I’m looking to buy a car and wondering whether a regular hatchback (VW Golf, Audi A3, etc.) is perfectly fine for living in Switzerland, or whether getting something like a T-Roc or another small SUV makes more sense.

For those with a Golf, A3 or similar: how has your experience been with skiing trips, hiking, mountain roads and getting to more remote places? Do you ever run into issues with ground clearance, gravel roads or potholes?

Just wondering whether an SUV is actually useful here or mostly unnecessary. Interested in real-world experiences, as I am leaning towards a Golf, but don’t want to make a bad choice.

Hi all-

My husband and I are taking the Bernina express from Tirano to Chur on Wednesday, December 23rd getting to Chur at 6:30. We leave from Zürich to Houston on Saturday morning Dec 26th at 6:30 AM. Now we want to see Lucerne and interlaken and Grindelwald and Zürich. Can you recommend where we should stay and what our itinerary should be? Should we stay in Zürich or should we stay in Lucerne? We also want to visit the Lindt headquarters in Zürich and the only time available that I have booked is 11 AM on 24th Thursday.

I know it’s not a lot of time but that’s all we can afford to do at this point. We are open to staying in multiple locations but just want to make the best of the time that we have by traveling by train or Uber but we just want to be able to see the best locations in those areas or surrounding areas, please give us an itinerary that you think would be most appropriate.

Thank you so much!

Whenever we needed help from 144, there are such bad persons. Wandering who is responsible for this service in Geneva. Do you have good or bad experiences with 144? Thank you in advance.

Bonjour, je me lance en solo dans une petite activité en ligne en Suisse, sans employé. Je vais avoir un site web, un formulaire pour récupérer des adresses e-mail et des outils étrangers pour l'hébergement, les e-mails et le paiement.

J'ai un peu lu sur la nLPD, mais je ne vois pas trop ce qui s'applique vraiment à une aussi petite structure. Par exemple, est-ce que je suis obligé d'avoir une politique de confidentialité ? Un contrat avec chaque outil que j'utilise ? Quelque chose à déclarer quelque part ?

Si quelqu'un est déjà passé par là, vous avez fait quoi en premier ? Merci d'avance

When I came to Switzerland, I brought my car with me as a personal item, so I had it imported with no additional fees. Now that some time has passed, I have the option to either register it here and get Swiss plates or buy a car from Switzerland. I would like to go for option 2, however that would mean to export my car back to my home country to sell it there since it doesn’t make sense to register it here just to sell it.
My question is: do I need to do something special in order to export it back? Or is it enough to co to the customs office and say I want to take it back to my home country?

Hello,

As per title, after 4 months of consistently trying to sell my motorbike - a fully equipped, still under guarantee, always serviced and maintained in an impeccable state Ducati, 10-15% below the asking price of dealers, across all possible channels- I’m officially desperate.

I used to own motorbikes before moving here in Switzerland and I never faced any difficulty in getting rid of them when I had to move or wanted to change the model/brand/type.For some reason here it seems like there is no market for these things, unless you give it to some random dealer for a swap or a very low prices. Am I the only one facing these challenge or what is the trick to realize a decent price without going to dealers?

I lived in Asia for a long time, and Laderach is a high-end brand there. Personally, I think their chocolate tastes good too. However, I heard that this company seems to have scandals related to religion and homosexuality, which makes me reconsider my choice. (I live in Lausanne now and there are some pretty nice local brands)

May I ask whether these issues are true and whether they are very serious? Would you refuse to buy any Laderach products?

Thank you very much for your answer!

Hey everyone! I am planning a trip to Switzerland (specifically Saint Moritz) for around 7 days. I feel as though I am just growing impatient but that’s a bad reason to plan it so early. So my question is.. do you think mid December is too early for Saint Moritz especially based on all of the activities I want to do.

I particularly want to do:
Lunch at paradiso
The swiss alps
Bernina express
Ski corviglia
Corviglia mountain hike
Lake St moritz
St Moritz village streets

Do you also think the streets would be as beautifully snowed as I’d imagine during that time and just that this is an ideal time to go? My exact dates in mind were December 9-16. But an alternative would be late January or February.

Hi there,

A few days ago, I read a few posts regarding PhD in Switzerland. I genuinely can't find answers apart from high salary and good settlement. I want someone who's in this field to answer my question please.

1. What benefit do I get as a PhD candidate in finance in Switzerland? Could anyone tell me what made you choose CH for your PhD apart from a high salary package. I was asking myself, is Switzerland the best option for my interest.

2. My interest lies in sustainable finance and neurofinance. After a little independent research I made on the universities in CH, I'm genuinely interested in the university of geneva, UZH and st gallen because few Profs are already working in the research works I'm interested in.

