These are some general guidelines for the new onboard to settle in this beautiful country called Switzerland. Known for Precision, Perfection and Punctuality, Switzerland is also one of the most sort after tourist location.
REGISTRATION
If you are working here or plan to stay for more than 3 months, you need to notify your local authorities (Gemeinde or Kreis) within 14 days of arrival.
FOR A NEW BANK ACCOUNT
If you plan to stay here longer you need to open a bank account. You can go to any Swiss bank or call their customer care and ask for their offers, terms and conditions. You can also compare the services offered, interest rates, etc. at websites such as www.comparis.ch.
Your bills or invoices (rent, telephone, insurance, etc.) are sent to your address or online by means of pay-in slips, which allow you to pay the amount to the recipient at the post office or via online banking. Cheques are generally not a medium of payment used in Switzerland.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
If you are new here, you have three months to choose an insurance company to pay your health insurance. Also, basic health insurance is mandatory for everyone living here, including children. Employers do not usually provide health insurance. Health insurance starts from around CHF 70 per month for a single adult. You can compare the premiums offered by various companies at www.comparis.ch or their individual websites.
ABOUT TAXES
As the Income-tax is levied both by the federal government (Direct Federal Tax) as well as by the cantons and communes (Cantonal and Communal Taxes). There are 26 cantons each has its own fiscal laws, the tax levied varies from one canton to another. Taxpayers must complete the declaration form every year, based upon which income and assets taxation is calculated. Taxes are directly deducted (taxation at source) from the salaries of foreign workers who are not in possession of a permanent residence permit (C-Permit) but have their domicile in Switzerland under the fiscal law. Also, a deduction is subsequently levied in the case of gross salaries above CHF 120,000.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING
In Switzerland, special garbage bags that are priced according to their size are required for trash collection. In addition to region-specific bags, you need to ensure you have your ‘stamps that ensure the garbage is taken away from the collection point. Different areas have specified days and collection points, and even timings at which you can deposit your rubbish.
Recycling is taken seriously and is mostly free. Recyclable waste can be categorised into kitchen waste, compost, PET bottles, metal, glass (further subdivided based on colour), batteries, paper, cardboard, medicines, clothes, etc. You can obtain more information in your local municipal office or its website.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Switzerland has a very efficient public transport system that can be totally relied upon. As the tickets are expensive, many residents purchase a half-fare card, which enables them to travel with a half-priced ticket; or buy a General Abonnement card (GA), with which you can travel anywhere in the country without buying an extra ticket. More information about the tickets and prices along with timetables across the country for buses, trams, trains (some boats and funiculars) is available at www.sbb.ch.
TIPS
In Switzerland, Punctuality is taken very seriously, so in general, it is advised to be on time. Greeting each other is considered polite, even on the streets. It’s good when one learns how to say hello in your local language and smile! Let’s start with a heartful Gruetzi ?(German Part)
