopolitan city, English is widely spoken and understood. Swiss German, however, is the language

spoken by Zurich’s residents with High German reserved for all written forms of communication.

Shipping and removalsA reputable removal firm can help ease the process of Swiss customs regulations and ensure you have the right

documentation so that your household contents arrive safely at their destination.

It is possible to import household goods and personal effects duty-free to Switzerland. In order to do this you must have

taken up residence before customs clearance so that you can register with local authorities. Furthermore, the items have

to be a least six months old in order to be imported duty-free.

When moving household items to Zurich, you will need to have the right documentation, including a Customs Forum

18.44, a detailed Inventory for air and sea-freight shipments, a declaration of the importation of household goods, a copy

of your passport as well as the copy of your Swiss work permit and rental or purchase contract. Liaise with your removals

company to make sure that you have all the documentation you need.

Cars and other vehicles can be imported duty free provided they are imported within 18-months of the household

contents shipment/removal and the vehicle has been owned and used longer than six months.

LinksFor more information on the procedures and on removal companies:

• www.shipit.co.uk/International_Removals_Switzerland.htm

• www.overs.co.uk/removals_switzerland.php

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Working in ZurichBelow you will find information about:

• Visas and work permits

• Banking, money and taxes

• Business culture

• Public holidays

To work in Zurich, you will need to have a work permit, which is provided by your employer. The work permit is usually

valid for one year and has to be renewed annually. If you change jobs while living in Zurich, your new employer will have

to reapply for a work permit.

Expats who are looking to work in Zurich will find that the greatest sector of employment is in finance. There are career

opportunities for hardworking professionals, although many expats have experienced initial difficulties in getting to know

the locals outside the formal working environment.

Visa and work permits (Switzerland)Getting a work visa and residence permit for Switzerland is not easy unless you work for the United Nations or have

specialist skills. Non-EU candidates will need to possess skills that are not available among the local population.

For UN employees, it is a simple matter of being issued with a carte de legitimation which entitles the bearer to live in

Switzerland for the duration of their employment.

A bilateral agreement between the EU and Swiss government now makes it straightforward for citizens of the European

Union to work in Switzerland. By 2014 it is planned to scrap work visa requirements entirely for EU citizens.

Banking, money and taxes (Switzerland)Your money is very welcome in Switzerland. There are more than 600 banks in Switzerland and opening an account

is quick and easy. All you need is a passport, proof of address and either an employment contract or proof of income.

Accounts cannot be opened anonymously, although bank-client confidentiality rules are still strictly observed. A minimum

initial deposit will be required; the amount varies according to the bank.

Customer service levels are high and banking charges low. Special salary accounts pay a higher rate of interest in

exchange for fewer services. Wealthy clients might use a private bank in one of the smaller cantons.

Cash is used more frequently than credit cards and cheques for day-to-day transactions. The most popular credit card is

Eurocard. Monthly charges are around CHF50.

Expats living in Switzerland more than 180 days per year are subject to personal income tax on their worldwide income.

However, thanks to double taxation treaties with over 50 countries, tax paid in one country can be deducted from the

other. Tax rates are low and seldom exceed 30 percent. Foreign workers who are not residents will have their tax deducted

from the salaries by their employers.

Expats retiring to Switzerland, and not making an income, can opt for lump-sum taxation, the amount of which is

negotiated based on your standard of living.

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Business culture (Switzerland)Business in Switzerland is formal and punctuality is vital for meetings. Different styles vary depending on the type of

business, as well as from the Swiss-French to the Swiss-German and Swiss-Italian side. For example, Swiss-Italian/French

meetings frequently occur over meals while Swiss-German meetings are often brief and curt.

Business suits are normal for meetings for both men and women, and handshakes are the acceptable form of greeting.

Business hours are generally Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6.30pm.

Public holidaysMany public holidays are cantonal, so that each canton is free to allow them or not.

You can see a full overview of the holiday system here.

2011 2012

New Year’s Day 1 Jan 1 Jan

Saint Berchtold Day 2 Jan 2 Jan

Good Friday 22 Apr 6 Apr

Easter Sunday 24 Apr 8 Apr

Easter Monday 25 Apr 9 Apr

Ascension Day 2 Jun 17 May

Whit Monday 13 Jun 28 May

Corpus Christi 23 Jun 7 Jun

Swiss National Day 1 Aug 1 Aug

Assumption of Mary 15 Aug 15 Aug

St. Leodegar’s Day 2 Oct 2 Oct

All Saint’s Day 1 Nov 1 Nov

Immaculate Conception 8 Dec 8 Dec

Christmas Day 25 Dec 25 Dec

St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) 26 Dec 26 Dec

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LivingBelow you will find information about:

• Weather

• Accommodation

• Renting property

• Saving tips

For information about Bupa International healthcare click here.