3. Industry connections: someone who's already doing PhD in finance, how's the industry conncetion especially sustainable finance. Bc my research work also needs industry perspection.

4. In hindsight, those pursuing a PhD or completed in CH would you still choose CH or prefer another country.

5. What felt challenging in the beginning of a PhD in CH? Any insights on this would be helpful for my decision.

Appreciate any perspectives on this. Thank you.

Dear Group Members!

For a university presentation in my psychology course, I need to compare Switzerland and Hungary across two dimensions. It would be a huge help if you could share your personal experiences and insights in the comments—whether regarding all the aspects or just one or two that you feel you can speak to! 🙂

Every little bit of information is a great help to me!

Dimension 1: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

- Power Distance: Would you say it is high or low in Switzerland?

- Individualism vs. Collectivism scale

- Masculinity vs. Femininity scale: This refers to social values, not biological sex. In masculine cultures, achievement, success, competition, and material possessions dominate; in feminine cultures, the focus is on quality of life, care, relationships, and solidarity.

- Uncertainty Avoidance (high or low?): This indicates the extent to which a society feels threatened by uncertain or unknown situations. High uncertainty avoidance implies a need for many rules, laws, and rituals to provide a sense of security. at a lower value, society is more flexible and tolerant

- long-term vs. short-term orientation: focusing on the future (perseverance, thrift, planning ahead) versus the present (respect for traditions, immediate results)

- indulgence vs. restraint scale: the extent to which a society allows the free gratification of human desires and the enjoyment of life, versus the extent to which it restricts these through strict laws and norms

Dimension 2: among the following values, which are more important in Switzerland, and which are less so?-->

power

achievement

stimulation

self-direction

universalism

benevolence

tradition

security

conformity

So yes, I failed my assessment twice and am currently very lost. In my first year, I was commuting, so I got an apartment near the uni to make my life easier. It was the best year of my life: friends, relationships, studying, and occasionally partying. My parents are very strict and were against me moving there, but I still did it anyway, promising them that I would pass. Moving back felt like my world was crashing down. Some of my friends will be done next semester, and the other will be done in 4 semesters. If I start a bachelor's again, I would be done in 3.5 years bc the semester only starts in September at most unis. It feels like I am so behind. Additionally, my parents are pulling me down by rubbing it into my face that i failed and everything "bad" that I did (they found out I partied and drank). If I want to meet my friends, they tell me first not to meet the "alcoholics" that influenced me, and if I actually get permission to go, i have to follow strict times to be home; sleeping over is out of question. I am 21. I tried to talk to them over and over, but I am just so done. I would be better off talking to a wall. My last hope was to do a master's at HSG, but then I would need to do half of the credits in Germany or Austria on site at a Uni, bc I only have a matura. Tbh the first year at HSG i only did bc i didn't know what else to do. So i just kind of started. But the second year i did put my heart to it. Now I don't know if I should give it a third shot or not, and if not, what else can I do? I heard that employers sometimes ask what you did in the year that you failed and observe it critically. A friend of mine (really smart but often sick), went to uni and realized she didn't like it. So she spent 1.5 years at home, and when she went to an office job, they asked her what she did for those 1.5 years. Apparently, employers want to see motivation, and if they see that you have a weak spirit or no motivation, they will not take you. Considering all that, I sink deeper into a dark hole kinda. I look to the left, and everyone has found their way; why not me? What did I do wrong? Then I look to the righ and everyone has a supporting family or at least a close friend they can lean on. Who do i have? Bc my parent never let me hang out with anyone i couldn't grow close to anyone; they feel so distant. My friend "left" me cause i text back usually 2-3 times a week but then i didn't text back for 2 weeks (yes it is my fault) due to some family issue (i had the biggest fight with my parents after i lost it). She told me I was never there for her, but she was always here for me so I explained my situation and apologized over and over. But i just so tired rn man; it feels like a lot to shoulder. I turned into a crybaby. As soon as I see a picture of my friends all happy without me i get fomo. If i see a post from the Uni i also cry. This sounds like I have depression and am some kind of victim, but I do not and i am not that weak, or at least I did not use to be this weak. Guess this uni made me weak. Generally, I am a happy person. Studies show that children like me have kind of trauma due to lack of love from their parents. But to sum up, I just don't know what to do. I have never felt this lost in life. If this is a life lesson, I'll take it, but i just can't seem to find the light.

Okay, I have a very Swiss logistical question after last night's clock change.

I found out that Zurich's ZVV night network actually runs the departures between 02:00 and 03:00 twice when the clocks go back. Once during summer time, then again after 03:00 becomes 02:00.

