WELCOME TO GENEVA
EXPATRIATE TRAINING GUIDE
Jonathan Barbee
Amy Callanan
Shawn Palmer
Amanda Peed
Greetings,
We hope you are excited for your journey to Geneva, Switzerland. We have put
together this training packet to help you better prepare for your transition to Swiss
life and will take approximately four weeks to complete. We hope this information
will help in your preparation for your move abroad.
It is very important that you read the entire packet and complete the necessary
assignments; as this training packet is important to you for many reasons. Working
and living abroad can be remarkable, but it can also be a bad experience if you are
not properly prepared. This packet will help you adjust to the cultural environment
surrounding the city and country so that you have a smooth transition. The
information will also help the transition of your family, for the more educated you
are on things such as schools, neighborhoods, and the city/culture, the more
successful your transition will be. The main goal of this packet is to ensure you
have a successful experience.
Training before going abroad will help reduce the severity of culture shock. The
intention is that this packet will inform you of how the Swiss business and family
life works so that you will not feel out of place.
The information provided is on basics you will need to function in the city. There
are lists of housing options, schools, hospitals, etc. that are enclosed which you
and your family will have access to which you may want to utilize before and while
you are living in Geneva.
Any move can be stressful, especially one abroad to a new culture and lifestyle,
and we want you to be successful and enjoy your time there. Along with this
booklet you can go to www.geneva-training.weebly.com to access this
information, as well as to take the tests at the end of each module. Hopefully the
information provided will be the start of a smooth to transition and you will find
this experience to be exciting as well as life changing.
Safe Travels,
The HR Team
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Pre-Departure Information
Module One: The Culture of Geneva
a. Introduction
b. Language
c. Climate
d. Religion
e. National Holidays
f. Food
g. Non-Verbal Communication
h. Etiquette
i. The Culture Onion
Module Two: Daily Life in Geneva
a. Housing
b. Utilities
c. Transportation
d. Medical and Emergency Information
e. Education
f. Shopping
Module Three: The Swiss Government
a. Government Structure
b. The Economy
c. Expenses
d. Employment Law
Module Four: Doing Business in Geneva
a. Background to Business
b. The Business Structure
c. Communication Styles
d. Meetings and Negotiations
e. Introductions, Greetings, and Dress Code
f. Business Entertaining
g. Additional Information
Repatriation
Additional Resources
pg. 4
pg. 8
pg. 15
pg. 31
pg. 36
pg. 41
pg. 43
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PRE-DEPARTURE
This section will go over some key information before you take off for Geneva, Switzerland.
A. Country Entry Requirements
Passports
Before you enter into Switzerland, you must have a valid passport for at least 3 months before
you depart. If you do not yet have a valid United States Passport, please visit the U.S.
Department of States’ website below to get information on how you obtain a passport:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
If your passport has expired, you will need to renew your U.S. passport. Please visit the website
below to get instructions on how to renew your passport in a timely manner.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html
Please keep in mind that if your family will be accompanying you on you expatriate assignment,
you will also need to make sure they either obtain or renew United States passports as well.
Visas
If your expatriate assignment to Geneva will be less than 90 days, you will not need to obtain a
visa to enter Switzerland. However, if your stay will be longer than 90 days, you will need to get a
visa to enter Switzerland.
The cost of a visa is $79.00. Payment will be expected upon applying for the visa. You should
expect the processing time for a business visa to be about eight to ten weeks. Please plan
accordingly when applying for your visa and keep the long processing times in mind.
The visa application form can be found at:
https://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/dam/data/migration/einreise/visumantragsformulare/visum
antrag-visumd-en-de.pdf
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In order to obtain a visa, you must go to one of the Swiss Visa Desks based on where you live in
the United States. We have included a list of the locations for each area of the U.S.
Visa Desk Location
Atlanta
New York
San Francisco
Washington
Corresponding States/US Areas
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Cayman Islands
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Bermuda, Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands
California, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada,
New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Virginia, West Virginia and U.S. territories
without Swiss representation (Guam and Saipan)
To learn more about where the Swiss Visa Desks in the United States are located as well as other
pertinent visa information, please visit:
http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/ref_visinf/visusa.html
B. U.S. Department of State Information
Before your departure, as well as throughout your stay in Switzerland, we highly suggest that you
keep up to date on the current travel alerts and warnings provided by the U.S. Department of
State for Switzerland.
Please bookmark the following website on your computer and check it frequently to stay
updated on travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
There are also other ways that you and your family can stay updated on the current travel alerts
and warnings for U.S. citizens travelling and living abroad. You may call toll-free in the United
States or Canada at 1-888-407-4747, or call 1-202-501-4444 in all other countries. You can
follow the U.S. State department on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/travelgov. Or you can also
follow the State Department on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/travelgov. If you have
a smartphone or internet enabled mobile device, you can download the Department’s free app
called “Smart Traveler” which is available on iTunes, as well as Google Play.
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Should you need any help or information while you are abroad, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland
is located in Bern. Please make sure to keep their contact information handy in case you were to
ever need their help during your stay in Switzerland.
United States Embassy Bern
Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern
Telephone: (41) (31) 357-7011 (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
Emergency phone: after-hours/weekends – (41) (31) 357-7777
Facsimile: (41) (31) 357-7280
Website: http://bern.usembassy.gov/
Additionally, there is a U.S. Consulate located in Geneva. Please also keep their contact
information throughout you stay in Switzerland.
United States Consular Agency, Geneva
rue Versonnex 7, 1207 Geneva
Telephone: (41) (22) 840-5160 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Facsimile: (41) (22) 840-5162
Email: Geneva-CA@state.gov
C. Immunizations
Although there are no required vaccines for your move to Geneva, there are several
recommendations.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio should be reviewed and updated
if necessary.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all travelers over 6 months of age, especially
for children, pregnant women, persons over 65, and those with chronic health conditions such as
asthma, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, immune-suppressive disorders, and organ
transplant recipients.
Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for persons over the age of 65 and persons of any age
suffering from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disorders, liver diseases, sickle cell disease,
asplenia, or immuno-suppressive disorders.
Selective Vaccinations:
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
This infection is caused by two closely related viruses (Central European Encephalitis Virus and
Russian Spring-Summer Encephalitis) and is transmitted by infected Ixodes ricinus ticks found in
forested areas in central, northern, and eastern Europe, including Russia.
Vaccination is recommended for persons involved in recreational activities in forested areas
(camping, hiking) or working in forestry occupations. Risk season is from March to November.
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D. Pets
Pets are welcome in Switzerland but there are strict rules for bringing them into the country,
especially regarding health and transportation.
Microchips
Since 2007, all dogs in Switzerland have been required to carry clearly identifiable and forgeproof chips (transponder) and must be registered with the Animal Identity Service (ANIS). The ID
chip contains a unique number as well as a code for Switzerland. This system makes it possible to
retrieve data stored in the central databank on the dog owner, dog race, fur color, age, name
and sex. Puppies must be microchipped and registered three months after birth at the latest.
Dogs that have chips implanted by veterinarians are also registered by the vet with the
appropriate offices in the canton of residence. If you are bringing a dog into Switzerland you
must have it registered in the ANIS database by a veterinarian within 10 days of arrival.
Pet Passports
Pets moving within Europe can take advantage of the system of European Pet Passports, which is
designed for domestic animals. The Pet Passport is a booklet that provides all of the essential
information on your pet, including an identification number and proof of all relevant
vaccinations. The passport remains valid for the whole life of your pet.
The EU pet passport serves as the certificate of health and can only be issued by a licensed vet.
All vaccinations should be kept current by the vet who also needs to ensure that the pet is microchipped, has had the relevant rabies vaccine and has undergone a blood test to ensure that the
vaccine is present in the pet’s system. If your animal was vaccinated before it was fitted with a
microchip, it will have to be vaccinated again after the microchip is inserted. Additionally, if your
pet's microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you will have to bring your own microchip
scanner.
Rabies
Animals from EU countries must have a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before entering
Switzerland. Dogs and cats younger than 3 months must have a veterinary certificate, stating
that the young animals were kept since birth at their birthplace without contact with wild
animals. The certificate is not necessary, when the young animals are accompanied by their
mother, from which they are still dependent.
Pets entering Switzerland from a country with a high incidence of rabies must have a Blood Titer
Test 3 months prior to departure.
E. Mentor
We will set you up with a mentor within the organization before you depart, however if you
would like to find an additional mentor you can visit the following site and search through a
global database to find a mentor/coach near you who matches your requirements.
http://www.emccouncil.org/ch/de/58
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MODULE ONE
The Culture of Geneva
Did you know that Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland, next to Zurich?
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Module Objectives:
In this module, you will learn some general information about Switzerland and Geneva. You will
learn the basics of the language, where religious services are held, and how the Swiss value
holidays. Also, you will learn of the local culinary, climate, nonverbal communication, and
etiquette. Once you have completed the following module, you will go to our website and
complete the quiz for this section before proceeding on to the next module.
A. Introduction
The ITC premises are located in Geneva, Switzerland. Switzerland is a federal state in Central
Europe, its capital is Berne. With a population of more than 7.3 million inhabitants of which 1.4
million are foreign nationals, Switzerland is surrounded by Austria, France, Germany, Italy and
Liechtenstein and lies along the Alps, which occupy three-fifths of its territory, and the Jura
Mountains.
Switzerland comprises 23 cantons, each with its own constitution, laws, and executive and
legislative powers.
Berne, the capital of the Confederation and seat of the Federal Assembly and Federal Council, is
181 kilometers from Geneva.
Switzerland has four official languages. About 70% of the population speaks German, 20% French
and 9% Italian. The fourth language, Romansh, is spoken by pockets of the population in the
eastern part of the country.
Geneva has more foreigners than any other Swiss city and in addition to its charm; Geneva has
the advantage of being so compact that the surrounding countryside is easily and rapidly
accessible. The Canton, but for a small slice of land bordering on the Canton of Vaud, is virtually
surrounded by France, with the border never further than a few kilometers away. Part of the
Geneva International Airport is actually within French territory.
Historically a place of welcome, Geneva is the epitome of an international city. As witnessed by
the presence of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic
missions and numerous multinational corporations.
Members of the international community working in Geneva generally live in the Cantons of
Geneva or Vaud or in neighboring France.
Villages in the Canton de Vaud are easily accessible from ITC and the other international
organizations by highways and a lakeshore road.
Lausanne, capital of the Canton de Vaud is situated on the shores of Lac Léman some 60
