Moving to Basel, Switzerland

Last updated on Apr 22, 2023

Summary: Many expats are drawn to Basel, Switzerland for its high quality of life, excellent public transportation system, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is also known for its world-class universities, making it an attractive destination for students and professionals alike. Additionally, Basel is located in a beautiful region of Switzerland, surrounded by the Jura Mountains and the Rhine River. Before moving to Basel, it is important to be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other parts of Switzerland. Additionally, the city is known for its high taxes, so it is important to research the tax laws before relocating. It is also important to note that Basel is a bilingual city, with both German and French being spoken. Finally, it is important to be aware of the weather in Basel, which can be quite cold and wet in the winter months.

What do I need to know before moving to Basel?

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

"Make sure you visit the apartment first and bring your US furniture with you and as much US things as possible to save yourself money. Be careful about furniture fitting up stairways. Be careful about silly rules...no flushing of toilets or taking showers during certain hours, etc," replied a member in Basel.

"Basel is a vibrant city located in the northwest corner of Switzerland, close to the borders of France and Germany. It is known for its cultural diversity, excellent public transportation, and high quality of life. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Basel is high, and that the city is home to a large number of international companies and organizations. Expats should also be aware that the Swiss language is the official language of Basel, although English is widely spoken. Additionally, expats should be aware that the Swiss healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and that the city is home to a number of excellent universities. Finally, expats should be aware that Basel is a safe city with a low crime rate," commented one expat who made the move to Basel.

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About the Author

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.