One of the continents that expats most want to settle on is Europe. Each country, whether it is France, Germany, or Italy, has its history and allure. However, among the most popular locations in Europe for settling in the country. Various expats have been drawn to Switzerland by its many attractions, including the world-famous Lindt chocolates, the idyllic setting, the delectable fondu, the decent life, and many others. It is without a question one of the nicest locations to live in, but there are several issues one should be aware of before relocating. This article contains a list of things you should know before migrating to Switzerland to spare you the bother.
- Cantons
26 cantons make up the Swiss government. These regions are special in their way, and there is always plenty of enjoyment to do while visiting the area. You can go to Vaud, which is known for having the majority of ski resorts. The hilly region of Graubünden, in contrast, is located in the eastern part and is famed for its breathtaking walking paths, gorgeous lakes, and quaint ski resorts.
- Property is scarce
It is no secret that real estate is in short supply in major towns, due to the enormous demand from foreigners seeking to live in the country. And the property that is offered is typically quite expensive if you want to buy it entirely. Even if it will be simpler for you to find a rental, this does not change the reality that it might still be very expensive.
- Transport system
When relocating, one of the key factors you should take into account is the transportation infrastructure. The nation has a strong transportation infrastructure that can meet all of your moving requirements. When traveling by public transportation, whether to work or to explore remote regions of the nation, you won’t miss a thing. To lower the high cost of transportation, you must purchase a Swiss travel card.
- Sport
The obesity rate in Switzerland is among the lowest, and its citizens are very physically active. The residents, foreigners, and visitors all like participating in recreational athletic events, which makes them the ideal companion if you enjoy sports.
Swimming is a well-liked activity in the country, where you may take advantage of the mild climate year-round. All year long, there are outdoor swimming pools and lakes where you may enjoy yourself.
- Festivals
The country observes several official holidays. There are many music events in Switzerland, most of them take place in the summers, however, some also take place in the wintertime. It celebrates Christmas with public ice rinks.
Some of the occasions you should anticipate are New Year’s Eve and the Swiss National Holiday, which are observed nationwide with festivals.
- Dining out
There are innumerable places to eat in Switzerland thanks to its galaxy of Michelin stars. However, as the cuisine in these venues can be quite pricey, you should arrive equipped. You can spend your evening admiring the Swiss Alps or eat outside in some of the best summer cafés in the nation.
- Education and healthcare
The Swiss academic sector is one of the best in Europe. But it’s important to remember that every region has a different educational structure. In Switzerland, you can choose from a wide range of domestic and global institutions for your kids.
In terms of healthcare, within a few weeks of relocating to the country, all inhabitants are required to acquire health insurance. You can select an insurance plan that will meet your needs from a broad range of sources.
- Four official languages
When you explore the country, the amount of Italian, French, German, and Romansh spoken will make your head swirl. Knowing normal German may not be as helpful as you may think because Swiss German is different from the dialect used in Germany, which further adds to the confusion. Even though the four main languages predominate, English is also widely spoken in Switzerland, so you should be able to get by, particularly in the major cities.