Living in Switzerland
Switzerland is a very popular location for British expats. However, as Switzerland is not part of the EU, moving there is not quite as straightforward as moving to France. We perform removals to and from Switzerland on a regular basis, so we've got the knowledge and experience to help you get there.
Tips for moving to and living in Switzerland
An agreement between the EU and Switzerland facilitates the entry, residence and employment of EU citizens in Switzerland, and obtaining a residence permit is relatively straightforward for European Union citizens.
If you are moving to Switzerland with your children, you will also need to consider education options. If you are not planning to stay beyond a year or perhaps two, you may want to consider a private international school, where they can be taught in English. Switzerland has a number of international schools. Of course, you can also choose the local school, which will normally help your children catch up on the local language.
Medical care is generally easily available and excellent; all residents of Switzerland are required to purchase basic health insurance shortly after arrival in the country. The costs of medical insurance will vary from canton to canton and region to region, so check this out before you choose a place to live.
Alles in ordnung!
Switzerland runs so smoothly because of the rules in place - and people follow them. Alles in ordnung - everything in order - is a key phrase you may hear frequently in the German speaking part of Switzerland. From restrictions on when your removal in Switzerland can take place (not on a Sunday, public holiday, or during the late evening), to when you can run your vacuum cleaner (not on a Sunday in most flats), or go shopping (shops normally close early on Saturday afternoon and don't reopen until Monday morning), be prepared to adjust to a slower paced lifestyle.
Interesting facts about Switzerland
- Switzerland has four official languages, German, French, Italian and Romansh, however English is also quite frequently used
- Roughly one quarter of the residents of Switzerland are foreigners
- Europe's largest clock face is in Zurich - even bigger than Big Ben's clock face
- The headquarters of many European and international organisations are located in Geneva, such as the United Nations, World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization
- The Bank for International Settlements (the central bank for all central banks) is located in Basel
- The Swiss are famous for their watchmaking, and are leaders in luxury watches, with brands such as Rolex or Rado
- Cuckoo clocks are not Swiss, but come from the Black Forest of Germany
- Swiss German is a spoken language only; the written German language is High German, which can be very confusing for new arrivals as they're not as similar as you'd think
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
We could not have asked for more
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Google search. We were moving 200 miles so wanted a national company with that experience
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Competitive quote. Surveyor demonstrated previous practical experience and was reassuring about the process
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Arrived on time. Respectful and efficient throughout despite the added complication of major roadworks outside our property on the move day.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
We could not have asked for more. Britannia Bradshaw exceeded our expectations
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Very prompt response when we requested collection of our packing boxes. Thank you
They carried out the work in a calm, helpful and professional manner
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
We used Britannia for a previous move and the service was excellent
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
As above; previous excellent experience across the board: booking, survey, communication and the physical move was all fantastically carried out
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
In a highly stressful situation, they carried out the work in a calm, helpful and professional manner. The team had excellent interpersonal skills and made at least one aspect of the move a little easier.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
I cannot think of any particular points to improve.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
The best endorsement would be that if we were to move again (which we won't), I would not hesitate to engage Britannia Goodwins.
Professional, friendly and you delivered on your promises
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Used your services before
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Previous experience from using yourselves and also the way my enquiry was dealt with. Professional, friendly and you delivered on your promises.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
I had 2 moves. One from my father's property on the 25/6 and into storage and then on the 12/7. Gareth and Jack were simply outstanding on the 25/6. It was a very hot day and they had to carry all the items down 8 flights of stairs as unable to use the lift. They were organised, friendly, really hard working and respectful of the property. 10/10. I therefore was very pleased to see that they had been allocated to me on the 12/7 along with John. Once again outstanding service. Hard working, fast, nothing was too much trouble. Polite and respectful and also patient when I decided I wanted a piece of furniture moved ..again. I cannot praise the team enough. They are a credit to Britannia Goodwins and made my move a lot more bearable and funny at times which lightened the whole stress of moving. If I ever move again (long shot !) then I will want the same team.. Simply the Best! Please pass on my gratitude to them all and in particular Gareth and Jack who had the tough job of the stairs!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing.... outstanding!
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Friendly, helpful, patient, unflustered and just an amazing bunch of guys.
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I have known about you for a while, brand recognition
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
It was a decision based on cost. Your surveyor won you the contract with a correct assessment of how much stuff we had. The competitors over estimated and as such over quoted.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
They were excellent in every way, from beginning to end. Friendly, helpful, patient, unflustered and just an amazing bunch of guys.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
The best I could have hoped for
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?~
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Not much other than it was seamless and the service was exceptional throughout.
UK Quote
Complete the form below to get your UK Removals quotation
European Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your European Removals quotation
International Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your International Removals quotation
Call Me Back
Complete the form below and we'll call you back to discuss your requirements
Self Storage
Complete the form below to get your Self Storage quotation
UK Price Guide
Complete the form below to get a Price Guide sent to you
Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
© Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage 2024.
Registered in England 00719614
Britannia Goodwins is a trading name of John Bradshaw and Son Limited
An indicoll website
Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclaimerAccessibility