Zurich, Switzerland Report of what it's like to live there - 05/10/16
Personal Experiences from Zurich, Switzerland
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Lived in 3 other countries before coming to Zurich.
2. 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?
Nowadays, it is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and it takes a 1-hour flight or a night train to get there from Zurich.
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months, in 2008.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Studied at the ETH Zurich.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartments, mostly. City centre is prohibitively expensive, but public transport is, well, Swiss-efficient.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available, but its probably cheaper to shop across the border. Germany is only 40 km away, so many people go there for groceries and many services.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything is available, for an exorbitant price.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None that I know of.
Daily Life:
1. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Broadly available and accepted.
2. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
At least a bit of German would be quite helpful. The Zurich variant of Swiss-German is exceptionally difficult to understand, so abandon all hopes to learn German while you're here.
3. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots of cobblestones and steep streets. Public transport and buildings are probably fine.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, they're fine. Best public transport in the world, no doubt.
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?
A supercar, so that you don't stand out in the crowd. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, that sort of thing.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Buisness, smart casual-plus at work. Public dress-code is not strict, but a tad more formal and classy than in other European countries. Think of German love of rules married to French/Italian fashion sense.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Avalanches in the mountains.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent medical care is available, but can be expensive. Finding a dentist in Germany is a smart move.
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?
Excellent.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winters are moist, and can be snowy. Summers are warm, with regular short thunderstorms in the evenings.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. Over 30% of the population is non-Swiss.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Hiking is huge here. For the Swiss, any mountain that does not involve technical climbing is considered hiking, so that includes summits like the Dom (at 4545 m, the 5th highest mountain in Switzerland). Zurich has a lively clubbing scene.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's a fine city for everyone but rather expensive. The price-quality ratio is superb, that is, you get value for money here.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I guess. Haven't heard of any major issues.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
The Swiss are not racist. That would imply they discriminate people. They don't discriminate except between Swiss (=good) and not Swiss (=mwah).
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Participated in the SOLA running race around Zurich. Cycled around Lake Zurich. Partied with the Dutch fans during Euro 2008. Climbed several mountains. Actually learned a few things at the ETHZ, too.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The Uetliberg rising above Zurich is a wonderful place to watch the sunrise, and then hike along the ridge. The botanical gardens, both the old and the new ones, are lovely spots. The many museums of the Zurich University are quite interesting http://www.uzh.ch/en/outreach/museums.
http://www.spottedbylocals.com/zurich has plenty of other useful tips.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Chocolate, cheese, kirch (cherry schnapps) mountain summits (guided ascends), Swiss army knives, watches.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Switzerland is the most beautiful country in Europe, perhaps even the whole world. Period.
10. Can you save money?
NO!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Sense of humor. The Swiss don't get it.
3. But don't forget your:
Alpine skills. And your money. All of it.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
The Visit (Der Besuch der alten Dame), Durcheinandertal, both by Friedrich Duerrenmatt.
