What should I pack when moving to Switzerland?
We asked people living in Switzerland to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded...
"When moving to Switzerland, it is important to pack practical, warm clothing, as the country has a temperate climate and can get quite cold during the winter. Additionally, packing a few items to help you stay connected to home, such as photographs and items like framed pictures, can help ease the transition. Due to the French, German, and Italian influences, it is a good idea to bring along some basic knowledge of those languages, as well. As for electrical items, be sure to check and make sure that your items will be compatible in Switzerland, as the voltage and frequency may be different than in your home country. Lastly, don't forget to pack your passport to ensure you receive the same protection abroad as you would at home," commented one expat who made the move to Switzerland.
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"No particular things for myself - as I have a Swiss wife, she could very well prepare me for moving to and living in Switzerland. - There are no real needs to bring to Switzerland. Anything you need is available here as well. - Don't bring washing machines, tumblers, kitchen appliances, as they usually belong to / come with the house or apartment that you buy or rent. Moving these things is very unusual in Switzerland. - When you bring electrical equipment: check plugs and voltage. Swiss electricity comes at 230V/50Hz and plugs and sockets are of type "J", which means that any plug of type "C" or "J" will fit into a Swiss socket, and any other plug won't. - Switzerland is expensive. In particular, medicins, health care and body care products are very expensive. Many Swiss buy them abroad (in Germany) whenever possible. - Switzerland has the best public transport system of Europe, and one of the best of the world. Living without car may be very well possible for you in Switzerland - consider this when you plan to import a car," remarked another expat in Olten, Switzerland.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Switzerland?
- How do I find a place to live in Switzerland?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Switzerland?
- What is the average cost of housing in Switzerland?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Switzerland?
- What should I pack when moving to Switzerland?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Switzerland?
- Why do people move to Switzerland?
- What are healthcare services like in Switzerland?
- What are medical services in Switzerland like?
- What are typical rents in Switzerland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What should I pack when moving to Switzerland?
If you live in Switzerland, newcomers to Switzerland would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.




