Things that would have been useful about three weeks ago.
Small facts. Disproportionately useful.
You have three months to arrange health insurance. Premiums still go back to when you arrived.
HEALTHDON'T PAY FOR ACCIDENT INSURANCE TWICEWork 8+ hours a week for one employer? You may already have non-occupational accident coverage through work.
HOMEYES, THE TRASH BAG MATTERSZurich has official fee-paid trash bags. Your regular black bag is not invited.
MOVEHALBTAX. LEARN THIS WORD.If you use Swiss trains with any regularity, check the Half Fare Travelcard before paying full price.
MOVETHERE'S A PASS FOR PEOPLE WHO SLEEP INZVV's 9 O'Clock Pass is built for travel after the morning rush.
SUNDAYTHE TRAIN STATION IS YOUR SUNDAY FRIENDGroceries. Pharmacy. Walk-in doctor. And, apparently, trains.
HOUSINGTHE APARTMENT MAY BE GONE WHILE YOU FIND YOUR PAY STUBBuild your rental dossier before you find the place you want.
LANGUAGEYOUR CHUCHICHÄSCHTLI CAN WAITStart with Standard German. Asking people to reply in it is completely fine.
SWISS LIFEYES, YOU CAN DRINK THATZurich tap water is excellent, and almost all public fountains provide drinking water. On special occasions, Münsterhof's fountain can even serve wine.
HOMETHE INTERNET LIED ABOUT THE LAUNDRY ROOMThere is no universal Swiss laundry law. Your building's Hausordnung and booking system win.
WEEKENDYOU DO NOT NEED TO OWN SKISRent the setup first. Decide whether you like skiing before turning your basement into a sporting-goods store.
SEASONSSPRING DOWN HERE ≠ SPRING UP THERET-shirt weather in Zurich can coexist with snow-covered Alpine trails.
HEALTHIT'S SUNDAY. YOU NEED A DOCTOR. NOW WHAT?A Permanence is a walk-in option for urgent, non-life-threatening problems. Hospital ER is not your only route.
HEALTHDENTAL IS A DIFFERENT STORYRoutine dental care generally isn't covered by compulsory basic health insurance.
SWISS LIFETHAT SERAFE BILL IS REALIt looks suspicious. It isn't. Welcome to the Swiss household broadcasting fee.