About wlibby

Currently Lives:

Zurich, Switzerland

Citizen of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Switzerland: Can American Dentist work in Switzerland?:

I am not sure of the requirements (although I am sure it is complicated like everything else here), but my Dentist is American. His name is Terrence McDermott and his office is in Zurich. In fact, many of the dental hygenists are also American. Good Luck! Ann Libby

Switzerland: is life in Zurich recommendable?:

That is a tough question to answer not knowing you. I can offer some considerations as I am wrapping up two years here this summer. In general I've found that the rewards of living here are large but are offset by more frequent, less intense problems (balancing out to the positive for me). As a base to see Europe this is perfect. The quality of living is high and an alpine walk in the summer is incredible. The town, though small, is surprisingly adequate (and I come from the New York area). On the downside, the reputation of the average Swiss person not being warm or polite or open as us Anglos is true, and some can be downright mean to foreigners (obviously there are exceptions). The weather is dreadfully wet, cold and cloudy for 6 months in the winter, the cost of living is too high and the concept of customer service is extremely rare. Many of my friends love it, most have mixed feelings. If you can deal with the daily frustrations (and I mean daily) then you'll have no problems. A big question is wether or not your day to day work environment will be Swiss or foreign - if Swiss then you'll deal with this all day. If you have a spouse or friends to occupy you even better. I'd heartily recommend it to anyone for a few years who has a decent job offer - this is not the place to be poor. And it has a great Irish pub. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me at wlibby@intsec.com.

Switzerland: AHV/ALV when leaving CH:

Maybe someone knows this or how to find out - I will be leaving Switzerland after two years going back to the USA. I've been told that your AHV and/or ALV contributions are refunded to you when you leave. I have heard that this is "definate" and also that it is "definately not so" and some things in between depending how long you have been here and the ammount . Any ideas? Thanks.

Switzerland: taxes:

Last year I used John Decker, CPA, in Zurich who specializes in American taxes. He did a great job for me and also has associations with Swiss accountants in case you have a Swiss tax question. He can be reached at 01/212-5131 (fax 01/212-5141).

Switzerland: Zürich- finding an apartment:

Not always so. I used a relocation service called Touchdown Relocation and they did a wonderful job (www.touchdown-reloc.ch). They make it a turn-key operation doing everything for me including utilities, phone, contract, etc., all you do is show up with your stuff. Yes, it cost some money but consider the hassle free move, the ability to see apartments that are not listed on the web or paper (if they are there is a reason why) and the monthly dissapointment of living in a place (apartment of neighborhood)you don't like over the years you are here. I would gladly pay double what they charged me. All of my friends agree - if you are not local hire someone locally on your behalf. This is Switzerland - it's complicated enough. As for Swisscom deposite, they return it to you after one year in cash plus interest. Best of luck.

Date Joined:

1/24/2002

Total Posts:

5

Posts/Day:

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