kilometers east of Geneva. Nyon, approximately 25 kilometers east of Geneva is a bustling
commercial center linked to Geneva by a regular train service.
Geneva is surrounded by French territory. A growing number of international families have
settled in the border zone. The border zone lies in two French departments: Ain and Haute9
Savoie. Each department exercises administrative control over the part of the border zone
located within it.
Most expatriates in Ain live in the area closest to the Swiss border, known as the Pays de Gex.
This area consists of the towns and villages between Thoiry and Divonne. Ferney-Voltaire,
adjacent to the Swiss border, and the neighboring communities of Ornex and Prévessin, are
home to a large international community. In Haute-Savoie, nearly all rented housing is located in
the narrow strip of territory stretching from the south-eastern edge of Geneva to the Mont
Salève. The main towns in the area are Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Annemasse.
B. Language
Switzerland has four official languages. About 70% of the population speak German, 20% French
and 9% Italian. The fourth language, Romansh, is spoken by pockets of the population in the
eastern part of the country. However, in Geneva, French is the official language and YouTube
and apps are excellent practices in learning the basics of the language. For this section you will
need to refer to our website and first watch the following videos and then download the
following apps. The videos are designed to help you learn French in 3 minutes, once you have
done this you will then download Busuu which will have some study supplements and assess
your knowledge. Also, included in this section are some important French phrases for you to
have access to.
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4N46dVx9nE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhUUXZxglG4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQ3UqIv2ls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-K7ldc0kIs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLGT0RC0b0w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rC2ZypQWlE
Mobile Apps:
Busuu – A social network for learning languages; this will allow you to learn French, working
through self-paced units. You can also link your account online and work on your units on your
phone and on your computer.
iVoice – Speak into your phone and it will speak to you in another language, helping you out if
you cannot remember the correct way to say things, of if you are visiting another region and
cannot speak the language.
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IMPORTANT PHRASES:
English
Hello Mrs./Mr./Miss
French
Bonjour Madame / Monsieur /
Mademoiselle
Do you speak English?
I don't understand
Can you help me?
I am looking for . . .
Where are the restrooms?
I speak a little French
Parlez-vous anglais ?
Je ne comprends pas
Pouvez-vous m'aider ?
Je cherche . . .
Où sont les toilettes ?
Je parle un peu français
Pronunciation
Boh(n)-zhoor mah-dahme/
muh-syuhr/ mah-dah-mwasell
Par - lay vooz ah(n)-glay?
Zhuh nuh comp-rond pah
Poo-vay voo meh - day?
Zhuh shairsh . . .
Oo soh(n) lay twa-let?
Zhuh parl uhn peh frahn-say
C. Climate
Generally speaking, the climate is temperate, although extreme weather conditions do occur
from time to time. Temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (85°F) in July and August, or drop below 10°C (15°F) from December to February. Snowfall varies from year to year but unless the winter
is particularly harsh, snow in town rarely lies for more than two or three days at a time. There is
however, a fair amount of rain.
D. Religion
There is a great variety of religious services available for many faiths and religions in Geneva and
the surrounding Swiss and French areas. Times of services are published in local newspapers
usually in the week-end editions. You can visit our website for these links to find the religious
services.
La Côte (weekly; covering region of Nyon, Rolle, Morges) http://www.lacote.ch/fr/
Tout L’Immobilier (weekly; distributed to all households) http://www.toutimmo.ch/
Le Matin (daily) http://www.lematin.ch/
Le Temps (daily) http://www.letemps.ch/
24 Heures (daily) http://www.24heures.ch/
E. Upcoming National Holidays
The Swiss value their holidays much more than we do in the U.S., in the since that you will not
find a store/business open on certain holidays in Switzerland; where in the U.S. you can always
count on there being something open. In the list below you will see the celebrated holidays in
Switzerland/Geneva and it will state whether or not businesses will be opened.
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Date
Holiday
National/Regional
8 December 2013
(Sun)
24 December 2013
(Tue)
Immaculate
Conception
Christmas Eve
National
Supermarkets/Shops
Closed
No
National
No
25 December 2013
(Wed)
31 December 2013
(Tue)
1 January 2014
(Wed)
18 April 2014 (Fri)
21 April 2014 (Mon)
29 May 2014 (Thu)
9 June 2014 (Mon)
1 August 2014 (Fri)
11 September 2014
(Thu)
8 December 2014
(Mon)
25 December 2014
(Thu)
31 December 2014
(Wed)
Christmas Day
National
Yes
Restoration of the
Republic
New Year’s Day
Regional
Yes
National
Yes
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ascension
Whit Monday
Swiss Day
Geneva Thanksgiving
National
National
National
National
National
Regional
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Immaculate
conception
Christmas Day
National
No
National
Yes
Restoration of the
Republic
Regional
Yes
F. Food in Daily Life
Regional and local culinary specialties generally are based on a traditional type of cooking, rich in
calories and fat, which is more suited to outdoor activity than to a sedentary way of life. Dairy
products such as butter, cream, and cheese are important parts of the diet, along with pork.
More recent eating habits show a growing concern for healthy food and a growing taste for
exotic food. However, if you are missing home or do not necessarily like the local food, do not
worry there is always McDonalds.
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G. Nonverbal Communication
Basic nonverbal communication rules are not very different in Switzerland than in other
Northwestern European countries. Leaning forward means agreement, whereas leaning
backward indicates suspicion. Crossing the arms is a sign of closure, meaning that the person
disagrees or is bored. People nod their head vertically to mean yes and sideways to mean no.
When talking, the Swiss won’t become excited and will never do big gestures. If they keep quiet,
that doesn’t mean a lack of enthusiasm.
The Swiss will never reveal right away what they are really thinking. They are too scared to say
something that you may not be ready to hear or that might make you uneasy. They will first try
to gain your trust. Then they will beat around the bush a little to determine the best way to tell
you what is really on their mind. When they explain something to you, they will try to judge by
the reaction of your face if you approve, asking for an answer by smiling. You should definitely
participate in this little game if you want to have a more in-depth conversation with whomever
you are speaking.
H. Etiquette
1. Meeting – The Swiss are known for their praiseworthy work ethics and punctuality. Being even
a few minutes late for a meeting is especially rude and inconsiderate. If you are invited to a party
or dinner, it is acceptable to be 15 minutes late. It is normal to give flowers to the hostess or a
small gift - such as chocolate, books, wine or candy. Handshakes should be firm with eye contact.
You are always supposed to be clean and neat. The Swiss are known for conservative and neat
attire. For business meetings, men should wear suits and ties, and women should wear suits or
dresses. The Swiss people place a high priority on their privacy and value it greatly, so questions
about someone's private income or wealth are considered very rude.
2. Greeting – Academic and professional tittles are used frequently. Address the Swiss by title,
like ‘Dr.', if you happen to know their title. If not, use ‘Mr.', ‘Mrs.', or ‘Miss' if you are speaking
English. Different languages are spoken in different regions of Switzerland. Hyphenated
surnames are pronounced using both words; it is considered rude to only use part of a
hyphenated name. First names are reserved for very close friends and family.
3. Body Language – It is considered to rude to stand too close during conversation. You should
stand at least an arm's length from conversation partners. For friends and families, it is normal to
touch when they are speaking. In order to make a good impression, you should to maintain good
posture. Chewing gum, littering, or cleaning your nails in public is considered impolite.
It is considered rude to talk loudly when using mobile phones in restaurants, on public
transportation or when queuing at the post office or bank.
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I. Culture Onion
This serves as a generalization of the culture of Switzerland. This will break culture down into
what you can see, hear, touch: its artifacts, products, and rituals, and its beliefs, norms, and
attitudes. This will give you talking points through symbols and heroes, and will give you a review
on the rituals and values of the society through rituals and values.
1. Symbols
a. Swiss Banks
b. Swiss Alps
c. Helvetica – allegorical female figure who has symbolized Switzerland for
hundreds of years
d. Swiss Chocolate
2. Heroes
a. Gottfried Keller – Swiss writer of German-language literature, was best known
for his novel Green Henry
b. Dimitri – Well-known Swiss clown and mime.
c. Claude Nicollier – NASA test-pilot and first astronaut from Switzerland, has
flown on four Space Shuttle missions.
d. William Tell - He is presented as a historical figure living in central Switzerland
during the fourteen century, but his existence has never been proved. After
refusing to bow to the symbol of the Hapsburg power, Tell was forced to shoot an
arrow at an apple placed on the head of his son.
3. Rituals
a. Cultural differences between the linguistic regions include the use of a hand
shake in the German-speaking regions like Geneva, and the use of a kiss rather
than a handshake in the French-speaking regions.
b. Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Swiss
hosts or colleagues to use their first names. First names are reserved for very
close friends and family.
4. Values
a. Cleanliness – don’t litter (you will be scolded publicly).
b. Hard work - The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material
wealth it brings.
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MODULE TWO
Daily Life in Geneva
Did you know that the World Wide Web was invented in Geneva?
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Module Objective
The objective for this module is to familiarize you various aspects of life in Geneva.
The main areas we will cover are: housing and related expenses, medical and emergency
information, education options for children (if applicable), and shopping.
After completion of this module, you should be able to:
-
Understand the resources and tools available to you to search for housing in
Geneva
-
Know how to obtain basic services for your home
-
Understand the polices regarding health insurance in Switzerland
-
Be able to find a doctor, hospital, and urgent care center in Geneva
-
Understand your choices for education in Geneva
-
Know basic shopping tips, as well as common retailers in the area
After you complete the module, please refer to the website and complete the quiz to test your
knowledge on Day-to-Day Life in Geneva in order to move on to the next module.
A. Housing
Currently less than .2 % of the total housing options in Geneva are available are available for rent
or purchase. So, it may be a good idea for you to consider living in other local areas. Some good
suburbs of Geneva to live in Switzerland include: Cologny, Chênes-Bougeries, Meyrin, GrandSaconnex, Veyrier, and Carouge.
When you are ready to start property-hunting in Geneva, here are some ways to jump-start your
search:
Some good websites to look at your housing options include:
http://www.homegate.ch/rent/apartment-and-house/switzerland
www.glocals.com
www.worldradio.ch
http://community.expatica.com/classifieds?0_0_5_alias_country=CH
Additionally local papers will have ads for apartment rentals and property listings.
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If you prefer to hunt for housing on your mobile device, we recommend that you download the
mobile application “homegate.ch.” More information regarding the mobile application can be
found at :
http://www.homegate.ch/mobile
Instead of searching online on your own, you may also consider using a real estate agent. Real
estate agents in Switzerland are called “Régies.” Régies handle leases, other administrative
paperwork, and formalities when buying or renting property. Most Régies do not charge for their
services, however they do charge an administrative and service fee. They advertise their housing
listings via newspapers or other forms of media, as well as online. If you select to use a Régie,
you will contact them to arrange a visit to the accommodation in which you have selected that
you may want to purchase or rent. If after viewing the property you are interested in purchasing
or renting it, you will file a request with the Régie. The decision of the request is made by both
the Régie and the owner of the property.
Some of the top in Régies in the area include
Regie Schmid: http://www.regie-schmid.ch/
CGI Immobilier: http://www.cgi.ch/cgi/ch/fr-ch/index.cfm
Agence Immobilière Dunand: http://www.dunand.ch/
Information on Apartment Renting
A pamphlet is provided by the Swiss Government about how to rent an apartment in
Switzerland. We recommend you view it to be acquainted with the rules and regulations
associated with renting an apartment in Geneva.
To view it: http://www.bwo.admin.ch/dokumentation/00106/00112/00121/index.html?lang=fr


