10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MOVING TO SWITZERLAND

Summary

In this informative video, Olivia shares her personal experiences and top 10 insights about relocating to Switzerland. She advises against settling quickly for an apartment, recommends considering secondhand furniture to save costs, and emphasizes the importance of dealing with bureaucratic tasks early on. Olivia also highlights the significance of learning the local language for better adaptation and job opportunities. She touches on the differences in lifestyle across Swiss cantons, the importance of preparing for higher living costs, and the inevitable changes in friendships due to distance. This video serves as a helpful guide for those planning a move to Switzerland, offering practical tips to make the transition smoother.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be open-minded and patient during the apartment search process, considering temporary housing options before settling on a place.
• 🛋️ Consider buying secondhand furniture to save costs, as there are many affordable options available online and sometimes even for free.
• 📋 Prioritize dealing with bureaucracy within the first month of arrival, such as permits, biometrics, health insurance, and bank accounts.
• 🚗 Take advantage of the ease of converting your driving license to an international one in Switzerland, saving time and hassle.
• 🗣️ Learning the local language is crucial for adapting to life in Switzerland, especially for everyday tasks and administrative purposes.
• 🏫 Enroll in intensive language classes upon arrival to quickly improve language proficiency and ease the integration process.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Be patient with the job search and tailor your CV and cover letter to specific company needs, leveraging networking for hidden job opportunities.
• 🦷 Complete all medical and dental checkups before moving to save on the higher costs of healthcare in Switzerland.
• 🍽️ Expect to cook more often due to the high cost of living and lack of affordable food options like Hawker centers.
• 🎉 Understand that public holidays differ across Swiss cantons, influenced by regional culture and history.
• 👫 Recognize that friendships may change after moving abroad, requiring effort from both parties to maintain, and be open to forming new connections.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share personal experiences and provide 10 pieces of advice that the speaker wishes they knew before moving to Switzerland, aiming to help others planning to relocate there.

What mindset did the speaker initially have during their apartment search in Switzerland?

The speaker initially had a scarcity mindset, feeling the need to settle quickly due to the competitive housing market and fearing the consequences of arriving without a place to stay.

Why did the speaker feel it was better to consider alternatives to settling immediately for the first apartment found?

The speaker believes considering alternatives, such as renting a temporary place and physically checking apartments, could have led to finding a more suitable and preferred location earlier on.

What advice does the speaker give regarding bringing personal belongings, specifically furniture, to Switzerland?

The speaker advises considering secondhand furniture available locally in Switzerland instead of shipping personal belongings from one's home country, as it can be cost-effective and a fresh start.

Why is focusing on bureaucracy important within the first month of settling in Switzerland according to the speaker?

Focusing on bureaucracy within the first month is important because it ensures that all necessary paperwork, permits, and accounts are set up, reducing stress and preventing issues later on.

How does the speaker describe the process of adapting to life in Switzerland in terms of language proficiency?

The speaker emphasizes that adapting to life in Switzerland greatly depends on learning the local language, as English is not widely spoken, and suggests taking intensive language classes to improve proficiency quickly.

What is the advantage of having a Singaporean driving license when moving to Switzerland?

The advantage is that a Singaporean driving license can be immediately converted into an International driving license upon arrival in Switzerland, saving time and hassle compared to other nationalities that may require additional exams.

What are some strategies the speaker suggests for job hunting in Switzerland?

The speaker suggests tailoring resumes and cover letters to specific company needs, networking, attending events, and making connections that can lead to referrals or job opportunities.

Why is it recommended to complete medical and dental checkups before moving to Switzerland?

It is recommended because healthcare and over-the-counter medications are more expensive in Switzerland, so completing these checkups beforehand can save significant costs.

How does the speaker describe the difference in lifestyle between the French and German sides of Switzerland?

The speaker describes the French side as more relaxed and having a laid-back way of doing things, while the German side is perceived as stricter with more rules and possibly more uptight.

What is the significance of understanding public holidays when planning to live in Switzerland?

Understanding public holidays is significant because they differ across cantons, and one's workplace may observe different holidays depending on the canton it is located in, affecting work and personal planning.

How does the speaker suggest adapting to the high cost of living in Switzerland, particularly regarding food?

The speaker suggests cooking more often than in one's home country, trying meal delivery services for convenience, and meal prepping to save money and maintain a sustainable lifestyle.

What realization does the speaker come to regarding friendships after moving to Switzerland?

The speaker realizes that friendships may change, with some relationships requiring more effort to maintain, and that it's normal for some friends to enter or leave one's life after moving abroad.