/r/askswitzerland

Photograph via snooOG

Have questions about Switzerland? Get your answer here!

/r/askswitzerland is here to serve as a resource for people to find out more about Switzerland.

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Have a question about Switzerland? Ask it here!

/r/askswitzerland

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0

Tickets for Lindt museum

Hello, I’m travelling to Switzerland with my girlfriend this weekend and we would love to go to Lindt museum but it’s sold out, does anyone have tickets between 1 and 3 of November? We really would love to go and we won’t be travelling to Switzerland again

0 Comments
2024/10/31
15:18 UTC

1

Eye doctor and dentist coverage basic insurance

I moved here last year and now am re-evaluating my health insurance franchise. At the moment I still have my doctors in other EU countries but since I’m working here now it’s hard to travel every now and then. So I’m thinking of switching docs to Switzerland.

I have some questions regarding basic insurance and what’s covered under the franchise.

  • is the cost of visiting eye doctor covered? I have specific conditions that require at least twice a year check up (doing all sort of measurements there and check up twice anyear) since the eye doctor is doing a kind of treatment that’s not yet proven to be effective.
  • is the cost of visiting dentist covered? Again, I usually go at least once a year, can be twice if things happen.

I tried finding out some of the info myself, but it hasn’t been easy since my german level isn’t up to the stage of reading T&C documents yet. But what I understand is that the eye doctor will be covered, bur not the dentist? Any other specialist visits are not covered by the basic insurance that I need to be aware of? Thanks!

8 Comments
2024/10/31
15:07 UTC

0

Poursuite for 0.00 CHF

In a new twist for my experience of Swiss bureaucracy, I have returned after a few weeks away for find a poursuite (from the cantonal tax office) for the amount of 0.00. It even had a QR payslip for 0.00!

Do I need to do something or will it disappear when a real person sees it?

1 Comment
2024/10/31
14:55 UTC

0

Most affordable but fun city

I want to travel next year to berlin and from there to Switzerland, what is the most affordable city or village in Switzerland for a young guy ? something also fun or beautiful at least, not a dead city

9 Comments
2024/10/31
14:13 UTC

1

KABA star keys (from rented flat) lost

Hey everyone, apologies in advance for another key question on this thread.

My partner lost yesterday one of our flat keys. 120 km away from our flat, without any identifiable information around it (however the flat key is attached to his car key, same key chain). The flat key is a KABA star model (so mechanical, not electronic) and it is engraved with serial number, flat number, and key number. Needless to say that apart from our flat, the key can open the building door and the communal cellar/laundry. Of course he searched everywhere, informed the police (about the car key) etc. For info: we are moving out soon so the situation is even more stressful, but we have private liability insurance.

From my own research and call with the MV, I understand that most insurance companies will pay for this but I cannot find a clause in my contract. I also understand whether the landlord has the right to replace all keys remains a grey area. And that the key has a "lifetime" of X years, aka you only have to pay a % of the costs based on how many years ago the keys/locks were issued. If my info is wrong, please let me know?

My main questions are:

  1. People who have experienced this.... Could you please share what did your landlord charge you for? E.g. for a new key, a change of lock for your flat, or replacement of all keys/main lock? What exact item did they charge and how much was it?

  2. Did your liability insurance pay for any of this?

  3. When shall I give up searching? I.e. what time frame is reasonable to consider them really lost?

  4. Shall I tell landlord, and if yes, when? At the handover date or before? Could I try to get the key copied somewhere, or is this completely stupid?

Really sorry for the long message, but I am quite desperate and stressed atm.

6 Comments
2024/10/31
13:36 UTC

1

Exporting a car

I have a car that is deregistered (no plates, no mfk), which I would like to export.

What is the usual process for exporting in such a case? Do I need to involve the local authorities?

Or, if I have a sales contract, can I put it on a truck, deliver, and the buyer would just need to import it at country of origin?

