Whatever your reasons for moving abroad, Hamiltons Removals have years' of experience in removals to Switzerland and other European destinations and can guide you through all aspects of your move.
People require removals to Switzerland for a wide variety of reasons, including work and business opportunities. It may be that you work in finance and get the chance to join the 100,000 or so other English speaking residents in Geneva - a leading financial and business centre; or get granted an opportunity to work in Zurich - a major centre for international finance.
It could be that you are planning a move to Switzerland to be nearer to family and want to bring up children in a safer environment with the support of your relatives. Or it may be that you and your family require removals to Switzerland to enjoy a better standard of living. After all, Switzerland's quality of life is rated the best in the world with Zurich as the top city to live in, closely followed by Geneva.
Some people also choose a move to Switzerland to work in the Swiss Alps, or to set up a business venture and take advantage of the amazing winter sports on offer. Certainly the Swiss are very health conscious and cite skiing and mountaineering among their leisure activities.
Whatever your reasons for moving to Switzerland, Hamiltons offer removals to Switzerland from the UK, Europe or any other part of the world. We can provide full load shipping and removals in 20 ft or 40 ft containers, groupage (part load) services and air freight. Our services are designed to suit you and the importation of vehicles, specialist removals (such as artwork and other valuables), storage and packing can be provided as required.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Although you may not be moving to Switzerland purely because of the lifestyle it offers, a move to Switzerland can give you access to a wide range of winter sports in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Here we shall look more closely at why Switzerland is such a great destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Moving to Switzerland - About the Swiss Alps
The Alps is one of the things we most associate with Switzerland and it covers more than half the country. It is the destination for beautiful and dramatic scenery including snow topped mountains, ice age glaciers and vast lakes.
This mountainous region stretches from Austria and Slovenia through Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, France and Monaco. The highest mountain is Mont Blanc on the French-Italian border which stands at 15,782 ft.
If you want to move to Switzerland to enjoy the scenery and benefit from all the sporting activities, you will not be disappointed. See below to find out more about the winter sports on offer.
Moving to Switzerland: Winter Sports on Offer
The Alps as a whole attracts some 50 million people a year and is popular for a range of sports including hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, swimming, sailing, tobogganing and Nordic and Alpine Skiing.
Of course, Switzerland is not the only place to go for winter sporting activities, but is one of the world's top skiing destinations - and is the home of Alpine skiing (skiing with fixed heel bindings) also known as downhill skiing or piste skiing.
One of the reasons why skiing is so attractive in Switzerland, is because its resorts are well organised, clean and efficient. Switzerland has some of the best ski resorts in the world and their chalets are among the most recognisable and also among the most luxurious.
Swiss ski resorts tend to attract more exclusive clientele compared to resorts in France and Italy. They also tend to be smaller, more welcoming and offer more of a traditional experience. As a result, skiing in Switzerland tends to be more expensive than in other European ski resorts. However, if you are looking for cheaper deals, it is best to time your break for the end of the skiing season (at the end of March). Bear in mind that January and February are the peak times, and also the most expensive time for a ski break.
As Swiss pistes are at the highest altitude, they tend to be more difficult, so snowboarding and skiing in Switzerland is generally for the more experienced (although there are slopes for beginners too and every ski resort has a range of different runs with varying levels of difficulty). However, if you are looking for excitement and sporting adventure, you will certainly find it here. Although there are no resorts strictly for snowboarding, many ski resorts cater for snowboarding activities and these are mainly based in the south of Switzerland.
Skiing or snowboarding in Switzerland gives you a chance to enjoy a wonderful break in the mountains and take advantage of the beautiful scenery and delicious long leisurely lunches - which can run on for a couple of hours.
A must while on holiday is to sample the fondue or, another specialty, Raclette (melted cheese served with potatoes and pickled onions) which is eaten before the cheese sets. Après-ski you will always find plenty of bars to relax and unwind in.
Moving to Switzerland - The Swiss Ski Resorts
Switzerland has some top class ski resorts and among them are the world famous resorts of Zermatt, St Moritz and Verbier. Here we shall take a closer look at these three ski resorts, but there are plenty of others across the country.
The resort town of St Moritz in the Engadine Valley, is known as the birthplace of winter sports holidays - with the first tourist office in Switzerland opening up here in 1864. Five star accommodation is offered at the Badrutts Palace Hotel, which is known for its elegance, luxury and first class service. The hotel has a staff of 520 and is the biggest employer in St Moritz. The most popular winter sports in the resort are skiing, snowboarding, hiking and tobogganing.
The resort town of Zermatt is known throughout the world for its skiing and is overlooked by the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps. Much of the economy is built on tourism and there is skiing continuously throughout the year. Skiing is divided into four areas: Sunnegga, Klein Matterhorn, Schwarzee and Gonergrat. It is a car free zone so visitors and the locals get about by electro buses, shuttles, electro taxis and even horse drawn carriages.
Verbier, in the south west of Switzerland in the canton of Valais, is another popular place to ski and is seen as one of the top off-piste locations in the world. It attracts many celebrities including the British, Swedish and Danish Royal Families. It is one of the largest holiday resorts and places to ski in the Swiss Alps and tends to attract younger visitors than the other tourist resorts. Although it attracts off-piste skiers it is not recommended as this is potentially fatal due to the risk of avalanches etc.
Removals to Switzerland - click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Saturday 28 July 2012
Removals to Switzerland: Moving to Switzerland - Guide to the Swiss People
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.
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.
Thursday 26 July 2012
Removals to Switzerland | Moving to Switzerland - The Swiss Alps
Making the decision to move your life to another country is not only very exciting, it can also be overwhelming, and Hamiltons are the professionals you’ll need to help with your removals to Switzerland. Catering for all domestic, commercial and holiday home removals to Switzerland, Hamiltons will ship from the UK, Europe and international destinations and of course, back the other way.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland: Holiday Home Removals
One of the most popular areas of Switzerland for holiday homes is the Alps. Covering three fifths of the country, the famous mountain region provides a year-round destination with clear skies, breath-taking scenery and a vast range of winter and summer sports and activities. The completely tailored removals to Switzerland service means that you get exactly what you want, and your move to your holiday home in the Alps will go without a hitch.
You will also get complete peace of mind, as Hamiltons are members of the British Association of Removals (BAR), ensuring that the highest standards are always met and that your possessions arrive at their destination safely, and on time. With over 20 years’ experience and services ranging from packing and cleaning to storage and arranging for your vehicles to be imported, Hamiltons is the company to call on for your removals to Switzerland. The dedicated removals to Switzerland service offers either sole use of a vehicle, or a part load option, where several customers share the same vehicle. This offers cost savings, but delivery times can vary depending on the logistics.
Removals to Switzerland: Life in the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps belong to the steepest and most contorted mountain chain, known as the Western Alpine group, and are probably best seen via one of the many scenic trains which form the easiest way of getting around. Many of the more popular routes, such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, are open all year round and offer dramatic scenery like ice age glaciers, snow-peaked mountains and massive lakes.
Skiing is probably the one activity most people associate with the Alps. The major destinations for winter sports are generally located in the cantons of Valais, Bernese Oberland and Graubunden, and some villages, like Zermatt, Grindelwald, Murren and Wengen, are also car-free. The ski season starts around November and runs to as late as May, although most resorts open for skiing from December to April. Many stay open and keep the tramways running in summer to enable hikers and mountaineers to reach high altitudes without too much effort, and enjoy the 23,000 km of well-maintained trails in the mountainous areas. The Klein Matterhorn is the highest summit of the European continent accessible by cable car.
At the gateway to canton Valais is the Portes du Soleil-Chablais region, which offers a wide range of sport, recreation and culture. A summer paradise for mountain biking, horse riding and hiking, it has leisure parks, animal parks and educational trails, and offers historical and cultural sights too. Monthey is the place for theatres and shopping, for a bit of history visit the town of St Maurice, and lakeside St Gingoph is the centre for water sports.
Hiking and skiing also form the basis of pastimes in Heidiland, over in Eastern Switzerland. Named after Johanna Spyri’s world famous Heidi story, written in 1880, the area has a Heidi path, and the musical has been performed here several times. It also has the spa city of Bad Ragaz, offering golf courses, casino and grand hotels while Sargans and Werdenberg have medieval castles for the historians.
Lake Thun sits on the northern rim of the Alps, in the middle of the canton Bernese Oberland, surrounded by panoramic mountains like Niesen and Stockhorn, cozy villages and the cities of Thun and Interlaken. Thun has a medieval old town and Oberhofen Castle, while Interlaken is the ideal place to start your visit to the Bernese Oberland. Another castle can be found in the Bay of Spiez, along with a number of small vineyards, and around the coastline sit 12 Romanesque churches, all over one thousand years old, that are well worth the visit.
The weather is by far the most changeable thing in the mountains. Mountain ranges are often the dividing line between weather fronts, and the Alps are usually the border between the cooler Northern European climate and the warmer Southern climate. Adjoining valleys may experience different weather at the same time, and one area might experience complete change within the hour. It pays to be prepared in the Alps, and the most sensible thing to do is dress in a number of thin layers, rather than a few thicker ones. And always have a waterproof jacket.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland: Holiday Home Removals
One of the most popular areas of Switzerland for holiday homes is the Alps. Covering three fifths of the country, the famous mountain region provides a year-round destination with clear skies, breath-taking scenery and a vast range of winter and summer sports and activities. The completely tailored removals to Switzerland service means that you get exactly what you want, and your move to your holiday home in the Alps will go without a hitch.