That makes sense on paper. But how does it work for an actual passenger?

Say I want the 02:35 night bus. There are now two different 02:35s on the same night. Does the SBB/ZVV app show both departures separately? How do you know which one you're looking at? And if you miss the first 02:35, can you genuinely just wait an hour and catch another 02:35?

I'm also curious what happens to a bus that's already moving when the clocks change. Imagine leaving somewhere at 02:50 and arriving at 02:15. Technically the most impressive journey in Switzerland.

I know the transport companies have planned for this, so I'm not worried about the system breaking. I'm just fascinated by how they make it understandable for passengers.

Did anyone actually use public transport during the repeated hour last night? Especially curious to hear from drivers or people who regularly work night shifts.

I’m thinking about moving back to Switzerland next year with my family. I’m not employee at a big corporation that might offer this but I’m ready to pay to avoid problems.

We’ll need help for the apartment search — especially because we would move in the middle of summer break but want to avoid a temporary apartment to avoid moving the kids from one school to another after a short while. We also have a dog.

So: what are good relocation agencies to speak to?

Edit: learned that I just need a real estate agent… anyone have recommendations?

Earlier this month I bought a microwave on Galaxus for CHF 239. Unfortunately, while unpacking it, I removed something inside that looked like cardboard packaging material. I later learned that it was an essential component called a waveguide cover.

I contacted Galaxus, explained what had happened, and sent photos. After more than a week of correspondence and requests for additional information, I received an email confirming that my refund had been approved. I received CHF 208 via TWINT, returned the microwave in its original packaging, and then bought a replacement (a different model, also from Galaxus).

I found out that I had bought the first microwave from a third-party seller, Evisto, through Galaxus Marketplace (until then I thought I was dealing with Galaxus only).

Evisto now claims that the microwave is unusable without the cover and is demanding that I pay the full CHF 239 again, even though I only received CHF 208 back.

Galaxus says the refund was triggered automatically because a deadline had passed, and that Evisto, not Galaxus, is responsible for the return decision. Evisto has now invoiced me for the full purchase price.

I accept that I made a mistake by removing the cover. However, I was completely transparent about what had happened from my very first email, and the refund was confirmed. I relied on that confirmation when returning the microwave and buying a replacement.

I accept responsibility for my mistake, but should the seller not also take responsibility for confirming the refund?

Has anyone experienced something similar with Galaxus Marketplace? Can a seller reverse a refund after confirming it and receiving the returned product? And what does the consumer protection law say about a situation like this, particularly when I disclosed the issue from the very beginning and relied on the refund confirmation when buying a new one?

Hey there! I’m wondering if there is a job market that pays pretty well, in Car Automotive industry as a Sales Manager or Logistics Manager.

I dont have a City in mind, but maybe Basel, Zurich or Geneva, assuming they have more available jobs

I have 5 years experience in Logistics in Car indsutry across US & Canada

Eu citizen, and i know English, Russian and Romanian

Thank You ahead!

Hi everyone! My partner and I will be staying in Zurich from October 29 to November 6 for his business trip. He’ll only be working the first three days, so we’ll have the rest of the trip to explore together.

What weather should we expect, and what activities, places to visit, or day trips would you recommend at this time of year? We’d love a mix of beautiful scenery, local food, and exploring towns or cities.

It’s our first trip to Europe, and we’re incredibly excited! We’d love to make the most of our time without trying to squeeze in too much. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m a non-EU/EFTA national. I completed my MSc in Engineering in January 2026. After graduation, I had the 6-month job search window, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure a position during that period. Then I had to leave Switzerland when my permit expired in July.

A Swiss company is now interested in hiring me. Before proceeding, I’m trying to understand whether my Swiss degree could still make a difference in the work permit process.

My question is: Can this Article 21(3) FNIA (AIG) exception still be used if more than six months have passed since graduation and the applicant is now living outside Switzerland? Or is the exception only available to graduates who are still in Switzerland on their post-graduation job-search permit?

I understand that the six-month period concerns the right to stay in Switzerland while looking for a job. However, I haven’t been able to find a clear answer on whether the employment exception under Article 21(3) is also subject to that same time limit.

I’m also wondering whether applying from abroad automatically triggers the labor market priority test procedure (the requirement to demonstrate that no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate could be found), or whether the Article 21(3) exception can still apply.

If anyone has gone through this process, knows of a similar case, or has experience to share, I’d really appreciate your insight. I need to know how difficult this process is going to be…

Thanks in advance!

