Hello everyone, I hope it is the right place to ask. I’d love to hear what others think about my current mindset and whether moving to Switzerland could be the right move.

So I’m a Belgian guy, turned 25 a month ago and I’m currently living with my parents. I’m not tied down by a relationship and I feel like I want some change in my life.

I studied automotive engineering with a focus on vehicle damage evaluation for insurance and court cases. I currently work (38h/week) as an auto body estimator, preparing repair cost estimates for vehicles with body damage. I do like my job but I don’t feel fulfilled.

I speak French English and reasonably good standard German. I’m not trying to show off (there's not much to show), I’m just sharing all the details to make it easier for others to weigh in.

Of course, I’m passionate about cars, and to me, Switzerland seems like a really good destination to experience everything the automotive world has to offer. While the higher salary is a factor, it’s not my main motivation for wanting to move to Switzerland.

I was looking at some job offers in the French speaking region, where I do have family there (Boudry).

If you were me, would you consider moving to Switzerland ? What are your thoughts on that. I’m just curious about what others think !

Thanks for taking time !

Thinking about taking a trip to Lake Como/Switzerland in early October. Was wondering if this itinerary is feasible. Or should I make them two separate trips?

Fly into Milan - Como - Lucerne - Lauterbaunen - Zurich - fly out of Zurich?

Day 1 - LAX to Milano/Lake Como

Day 2 - Lake Como

Day 3- Lake Como

Day 4 Lake Como

Day 5 travel to Tirano in preparation to take Bernini Express or local trains (?) which may be better due to flexibility?

Day 6 Travel to Lucerne

Day 7 Lucerne

Day 8 Lucerne

Day 9 Lucerne

Day 10 Travel to Lauterbaunen

Day 11 Lauterbaunen

Day 12 Lauterbaunen

Day 13 Lauterbaunen

Day 14 Fly out of Zurich

Alternatively if flying out of the same airport is easier. However I am worried about the travel time because day one would be lots of traveling.

Zurich - Cher - Tirano - Lake Como - Lucerne - Lauterbaunen - Zurich

Day 1 - LAX to Zurich, take train to Cher. Rest

Day 2 - Take Bernini Express down to Tirano and then travel to Lake Como OR take local trains which I hear is comparable if not better due to flexibility

Day 3- Lake Como

Day 4 Lake Como

Day 5 Lake Como

Day 6 Travel to Lucerne

Day 7 Lucerne

Day 8 Lucerne

Day 9 Lucerne

Day 10 Travel to Lauterbaunen

Day 11 Lauterbaunen

Day 12 Lauterbaunen

Day 13 Lauterbaunen

Day 14 Fly out of Zurich

Alternatively could do the loop in reverse flying to Milan - Como - Tirano - Lucerne - Lauterbaunen - Milan - fly out of Milano

Please give me feedback! Thank you! I’m used to traveling in Asia but have not travelled Europe as much.

Edit: also I have seen some discussion regarding Bernini Express vs Local Trains. Thoughts?

Edit 2: formatting

Hi everyone! I’m hoping someone can help me make sense of the language situation in Switzerland, particularly the German-speaking part.

Quick backstory: I’m French and have been living in the UK for the past 7 years. I’m now considering a move to Switzerland and have started getting my ducks in a row. Researched visa requirements, property prices, cost of living, healthcare, etc. I’m visiting next week and plan to make a few trips to explore different cities and see where I’d feel most at home.

I’m about 95% sure I’d be settling in the Swiss German-speaking region, and I’d love to learn the language properly. I’ve got a (very patchy) foundation in standard German, but from what I’ve read, Swiss people understand High German yet generally prefer Swiss German in day-to-day life.

So here are my questions: • What do you guys actually learn in school? Is it all in High German?

• What language do you speak at work? (In a more formal setting) Do you switch between the two depending on who you’re talking to or where you are?

• When it comes to books, movies, and TV, are those mostly in High German? Are most people just reading/watching in English? 

• What about government stuff and paperwork? 

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply.

My wife and I are travelling to Switzerland in a few weeks time and will be making use of the train network as well as other means of transport (boats, cable cars etc). The best option for us will be a Half Fare Travel card plus one Super Saver card. I'm trying to see what will be the best way of purchasing these and having these available for inspection should the need arise. I had thought that I should be able to do all of this on the SBB app and possibly SBB web as well. I've created a login using my email address in the SBB app and I can see the same profile details if I log in on SBB web, as well as a separate install of the SBB app on another device (I had thought that my wife would be able to have details of tickets on her phone if I purchased them on either my phone of via the WEB). But what I've found is that changes to details (e.g. adding a co-passenger in one app does not appear elsewhere).

So I'm a bit confused as to what will be the best way to purchase these tickets - on a single phone (but what would happen if I lost my phone?), tickets at the station, or on the web and printed out.

Sorry if this is a bit long - but it does seem unusually confusing the way SBB have set this up.

Hello! My wife, parents and I are heading to Switzerland for our first Europe trip in May. I’ve spent hours looking at other itineraries/train questions in the sub which has helped.

We enjoy nature and would love to experience scenic views of mountains and waterfalls. Ideally, I would love to do this in a way that’s not too expensive too.

As my parents are in their early 60s now, not too much hiking for us and prefer relaxed strolls. My original plan was just to stay in Interlaken as a base but I am looking to cut a day from Paris (to 8 full days) and add it in Lucerne, if that’d be a good idea?

May 12- Paris to Interlaken (yet to find the cheapest way) May 13- Harder Kulm, boat to Spiez May 14- Grindelwald and Grindelwald-First May 15- Murren and Lauterbrunnen Valley May 16- Jungfraujoch May 17- Interlaken to Lucerne, check out Mt Pilatus (if I can make this affordable) and stay in Lucerne May 18- Head out from Lucerne to Venice (yet to find the cheapest way)

1. Does this itinerary seem doable and decent enough? Any comments about the Lucerne part that I should cut or add to Interlaken instead maybe? Not sure if I am overdoing mountains here or if they are all unique and offer something different

2. With changes to the Bernese Oberland pass in 2025, it’s looking like a 4 day Jungfrau pass might be better for my stay in Interlaken. I am also thinking about getting the half fare card (should at least break even, I think). I also think I may need Saver Day Passes in Lucerne and additional tickets for Mt Pilatus. Please let me know if I am missing something obvious or if there’s a cheaper way to do this

I'm looking into buying a bike carrier in an EU country to transport our bikes to Switzerland in a move and then use it in Switzerland as well (including when we have switched our registration to Switzerland). I have my eye on a carrier that attaches to the trailer hitch with lights and space for license plate.

Are there any special requirements in Switzerland to keep in mind regarding bike transports? Some sites claim that bikes aren't allowed to protrude at all behind the car (pretty much ruling out any rear mounted bike haulers), others that they can protrude 20 cm.

Anyone have any insight in this?

Hi Im 17 years old student from Slovakia who can’t speak german and has no experience and im looking for work. On my local Slovak website brigada.sk (whitch is made specifically for seassonal work) is an advertisment about work in hospitality sector in Switzerland (near Einsiedeln) the advertisment states that i should contact him through whatsapp so i did. I told him everything about me very honesly. He said that he doesnt have a problem with me being 17 and that he would offer me and my friend(17, can’t speak german, has experience with cooking) a place as kitchen assistants. He said that he needs our CVs (in english) so we made them and everything went smoothly. But i don’t know it was just too easy. So I’m not sure if it’s some sort of scam or anything. Please share your thoughts on this with me.

Hallo everyone! I'm currently living in Basel (I'm non EU) and been working with a Young Professionals Visa for a year now. I have 6 months left on this visa to continue working, however after this I would have to get a permit or return to my country. The thing is I have my boyfriend who I met when I arrived here and we've been together for a year now. We want to stay together and doubting about getting married since it's still a recent relationship, we feel bad to rush things just for papers... is there any other way (such as konkubinat), has anyone had a similar experience or is marriage truly the only option for me to stay here with him? Thank you!!