You will also get complete peace of mind, as Hamiltons are members of the British Association of Removals (BAR), ensuring that the highest standards are always met and that your possessions arrive at their destination safely, and on time. With over 20 years’ experience and services ranging from packing and cleaning to storage and arranging for your vehicles to be imported, Hamiltons is the company to call on for your removals to Switzerland. The dedicated removals to Switzerland service offers either sole use of a vehicle, or a part load option, where several customers share the same vehicle. This offers cost savings, but delivery times can vary depending on the logistics.
Removals to Switzerland: Life in the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps belong to the steepest and most contorted mountain chain, known as the Western Alpine group, and are probably best seen via one of the many scenic trains which form the easiest way of getting around. Many of the more popular routes, such as the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, are open all year round and offer dramatic scenery like ice age glaciers, snow-peaked mountains and massive lakes.
Skiing is probably the one activity most people associate with the Alps. The major destinations for winter sports are generally located in the cantons of Valais, Bernese Oberland and Graubunden, and some villages, like Zermatt, Grindelwald, Murren and Wengen, are also car-free. The ski season starts around November and runs to as late as May, although most resorts open for skiing from December to April. Many stay open and keep the tramways running in summer to enable hikers and mountaineers to reach high altitudes without too much effort, and enjoy the 23,000 km of well-maintained trails in the mountainous areas. The Klein Matterhorn is the highest summit of the European continent accessible by cable car.
At the gateway to canton Valais is the Portes du Soleil-Chablais region, which offers a wide range of sport, recreation and culture. A summer paradise for mountain biking, horse riding and hiking, it has leisure parks, animal parks and educational trails, and offers historical and cultural sights too. Monthey is the place for theatres and shopping, for a bit of history visit the town of St Maurice, and lakeside St Gingoph is the centre for water sports.
Hiking and skiing also form the basis of pastimes in Heidiland, over in Eastern Switzerland. Named after Johanna Spyri’s world famous Heidi story, written in 1880, the area has a Heidi path, and the musical has been performed here several times. It also has the spa city of Bad Ragaz, offering golf courses, casino and grand hotels while Sargans and Werdenberg have medieval castles for the historians.
Lake Thun sits on the northern rim of the Alps, in the middle of the canton Bernese Oberland, surrounded by panoramic mountains like Niesen and Stockhorn, cozy villages and the cities of Thun and Interlaken. Thun has a medieval old town and Oberhofen Castle, while Interlaken is the ideal place to start your visit to the Bernese Oberland. Another castle can be found in the Bay of Spiez, along with a number of small vineyards, and around the coastline sit 12 Romanesque churches, all over one thousand years old, that are well worth the visit.
The weather is by far the most changeable thing in the mountains. Mountain ranges are often the dividing line between weather fronts, and the Alps are usually the border between the cooler Northern European climate and the warmer Southern climate. Adjoining valleys may experience different weather at the same time, and one area might experience complete change within the hour. It pays to be prepared in the Alps, and the most sensible thing to do is dress in a number of thin layers, rather than a few thicker ones. And always have a waterproof jacket.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Monday 23 July 2012
Removals to Switzerland | Moving to Switzerland - Top Tourist Attractions
If you are moving to Switzerland from the UK Europe or an international location, you’ll need a professional and reliable company to help with your removals to Switzerland. Hamiltons have over 20 years’ experience with all types of removals to Switzerland, and offer a completely tailored service to suit all needs. From domestic to corporate, large to small, and including complete packing and even importation of vehicles, Hamiltons can help make your removals to Switzerland relaxed and stress free.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland: Why Move to Switzerland?
It’s difficult to find anyone with negative opinions about Switzerland. The almost endless list of benefits to the residents also makes for a great list of reasons for the tourist, and is also why many choose to move here after visiting. From quality of life to clean air, thousands of kilometres of cycle paths to the very efficient public transport system, and from the breath-taking scenery to the job opportunities, Switzerland is hard to beat.
Whether you are a first-timer or have lived in the country before, Switzerland offers more attractions than you will ever have time to see or do. There are a large number of both local and international festivals, museums and galleries on every corner, villages in valleys, breath-taking lakes and spectacular mountain landscapes, and all this is concentrated into small country squeezed between five others - Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein.
The size of the country is another bonus, with major attractions close to one another and, thanks to the excellent public transport system, easy to get to. It is split into three major geographical areas: the Alps, the Mittelland, or ‘middle land’ that hosts many of the big cities and lakes, and the Jura in the north, including the city of Basel and the river Rhein.
Here are just some of the highlights, Switzerland has to offer.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Moving to Switzerland - The Alps
The Alps occupy over half of Switzerland, and extend from the east of France to the west of Germany and Austria, bordered by Italy in the south. Perhaps the most famous of all the peaks is The Matterhorn, with the beautiful village of Zermatt in the Valais region. Situated at the foot of The Matterhorn, the village is traffic-free, and only accessible by train, which winds its way around mountains and over gorges. Full of half-timbered chalets, old houses and cabins, with a number of restaurants and shops, it offers over 250 miles of marked footpaths in the summer, and clean and white snow for the skiers in winter. Gondolas and cable cars will take you to the peaks and glaciers, with mountain top restaurants, and why not take the popular cogwheel railway to nearby Gornergrat for stunning views of the Alps.
The alpine region (or canton) of Graubunden is an exciting playground the whole year round. You can bike or hike through over 150 valleys, such as Engadin, in summer and ski in the mountain dry air in winter. Take a journey on the Rhatische Bahn, a 230 mile private train track with bridges, viaducts and tunnels through the countryside to take in the sights before returning to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of resorts like Davos and St Moritz, and the city of Zurich is only an hour away.
Moving to Switzerland - Lake Geneva
Switzerland has 16 lakes with a surface area larger than 10 square km, and hundreds of other smaller ones. The best known is probably Lake Geneva, known locally as Lac Léman, or Lac de Genève, which shares the border with France and has a number of notable cities on its shore including Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey and Geneva on the Swiss side, and Evian on the French. It is the largest lake in Europe, and after major work to restore the waters of the lake in the last 30 years, it now hosts a long list of leisure activities including sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and yacht racing.
Geneva itself, often referred to as the ‘peace capital of the world’, is the headquarters of many international organisations such as the Red Cross and is among the top three cities in the world for quality of life. A paradise for luxury goods and high-end accommodation, shoppers should head for Rue Basses, Rue du Rhone, Rue de la Confédération, Rue du Marché, Rue de la Croix-d'Or and Rue du Mont-Blanc.
The city has the world’s tallest fountain (the Jet d’Eau), the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande, the Opera House, the St Pierre Cathedral and numerous galleries and museums including the Red Cross, the Natural History and the Horology, where you can find out about the importance of clock and watch making to the local economy.
By contrast, Switzerland’s southern most region, Italian speaking Ticano, including the lakeside resorts of Lugano and Locarno, boast of a Mediterranean Riviera like atmosphere, and thanks to their subtropical climate and you will find palm trees, magnolias and chestnuts growing happily.
This has barely scratched the surface of Switzerland’s attractions, and each region on its own has more than enough to keep you occupied for a number of years. If you’re moving to Switzerland, scheduling your spare time needs to be high on your list.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Removals to Switzerland: Why Move to Switzerland?
It’s difficult to find anyone with negative opinions about Switzerland. The almost endless list of benefits to the residents also makes for a great list of reasons for the tourist, and is also why many choose to move here after visiting. From quality of life to clean air, thousands of kilometres of cycle paths to the very efficient public transport system, and from the breath-taking scenery to the job opportunities, Switzerland is hard to beat.
Whether you are a first-timer or have lived in the country before, Switzerland offers more attractions than you will ever have time to see or do. There are a large number of both local and international festivals, museums and galleries on every corner, villages in valleys, breath-taking lakes and spectacular mountain landscapes, and all this is concentrated into small country squeezed between five others - Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein.
The size of the country is another bonus, with major attractions close to one another and, thanks to the excellent public transport system, easy to get to. It is split into three major geographical areas: the Alps, the Mittelland, or ‘middle land’ that hosts many of the big cities and lakes, and the Jura in the north, including the city of Basel and the river Rhein.
Here are just some of the highlights, Switzerland has to offer.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Moving to Switzerland - The Alps
The Alps occupy over half of Switzerland, and extend from the east of France to the west of Germany and Austria, bordered by Italy in the south. Perhaps the most famous of all the peaks is The Matterhorn, with the beautiful village of Zermatt in the Valais region. Situated at the foot of The Matterhorn, the village is traffic-free, and only accessible by train, which winds its way around mountains and over gorges. Full of half-timbered chalets, old houses and cabins, with a number of restaurants and shops, it offers over 250 miles of marked footpaths in the summer, and clean and white snow for the skiers in winter. Gondolas and cable cars will take you to the peaks and glaciers, with mountain top restaurants, and why not take the popular cogwheel railway to nearby Gornergrat for stunning views of the Alps.