Weather Zurich has a continental climate moderated by Atlantic Ocean winds. Winters are cold and summers normally hot and

sunny. In January, the temperature range is 14°F (-10°C) to 41°F (5°C) while July sees temperatures of between 59°F (15°C)

and 86°F (30°C). The most rain falls from June to August.

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AccommodationCurrently EU residents and Work Permit C holders (non-EU residents) can purchase property in Switzerland if it is intended

for personal use rather than as an investment. Heavy capital gains taxes are imposed on resale profits, so speculative

property is not an attractive option in Zurich.

Most expats, however, usually rent accommodation in Zurich, as is the case with 70% of the Swiss population. This trend

means that larger rental apartments in Zurich are scarce, and expat families often have to consider the outer suburbs for

alternatives. The demand is largely driven by proximity to business and international schooling.

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Zurich comprises twelve districts, of one to four neighbourhoods each. An important consideration for expatriates is

the taxes levied according to the Canton and community where you live. Rates are charged according to the level of

community services provided in that area and can range between 12% and 25% of your income.

Saving tipsVisiting Zurich: Buy a Zurich Card. If you plan on visiting the major museums, using public transport often and enjoying

a lake or river cruise, it is wise to purchase a Zurich Card (19CHF, 24h/38CHF, 72 hours) which grants you free entrance

to around 40 museums and galleries. It also allows you to travel for free across a large area (including Uetliberg) on all

means of public transport. Other benefits include a free lake and river cruise, free entry to nightclubs and discounts on

other attractions.

Transport: Live close to your work place. Public transport is expensive in Switzerland and even as little as a 30-minute

train commuting ride can end up costing around 20 CHF/24h . The difference in rental prices between Zurich and its

surrounding suburbs is not that great, making long commutes usually not worth the time and money.

Commute by bike — If you live close to your work place. Bikes are everywhere in Zurich, and this is not surprising since

they can save you a lot of money by reducing daily public transport fees. After the initial cost of purchasing a bicycle, you

need to make sure to purchase a “bicycle license” which comes in the form of a sticker you place on your bike. This only

costs 5 CHF per year, is obligatory and covers you for any personal liability for up to 2 million CHF.

Book a day pass at your local commune if you want to explore Switzerland. If you contact your local commune

(“Gemeinde” in German) in advance, you can book and purchase a day pass valid all over Switzerland on the SBB CFF FFS

network for the price of about 50 CHF/24h (prices vary according to region and location). Cable cars are typically not

included because they are served by a different transport company.

Taxes: Choose carefully where to live. In Switzerland, the amount of tax you pay depends on where you live, with different

cities, towns and villages having specific rates. For example, Zug city boasts the lowest tax rate in the whole of Switzerland,

which might seem a contradiction since it is so prosperous. In reality, this prosperity is exactly what drives taxes down, as

the higher the concentration of companies and wealthy people in a location, the lower the tax rate, thus benefiting those

individuals who are not as well-off. Therefore, while accommodation is more expensive in Zurich than around it in smaller

towns, you will find that the tax rate is lower in the city than elsewhere.

Renting propertyRenting in and around Zurich can be tricky. Supply far exceeds demand, which means that finding accommodation can

be a lengthy process. Because availability is limited, several people may express interest in a particular property, which is

normal due to the fact that the market is not on a “first come first serve” basis. When this happens, the interested parties

are asked to supply as much information about themselves as possible so that the landlord can decide who would be

the most appropriate tenant. Information asked for includes their present address, their occupation and salary, whether

they have children or pets, and often, also references. This difficulty in finding places to rent has resulted in a curious

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new trend, whereby prospective tenants send or offer, (sometimes small but sometimes expensive) gifts to the landlord to

increase their chances of being chosen.

When you secure a property, you will have to pay a month’s worth of rent up front, as well as a deposit equal to that of

one to three months. You will get your deposit back once your lease expires. Before moving out, the landlord will inspect

the property for any visible damages and will reduce their cost from your initial deposit.

Should you wish to terminate your lease, you will have to do so on dates stipulated on your contract, usually in March

or September. You need to tell your landlord about three months in advance that you wish to leave, and during that time

he may send people to view the property in order to secure his next tenant. Before moving, you are also obliged to leave

the accommodation spotlessly clean. The standards of cleanliness are high and if the landlord is dissatisfied, he can hire

a cleaning company to do the job properly and deduct the cost from your deposit.