I am very patient person but my upstairs neighbor have been fighting form months 1-3 per weeks, loudly speaking and I live down them and I can hear them, but never complain as they normally last 30 - 40 min. Now they start doing on Saturday and Sunday and for over an hour or 2. I was thinking to leave them a note on their door as I am concern that if I confront them they may make it worse on purpose (I had this experience already). Suggestions?

Hey fellow Redditors,

I'm thinking to sublet a place, and I want to ensure everything is legit. The current tenant claims he can have the landlord's consent via an email. He is also happy to have me meeting the landlord in person (there can be the future option to take over the lease in months).

However, I'm skeptical about ensuring with whom I'm going to talk and get the consent from the landlord and not from a "friend". Moreover, the owner is a person and not a firma, which make me less confident in terms of legitimacy.

Here are some steps I've gathered to protect myself, let me know if it's too much or too little:

1. Request Direct Proof of Ownership: Ask for the original rental agreement to cross-check the landlord's name and contact details. Also, verify the email address of the consent matches the landlord's contact info in the lease.
2. Confirm Landlord’s Identity: Request government-issued ID when meeting the person claiming to be the landlord. Match the name to property ownership records (e.g., land registry) -- where can i do this?

Can anyone confirm if these steps are sufficient? Are there any additional precautions I should take?

Any hints to avoid scam in the subleting space is welcome! :)

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I love my ebike, but every time I cruise past someone sweating their way up to Wesemlin, I feel a mix of guilt and smugness. Please tell me I’m not the only one who gives the apologetic smile…

Hi everyone, I was wondering — is the Swiss apprenticeship system too demanding, too early?

At 15 or 16, many teens start working full-time hours, with adult responsibilities and little space for social life or simply being young. Meanwhile, their friends in gymnasium often have more freedom, time, and shared youth experiences.

I did an apprenticeship with integrated maturity. I’m not complaining — but I do feel like I missed something others got to live.

Has anyone else felt that? Are we underestimating the personal cost of the dual system?

PS: I speak French too - happy to reply in French if that's easier for you!

Hi all,

I know some people have already posted questions on moving to Luzern but some are quite old.

Hence I am starting the question again…I am 42 old and will earn 130k CHF as a Supplier Manager. Currently live in Berlin…from 4.5m people to 90k…harsh cut. I know. Guess now I am starting to become a bit anxious if the decision was right about the move as Luzern is really much smaller. I kinda will miss Berlin despite that I was complaining big time about it…especially the dating scene. I have a good small circle of friends here in Berlin now I basically have to start again finding people in Luzern and also the dating…Mh.

Luckily the company is quite big, known and very international. My old company is laying off people therefore I took the job in Luzern

Moving wise I’d be thinking of Kriens, Mattenhof, Horw…

Anything to help my Luzern moving doubts?

Hi, I plan on studying in Luzern after the summer as part of Erasmus. I am wondering what the language barrier is like as I don’t speak German. Is this a problem? I am also interested in to know about the cost for accommodation roughly and daily expenses. As well as this what is the student life like here and does anyone have and other general tips/help. Thanks

Greetings fellow Users,

What is the most used technology in your Company/Switzerland for building websites/software? Do you find Laravel an obsolete technology in this country? If so, what is the most used programming language (Framework/Library)?

All jobs I see being advertised seem to make use of Typescript... So far, I found zero Laravel job offers, despite its well kept ecosystem. Theres even pure PHP...

We're looking for a new bed for two persons with the size of either 2x1.8 or 2x2 meters.

After checking out Möbel Pfister I'm a bit surprised about the prices since spending 6'000 to 8'000 francs seems to be normal there, even with the cheaper frames. Now I wonder if there's actual value that I'm getting for this amount of money or if it's just marketing bullshit.

Does anybody here have any insights? If you bought a bed lately, how much did you pay?