On the right hand side there is a column of PDF documents
Click and download the document titled “Anglais” to view the English version
The Swiss Government also has a very useful website to learn more about renting property in
Switzerland, with information about rent, termination of a rental agreement, tenant rights, and
many other useful items. We highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the website,
which is listed below and is in English.
https://www.ch.ch/en/rent/
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Housing Key Terms
When hunting for housing, since French is the main language spoken in Geneva, many of the
advertisements will be written in French. To learn some of the key language terms that you will
see in these housing advertisements, we suggest that you reference this website which outlines
many typical French housing words you will see in listings as well as rental agreements.
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/information/housing/property-jargon/
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/information/housing/property-jargon/local-rental-jargon/
B. Utilities, Telephone, Television, and Internet Services
Utilities:
During your stay in Geneva, you will have to set up utilities and services just like in the United
States.
Utilities in Switzerland are set up on the Canton-level. There is one specific organization per
canton that is the designated provider for utilities. In Geneva, the provider is Städtische
Elektrizitaetswerke, gas und wasser (SIG). Once you have selected an accommodation, we
recommend that you contact SIG to set up your water, gas, and electricity.
Contact information for SIG:
Website: http://www.sig-ge.ch/
Customer Service Tel. Number: 0844 800 808
Emergency Tel. Number: +41 (0)22 420 88 11
If you seek additional information regarding utilities, we suggest that you go to the website
below for more information regarding utilities in Geneva.
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/information/housing/setting-up-home/electricity-gaswater/
Additional Information about Electricity in Switzerland:
The outlets in Geneva are different than the electrical outlets in the United States. We highly
recommend that you either purchase electronics in Geneva, or if you choose to bring electronics
from the United States, that you buy adaptors. We also do not recommend that you bring any
electric device with a motor from the United States, as they would require a transformer if used
in Geneva. In Switzerland, the standard electrical supply is 220 volts, 10 amps with a maximum
frequency of 50 hertz. The outlets in Switzerland use a three-pin system. The sockets are
compatible with standard European plugs.
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Telephone Services:
In Geneva, the major provider of telephone services is Swisscom for both landline and mobile
services.
If you would like to receive landline phone services, please contact Swisscom Fixed Network. To
set up landline services, you have three different ways you can contact Swisscom to sign up for
their services.
Utilize the Swisscom website : http://www.swisscom.ch/en/residential/fixednetwork/connections-tariffs.html


