Geneva, Switzerland Report of what it's like to live there - 07/11/18
Personal Experiences from Geneva, Switzerland
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. My first was in Stuttgart, Germany, as an Army bride.
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?
Boston, MA, but I gave up my US nationality because of FATCA. I became Swiss in 2006.
3. How long have you lived here?
Since 1990.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I sent out over 800 CVs to get a job in Europe. I was sending them to France, thinking I could never get a work permit for Switzerland.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My first house was a company flat in a village with 600 people and 6000 cows. Quite a change from Boston.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
More expensive. However, we have a second flat in the South of France where things are much cheaper. A recent tooth cap would have been around 2000 Euros in Switzerland and was 600 in France. Two countries allow us to do some savings. It is possible to cross the border from Geneva.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
TV tables. When I was first in Switzerland, I missed Oreos. I never ate them in the States, but suspect it was childish wanting what I couldn't have. I still miss raisin bagels.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
In Geneva almost every national food is available. In the South of France we are just beginning to see more international food.
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?
France's service when they privatized degraded. I say they consider addresses a suggestion. Switzerland's is more or less okay.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Again France is cheaper. Household help depends on the salaries of the expat.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
In Switzerland, and, yes.
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?
There is a problem with US cards because unlike the rest of the world, many institutions have not adapted to the chip that have been common here for well over a decade.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
In Geneva, yes. There are at least three English-speaking churches. Even our little French village offers a once weekly English service during tourist season, or at least they did.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The more the better. In Geneva its 47% international so all languages can be heard almost daily. All kinds of language schools are available. In France, where I am, French is needed for technical/bureaucratic stuff. It is always better to get at least functional. The French do not expect Americans to speak English, so whatever little is done, they consider you wonderful.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Toilets in restaurants tend to be downstairs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
In Geneva I didn't need a car from 1993 to 2013. I saved enough money to buy a small flat cash.
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'd say get a local car. If you are in a major European city, you might check out car sharing or rely on public transportation.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It is available in both places I live.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I do not have enough connections to the US. We have both Swiss and French mobiles.
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?
Yes. We also use Trusted Housesitters for our dog.
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?
Work permits can be difficult in Switzerland. Salaries are far superior to the US.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Yes.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
It depends on the place.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Having been robbed twice in the US and having had two friends murdered in the Boston area, I feel far safer in both France and Switzerland. I was pickpocketed on a trip to Barcelona, but then that is the pickpocket capital of the world.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
I would never, ever have health care in the US. I belong to a group that would fly me back to Switzerland from anywhere in the world. I have been treated for cancer twice and think the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) is incredible. All my other doctors have been excellent. When I've need doctors in France they too are excellent and affordable out of pocket as are most procedures. Health insurance is mandatory, a bit expensive, but there is a limit on how much out-of-pocket you can run up.
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?
Mostly good.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
It seems like it would be like anyplace in either France or Switzerland.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Right now Southern France is hot. Geneva can be gray in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Had I had a child of school age I would have put her in the local schools so she could develop a second language. However, the one my friend's daughter went to allowed her the chance to help build a school in Tanzania and produce a play in Jordan.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
Of course. One of the problems in the Swiss schools is that the kids come home for lunch and schedules can make it hard for working parents.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Of course.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
I don't know, but I would say fairly large.
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?
Yes. There is an American Women's Club in Geneva with lots of activities, for writers, The Geneva Writers Group, Drama group, etc. I would recommend to make the overseas experience more meaningful try and integrate into some local group.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Geneva is great for families. More women then men.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
My gay friends haven't reported problems.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
In Geneva less than in the German part of Switzerland.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I loved it so much I became Swiss. I also like where I live I can go to France for dinner or to leave my dry cleaning. In France I can do the same for Spain. I have investigated much in Europe and in Switzerland, sometimes just poking. A lot depends on a person's interest.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
It depends on the person. Be open and poke around.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
I am shopping phobic so I can't answer.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The absolute beauty of the mountains and lake.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Not really. The discovery was fun.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, yes 1000x yes. The same for Southern France.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Electronic devices.
4. But don't forget your:
I moved with nothing and it was fine.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Living and Working in Switzerland, Watching Switzerland the land of milk and money, and The Gilded Chalet (if you love reading).
6. Do you have any other comments?
I consider living in Europe has been the best thing that ever happened to me for its quality of life overall.