Another and more straightforward way of securing a property to rent is by finding someone who is interested in

sub-letting, or who is moving out before the stipulated end of the lease and needs someone to take over. In both cases,

you will still need the approval of the landlord.

There are other facts to keep in mind when renting in and around Zurich. Properties are usually unfurnished and the rent

price can include extra service charges, such as of garbage disposal.

Finally, renting in Zurich comes with a whole set of rules. Landlords are strict when it comes to implementing them, and

neighbours will voice their complaints if you break them. Most of them are common sense and are a way of showing

respect to neighbours, such as not making noise after 8pm (including not using washing machines or tumble dryers) and

not having barbeques on balconies.

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See and doBelow you will find about:

• Attractions for kids

• Skiing around Zurich

• Zurich for free

• Restaurants

• Nightlife

• Shopping

• See and do

• Annual events

Attractions for kids The Alpamare Water Park is renowned for having the longest water slide in Europe. Switzerland’s largest zoo is just a short

ride from the city centre and houses more than 2,500 animals and the Zurich Toy Museum gives both adults and children

a fascinating insight into the history of toys.

Check out these sites for more information on activities for children:

• www.zurich-relocation.ch

• www.hoteltravel.com

Skiing around ZurichZurich is conveniently located close to the Alpine skiing region with several major resorts — St Moritz, Verbier and Klosters

— only a two-hour drive away. For more information on skiing and ski resorts near Zurich visit: www.j2ski.com.

Zurich for free Museums and Art Galleries: Access to Zurich University’s archaeological collection is free, as is the delightful Toy

Museum. Daros, a gallery hosting contemporary Latin American Art, is free for students, and the world-famous Kunsthaus,

a collection of old and modern Swiss art, is free on Wednesdays. If you wish to take a free peek into the Kunsthalle

modern collection, with works by relatively unknown artists, and the Migros Museum of contemporary art, visit on

Thursdays between 5pm and 8pm.

Nature: There is no price to pay to enjoy a sunbathing siesta at the old botanical gardens or a barbeque and a beer with

friends on the lawns of the arboretum. If you want to meet a few local featured and fury friends, but don’t want to pay

the admission ticket for the Zurich Zoo, head to Voliere for a close encounter with over 150 species of birds. If you are

looking for larger beasts, cycle to the Wildnis Park Langenberg and feast your eyes on wild boar, European bison, brown

bear, moose and, if they’re not acting too shy, a couple of lynx.

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Free sightseeing: Zurich is similar to Amsterdam — you feel like you’re doing something just by walking around and

enjoying the beautifully preserved architecture and its narrow lanes and streets, which provide constant surprises. Wander

through the architecturally splendid Zurich Main Station for some free art, walk along the western bank of the Limmat

— make sure to take in the view from Lindenhof. You can also go for a quick spin around the Grossmunster and the

Fraumunster (remember not to forget to visit the latter’s silent and fresco-decorated courtyard). Finally, take it easy below

street level as you stroll along the Schanzengraben.

Swimming: There are some picturesque spots in and around the city where to sit back and relax. If you’d like to test the

river’s temperature, head to the little Werdinsel island, the Flussbad Unterer Letten (for strong swimmers) or the Flussbad

Oberer Letten. Men can enjoy the Mannerbad on the Schanzengraben for free and welcome your female companions

after 5 pm, when its Rimini bar opens its doors to both sexes. You can also take a dip in the the Zurich lake while enjoying

the sight of the Alps in the distance.

Free transport: Zurich’s transport system is efficient, consistently punctual, but not cheap. Having said that, the city

is definitely bite-sized, and the trick to saving transport costs is doing what the locals do — cycle. You can get your free

ride (for a period of six hours which can be extended by allowing for pit stops) from various points around the city.

Most of them only rent out between May and October, but the Velogate branch next to the Swiss National Museum

(Landesmuseum) and the Zurich Main Station is open all year round.

RestaurantsExpats eating in Zurich benefit from Switzerland’s most international city and its range of cuisines. Naturally there are

strong offerings of French, German and Italian cuisine.

The closest you will come to a local dish is probably Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, veal stew with mushrooms, cream and white

wine and the Swiss favourite Rösti.

Reservations should be made in advance and a tip of 15% is normally included in the bill.

NightlifeClubs and bars tend to cluster in Zuri-West area while the Old Town around Paradeplatz has a good selection of upmarket

lounge and hotel bars. The former red-light district of Langstrasse retains an edgy appeal.