Go to a physical Swisscom location.
Call their customer service number at Tel: 0800 800 800
Key Swisscom Contact Information
Customer Services
0800 800 800
Customer Services From Abroad
+41 62 286 12 12
Speaking Clock/Telephone Time
161
Weather Forecasts
162
Traffic Information
163
Automatic Wake Up Services
0900 77 + 4 digit wake up time
Swisscom Directory Enquiries
1811
International Dial Code
41
(Do Not Dial the First 0)
Fixed Network Website
http://www.swisscom.ch/en/residential/fixednetwork.htm
Mobile Website
http://www.swisscom.ch/en/residential/mobile.html
Mobile Phone Services:
Cell Phone contacts can be taken out for either 1 or 2 years. The contracts are automatically
renewed when they expire. The major mobile phone service providers are Swisscom, Sunrise,
and Orange. Their contact information is listed below.
Swisscom Mobile: http://www.swisscom.ch/en/residential/mobile.html
Sunrise: http://www1.sunrise.ch/
19
Orange:
http://www.orange.ch/en/?ac_src=shorturl&ac_caid=home?.portal_action=.changeLanguage&la
nguage=en&.portlet=homepage
If you choose to not use a contract mobile phone plan, you can also buy a pre-paid plan. You can
buy pre-paid phone cards all over the city in shops and kiosks. Once you buy a pre-paid card, you
can make calls immediately. If you need to recharge your pre-paid card, you can do so at Post
Offices and electronics stores.
Television Services:
If you choose to have a television in your home, you will need to make sure that you acquire the
proper licenses. However, the license may be included in your rent. You will need to check with
your landlord to figure out if such a license is included in your rent.
If a television license is not included in your rent, you will need to obtain a license. To get a
license, please visit the website below and follow the on screen instructions.
http://www.billag.ch/web.html
You must make sure that you have a license, as control checks can happen at any time and if you
are found in possession of a television without a license, you will be subject to fines.
To learn more about the license, please view the Swiss Government website below. It has a
detailed explanation of the fees required in English and provides important contact information.
http://www.bakom.admin.ch/empfangsgebuehren/index.html?lang=en
SRG/SSR is the national Swiss public broadcaster. They provide programming in a variety of
different languages. To learn more about SRG/SSR and the programming that they provide,
please visit their website:
http://www.srg.ch/?L=4
Internet Services
If you would like to have Internet services installed in your home, you will need to contact a
service provider to install the devices for you. You can choose from either cable or ADSL options.
Most ADSL options are available through your phone provider. For example, if you choose to
have your phone services through Swisscom, you can only get ADSL services through their
partner Bluewin.
For more information regarding setting up Internet services for your home, we have provided a
brief contact list for the major providers for your convenience located on the following page.
20
Provider
Website
DFI
http://www.dfi.ch/
Cablecom
http://www.upc-cablecom.ch/en/
Green
http://www.green.ch/en-us/home.aspx
Sunrise
http://www1.sunrise.ch/
Bluewin
http://www.bluewin.ch/de/index.html
Tele2 ADSL
http://www.tele2.se/
C. Transportation
There are a variety of transportation methods that you can use to get around Geneva including
driving, public transportation, air and sea travel.
Importing a Car from the United States
In order to import a car to Switzerland from the United States, you must make sure your car
meets the requirements set by the Swiss Government. You must make sure that your car has
correct tires adjusted to the maximum authorized speed, a shatterproof windshield,
speedometer that displays speed in kilometers per hour, headlights that meet European
regulations, and a catalytic converter.
If you choose to import your car from the United States, you must immediately inform Swiss
officials upon the arrival of the vehicle in the country. Additionally you will also be required to
present the following documents to the officials: driver’s license, proof of identity,
invoice/receipt from the purchase of the car, and proof of the vehicles origin. You also must
present a form 18.44 to customs officials. You can download the form from our corresponding
training website.
Upon import, you will be charged both duty and taxes, the amount of each will depend on how
long you have owned your vehicle. If you have owned your car for less than six months, then
you can apply for a waiver for the duty. But, you will be responsible for customs duties (which
depends on both the weight and the capacity of the engine of your vehicle), consumption tax,
value-added-tax (VAT), and a fee to obtain a report. A report document is required to officially
register your vehicle in Switzerland.
There are some exemptions to both the taxes and duties required by the Swiss Government. The
exceptions include importing a car for succession purposes, due to marriage, or if it is being used
by a foreign diplomat.
After all of the taxes and duties have been paid, customs officials will then notify the
Strassenverkehrsamt/Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation to send you the forms required
21
to obtain official Swiss license plates for your car. However, you are allowed to use your United
States license plate for up to one year.
One month after you import a car, you will receive a notification to go get an official technical
inspection within a year.
You can get official technical inspections done at either the Touring Club of Switzerland
(http://www.tcs.ch/), or the Automobile Club of Switzerland
(http://www.acs.ch/ww/fr/pub/home.cfm). We suggest going to both organizations’ websites to
find the location nearest to you.
You will need the following documents when you go to get your official technical inspection
completed:





Proof of vehicle insurance
Customs form number 13.20
Original registration card or certificate (log book)
Emissions test certificate
Technical information concerning the vehicle; maximum speed, weight, engine size,
brake horsepower and Swiss fiscal rating
To make an appointment for an official technical inspection, please call Tel: +41 (0)22 388 31 10,
from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am to 4:00pm.
If you have any additional questions about registering your vehicle, please contact the Geneva
Road Traffic Office. Their contact information is listed below.

Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation
o 86, rue du Veyrier, 1227 Carouge
o Tel: +41 (0)22 388 30 30
o http://ge.ch/vehicules/
o Email : secretariat.san@etat.geneve.ch
Registering Your Vehicle
It is required by law to register your vehicle with the local Road Traffic Office. You may either
mail or present in person the following documents.




Copy of your valid driver’s license
Proof Of Insurance
Residency permit
The official technical inspection certificate
For more information about registering your vehicle, please visit: https://www.ch.ch/en/carsand-other-vehicles/
22
Driving Rules and Regulations in Switzerland
The rules and regulations of both driving and owning a car in Switzerland are very different from
the United States.
To view common rules and regulations, as well as some tips, we recommend that you go to
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/information/transport/driving/ .
To learn more detailed rules and regulations, the Swiss government has put together a website
to inform residents about the local laws and regulations on the road.
https://www.ch.ch/en/how-behave-road-traffic/
Please visit the following website to become more aware of common French terms used on
signs, roadways, as well as in conversation with traffic officials.
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/information/transport/driving/driving-terminology/
Driver’s Licenses
Your United States driver’s license is valid in Switzerland for one year. After one year is up, you
must obtain a valid Swiss driver’s license. The earliest a person may obtain a driver’s license in
Switzerland is 18 years old.
To obtain a Swiss Driver’s License you must go to the Geneva Road Traffic Office to take the test.
The contact information for the office is located below.

Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation
o 86, rue du Veyrier, 1227 Carouge
o Tel: +41 (0)22 388 30 30
o http://ge.ch/vehicules/
o Email : secretariat.san@etat.geneve.ch
The required documents to obtain a Swiss Driver’s license are:





Your original driver’s license
Certificates of eye testing (within two years)
Two color passport photographs
Residence permit
Foreign license exchange form (can be found on our training website)
To see what a Swiss Driver’s license looks like, please visit
HTTP://WWW.ASTRA2.ADMIN.CH/MEDIA/PDFPUB/2003-10-15_2264_E.PDF
The document above will provide you with a translated Swiss driver’s license to help you
understand what information is provided on your license.
23
Automobile Insurance
Insurance is required for all drivers and cars in Switzerland. You must have proof of insurance
before registering your vehicle. At the minimum you must have coverage for damage and loss of
third parties. You can also choose to have comprehensive insurance or passenger insurance as
well. We suggest finding a company and policy that is able to suit your unique needs as a driver.
In order to find the policy that is right for you, we suggest using the website below. It allows you
to compare insurance rates and policies across providers.
http://en.comparis.ch/auto/default.aspx
Public Transportation
Geneva has a variety of public transportation systems that you can take advantage of throughout
your stay. They include bus, tram, carpooling, and trains.
The transportation system that covers Geneva is Unireso, which is operated by SBB/CFF/FFS,
TPG, and SMGN. Their website is: http://www.unireso.com/pages/index.shtml. You can also
contact Unireso by phone at: Tel: 0900 022 021 ( from 7:00 am -8:00pm).
Transports Publics Genevois (TPG) operates the bus and tram system in Geneva. Buses run from
6:00 am- 12:00am. To find timetables and maps for the routes of the TPG, please visit their
website : http://www.tpg.ch/. If you wish to buy bus tickets or passes, you will need to go to a
TPG office location, or visit an authorized newsagent.
The three TPG locations in Geneva are listed below:
Transports Publics Genevois (TPG)



Case postale 950, Route de la Chapelle 1, 1212 Grand-Lancy 1
Tel: +41 22 308 33 11
Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30am -5:00pm
Agence TPG de Rive


Rond-Point de Rive, 1204 Genève
Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00am-7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-8:00pm
Agence TPG