The alpine region (or canton) of Graubunden is an exciting playground the whole year round. You can bike or hike through over 150 valleys, such as Engadin, in summer and ski in the mountain dry air in winter. Take a journey on the Rhatische Bahn, a 230 mile private train track with bridges, viaducts and tunnels through the countryside to take in the sights before returning to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of resorts like Davos and St Moritz, and the city of Zurich is only an hour away.
Moving to Switzerland - Lake Geneva
Switzerland has 16 lakes with a surface area larger than 10 square km, and hundreds of other smaller ones. The best known is probably Lake Geneva, known locally as Lac Léman, or Lac de Genève, which shares the border with France and has a number of notable cities on its shore including Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey and Geneva on the Swiss side, and Evian on the French. It is the largest lake in Europe, and after major work to restore the waters of the lake in the last 30 years, it now hosts a long list of leisure activities including sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and yacht racing.
Geneva itself, often referred to as the ‘peace capital of the world’, is the headquarters of many international organisations such as the Red Cross and is among the top three cities in the world for quality of life. A paradise for luxury goods and high-end accommodation, shoppers should head for Rue Basses, Rue du Rhone, Rue de la Confédération, Rue du Marché, Rue de la Croix-d'Or and Rue du Mont-Blanc.
The city has the world’s tallest fountain (the Jet d’Eau), the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande, the Opera House, the St Pierre Cathedral and numerous galleries and museums including the Red Cross, the Natural History and the Horology, where you can find out about the importance of clock and watch making to the local economy.
By contrast, Switzerland’s southern most region, Italian speaking Ticano, including the lakeside resorts of Lugano and Locarno, boast of a Mediterranean Riviera like atmosphere, and thanks to their subtropical climate and you will find palm trees, magnolias and chestnuts growing happily.
This has barely scratched the surface of Switzerland’s attractions, and each region on its own has more than enough to keep you occupied for a number of years. If you’re moving to Switzerland, scheduling your spare time needs to be high on your list.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Saturday 21 July 2012
Removals to Switzerland - Importing Your Car or Vehicle & Driving Switzerland
Having made the daunting decision to move to Switzerland, the next stage is to decide how, and with Hamiltons, our removals to Switzerland team can help you, and all your possessions, get there safely. Take advantage of our expert knowledge, years of experience and tailored removals to Switzerland services for all or just part of your move, whether it’s domestic, corporate or commercial.
If you’ve decided to take one or more of your valuable vehicles with you, Hamiltons have specialist vehicles with ramps to look after your car, motorbike, boat, jet skis, quad bikes and even farm machinery. Removals to Switzerland and importing vehicles to Switzerland are easier with Hamiltons.
Removals to Switzerland - Contact us to discuss your requirements and for a free shipping quote.
A Guide to Importing Your Car Into Switzerland
It’s always tricky finding out the right forms and information needed to import a car into a European country, and of course they all have their own rules. Switzerland is no different. If your vehicle has been owned for more than 6 months and is for personal use, you can import it without paying any duty and only have to make sure you complete a clearance request on arrival in Switzerland.
If you have owned your vehicle for less than 6 months, then import duty will have to be paid. Either way, you will always have to notify the Swiss customs as soon as any of your vehicles arrive in Switzerland.
Along with the forms, notifications and clearance request, you will also need to provide a number of both personal and vehicle documents. This includes your insurance, logbook and emissions test certificate, but you will also need full technical information on the car, and the 13.20 customs form. As well as these you will be asked to provide a receipt, proof of the vehicle’s origin, proof of your identity - in theory you should already have your passport with you - and your driving license.
The next step is to register for Swiss number plates, and you will have to do this within the first 12 months of your stay. You should receive the necessary forms from the Road Traffic Office (Services des Automobiles et de la Navigation) within the first month, after Customs have completed the report required for the technical inspection.
Your car must pass this technical inspection, or ‘Contrôle Technique du Véhicule’ within the first year, and the Motor Registration Office in your canton, or region, will provide you with all the information you need.
Getting your car into Switzerland is a lot easier through either Geneva or Basel, as most of the other smaller entry points need prior notice to process any importation, and this simply adds to the list of things to remember. Don’t forget, details can always change so please make sure you check with the relevant authorities before you move - of course, Hamiltons are the experts on removals to Switzerland, so why not get us to help.
Removals to Switzerland - Contact us to discuss your requirements and for a free shipping quote. contact us now to discuss your requirements
Driving in Switzerland - A Guide to Swiss Roads
Switzerland has a dense road network, which has an excellent standard of maintenance thanks to the high level of investment, including over 1,800 km of motorway. Its position as a transit country linking Northern and Southern Europe means that it suffers from a large amount of freight traffic and, during the holiday season, the trucks are joined by holidaymakers in cars and caravans.