Thank you

0 Comments
2024/10/31
13:15 UTC

0

C permit after 3 months interruption

Hi there,

I've tried to look for online info on this but does not seem to apply to my case. In Septembre and after spending 5 years of my life working in Switzerland with a B permit I got a letter from the administration telling me I was elegible to apply to the C permit. Mistakes were made and I got a job elsewhere. Now, however, I got again an offer from my former employer in Switzerland.

Despite me having communicating to the administration I left the country, if I go back in Decembre, could I still apply for the C permit or my time has just reseted?

Thank you

3 Comments
2024/10/31
13:04 UTC

1

Why won't health insurance Get back to me ?

Hi,

I moved here recently for a job and need to get health insurance within the 90 day time period.

It's been 2 months and 2 weeks.

I have sent emails (in English) to 4 separate health insurance companies (visperterminen, OKK, EGK and Sodalis) over the last month. Including follow up mails. And also tried ringing but couldn't figure it out in German.

Some websites you can sign up online but you have to put in your IBAN details, and I am not the most comfortable with that before any kind of communication.

Am I doing something wrong ? Should I be adding the IBAN to these websites and doing it that way?

It's getting close to the deadline and nothing online seems to help.

Thanks

7 Comments
2024/10/31
11:41 UTC

1

Insulin needed

Could any fellow people with type one diabetes help me get insulin?

I've managed to travel with not enough for my stay in Switzerland. Is it something I can buy over the counter here? Ideally humalog...

5 Comments
2024/10/31
11:38 UTC

40

For those who lost a Swiss spouse, how long did it take for benefits to kick in? And if you had children, how long did it take for their benefits to kick in? Was it automatic? I’m getting mixed responses on that topic.

Please don’t automatically downvote, I’m struggling to make my way through the bureaucracy.

24 Comments
2024/10/31
09:46 UTC

1

Can anyone recommend a Payrolling company?

I have recently been put on gardening leave and have received a few opportunities to do contracted work over the next year. I've evaluated opening my own GmbH but frankly the fear of losing any RAV benefits if I have a gap in contracts the year after next is making me nervous. This is why I've started looking at Payrolling companies and working through them as they cover ALV.

Question to anyone who's used them, what companies would you recommend and also why? Generally what commission did you end up paying? I'm seeing numbers between 2500-3500 CHF a year.

I've looked at past askswitzerland posts but haven't seen concrete reasons why one payroller is better then the other. Any help would be appreciated.

8 Comments
2024/10/31
09:29 UTC

0

Apartment in Geneva

Apartment in Geneva

Hi everyone,

Quick question, is it possible to find accommodation in Geneva without a regie/full map of documents etc?

I want to find a job in Geneva and I don’t have a salary yet there to provide them all the docs.

How is it even possible to move / start working?

Thanks for any tips

🙏🏼

2 Comments
2024/10/31
07:05 UTC

1

Question about Zurich | YouthPass

Hello guys.. I am going to travel to Zurich in December (12-17/12 ) and I would like to ask a few questions. I am a university student in Greece (19yo ) and I would like to know if there are any discounts / Youth Pass specifically for uni students.. ( transport tickets / exhibitions / museums etc ) Also, if you have any suggestions on what I should visit, please tell me. 😊

0 Comments
2024/10/30
23:58 UTC

0

Do swiss women use mascara, get lash lift or lash extensions?

What is typical swiss women preference in makeup? Is it different in foreigners living in switzerland? Specially in zurich

4 Comments
2024/10/30
21:29 UTC

1

La Tzoumaz recommendations

Would love some recommendations to see / eat / do around La Tzoumaz & Verbier in the winter season?

Also looking for a chef to deliver home cooked meals for a week in January 🙏🏼

1 Comment
2024/10/30
20:59 UTC

0

Uncertain about the internal move to Switzerland

Well, I am trying to internally move to CH from DE but looks like getting approval of the budget for the salary could be the issue to my employer when most of the team members are from cheap labour countries. Boss is shocked to see the salary range for Swiss worker while discussing with the HR on the relocation. This disheartened me hugely seeing the situation. Imagine what could be the situation when the case would go to even higher management.

