Geneva, Switzerland Report of what it's like to live there - 03/03/13
Personal Experiences from Geneva, Switzerland
Background:
1. Your reason for living this city (e.g. corporate, government, military, student, educator, retiree, etc.):
2. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
3. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
There is an 8- or 9-hour direct flight from Washington, DC to Geneva with United Airlines.
4. How long have you lived here?
I have been working for an international organization in Geneva for the last five years, a fourth expat experience.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing market is one of the most expensive in the world. Many people live in France, right across the border, because it is cheaper, but even then it is much more expensive than a major city in the US. Commute times vary. The farther out you live, the cheaper the housing, but the longer the commute. In Geneva, people take public transport or ride bikes to work. It is important to live on the same side of the lake on which you work, since crossing from one side of Geneva to another in a car is problematic, i.e., traffic jams.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Ditto. More expensive than in the US. Food is of high quality, and there are farmers' markets in every neighborhood and village. Even the produce in local grocery stores is of very high quality. Many people cross the border into France and shop in the large grocery stores there where the prices are much lower and quality is very high.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Any items for children, as they are more expensive here. Buying birthday presents for your children's friends can run you broke.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Restaurants of any kind, from fast food to gourmet, are very expensive and limited compared to what you would find in a large cosmopolitan city.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Regular mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available. Cost varies.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, there are several chains, as well as indoor and outdoor pools in every neighborhood.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Same as in the US.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few English-speaking churches including Catholic.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There is a popular English-language radio station which is comparable in quality to NPR in the US, and they even play many of NPR's shows.
Geneva skyline. Photo by the author
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to speak French. Some people get by on English only, but then you are not really functioning normally in society.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. Trains and buses have subscriptions. Taxis are expensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I'm not sure about local duties because we bought our car here, but in terms of size, the smaller the better for manoeuvering around and getting into parking spaces. We have one big car and one small one, and I always take the small one when I do errands or I just don't go at all. Taking the big one is not worth the trouble.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
No, but it is much more expensive than in the US.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Yes, but you should speak French.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Stylish.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Home break-ins in the city and suburbs.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Healthy.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winter is cold and grey in Geneva. The blue sky is there, but you must climb in altitude in order to see it. Geneva is on a lake. Summer is gorgeous: warm, dry and sunny. Fall and spring are very short.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are tons of international schools of all types, but I don't have direct experience with them. I live in bordering France (like many expats) and send my child to a local public school which has international/bilingual sections because of the large international population.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The international schools do make accommodations.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, but I have no direct experience with this in Geneva. In neighboring France, the kindergarten starts at age 3.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. In Geneva they have a very well developed sports program for children as well as camps during the school vacations. In neighboring France, each village has sports teams.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very, very large.
2. Morale among expats:
Mixed.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Families invite each other for dinner at home. In the summer there are a lot of barbeques due to the nice weather.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It depends on lifestyle and interests. Geneva is a small city, and it is geared towards the outdoors.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I think so, but it is a small city, so there are not as many social outlets as there would be in a larger city.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Winter sports, Alps, travel.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Winter sports: skiing, sledding, skating, snow shoeing. Hot baths, sauna, spa, etc. Summer sports: hiking, biking, Alps.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Wood crafts/home decoration items.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The high standard of living, the Alps, central location in Europe, international organizations located here.
11. Can you save money?
If you stay home all the time and don't eat out.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Not sure.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
Cold weather clothes and equipment.