Car ownership is still on the increase, despite the success of the Mobility Car Sharing Scheme, launched over 15 years ago. The scheme now offers over 2,600 vehicles in 1,340 stations around Switzerland and links up with similar schemes in Austria and Germany. Customers can pre-book a vehicle for periods from 1 hour to a number of days, and it releases you from the commitments of full time vehicle ownership.
Switzerland has a low tolerance for law breaking - on-the-spot fines are common, the Police may request that any driver undergo a breath test or, indeed, a drugs test at any time, and speeding fines are severe.
Unleaded and Diesel are commonly available, but Leaded is not, and there are only eight LPG outlets in the country. Some of the automatic pumps struggle to recognise UK PINs, so it’s always advisable to check with your card issuer. Dipped headlights are recommended during the day for all vehicles, and motorcyclists must wear a helmet.
To drive in Switzerland, road users must buy and clearly display a vehicle sticker, known locally as a ‘vignette’, which currently costs CHF40. The fine for not displaying one is the cost plus CHF100. Theyare available before you leave the UK, from customs offices, or service stations and garages throughout the country.
Snow chains are compulsory in some areas, usually indicated by appropriate signage, and every vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle, kept within easy reach - not in the boot. Alpine winters can provide a challenge to even the most experienced driver, and checking road conditions is always advised before departing.
Speed limits are similar to those in the rest of Europe, 50kmh (31mph) in built up areas, 80kmh (49mph) in other areas while semi-motorways have a limit of 100kmh (62mph), and on motorways it’s 120kmh (74mph). And, don’t forget to drive on the right!
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
If you’ve decided to take one or more of your valuable vehicles with you, Hamiltons have specialist vehicles with ramps to look after your car, motorbike, boat, jet skis, quad bikes and even farm machinery. Removals to Switzerland and importing vehicles to Switzerland are easier with Hamiltons.
Removals to Switzerland - Contact us to discuss your requirements and for a free shipping quote.
A Guide to Importing Your Car Into Switzerland
It’s always tricky finding out the right forms and information needed to import a car into a European country, and of course they all have their own rules. Switzerland is no different. If your vehicle has been owned for more than 6 months and is for personal use, you can import it without paying any duty and only have to make sure you complete a clearance request on arrival in Switzerland.
If you have owned your vehicle for less than 6 months, then import duty will have to be paid. Either way, you will always have to notify the Swiss customs as soon as any of your vehicles arrive in Switzerland.
Along with the forms, notifications and clearance request, you will also need to provide a number of both personal and vehicle documents. This includes your insurance, logbook and emissions test certificate, but you will also need full technical information on the car, and the 13.20 customs form. As well as these you will be asked to provide a receipt, proof of the vehicle’s origin, proof of your identity - in theory you should already have your passport with you - and your driving license.
The next step is to register for Swiss number plates, and you will have to do this within the first 12 months of your stay. You should receive the necessary forms from the Road Traffic Office (Services des Automobiles et de la Navigation) within the first month, after Customs have completed the report required for the technical inspection.
Your car must pass this technical inspection, or ‘Contrôle Technique du Véhicule’ within the first year, and the Motor Registration Office in your canton, or region, will provide you with all the information you need.
Getting your car into Switzerland is a lot easier through either Geneva or Basel, as most of the other smaller entry points need prior notice to process any importation, and this simply adds to the list of things to remember. Don’t forget, details can always change so please make sure you check with the relevant authorities before you move - of course, Hamiltons are the experts on removals to Switzerland, so why not get us to help.
Removals to Switzerland - Contact us to discuss your requirements and for a free shipping quote. contact us now to discuss your requirements
Driving in Switzerland - A Guide to Swiss Roads
Switzerland has a dense road network, which has an excellent standard of maintenance thanks to the high level of investment, including over 1,800 km of motorway. Its position as a transit country linking Northern and Southern Europe means that it suffers from a large amount of freight traffic and, during the holiday season, the trucks are joined by holidaymakers in cars and caravans.
Car ownership is still on the increase, despite the success of the Mobility Car Sharing Scheme, launched over 15 years ago. The scheme now offers over 2,600 vehicles in 1,340 stations around Switzerland and links up with similar schemes in Austria and Germany. Customers can pre-book a vehicle for periods from 1 hour to a number of days, and it releases you from the commitments of full time vehicle ownership.
Switzerland has a low tolerance for law breaking - on-the-spot fines are common, the Police may request that any driver undergo a breath test or, indeed, a drugs test at any time, and speeding fines are severe.
Unleaded and Diesel are commonly available, but Leaded is not, and there are only eight LPG outlets in the country. Some of the automatic pumps struggle to recognise UK PINs, so it’s always advisable to check with your card issuer. Dipped headlights are recommended during the day for all vehicles, and motorcyclists must wear a helmet.