Any other chance for me to relocate to Switzerland? I am in my mid 30s.

I do not know how to deal with rejection. They say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I am thinking what my lemonade could be. Thank you for being there and reading this.

20 Comments
2024/10/30
21:06 UTC

4

What does it take to be accepted into Exit or Dignitas?

Do you need to be terminally ill or is it possible for people with psychological issues, too?

4 Comments
2024/10/30
20:43 UTC

1

Job immediately after Bsc

Hello folks. I am not really the most knowledgeable regarding the current job market in CH but I would like to know if I can join the job market in switzerland after my Bsc of Econ. at UNIL. The main reason is because I wish to apply for some specific Msc but I have money troubles so I would like to know if there is job availability. Officially, I have passed a French Delf B2 a while ago and I hold a C1 in English so if anybody can give me any advice I would really appreciate it.

4 Comments
2024/10/30
18:56 UTC

0

Travel Itinerary Review - First Time Traveller (Couple) to Switzerland

We (me and my wife) from India are first time traveller to Switzerland, the scenic Swiss beauty always mesmerises us so we planned this trip of 8 days. We are also travelling to Paris and Amsterdam, but here I'm trying to get the Switzerland itinerary review as I have used ChatGPT to get me an overall 8 day plan. I wanted to know whether the AI generated plan is feasible and will we be able to cover most of the Swiss beauty. Pasting the generated itinerary below:

Switzerland: Days 1-8

Day 1: Arrival in Zurich

  • Morning: Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel.
    • Recommended Hotels: Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel Opera Zürich, or Hotel Marta (budget-friendly).
  • Afternoon: Explore Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt), visit the Bahnhofstrasse for shopping, and walk along Lake Zurich.
  • Evening: Dine at a local Swiss restaurant like Zeughauskeller or Haus Hiltl (vegetarian).

Day 2: Zurich to Lucerne

  • Morning: Travel to Lucerne by train (45 minutes).
    • Hotel Check-in: Stay centrally for access to sights.
      • Recommended Hotels: Hotel des Balances, Radisson Blu Hotel Lucerne, or ibis Styles Luzern City.
  • Afternoon: Explore Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Old Town.
  • Evening: Take a sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne (optional).

Day 3: Mount Titlis Excursion

  • Morning: Day trip to Mount Titlis via Engelberg. Take the train from Lucerne (1 hour), then a cable car to the summit for snow activities and panoramic views.
  • Afternoon: Return to Lucerne; relax or shop in the city center.
  • Evening: Dine at Old Swiss House for Swiss-German cuisine.

Day 4: Lucerne to Interlaken via GoldenPass Line

  • Morning: Travel on the scenic GoldenPass Line train to Interlaken (2 hours).
    • Hotel Check-in: Stay near Interlaken West or Ost station.
      • Recommended Hotels: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel, Hotel Interlaken, or Hotel Beausite.
  • Afternoon: Explore Interlaken’s charming town, visit Höhematte Park, and enjoy views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
  • Evening: Try a local Swiss meal at Restaurant Stadthaus or Ox Restaurant & Grill.

Day 5: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken Ost via Grindelwald (2.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Spend time at the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and Alpine Sensation, then return to Interlaken.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore Interlaken at your own pace.

Day 6: Interlaken to Zermatt

  • Morning: Take the scenic train from Interlaken to Zermatt (about 2 hours).
    • Hotel Check-in: Opt for hotels with views of the Matterhorn.
      • Recommended Hotels: Schlosshotel Zermatt, Hotel Alpenhof, or Hotel Butterfly.
  • Afternoon: Explore Zermatt’s charming town center.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Whymper-Stube for fondue and raclette.

Day 7: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

  • Morning: Take the cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (Europe’s highest cable car station) for stunning views, snow activities, and the Glacier Palace.
  • Afternoon: Return to Zermatt, stroll through the town, or relax at your hotel.
  • Evening: Try dinner at Chez Heini for an authentic Swiss experience.