ShoppingZurich’s shopping scene is pleasantly devoid of the big malls. The key shopping street is Bahnhofstrasse, where you can

find department stores Globus and Jelmoli, and jewellery shops such as Bucherer and Beyer. Zurich classics Schweizer

Heimatwerk and Confiserie Sprüngli are good stores to find fine chocolates, Swiss Army knives, watches, embroidery, linen

and handmade clocks.The flea market at Helvetiaplatz is a worthy excursion on Saturday mornings.

The Niederdorf district has trendy boutiques, antiques furniture and bookshops. For chic boutiques and speciality stores

explore the Old Town. For art works visit Schipfe street.

See and doZurich has plenty to see and do for expats looking for a bit of down time — and much of it is completely free.

Top attractions include the Swiss National Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Museum of Design while the Zurich

Zoo features rare and endangered species including the elusive snow leopard and red panda. Expats planning on doing a

lot of sightseeing on a particular weekend would do well to buy the Zurich Tourist Card, which gives the bearer free use of

local transport and free admission to 40 museums plus other benefits like free drinks at several city bars.

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Rhine falls: Take a day trip to the little town of Schaffhausen, home to spectacular Rhine Falls (Rheinfall), the largest and

most powerful waterfall in Europe. It’s an impressive natural spectacle at its best during late spring when the snowmelt

expands the volume. The hill above hosts romantic medieval castle Schloss Laufen. This is the place to be on Swiss

National Day (1 August) when a spectacular fireworks display is held.

Zurich Zoo: Expats will be delighted by this eco-friendly centre dedicated to nature conservation, and preserving

endangered species. There are over 260 different species and 2200 animals within authentically recreated ecosystems,

such as Madagascar and Ethiopian Highlands. www.zoo.ch / Telephone: 044 254 2505

Neiderdorf: This is the traditional heart of Zurich, home to intimate cafes, crusty old bars and zippy street performers.

The buildings, dating from the 14th century, host fashion stores, bookshops and antique dealers and plenty of boutique

cheese and wine shops.

Museum of Design Zurich: Zurich’s underrated design credentials are showcased here at this excellent museum. Check

out designs across the Poster Collection, Design Collection and Graphic Collection, covering a Swiss commercial art and

also modern architecture. http://www.museum-gestaltung.ch/en/ / Telephone: 043 446 6767

Fraumünster Church: The distinctive blue spire of Fraumünster is one of Zurich’s most emblematic sights and certainly

its most graceful. Founded in 853, it stands sentinel over the old square of Münsterhof. Look out for the stunning

Romanesque choir and the incredible five stained glass windows designed by Chagall in 1970.

Kunsthaus Zurich (Fine Arts Museum): Famed for its collection of Edvard Munch, Chagall, Picasso, Monet, Rothko and

the Expressionists, this museum holds many treasures within its attractive premises.

www.kunsthaus.ch / Telephone: 044 253 84 84

Swiss National Museum: The Swiss National Museum has a illuminating study of Swiss life and consciousness over the

centuries. The building itself is impressive and inside you can find tools from the stone age to Middle Age treasures like

the Celestial globe of Jost Bürg (1594). www.nationalmuseum.ch / Telephone: 044 218 6511

Annual eventsTheatre Festival (June/July): This festival features great performances across the fields of classical music, art, theatre,

opera, and dance. All the best venues are used: the Opernhaus Zurich, Kunsthaus Zurich, Theater am Neumarkt plus some

spectacular open-air sites. http://www.zuercher-festspiele.ch/2011/

Zurich Open-Air Cinema (July to August): Every summer Zurichhorn Park is transformed into a spectacular cinema under

the stars for classics, cult movies, and arty new releases. www.orangecinema.com

Zurich Street Parade (August): Probably the world’s biggest and most lively techno-music street party, this parade is

meant to be a ‘demonstration for love, peace, freedom and tolerance’ but is mostly a weekend of committed partying,

Love Mobiles and countless peripheral before- and after-parties. www.street-parade.ch

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Education and schoolsZurich’s reputation for exclusive, private institutions means that you can be safe in the knowledge that your child will

receive the best possible education at any school.

The city’s international schools are excellent, but come at a premium. They prepare children beyond the demands

of college and university requirements, often focusing on other aspects of life such as the outdoors, religion and

deportment.

The Swiss schools in Zurich place a strong emphasis on mastering mathematics as a subject and on being able to

understand the curriculum in German. A much more rigid and disciplined method of teaching is employed in Swiss

Schools and school hours are different to those at American or British schools. Children in primary school are, for

example, required to eat lunch at home.

Comprehensive list of private schools: http://www.zurich-relocation.ch/web/?details=39

This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they’re relying with the relevant authorities.Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information.Bupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites.

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