Hi.
Need to order something from Amazon Spain or Amazon Italy.
It's a electronic device and costs more than 500€.
It's sold and delivered by Amazon itself ( not marketplace)

Is it safe to order?
Is there a chance it might get stuck in customs and I end up paying more fees?
What if for some reason I have to return? Is it easy to process the return?

Anyone with experience ordering expensive items from Amazon in other EU countries?

Thanks

Hey guys
Did anyone of you recently (in the last few months or so) order from barrabes.com. They say that VAT is included but some reviews say it doesn't work well.
Does anyone have any experience on this recently?
Thank you!

Hello, I'm a 5th year medical student in Tunisia. I'm thinking of doing an internship in Switzerland and would love to practice the language and learn more about the culture before going.

I already love Switzerland and have a very good first impression of it and would love to learn more about it.

I'm open minded, easy going and mostly introverted.

I don't know what else to say, hmu and let's see how this goes.

(I'm not sure if Reddit is the best way of doing this, if you have any other suggestions about other ways of making Swiss friends or practicing french in general please do let me know, thanks.)

Hi guys!! I live in Croatia and I was planning on working in Switzerland in the southern part during the summer. I speak italian so I want to go there but is there a possibility that other regions will take me even if I dont speak swiss german or french? Also, I wonder what are the available jobs for people like me (I guess McDonalds, food/clothing shops?) and what is the average pay. (And if there are jobs that offer accomodation). On the internet it's written that the average pay is 7000 CHF but for McDonald's is 3200 CHF and as far as I know McDonalds does have good paychecks(?). I plan on working 40 hours or more. And can international students work on student's contract or do employers ask for a real contract? Thanks for any info, even info that I didn't ask is welcome :)).

I live in a large city in southern Italy. I work as a Project Controller in the railway infrastructure sector for a large Italian company, earning around €35,000 gross per year (approximately €25,000 net). By local standards, I have a good job and a decent salary, but career progression is limited and salary increases are unlikely to be significant.

Over the past 11 years, I haven't been particularly frugal. I travelled, enjoyed life and tried to start two businesses, neither of which worked out. Now I live with my girlfriend, and we're considering buying a home. Despite both of us working and being reasonably careful with money, we find it difficult to achieve the financial freedom we'd like: travelling, eating out more often and enjoying life without worrying too much about expenses.

There's also a lifestyle aspect. I love Italy, but I often feel out of step with certain aspects of everyday life here. I value organization, cleanliness, efficient public transport, punctuality and respect for shared spaces. Moving abroad has always been a dream of mine, but having a secure job made me postpone it for years.

After considering several countries, Switzerland remains my main option, although I'm also considering Germany and Austria. I'm seriously thinking about learning German to improve my chances of finding a job abroad. I understand that these countries have their own challenges, including high living costs, cultural differences and difficulties integrating, but I feel ready to explore a different way of life.

My girlfriend would be willing to move with me. She currently works in a bar, so we would both need to find jobs and adapt to a new environment. Ideally, I'd like to continue my career in railway infrastructure, project control or project management.

I'd really appreciate advice from people who have made a similar move, especially those working in these countries.

Is Switzerland a realistic target for someone with my professional background, or would Germany or Austria be a better starting point?

How important is German for finding a qualified job in railway infrastructure or project control? Can English be enough initially?

For couples who moved abroad together, how difficult was it for both partners to find work and integrate?

Did your quality of life and ability to save genuinely improve after accounting for housing and other living expenses?

If you left Italy while having a relatively secure job, would you make the same decision again?

I'm not expecting to become rich. I simply want better career prospects, greater financial stability as a couple, and the feeling that working hard allows us to enjoy life rather than just pay the bills.

I'd particularly appreciate honest, real-life experiences, including from people who eventually returned to Italy. Thanks!

As a german I think it sounds absolutely ridiculous. Putting a "li" at the end of words, is this some cultural phenomenon?

Hi! So I’m currently residing in lucerne and currently walking around Rotsee Lake. While resting in a bench near a residential area, a cat sat beside started to play with me, asking for pets etc. out of nowhere, the orange tabby cat suddenyl tried to bite my hand. After checking my finger, there was no visible scratch/wound on my hand but should i need to go to the hospital?

I wasnt able was my hand properly other than using the drinking water i have.i read on the internet that switzerland is rabies free but wanted to ask if its necessary to visist a hospital?

With the weather turning grey, I'm looking for day trips from Zurich that are still worth it in November. Ideally reachable by train in under two hours and not just the usual Lucerne and Rhine Falls (both great, already done). I'm happy with anything from a good thermal bath or a small old town with nice cafes to a short hike that's still fine when it's foggy. Bonus points for a museum worth the trip or a spot where you can get above the fog. What are your go-to places this time of year?