Day 8: Zermatt to Geneva

  • Morning: Travel by train from Zermatt to Geneva (around 3.5 hours).
    • Hotel Check-in: Stay near Lake Geneva or in the city center.
      • Recommended Hotels: Hotel Rotary Geneva, Hôtel Métropole Genève, or Ibis Genève Centre Nations.
  • Afternoon: Explore Lake Geneva, the Jet d’Eau fountain, and St. Pierre Cathedral.
  • Evening: Enjoy a final Swiss dinner at Café du Centre or La Buvette des Bains.
8 Comments
2024/10/30
18:28 UTC

1

Is my employer calculating my taxes correctly in Switzerland?

Hi everyone,

I started working in Switzerland in mid-July 2024, on a B permit, with a yearly gross salary of CHF 120k. However, my employer is calculating my tax as if my gross is CHF 55k because I’m only working 5.5 months this year. As a result, my net income is turning out higher than expected.

I’m curious if this is the correct way to handle taxes for someone starting mid-year, or if my taxes should be based on the actual annual salary, regardless of my start date and months worked in 2024. Has anyone experienced something similar? Any insights would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

18 Comments
2024/10/30
16:17 UTC

2

Retirement planning

Just out of curiosity to those who are already thinking of retirement: Do you plan to stay in Switzerland or to emigrate abroad once pension arrives?

13 Comments
2024/10/30
15:20 UTC

0

Is Zermatt still the spot?

Hey friends, I know this has been discussed periodically, but was hoping for an update to see if Zermatt was still the best destination for skiing and non-skiing activities. I am planning to book a trip towards the end of January early February for my birthday and will be coming with the family of six. As only half the group skis, I want to ensure that there's plenty of things to do and enjoy in the town while we're out shredding on the slopes. Thank you!

13 Comments
2024/10/30
15:05 UTC

1

Best places to get Korean skincare in Switzerland

Hi everyone, I am a big fan of Korean skincare and I wonder what are the best places to get a good range of products for good prices. I prefer physical shops in the German part of Switzerland or the nearby German border area. But I am open to order online too if I get better prices that way.

What are your thoughts?

12 Comments
2024/10/30
14:46 UTC

1

Best affordable mobile plan with unlimited data

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a good phone plan with unlimited data in Switzerland and wonder if you have any thoughts.

Cheap calls are appreciated but not absolutely necessary. I read that the Swisscom network is the best, so I have been looking at options using it.

I found offers of Wingo and Mucho Swiss for 25 and 22 francs/month for unlimited 4G data/calls. Do you have any experiences with these companies? I read pretty mixed (and partially horrible) reviews about them.

4 Comments
2024/10/30
12:54 UTC

0

SBB SWISS PASS ID

Hi everyone , just wanted to ask im in switzerland for some years and never did swiss pass id haha for some reason , i just did it and i directly after they accepted the kyc id bought the half fare for a year , in the sbb app i logged out and in , and even that it doesnt show the swiss pass bc it might be „blocked „ ( its not even accepted bc it takes around 10 days to deliver to me ) , can i for example buy a ticket with the half tare because it is connected to the account from the swiss pass/ch , and if the control comes what should i do because i dont have yet the swiss pass card , is it all good or not ? Thanks in advance.

6 Comments
2024/10/30
14:08 UTC

0

Do many expats speak 2-3 languages?

Hi, I’m a native English speaker and C1 in French, and starting beginner German (standard resources for the moment so no Swiss German at this stage). Im aiming for C1 German in about five years which should help my European career.

I may consider working in Switzerland in a few years once I gain a few more years of experience and have the language skills. I’m wondering, do many expats arrive in Switzerland with language skills on their CV? Are three languages necessary, or just a bonus in business and daily life? Thanks!

10 Comments
2024/10/30
13:38 UTC

0

Is it good time to go to Jungfraujoch?

I will be traveling to switzerland next week. I was wondering if it will be good idea to go to Jungfraujoch as the tickets for the same is really expensive. Any recommendations

1 Comment
2024/10/30
12:49 UTC

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