Retire in Switzerland

How do I meet people in Switzerland?

When we asked people living in Switzerland about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Neuchatel International Club, English Speaking Ladies Group, Chappel des Charmettes religious (Christian Protestant) & social activities," explained one retiree living in Neuchatel.

"North Americans will particularly enjoy linking up with the local softball league. This a great time for the athlete and non-athlete to get out in the countryside and play. You will meet all sorts of nationalities as many unexpected fans of American baseball pop up from all over the world. Contact by email or, if you work in one of the Orgs, ask around about the league. There are many teams," said another retiree in living in Geneva, Switzerland.

"There's an Internatioanl Women's club which is quite extensive. Some members are too high brow for us (lots of very wealthy wives!) but also lots of mums and kids activities. My neighbour goes to the business forum meetings from teh same club and finds them informative - but they are really aimed at working women not SAHMs. Our relocation company had a get-together just after we arrived for people new to the area and that was very helpful - nice to meet people in the same boat! They also found some families with similar family situation (we have a disabled child) for us and that has been very good. Language lessons are good - we got a list from the agent when we arrived with some tips about each school. We went for a big class - was good to meet people but was slow. Now we have a private teacher," explained a retiree in Switzerland.

"The best one by far is http://www.sindy.ch These guys are a huge Geneva network, mainly for expats but also for locals. Their mission in life is to 'make Geneva friendlier', and they - truly - changed my life in Geneva. They do various activities, from parties to adventure trips to chairy work - that draw many people who are into meeting others. Gives a v good and quick access to many leads," explained one retiree living in Geneva.

"Take the "Living in Zurich" mini course offered in October (every Friday for 6 weeks) by the American Women's Club of Zurich," said another member in Zurich.

"For younger people 25 plus... www.sindy.ch hold large parties and festivities or join the Geneva Amateur Operatic Society. Fun at Xmas with Panto and lots of friendly expats," remarked another retiree in Geneva.

What is life like in Switzerland?

When we asked people living in Switzerland what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Neuchatel is famous for watchmaking and high-tech industries and is home to a number of English-speaking companies such as Philip Morris, Baxter, Auto-Desk etc. In areas of the canton outside of the town of Neuchatel area there are other companies such as Johnson & Johnson, so there are more English-speaking ex-pats than one would imagine for a town as small as Neuchatel. The Neuchatelois also have a football team (Neuchatel Xamax) that is EU class, again something most towns its size do not have," commented one retiree living in Neuchatel, Switzerland.

"There is a lot of socializing and traveling in small groups or as individuals. Most of the people you will meet who are expats are well educated and excited to be at the heart of Europe with what are pretty reasonable salaries and a lot of free time to enjoy the perks. Skiing, climbing, bicycle touring, etc. etc. on the physical side are just a few of the attractions. GAOS, the amateur theatrical group is far more interesting than their title would indicate and many folks get immersed in their activities. Of course, everything you do in Geneva will eventually lead you to a banquet to celebrate something or other which will lead you to yet other," explained one retiree living in Geneva.

"Lots of outdoor activiites - cycling and roller blading are big things. You can go right round the lake - 41km! Healthly living in general. Zug is a bit materialistic with quite a transient expat population. Mixing with Swiss people is not easy - but worth the effort! Lot of people speak English," said another retiree in living in Switzerland.

"Work big priority. Many people here are professionals highly specialised in their field, they were brought here to work, and they focus on it. Banks and the UN and P&G are the biggest employers," explained a retiree in Geneva.

"Families are a huge priority here, it can be difficult if you are not yet at that stage in life," explained one retiree living in Geneva.

"Zug has very low personal and corporate taxation and most people are just here because of tehir jobs (expats that is). However, standard of living is good - lots of international restaurants, good train connections to other cities and areas, very nice local people once they get used to you - and we found that it really helped to learn a bit of German - the locals are REALLY keen to practice their English but we found a few stumbling words in German always broke the ice. Seem very sporty as well - lots of cyclists and in-line skaters out on the streets and MANY people swim in the lakes regulary. Walking is of course a big thing - who couldn't get hooked with the gorgeous mountains right on the doorstep!!," said another member in Switzerland.

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What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Switzerland, they said:

"You should have a particular reason for moving to Neuchatel, such as an interest in high-tech work, and not just chose it because of its lovely lake-side location, for example. It is a specialized place and you should be prepared for that before deciding upon Neuchatel as a place to live," remarked another retiree in Neuchatel.

"Don't bother bringing anything unless you are totally convinced that you won't be able to get it in Geneva. If you can think of something that fits that catagory I would love to know what it was as I haven't found anything (a long while ago we couldn't find "crunchy" peanut butter but forget that problem, it's here) lacking here. Go to the library and check out a couple of books on Switzerland. The locals will be amazed when you are able to demonstrate any knowledge about history, especially theirs. North Americans have been judged, and rightfully so, deficient in an appreciation of history and the role it plays in Europe generally. You will have to read the books, by the way," said a retiree who moved to Geneva, Switzerland.

"Try to find someone to help you who is not part of the company. We got a recommenation for a relocation company from a friend (Le concierge) and they did everything for us when we couldn't be in Zug. House hunting was a nightmare (too many people, too few houses) and the agents went to look at them for us and sent pictures, maps, floorplans etc by mail. This was a fantastic help and they defintely got our profile right! We went to look at 3 places (with the whole family!!) and were very lucky we got one. I don't think we could have done this without help - and very fast action from the agents (Nikki and Renata). Also - go with an open mind! We read a few books before we went but found Siwss people much warmer and friendlier than the books suggested. We got some good tips from Renata (she's Swiss) about how to meet the neighbours etc and I tihnk this helped a lot. Try not to keep thinking how things are "back home" - it helped us more to focus on where you are now. We had Swedish TV via satellite which was good at the start for the children but we didn't need to brng so much Swedish food! Get out and about - we've seem more of Switz than some Swiss and it is a lovely place," said another retiree in Switzerland.

"Watch out for the landlords. Protect yourself as the business people appear, but are not, honest. They have little ethics. The city is central to everything and getting around is easy. If you like culture, this city has a lot to offer. The food is terrible. It is very expensive to live there. There are no provisions for working women. Men are very chauvinistic. I made a number of friends and do like the Swiss, but watch out for the ethical guidelines as they are not like ours," commented one retiree living in Basel, Switzerland.

"Life is very insular in Geneva, a social life does not immediately await you, you absolutely have to make the effort to join things to fit in and meet people as socialising with work colleagues is not overly common as in England," explained one retiree living in Geneva.

"Pack your bags and get on over here!!! Seriously - make sure you get a good agent to help you before you start - the help we got before we came was invaluable and she is still helping us on and off now when we have questions (Nicky at Le Concierge); talk to your kids a lot in advance so they are in on the adventure from the start and try to get them to understand that things will be different and their favorite peanut butter may not be available (tip: Gourmet Garage in Zürich can be a lifesaver!); be prepared to spend a lot of energy at the beginning making new friends and getting involved - after a while you'll find one or two good friends and the effort will be worth it; above all keep an open mind, be patient with yourselves and the experience and don't worry if you have homesick days," said another retiree in living in Switzerland.