To drive in Switzerland, road users must buy and clearly display a vehicle sticker, known locally as a ‘vignette’, which currently costs CHF40. The fine for not displaying one is the cost plus CHF100. Theyare available before you leave the UK, from customs offices, or service stations and garages throughout the country.
Snow chains are compulsory in some areas, usually indicated by appropriate signage, and every vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle, kept within easy reach - not in the boot. Alpine winters can provide a challenge to even the most experienced driver, and checking road conditions is always advised before departing.
Speed limits are similar to those in the rest of Europe, 50kmh (31mph) in built up areas, 80kmh (49mph) in other areas while semi-motorways have a limit of 100kmh (62mph), and on motorways it’s 120kmh (74mph). And, don’t forget to drive on the right!
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Removals to Switzerland | Moving to Switzerland: Finding and Buying a Property
Using specialists can make the sometimes-overwhelming process of moving from one country to another much easier, and for removals to Switzerland Hamiltons are the specialists. Hamiltons offer various levels of service depending on how involved you want to be, and will make your removals to Switzerland stress-free, smooth and painless.
Perfect for domestic, corporate and commercial clients alike, the tailored service offers everything you’re likely to need from packing and storage to cleaning and pet services, transportation and even part-load options. You will also get peace of mind - Hamiltons Removals have over 20 years’ experience of removals to Switzerland, and are also members of the British Association of Removals (BAR), giving you reassurance and ensuring high standards are always met.
When you need to organise your family, possessions and logistics for a move abroad, and are searching for a cost-effective, tailored and professional removals to Switzerland service, you need look no further than Hamiltons Removals.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Finding and Buying a Property in Switzerland
Step One: Find a Property
If you have decided to permanently stay in Switzerland and have settled in a certain area then now is a good time to buy a property. Find yourself a trustworthy and experienced local estate agent who can assist you and find properties for you to view.
Step Two: Organise Your Finances and Put in an Offer
Once you have found a suitable property then you need to check that you can get a mortgage and that, when combined with any savings you have, will cover the price of the property. Then you can put in an offer, which an estate agent can help you with.
You can also try to buy privately by contacting the owner of your chosen property directly. In this case the deposit would need to go directly to the seller but make sure you have it in writing that the deposit will be refunded to you should the seller pull out of the sale for any reason.
Step Three: Decide Whether to Have a Survey
It is important to know that in Switzerland structural surveys are not the norm, although you can ask to have one carried out should you wish to. Worth noting too is that estates agents in Switzerland are not legally bound to inform you of any pre-existing problems with a property or its location and in some cases will even gloss over these to make the sale. An architect’s valuation will be made available to you and will hold information on the property so it is worth reading this carefully.
Step Four: Negotiate a Moving Date
When negotiating a moving date it is common in Switzerland, more so than any other European country, to have a transition period where you may own or are paying for two properties while final decisions are made. These include things like agreeing on what fixtures and fittings will be left as part of the sale and if any work is to be done to the property before you actually move in.
Step Five: Deal With Paperwork, Taxes and Deeds
When dealing with the paperwork, taxes and deeds, a public notary will represent both parties and you will need to visit the notary’s office to agree and sign contracts. This service is chargeable up to 5% of the purchase price of the property depending upon the canton and is usually split between the buyer and seller. You can seek your own legal adviser if you are not happy with anything the notary allocated to you has done.
Types of Property for Sale in Switzerland
Most people live in apartments in Switzerland and typically these are rented. The Swiss do not hold the same aspirations we do in the UK to always own their own home as this is often a very expensive option. However owning a property is achievable and you have a variety of choices open to you when it comes to buying a home in Switzerland.
In the middle of the city the most common type of accommodation is pre-built apartments, often in renovated historic buildings. On the outskirts of towns are new apartments blocks sometimes with the option for you to buy off plan if a development is brand new.
Apartments typically come in the following types: attic apartment, garden apartment, or a floor in-between in a low-rise apartment building. No residential accommodation in Switzerland is built higher than a few stories. The architecture in Switzerland can vary from up to the minute trendy buildings designed by modern architects to the more traditional charm of a typically European painted townhouse with shutters in contrasting colours.
Houses are less common than apartments with most of them having been bought by property developers, who have divided them up into flats to be leased out. You will find some detached villas in smaller towns, but in cities most single occupancy housing is either semi-detached or terraced.
Out in the countryside or up in the mountains there is the traditional and iconic Swiss chalet. This beautiful accommodation that many of us associate with Switzerland is not typical everyday housing and is usually reserved for holiday lettings.