Gare Cornavin, 1200 Genève
Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:00am -7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-8:00pm
On Friday and Saturday nights, TPG runs a service called Noctambus from 12:00am-4:00am. If
you would like to view the routes for this service, please visit:
http://www.noctambus.ch/ou_quand/index.php.
24
If you wish to learn more about Noctambus, we recommend that you visit the company website
at: http://www.noctambus.ch/.
Another way to travel across Lake Geneva is by ferry boat run by Mouettes Genevoises during
the months of April through October. There are departures every ten minutes from the following
locations: Quai du Mont Blanc, Quai Gustave Ador, Perle du Lac and Parc des Eaux Vives. To learn
more about using ferry boats for transporation, please visit
http://www.mouettesgenevoises.ch/new/index.php.
Public Railway systems are also available for use. To learn more about the rail system, please
visit: http://www.cff.ch/home.html. Additionally, you can also obtain information about the rail
system at the Gare Comavin. If you choose to get information in person, please make sure to
take a number from the machine near the entrance of the information center and do remember
that you should expect a wait time of at least fifteen minutes.
Carpooling is also an effective and environmentally-friendly way to get around Geneva.
Information about carpooling can be found at : http://www.villegeneve.ch/themes/mobilite/voitures-motos/covoiturage-auto-partage/covoiturage/.
D. Medical and Emergency Information
Insurance
If you live or work in Switzerland for 3 months or more, it is required by the government to have
insurance. You are required to submit copies of your policy to the authorities in your canton.
There are three exceptions for the rule: pensioners who draw a pension exclusively in an EU or
EFTA state, people who work in an EU or EFTA state, students and researchers who are
temporarily resident in Switzerland and have comparable insurance, and staff of international
organizations, embassies and consulates.
For more information on authorized insurance options or to file an exemption while in Geneva,
we recommend going to the Swiss Government’s website.
https://www.ch.ch/en/health-insurance-foreigners/
Since basic Swiss insurance only covers basic costs associated with accidents, illnesses, or
maternity, you may also be interested in supplementary insurance to cover items such as
acupuncture, single hospital rooms, and fertility treatments. If you are interested in obtaining
more information on how supplementary insurance could help increase your healthcare options,
we recommend you view the video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xm5mCBj6Cs
25
Doctors
To find a doctor or medical professional, we recommend that you use the following website:
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/af/492/geneva-doctors-and-medical-practitioners.html
The website above will provide you with a list of doctors in Geneva, as well as a brief bio and
contact information. If you need a specialist, you can click on the specialties listed below the
search bar to find doctors based on specialties.
The Swiss Government also offers a tool that you can use to search for doctors based on their
specialties. The search tool can be found at the website listed below.
http://www.health.ch/
Additionally, to find English-speaking health providers in Geneva, you can also ask the local
United States Embassy for a list of recommended providers.
Hospitals and Urgent Care
If you or a family member needs to seek treatment at a local hospital, a list of hospitals in
Switzerland can be found at:
http://www.hospitalsworldwide.com/countries/switzerland.php
Additionally, you can find local hospitals and urgent care centers listed in the telephone
directory under the following terms: Cliniques, Centres Médicals or Hôpital and Médecindentistes.
Based on your unique needs, we highly recommend that you use the search tool above to find a
hospital that is adequate for you. However, listed below you will find a list of the most
frequented hospitals in the area.
Hôpital de la Tour (General Hospital)

http://www.la-tour.ch/fr/
HUG Pediatric Emergencies :Hôpital d’enfants & Clinique de Pédiatrie (Children’s
Hospital)

www.hug-ge.ch/
SOS Infirmières 24h/24 (Urgent care that will come to your home)

http://www.csi-ge.ch/
26
Emergency Numbers:
In Switzerland, there are three main telephone numbers that you can call if you have an
emergency. These numbers vary based upon the type of emergency in which you are having or
the services in which you need to help you. In case you ever find yourself in need of emergency
services in Switzerland, it would be wise to keep these numbers posted either near the phone in
your home, or programmed into your cell phone for quick reference.
Medical: 144
This number will provide you with 24 hour information on doctors, pharmacies, dentists and vets
on call. Additionally, the medical emergency number will also provide information of ambulance
services.
Police: 117
If you have any matters needing police attention, please call the number listed above
Fire: 118
if you have any immediate emergencies that require the services of the fire department, please
contact the number above.
E. Schools
If you have children who will be accompanying you to Geneva, you can enroll them in either
Swiss public or private schools.
Schools in Switzerland are considered mandatory for children of the ages 6 to 15. Swiss primary
schools have a well-established curriculum to help non-French speaking students to acclimate to
the normal school curriculum. We suggest that you research potential schools based and find
one that will fit your child’s unique needs.
On the following page we have listed a variety of recommended schools, as well as their contact
information. However, if you choose to look for schools on your own, a wonderful website to use
is:
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/af/11/geneva-education-and-training.html
The website allows you to search for a variety of different types of schools, as well as their
specialties. It also lists a variety of extracurricular classes for both children and adults! Even if you
do not have children, taking an educational class may be helpful during your transition.
27
Swiss Public Schools in Geneva and suburbs with corresponding websites:
Public Education Department, Canton of Geneva
www.ge.ch/dip
Department of Youth and Formation, Canton of Vaud
www.dfj.vd.ch
University of Geneva
www.unige.ch
University of Lausanne
www.unil.ch
Private Schools in Geneva:
International School of Geneva
www.ecolint.ch
Tel.022 787 2400
Geneva English School
www.geneva-english-school.ch
Tel. 022 755 18 55
International University in Geneva
www.iun.ch
Tel. 022 710 71 10
The Bell One World Nursery
www.bell-school.ch
Tel. 022 740 21 93
European University
www.euruni.edu
Tel. 022 779 26 7
28
F. Shopping in Geneva and the Surrounding Areas
Shopping Overview
In Switzerland, shopping hours are different than in the United States. The typical shopping
hours for most retailers are from 9:00 am- 7:00 pm Monday through Friday and on Saturdays
from 9:00 am- 6:00pm. Almost all retailers are closed on Sundays. There are a few exceptions to
the typical shopping hours however. Many smaller shops may additionally close during lunch
hour and may also open earlier in the day. In Geneva, shops are also open later on Thursday
nights and in the nearby town on Vaud, shops are open later on Friday evenings. Retailers in
Switzerland accept payment in either Euros or Swiss Francs. However, regardless of currency
used for payment, change is often given in Swiss Francs.
Main Retailers in Switzerland
Supermarket, Hypermarket, and Superstore Chains:




Migros
o Migros is a hypermarket which carries a variety of groceries, clothing,
appliances, outdoor equipment, indoor and outdoor furniture, as well
as a variety of household items.
o http://www.migros.ch/de
Coop
o Coop carries groceries, appliances, plants, toys, kitchen items, and
clothes.
o http://www.coop.ch/pb/site/homepage2012/node/72813936/Lde/ind
ex.html
Denner
o Denner is a supermarket that carries a wide variety of low-cost foods,
as well as a range of alcohols.
o http://www.denner.ch/
MANOR
o Manor is a supermarket that carries food, clothing, tools, beauty
products, appliances, and furniture.
o http://www.manor.ch/
Appliance and Furniture Stores:


Fly
o Fly carries inexpensive furniture and home accessories.
o http://www.fly.ch/
IKEA
o IKEA is a Swedish retailer carrying a wide variety of home goods and
furniture.
o http://www.ikea.com
29


Fust
o Fust carries a wide variety of electronic appliances for home use.
o http://www.fust.ch/
Conforama
o Conforama carries furniture, home goods and accessories, as well as
appliances and audio-visual equipment.
o http://www.conforama.ch/accueil_boutique-enligne_10051_10601_-16
Hardware Stores:


Hornbach
o Hornbach carries a wide variety of do-it-yourself hardware supplies
and equipment.
o http://www.hornbach.com/index/index.php
Jumbo
o Jumbo carries a wide variety of hardware, equipment, garden tools
and accessories, and bicycles.
o http://www.jumbo.ch/de/home.html
Directory of Selected Main Shopping Malls in Geneva:




Balexert
o www.balexert.ch
o Avenue Louis- Casai (near the Airport)
o Tel. 022 796 96 41
Centre Commercial Meyrin
o www.meyrincentre.ch
o Avenue de Feuillasse
o Tel. 022 785 18 88
Planète Charmilles
o www.planete-charmilles.ch
o Promenade de l’Europe
o Tel. 022 949 77 90
Les Cygenes
o www.lescgynes.ch
o Rue de Lausanne
o Tel. 022 738 59 08
30
MODULE THREE
The Swiss Government
Did you know that Geneva is home to European headquarters of the United
Nations?
31
Module Objective:
In this module, you will learn about information relevant to employment and working in Geneva.
This includes politics, the economy, and employment law. Once you complete this module,
follow the link to our website and complete the quiz for module two before proceeding on to the
next module.
A. Government
Much like America is divided into states, Switzerland is divided into cantons, 26 to be exact. Each
vary on size, population, and spoken language. Each canton has its own structured government
that is overseen by the Swiss government.
Switzerland itself acts as a multi-party federal parliamentary democratic republic. Their head of
government is the Federal Council of Switzerland, and is elected via direct representation.
Similar to the United States, Switzerland has executive, legislative, and judicial branches of
government.
Its own executive government, called the City Council, runs the canton of Geneva itself. It is
made up of five councilmen, each heading their own department. Responsibilities of this group
include departmental tasks, and implementation of laws from the city parliament among other
things. The council also has a president whose duties are similar to what we would expect of a
mayor here in the United States. The city council is in office for four-year terms.
In addition to the City Council, the City Parliament holds legislative power within Geneva. They
are also in office for four-year terms, but there are eighty members. As opposed to the City
Council in which the council is composed of politicians, any resident who is allowed to vote can
be elected as a member of the City Parliament. Their responsibilities are to decide and uphold
regulations and by-laws passed by the City Council.
B. Economy
Switzerland’s economy is based off of a highly skilled workforce. As a result, Geneva is the host
to over 250 businesses and corporations’ headquarters from around the Globe. Some of these
include Proctor and Gamble, the World Health Organization, Caterpillar, and DuPont. As a result
of hosting hundreds of companies, Geneva is a major financial hub. With 141 banks in the city
managing over one trillion USD in assets, Geneva ranks sixth in the world, and is also the
headquarters of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Most commonly they are know for watch
and clock makers, major retailers, and chemical research companies. Currently, Geneva’s service
sector employs the most people.
According to 2011 statistics, the employment rate in Geneva is relatively low, at 6.3%. With so
many companies located in the city, however, employment options continue to grow along with
the city. More people are entering than are leaving, showing that there are opportunities
available. In addition, keep in mind that 25% of workers are unionized, leading to high per capita
incomes.
32
The table below shows the largest asset managers worldwide, and illustrates, despite
Switzerland’s small size, how much the country impacts financial services.
Share of assets under management in international private banking, 2011
Switzerland
27%
United Kingdom
25%
Luxemburg
6%
Caribbean
13%
Singapore and Hong Kong
13%
United States
8%
Other
8%
Source: Boston Consulting Group, 2012
C. Expenses
Geneva is also known as being expensive for expatriates to live in compared to other cities
across the World. In fact, in 2009 Geneva ranked fourth on this list as most costly. Some factors
that contribute to this are exchange rate, housing costs, and interest rates. Since 2009, however,
Geneva has slipped further down the list, making it more appealing for expatriates to travel to.
No matter how expensive the city is to live in, however, it consistently ranks high when it comes
to quality of life.
The table below will help you manage your finances when adjusting to a new way of life as an
expatriate in Geneva.
Important items in the household budget
Items
Percent
Food and beverages
7.7%
Alcohol and tobacco
1.2%
Clothing and shoes
2.9%
Housing and energy
16.9%
Furnishing and maintenance
3.2%
Health care
4.0%
Transport and communications
9.9%
Entertainment, recreation, culture
12.5%
33
Taxes
13.7%
Insurances (pension, health, private insurances)
22.2%
Source: Federal Statistical Office (2005)
In addition, keep in mind that:
1.09 U.S. Dollars = 1 Swiss Franc
Your salary will be paid in Swiss Francs. Below are the numbers to the three largest banks in
Geneva, in which you will need to set up an account in one:

Banque COOP: 022 818 44 44

Credit Suisse: 022 391 21 11

Banque MIGROS: 0848 845 400
A perk of living in Geneva is that banks do not charge ATM fees! In addition, as an expatriate
your income is exempt from Swiss income tax.
It is recommended that you download an app on your phone that is able to make conversions
quickly and efficiently. We recommend OANDA Currency Converter. Of course, please choose an
application that works best for you, but this specific app has the option to convert with certain
rates included. The logo below is what you will look for when downloading.
Please refer to the links within the expatriate website, or manually enter the links below, for
further resources including links that will be helpful when transferring money internationally,
and filing taxes.
Transferring money: http://www.expatica.com/ch/finance_business/banking/The-best-ways-totransfer-money-internationally_18609.html
Filing taxes: http://www.expatica.com/ch/finance_business/tax/Tax-tips-for-USexpats_15086.html
34
D. Employment Law
As expatriate employees going to work in Geneva, Switzerland, you have two main duties to
uphold to your employer. These are the duty to uphold labor, and a duty of fidelity.
Just as you have duties to your employer, your employer also has duties to you, the employee.
These are the duty to pay remuneration, and the duty of welfare.
Due to the fact that employment law encompasses so many details, please familiarize yourself
with the website entitled “Swiss Employment Law” that is available to you through the expatriate
website, and is also available below. It will outline everything from collective labor agreements,
employment contracts, and the termination of a contract.
Swiss Employment Law: http://www.employment-law.ch/additional-matters-concerning-acontract-of-employment
35
MODULE FOUR
Doing Business in Geneva
Did you know that Geneva is headquarters of the Red Cross?
36
Module Objective:
In this module you will learn about how the Swiss deal in business and the proper way to act in
the foreign business environment. After completing this module, please take the assessment
found on the website.
a. Background to Business in Switzerland
Business in Switzerland has the reputation of being orderly and striving to be secure. When
doing business, the Swiss are thoughtful and their plans are based off of a risk-aversion tactic.
The Following website is an assessment to show how much risk you are willing to take on:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/rot/rotqd.asp
The Swiss value business before creating relationships. The way to earn respect is to be
professional and to have relevant knowledge in relevant areas, rather than building personal
relationships.
Switzerland is comprised of many different cultures, but when it comes to business the different
cultures have minimal effects.
The overall business environment is formal and conservative.
B. Switzerland’s Business Structure
Because the company you are employed for has more of an international presence, you will find
a business structure similar to the ones utilized back in the States. We will be pushing more
team based projects that will give you more autonomy when it comes to making decisions.
However, local and smaller businesses located in Switzerland, will have more of a hierarchal
business structure.
Most decisions are made at the headquarters and employees will report in a vertical manner.