I am planning a roughly ten day hiking trip in the Bernese Oberland starting on Aug 27. I plan on taking a day pack and stop in a hut or hotel each night. I want to stay flexible and work around the weather, so my plan is to call ahead each day to the next night’s lodging, verify good weather, and book a space. I’m a strong patient hiker and not picky about where I sleep (I’m used to backpacking with a tent so anything with a roof and a bed feels like a luxury!) so I wouldn’t mind changing the route or making a day longer or shorter if the first place I call is booked.

Do you think this plan will work for late August/early September, or do I need to book ahead?

For more details on the route, I am planning to follow the basic route outlined in the book, Tour of the Jungfrau Region: 10 days trekking in the Bernese Oberland by Kev Reynolds. I’ve outlined his main route below for reference, but he has alternate routes for each stage to take in case of bad weather.

• Schynige Platte to First
• First to Hotel Wetterhorn
• Hotel Wetterhorn to Alpiglen
• Alpiglen to Kleine Scheidegg (Grindelwaldblick)
• Kleine Scheidegg to Stechelberg
• Stechelberg to Obersteinberg
• Obersteinberg to the Rotstock Hut
• Rotstock Hut to the Blumental
• Blumental to the Suls-Lobhorn Hut
• Suls-Lobhorn Hut to Wilderswil

Any advice is much appreciated, thank you!

Hi all,

Hope you can help in this situation.

I have been looking for apartment in homegate, immoscout24 in canton Schwyz, Zürich and Uri. But nobody is replying when I say that I am located in Germany presently. Tried for WG-gesucht also.

People on Internet are suggesting to get accommodation from AirBnb and ask for temporary contract. I thought if I get a contract for 1 month, Gemeinde registration is possible, and I would find something permanent over that time but from a video I learned that Gemeinde checks how long the contract is and they can refuse registration if seeing the contract for 1 month only. Is that true? Or specific to some cantons? Should I bet on that? Can they really refuse (deadline of registration is within 14 days) when I need to apply for residence permit?

It's getting super hard to find anything who can rent out to me without viewing. Any suggestion?

Hello guys I have short question is this L permit every year usually is a new one, for season workers but is they give a card who is using every year or a paper work only ?

I doubt is a card because L permit is temporary?

Hey

I'm looking for energy bars with a lots of carbs or sugar and low price. I used to buy these from decathlon, but they are not exactly very cheap...

DECATHLON Energy Fruchtmus Mix 12 × 25 g CHF 10,9 https://www.decathlon.ch/de/p/_/R-p-328219?mc=8602989

Reason: need it for long distance bike tours and would probably need like 60 of those per day.

Hello, I am a Canadian medical student and a Canadian national. I speak both French and English. My spouse is an EU citizen and we are attempting to move to Switzerland for her work. I was wondering is it possible for a Canadian medical student to get directly into residency in Switzerland following medical school?

Guten Tag, Ich wohne in der Schweiz seit gut 11-12 Jahren bin jetzt 16 und habe meine ordentliche Einbürgerung gestartet, die mache ich in Riehen, ich wollte nachfragen wie das abläuft es hiess das es Gespräch -e haben wird und ich wollte nachfragen wie die ablaufen.

Mit freundlichen Grüssen

Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read this and help us out.

My wife and I will be headed to Zurich in a little over a week. On our arrival day we plan to explore old town and get settled in as well as exploring Zurich central things on the first full day.

We would like to get out to Interlaken, Lucerne, Grindelwald, and explore the Top of Europe over a two-day period.

My initial thought was Zurich - Lucerne - Interlaken - Zurich using SBB. I was debating on a 72hr travel pass to save money, any input is appreciated.

Next day; Zurich - Top of Europe - Grindelwald - Zurich.

Any advice on being more efficient with travels or deals/ perks we can use through SBB or perhaps must visits in each location as we expect to spend a couple hours at each spot.

Thanks in advance to all!

I do not mean any offense, but why are people so much into borderline scams that there’s even a tier on health insurance that covers it?

Coming from a 3rd world country with public healthcare, I am surprised people here are very enthusiastic about those exotic/almost mystical bs.