What you need to know about living in Switzerland ???⛰️✨

Salut les cops!?

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in the land of chocolate, cheese and precision watches? Or perhaps you’re already living here and want to compare notes? Well, you’re in the right place! As someone who’s been living the Swiss life for a while now, I’ve gathered my thoughts on the highs and lows of living in Switzerland.

So, grab yourself a cozy cup of Swiss hot chocolate and join me as I peel back the curtain on my personal journey.

Swiss Living: Unveiling (my) pros and cons ??

PROS ✅

Top-notch quality of life & safety

Did you know that over a third of Swiss residents were over the moon about their lives in 2021? (Bundesamt für Statistik, s. d.). And it’s no wonder why. Surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains and crystal-clear lakes, Switzerland offers a slice of paradise. But it’s not just the scenery that steals the show. With top-tier healthcare, world-renowned education, and enviable incomes, Switzerland is the ultimate playground for ambitious young women like us.??‍?

What about safety you ask? It’s a given. With low crime rates, Switzerland ranks high as one of the safest places on Earth, especially for women. In fact, it’s second in the world for women’s safety, according to the Women Peace and Security Index. And when it comes to cleanliness, Swiss public spaces set the standard, ensuring a comfortable environment for all. A strong contrast to some neighboring countries (cough France cough).?

Smooth public transports

Thinking of settling in a Swiss city? Well, wave goodbye to your car!? Their public transport is next-level, especially when you compare it to the French system. Why, you ask? First off, trains are like clockwork, always on schedule. Plus, everything’s perfectly connected – trains will take you almost anywhere, and in the cities, buses and trams practically drop you at your doorstep.

The cherry on top? You can buy tickets for trains, buses, trams, and yes, even boats, all in one app – the SBB app, a must-have for your Swiss adventures. Since I moved to Switzerland, I’ve found myself relying a lot more on public transport than I did before and I personally went for the ‘halb tax pass‘ to travel around Switzerland at half price. Check it out here. Just a heads up, though, ticket inspectors are serious about their job, so always make sure you have a valid ticket. ?

Endless leisure options – Every season’s a thrill

Switzerland is your go-to spot for endless leisure options! Living here has taught me to embrace the magic of all four seasons, and trust me, it’s a total blast:

• Spring? starts with laid-back picnics in the park and rocking out at outdoor music festivals.
• Summer? Think long evenings filled with lake swims, epic sunsets, and hitting the town for some serious fun.
• Autumn ?brings out the fancy with wine tastings in vineyards and romantic strolls through autumn fairs.
• And when winter❄️ blues start creeping in, it’s all about cozying up at Christmas markets (my favorites are Basel and Lucerne), sipping on mulled wine and treat yourself to spa days for that chill vibe.

Switzerland is all about options – there’s always something incredible happening. So, dive in, darling, because dull moments are just not on the agenda here! ???

Everything a stroll away

In Switzerland, the charm often extends beyond the traditional city vibes, making places like Lucerne feel like cozy villages despite their urban flair and a modest population of 82,922 (Office fédéral de la statistique, s. d.). What makes Swiss cities, Lucerne included, particularly appealing is the delightful convenience of having everything within easy walking distance ?‍♂️.

This is a dream scenario for someone like me, a country girl who was used to clocking miles to reach civilization. Picture this: cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and even bars & nightclubs, all just a leisurely stroll away. It’s a simple luxury that resonates throughout Switzerland – no more fretting over bus timetables; just step out and relish the freedom!?️

CONS ❌

Language hurdles to overcome

Multilingualism is a core aspect of Switzerland’s identity, boasting four official languages: German takes the lead with 62%, followed by French (23%), Italian (8%), and Rhaeto-Romanic (0.5%). Now, in everyday life, it’s all about this warm Alemannic dialect known as “Swiss German”. It’s charming but can be a bit of a tongue twister, I’ll admit. ? But I’ve got your back – here‘s a stash of Swiss German expressions you need to know.

If you’re here for studies, no need to worry! Most schools have got you covered with English courses, and you’ll bump into loads of expats, especially in the lively cities. Plus, most Swiss folks can chat in English, too especially if you throw in a friendly smile – they’ve got the language game on point. But, if you’re thinking of making Switzerland your long-term home, mastering at least one national language is your ticket to true integration with the locals.??

A steep cost of living

Living in Switzerland isn’t for everyone, and it’s no secret why – the cost of living here is on the higher side. According to a study by the Federal Statistical Office (2022), prices in Switzerland are around 57.4% higher on average compared to the 27 countries of the European Union.

Starting with accommodation ?: Renting a one-room flat can cost between CHF 500 and CHF 1,000 a month, depending on which region you live in (comparis.ch, 2022). Consider opting for a shared flat (WG in German) – smart financially and great for expanding your social circle!

Now, onto groceries ?️ – they don’t come cheap here. In fact, they’re around 51% more expensive than in France. And if you’re a meat lover, be prepared to shell out even more. Dining out is a luxury too, with a restaurant meal averaging CHF 25. And don’t even get me started on fast food – Switzerland tops the Big Mac Index, with the famous burger coming in at a hefty 7.73 US dollars.

To offer you a glimpse into the cost of living, here’s a comparison of prices between France and Switzerland:

(Source: WorldRemit, 2023)

Sundays feeling like a lockdown

Sunday vibes in Switzerland can feel like a lockdown, with most stores closed, transforming a city like Lucerne into an unexpected ghost town, totally defying your typical city living expectations. But hey, that’s the Swiss twist – Sunday is rest day according to the labor law.

Now, when you’re in a shopping emergency, fear not! The stores at train stations and gas stations often remain open on Sundays. But let’s face it, it’s smarter to get your shopping done before Sunday rolls around. Oh, and a heads up for Saturdays in Lucerne – stores tend to wrap up early, closing shop as early as 5 p.m. So, no last-minute snoozing if you’ve got a Saturday shopping spree on the agenda – consider yourself warned! ?️?

Making local friends

The Swiss are known for their politeness, helpfulness and while they’re always open to small talk, building deeper connections with them takes patience, perseverance, and, above all, time. This is particularly true as many Swiss folks already have their tightly-knit friend circles since high school, making it a bit challenging for newcomers like us.?

How did I do it? I stepped out of my comfort zone by going to bars and nightclubs, staying in touch with new acquaintances, and, most importantly, initiating get-togethers instead of staying indoors on weekends. Oh, and let’s not forget joining a sports association! It’s a great way to connect with people. However, studying in Switzerland is a real game-changer as it’s easier to make contact with people your own age. Regardless of whether you’re here for work or study, it may feel daunting at first, but trust me, the friendships you forge are worth every step. ?

Thanks and stay tuned?

And there you have it, my rundown of the pros and cons of living in Switzerland! If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading!

Remember, life is all about balance, and every place comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Whether you’re considering a move to Switzerland or simply curious about life here, I hope this post has provided valuable insights.

As always, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@lisainlucerne) for more behind-the-scenes glimpses into expat life in Switzerland. And feel free to drop your suggestions for upcoming content – I’m all ears!

Wondering who’s behind the lens? If you’re curious to learn more about me, check out my inaugural blog post here for a personal introduction. ?

Bisous,

Lisa ?