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Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland | Expat Exchange
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Ascona on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland

Pros and Cons of Living in Switzerland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on May 20, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Switzerland include its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and low crime rate. Switzerland is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green valleys. Additionally, the country is renowned for its excellent healthcare system, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. On the other hand, the cost of living in Switzerland is quite high, and the country is known for its strict immigration policies. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak one of the four official languages.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

What are the pros and cons of living in Switzerland?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Switzerland responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Switzerland, with its excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and stunning natural beauty. They also enjoy the country's low crime rate, excellent healthcare system, and strong economy. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Switzerland to be quite high, as well as the language barrier, which can make it difficult to integrate into the local culture. Additionally, the strict immigration laws can make it difficult for expats and digital nomads to stay in the country for extended periods of time," said one expat in Switzerland.

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What do expats in Switzerland appreciate most about the local culture?

"The air is clean, we can ski on weekends in winter. You see the mountains. But that's about it. I personally appreciate Asia much more," remarked one in Zurich.

"Expats in Switzerland appreciate the high quality of life and the well-maintained infrastructure. They also appreciate the high level of safety, politeness and respect for privacy. Additionally, the variety of cultures and languages and the tradition of neutrality is appreciated by many expats. Furthermore, expats enjoy the abundant opportunities to explore nature and experience the joy of living in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Finally, they may even appreciate the strong social welfare system and the access to high-quality educational institutions," explained one expat.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"One of the most challenging aspects of living in Switzerland for expats is the fact that most social interactions are understandably conducted in the local language. Even in highly populated areas with many expats, it can be hard to communicate if one’s knowledge of the language is limited. Additionally, the rigid hierarchy in Swiss culture may seem quite daunting to those who are used to more egalitarian nations. Respect for authority and decorum are particularly important in the workplace and other formal settings, making it difficult to relax and feel comfortable among their peers. Lastly, the high expectations of punctuality can be frustrating for newcomers who have a different view on the importance of timekeeping," remarked one in Switzerland.

"The lack of local language skills is at the top of the list. It isolates you and forms a barrier in what in your own country would be friendly, every day, people to people contact situations: such as pleasantries exchanged with a check out clerk or a neighbor while walking the dog. I also feel out of it with regards to the news: what is going on in the arts, politics. I used to be well informed, now I am not at all. I have been too busy getting my kids settled, hooking up utilities, figuring out our mail forwarding, our taxes, etc," explained one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Ascona on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland

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