Customer Reviews

Living & Working in Switzerland: A Survival Handbook (Living and Working)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone contemplating a move to Switzerland. I'm living in Switzerland, and this book is the de facto bible for all expats here. Every time I meet other expats here, they ask me if I have this book! It contains accurate, concise information about all aspects of moving to Switzerland: logistics, finances, culture, etc.

This book is packed with facts you'll want to know if you are considering moving to Switzerland. Don't bother calling the Consulate--just look it up in this book. Everything, from details about residence permits, to the cost of every conceivable type of train pass, to minutiae about language integration programs in the public schools, are dealt with.

and some other important details such as when you are supposed to take out your trash and the price of a freeway permit. Hate to say it but as a swiss I was offended by the bluntness, driven to tears by the caricatures and deeply frightened by the accuracy of this book. One star docked as it's a little Germanocentric.

We have just arrived in Switzerland four months ago and this book made getting here a lot less confusing and problematic than it could have been.

Even after our arrival in Vaud (one of the French speaking cantons) I have opened it over and over for advice and reminders about many little things that one needs clarification about (e.g., insurance, child care, driving, buying a car).

Although our experience has been somewhat different than described in the book (after all it is a different time and we are in a different region of the country) it is startling how true most of the book is. It is particularly good in terms of what to expect from institutions: government agencies, banking and insurance, the CFF/SBB. The internet links are also very useful and allow you to plan ahead for important parts of the move if you use them.

I would stongly recommend this book. You should not expect all of it to be 100% up-to-date, nor will it reflect your personal experience in every regard, but you will certainly have a much harder time without it.

As a final note, you may find Mr Hampshire's opinion of the Swiss to be harsh, and maybe it is, but perhaps is it better to be prepared for the worst and then have a pleasant surprise when you arrive.

This is a very useful book for anyone who is moving to Switzerland for the first time. I found in this publication many useful pieces of advice for the everyday living in Switzerland. Do not hesitate to buy this book if you plan to stay in Switzerland for a long time. Taxes, health insurance, renting a house, travelling, etc. are only a few examples of the subjects reviewed in this comprensive book. Sometimes the author employs a style that may be considered a bit irreverent, but I guess that he tried to write with a sense
of humour.
A good choice.
Marcelo Garcia

The author has made almost no effort to describe the French speaking parts of Switzerland. Too Germanocentric and at times a little irreverent. Otherwise, all the official information, transport, employment etc... is well researched and well written.

Invaluable advice for dealing with the Swiss

PLEASE CANCEL THE ORDER. I HAVE NOT RECD THE PREVOIUS AND WOULD LIKE TO CANCEL THIS ONE AS I'M NOT SURE YOU WILL KEEP THE COMMITMENT. PLESAE REFUND.