Obtaining a Mortgage in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the mortgage rate is the leading interest rate indicator in the country so there is a lot of competition between mortgage providers. It is best to get quotes from at least three different banks and insurance companies for mortgages offers. Non-Swiss nationals can obtain between 60-80 percent of the house price as a mortgage so having an adequate deposit or savings is vital.
When you buy a property then land transfer tax is payable at around 4 percent but this does differ in different cantons. The land where the house or apartment is situated is used as collateral in Swiss mortgages. This means the owner has a right to credit depending on the value of the land and the lender has a right to use the land if the borrower is unable to meet their mortgage payments.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Perfect for domestic, corporate and commercial clients alike, the tailored service offers everything you’re likely to need from packing and storage to cleaning and pet services, transportation and even part-load options. You will also get peace of mind - Hamiltons Removals have over 20 years’ experience of removals to Switzerland, and are also members of the British Association of Removals (BAR), giving you reassurance and ensuring high standards are always met.
When you need to organise your family, possessions and logistics for a move abroad, and are searching for a cost-effective, tailored and professional removals to Switzerland service, you need look no further than Hamiltons Removals.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
Finding and Buying a Property in Switzerland
Step One: Find a Property
If you have decided to permanently stay in Switzerland and have settled in a certain area then now is a good time to buy a property. Find yourself a trustworthy and experienced local estate agent who can assist you and find properties for you to view.
Step Two: Organise Your Finances and Put in an Offer
Once you have found a suitable property then you need to check that you can get a mortgage and that, when combined with any savings you have, will cover the price of the property. Then you can put in an offer, which an estate agent can help you with.
You can also try to buy privately by contacting the owner of your chosen property directly. In this case the deposit would need to go directly to the seller but make sure you have it in writing that the deposit will be refunded to you should the seller pull out of the sale for any reason.
Step Three: Decide Whether to Have a Survey
It is important to know that in Switzerland structural surveys are not the norm, although you can ask to have one carried out should you wish to. Worth noting too is that estates agents in Switzerland are not legally bound to inform you of any pre-existing problems with a property or its location and in some cases will even gloss over these to make the sale. An architect’s valuation will be made available to you and will hold information on the property so it is worth reading this carefully.
Step Four: Negotiate a Moving Date
When negotiating a moving date it is common in Switzerland, more so than any other European country, to have a transition period where you may own or are paying for two properties while final decisions are made. These include things like agreeing on what fixtures and fittings will be left as part of the sale and if any work is to be done to the property before you actually move in.
Step Five: Deal With Paperwork, Taxes and Deeds
When dealing with the paperwork, taxes and deeds, a public notary will represent both parties and you will need to visit the notary’s office to agree and sign contracts. This service is chargeable up to 5% of the purchase price of the property depending upon the canton and is usually split between the buyer and seller. You can seek your own legal adviser if you are not happy with anything the notary allocated to you has done.
Types of Property for Sale in Switzerland
Most people live in apartments in Switzerland and typically these are rented. The Swiss do not hold the same aspirations we do in the UK to always own their own home as this is often a very expensive option. However owning a property is achievable and you have a variety of choices open to you when it comes to buying a home in Switzerland.
In the middle of the city the most common type of accommodation is pre-built apartments, often in renovated historic buildings. On the outskirts of towns are new apartments blocks sometimes with the option for you to buy off plan if a development is brand new.
Apartments typically come in the following types: attic apartment, garden apartment, or a floor in-between in a low-rise apartment building. No residential accommodation in Switzerland is built higher than a few stories. The architecture in Switzerland can vary from up to the minute trendy buildings designed by modern architects to the more traditional charm of a typically European painted townhouse with shutters in contrasting colours.
Houses are less common than apartments with most of them having been bought by property developers, who have divided them up into flats to be leased out. You will find some detached villas in smaller towns, but in cities most single occupancy housing is either semi-detached or terraced.
Out in the countryside or up in the mountains there is the traditional and iconic Swiss chalet. This beautiful accommodation that many of us associate with Switzerland is not typical everyday housing and is usually reserved for holiday lettings.
Obtaining a Mortgage in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the mortgage rate is the leading interest rate indicator in the country so there is a lot of competition between mortgage providers. It is best to get quotes from at least three different banks and insurance companies for mortgages offers. Non-Swiss nationals can obtain between 60-80 percent of the house price as a mortgage so having an adequate deposit or savings is vital.
When you buy a property then land transfer tax is payable at around 4 percent but this does differ in different cantons. The land where the house or apartment is situated is used as collateral in Swiss mortgages. This means the owner has a right to credit depending on the value of the land and the lender has a right to use the land if the borrower is unable to meet their mortgage payments.
Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service or contact us now to discuss your move.
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