Moving to Switzerland? If so, Hamiltons provides high quality competitively priced removals to Switzerland from the UK, Europe and worldwide. We have a wealth of experience in commercial and domestic international relocations and our removals to Switzerland service operates weekly.
Choose from our dedicated (full load) or groupage (part load) service, or our specials service where you get to choose the collection and delivery dates for your removals to Switzerland. We tailor our removals to Switzerland services to suit you and this can include full packing, unpacking, storage, removal of specialist items, and also cleaning of the house that you are moving from.
Our removals to Switzerland service includes all the major cities and Cantons. This includes Geneva, a global city where many international organisations are based; Zurich, the financial centre of Switzerland and gateway to the Alps; Bern, the capital of Switzerland; Basel, a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry; Lausanne, known for being the home of the Olympic movement; and Lucerne, a tourist destination on the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
To help you enjoy a smooth transition to your new way of life, read our at a glance guide to Swiss culture, customs and etiquette.
Moving to Switzerland - Cultures, Customs and Facts About the Swiss People
When you think of Switzerland, some of the things that spring to mind include chocolate, watches, clocks, pharmaceuticals, banking and finance - it also conjures up images of snow, the Alps and skiing.
Switzerland has a diverse cultural heritage and even the first language of the Swiss people depends on which part of the country you live in.
Although the official languages are German, French, Italian and Romansch, some only speak one language and this will be the main language used in the part of the country they live in. They may also speak either one of the other two official languages, or have English as a second language.
German is spoken by 60 per cent of the population but dialects can vary between the Cantons. Romansch, a Latin-based language, is spoken by one per cent of the population, who live in the eastern Alps.
Moving to Switzerland: The Swiss People's Approach to Work
A lot of emphasis is put on a child's education and students are tested several times during their education to determine their future paths, including the courses they will take and their careers. Parents take the responsibility for their child's education very seriously which has reaped rewards as the Swiss have one of the world's highest literacy rates, currently at 99 per cent.
Women in Switzerland have more limited opportunities in the workforce than in any other western European country - they were not given the right to vote in all Cantons until 1990. Generally a married woman's role is seen as raising and educating their children and maintaining the home. While more women are now entering the workforce, they often leave after marriage or having children as there are a number of pressures on those who want to maintain a career.
About a fifth of the population are made up of resident foreigners from various countries including England, Spain, France, Greece, Serbia, Italy and the Middle East. Indeed, the Swiss are dependent on foreigners as transient workers, tourists, and for investment. As far as investment is concerned, the government applies the same incentives to foreign and domestic businesses.
The Swiss have a longer working week than many other countries, which is 42 hours. The working day is usually 8 am until 5.30 pm with an hour's lunch break. However, they value their holiday time, with official holidays occurring at various times throughout the year. They also have more generous sick leave.
Swiss people tend to be reserved, independent, orderly, clean, efficient, courteous and disciplined. They also value quality and craftsmanship which is evident in their products, including watches, clocks and wood carvings. The Swiss value honesty and hard work and being late for a business appointment is frowned upon.
Moving to Switzerland: The Swiss People's Approach to Family Life
The family takes on a central role in Swiss life, with holidays and weekends kept private. It will be unusual to be invited to a Swiss colleague's home because home life is so closely protected. The Swiss enjoy family times at weekends which can include walks, skiing or dining out. It would not be acceptable to call a business person at home unless it was really urgent.
Moving to Switzerland: Swiss Culture
As a result of strong regionalism in Switzerland, there is no individual cultural heritage and the Swiss promote all cultural activity across the board.
You can see folk art alive and well all over Switzerland and this is predominant in music, dance, wood carving and embroidery.
Museums, galleries and art collections can be found all over the country, from the large cities to the smaller towns. Switzerland has also produced a number of renowned writers, including Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Moving to Switzerland: Swiss Customs
If you are moving to Switzerland there are certain customs and etiquette you should follow to allow for an easier transition to your new country.
If you are at a business or social meeting, shake hands with everyone in the room, including the children, and do this when you first meet everyone and when you are leaving. Maintain eye contact when you shake hands and always keep good posture.
Don't use first names as this is for friends and family, instead use titles and last names unless you are told otherwise.
At a meal you should try everything that you are offered and also try to finish everything you have been served as it is not considered polite to leave it. Don't ask for the salt and pepper unless it is already on the table. Keep your hands on the table at all times, but your elbows off the table.
Removals to Switzerland click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
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