Please refer to Figure 1 at the end of this module for a visual of the traditional
hierarchal business structure.
It is important to understand that employees in Switzerland have a non-confrontational and
collective approach. Even though there is a hierarchal business structure and the final decisions
are made by senior management, the employees must feel as if they are involved in the process.
C. Communication Styles
Switzerland is a multi-lingual speaking country. Many different cultures influence this country.
Even though there are some major differences, the Swiss believe that it is better to speak
directly rather than being diplomatic.
Speaking directly and being frank are not synonymous with confrontation or aggressiveness.
The Swiss are private people. It is best to avoid topics such as: occupation, age, marital status,
and religion.
37
Communication in general should be centered on business only. There is little small talk and
embellishments and jokes in conversations are not common.
D. Meetings and Negotiations
Meetings:
-
-
First and foremost, punctuality is very important. If an individual is late, they are
considered to be “stealing” other people’s time. Avoid rescheduling.
Meetings in general will tend to be larger, very formal, and highly structured.
Meetings are very detailed and are followed in an orderly manner. Meetings
usually begin getting right into the specific topics; there is little deviation from the
agenda.
Everyone must come fully prepared for every meeting and is expected to
contribute about topics that are directly relevant to their specialty.
Negotiations:
-
-
The Swiss are known for being hard but fair when it comes to negotiating.
Negotiations can become very tedious and tiring, but it is important to maintain
composure and patience.
Negotiations are very serious in Switzerland
o Keep humor out of any topics
o Keep emotions out of the negotiations
Do not come across as demanding or too aggressive
NEVER rush a decision and look into all of the details and facts surrounding the
negotiation.
Remain self-confident and avoid high-pressure negotiations tactics.
In order to better understand how you negotiation style compares, please take
the negotiation style quiz generated by the Edinburgh Business School:
 http://www.ebsglobal.net/programmes/negotiationquiz#question1
E. Introductions, Greeting, and Dress Code
The people of Switzerland create more of a formal environment.
When you meet first meet new people, it is important to shake hands with everyone that is
present, to have eye contact, and to call them by their surnames. Only use the first name if you
are invited to do so. (This is to be respectful of them and their privacy)
Since there are three dominant languages that are spoken in Switzerland, there are different
courtesy titles that should be used for each.

In German-speaking Switzerland use “Herr” to address a man and “Frau” to address a
woman.
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
In French- speaking Switzerland use “Monsieur” to address a man and “Madame” to
address a woman.

In Italian- speaking Switzerland use “Signore” to address a man and “Signora” to
address a female.
Dress Code:

For more formal business occasions, it is important to dress clean and neat. The
attire should be conservative and formal but not too fashionable.

During official meetings, men tend to wear dark colored suite and women wear suits
or dresses.

In more of an informal business climate, it is common for men to wear sports jackets,
trousers, and a tie. Women often wear smart casual or trousers.

Since the climate is variable in Switzerland, it is important to dress appropriately for
the season. The following sites explain the importance of dressing professionally and
give you appropriate examples of what to wear in the workplace:
o http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+dress+in+business&qs=n&for
m=QBVR&pq=how+to+dress+in+business&sc=8-18&sp=1&sk=#view=detail&mid=F6F49A8E60F0CDC8DE3EF6F49A8E60F0CDC8DE3E
o http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm
Business Entertaining
Switzerland does not have a strong business entertaining culture in comparison to other
countries, but it is not uncommon.
It is important to remember that there is a strong emphasis on separation of work life and
private life
Business entertaining is often held in a dinner or lunch setting. It is appropriate to invite spouses
to these types of outings.
If invited out for a meal, the host is always expected to pay. If you are the one who has initiated
the entertainment, you are expected to pick up the bill.

When tipping, it is safe to tip around 5% to 10%.
When choosing a restaurant, it is important to research the regional specialties from the
particular Canton you will be dining in.
Alcohol is not usually consumed during the lunch hour, but it is best to take the lead from the
host.
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Good topics to talk about:

It is good to have some small talk before getting straight to business. Again, it is best
to take the lead from the host.

Good small talk topics: Regional variations in cuisine and the local wine.
Important Things To Know:
Women in Business:

Business in Switzerland was once a predominantly male- dominated.

Although women are not commonly found in upper-management, the “glass- ceiling”
strategy is continually being dismantled.

If a female can demonstrate high levels of competence and knowledge required for
the business, it is not difficult for a female executive to work in Switzerland.
Having Business Cards:

Give business cards to every business person you meet with. Smart to have the cards
printed both in English and German.

What to have on the card: academic and job title
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REPATRIATION
Repatriation
Repatriation is a very important step in your expatriate experience and you should prepare for
this at the beginning of your journey. Below are tips for you and your family on planning,
evaluating, and managing a successful relocation back home.
A. For the Expat
Keep in touch with your mentor this individual will aid in keeping you informed, assisting in your
career path, and aiding your visibility within the company while you are away and when you
return.
Create a 'transition' fund, a secure amount that will allow for hidden costs (such as fewer
company perks) that occur during your transition back home.
Expect your values and beliefs to have changed; do not expect your old colleagues, friends, and
family to immediately understand you or your new experiences.
Practice communicating your newly acquired values and beliefs to those in your home country.
Consider creative ways to use your new skills and knowledge, such as assisting others through a
similar relocation experience
Be ready for a change in relationships. Your colleagues might be envious of your international
experience and unsure of how you are different.
B. For Returning Family Members
Establish the optimal time for your family to relocate, especially concerning your children’s
school schedule, and inform your company.
Manage your expectations and consider how they will be different for each member of the
family.
Identify and focus on the positive aspects of the relocation.
Allow time to re-establish family contacts and friendships. Keep in mind that you might no longer
interact in the same way, since family and friends cannot fully comprehend what you and your
family have experienced.
Expect that you may have missed significant occasions while living abroad.
Use technology to stay connected. Web cams, expatriate sites and chat rooms, instant and text
messaging are excellent ways for family members to communicate, which eases the transition
back home.
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Hold a family meeting before relocating and create a list of each family member’s favorite and
least favorite aspects of the country you are leaving. Once back home, review this list to avoid
over-romanticizing your experiences abroad.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Below, we have listed a variety of additional resources that you can use if you have a question
that is not covered in the modules above. We have used these websites to generate our
information that we have given you throughout the training program and we feel that they can
be of good use to you should you need to gather any additional information.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1034.html
https://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/dam/data/migration/publikationen/swissemigration/euresaufenthalt-e.pdf
https://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/dam/data/migration/publikationen/swissemigration/euresalltag-e.pdf
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/
http://www.internations.org/geneva-expats/guide
http://www.expatica.com
http://www.ediplomat.com
http://jhabiteageneve.wordpress.com
http://www.everyculture.com
http://www.intracen.org
http://www.expatica.com
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/4205176/Guide-to-living-abroad-Geneva.html
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