Settling-In Tips. Lausanne, Switzerland

Transcription

1 Settling-In Tips Lausanne, Switzerland IMPORTANT NOTE: Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.

2 I N T R O D U C T I O N What is special or unique about your city? Lausanne's location could not possibly be more picturesque. Built upon three hills and abutting beautiful Lake Geneva, the Olympic capital exists in clear view of the Alps; in addition to this great natural beauty, the area also features many charming vineyards. Lausanne's medieval town center is full of small alleys packed with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Additionally, Lausanne is truly home to the Olympic games, hosting both the Olympic committee and the Olympic museum. The city has a very well-developed cultural menu--the number of festivals going on at any given time is truly staggering! What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city? Almost without fail, the first thing newcomers say about Lausanne is: "Oh, look at this view!". People are at first impressed by the city's beauty, and then they grow to be impressed by its intense and eclectic cultural scene. The music scene, in particular, is very popular. Are these impressions likely to change? Practically never! In fact, there are plenty of people so enamoured with living in Lausanne that they gladly make long commutes to work in other towns! What is the local language? French is the official language. How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language? Very easily. As Lausanne has a lot of international companies, you will encounter people who speak most other European languages, as well as English. What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city? When you talk about the lake, never call it the lake of Geneva; the proper local term is "lac Léman". How might the local weather affect my daily life? Lausanne has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging between 57 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. There is snowfall in the winter, but it is generally very pleasant. Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people? Lausanne is a very secure, safe town. It is also the smallest of Switzerland's major towns. It is easy to reach from anywhere in Switzerland by road (the A1/E25 and A9/E27 motorways), by rail (both the Swiss Federal Railway network and the French TGV Paris-Milan line), by air (just 40 miles from Geneva-Cointrin International Airport) and even by water via the Compagnie générale de navigation ferries that ply Lake Geneva. Lausanne is also close to many popular excursion destinations, such as Montreux and Chillon Castle, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and Lucerne, the historical hamlet of Gruyères, the Les Diablerets Glacier and the Vaud Alps. Useful Links The Swiss portal is the national gateway to Switzerland. It is Switzerland s electronic business card and the main point of access to online information from the federal government, the cantons and local authorities in German, French, Italian, Romansh and English. The Official Site of Lausanne in German, English and French: The Family Web Page of Lausaunne in French: The Swiss Expat Web Page in different languages: chfr.myswitzerland.com The Official Web Page of Canton de Vaud in French: Know-It-All Passport - the ultimate guide for English-speakers in the Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France areas: On-line provider of English-language information and community services:

3 V I S A S A N D P E R M I T S As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country? Two significantly different regimes govern Swiss residence and work permits: For EC nationals of the first fifteen EU member states, plus Cyprus, Malta, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland (EU17/EFTA), based on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the European Community including Cyprus and Malta. For third country nationals. Please note that the new EU-Countries (e.g. Poland, Czech Republic) are still subject to limitations. Work permits for non-eu nationals and for national of new EU countries are subject to significant quantitative limitations (quotas) for the new EU countries. There are no quotas for the other EU/EFTA members coming to work in Switzerland under Swiss employment contract. 1a. Bometric datas: The Schengen area is defined according to the Agreement of Schengen and is made up of the 22 member States of the European Union and 3 associate states Iceland, Norway & Switzerland. These agreements authorise freedom of circulation for citizens of these countries or those residing there and who possess a residence Permit. As of the 24th January 2011 the new residence Permit must be biometric. The previous cards which are non biometric will however remain valid until their expiration date. The individual in possession of a Biometric Residence Permit and a valid passport of their country of origin is then free to travel within the Schengen area without a visa. People concerned The Biometric Residence Permit is compulsory for the members of States which do not belong to the EU, to the European association of free exchange (AELE/EFTA) or to the States which cannot benefit from the agreement on free circulation of individuals. Procedures (necessary documents) For the first delivery of a Permit After announcing yourself to the residents registration office in the commune where you live and on payment of the emolument, the file is transmitted to the Population Service (OCP) You will then receive a letter inviting you to go to the Biometric center to proceed with the registration of the biometric data. For the extension of a Permit After receiving your request for an extension of the Permit and on payment of the emolument, the Population Service (OCP) will send you a letter inviting you to go to the Biometric center. In all cases, you must then present yourself at the Biometric center without delay and in possession of: The letter of invitation (communication from OCP) Passport CHF 20.- Once the biometric data is registered and the decision is made by the OCP and/or the Federal Migration Office (ODM) whether to issue or renew the Permit, the card will be made and sent to your home by registered letter. The biometric data is valid for 5 years. In the case of important physical modification (child) it is possible upon renewal of the Permit to request a new anticipated registration of the biometric data. What kinds of visas are available? The following categories of work permits are available: 120 days permit with sporadic in and out trips Short-term residence and work permits (L-Permits) for stays of up to one year Long-term (annual) residence and work permits (B-Permits) Cross-border Commuter Permit (Permit G) Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C) Ci permit (work permit for family members of an international civil servant) What is required to obtain these visas? Procedures for EU Nationals B-Permits are usually valid for five years and L-Permits (short-term residents) are valid for up to one year. June 1, 2007 saw the introduction of the third phase of a five phase implementation of the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU on the free movement of persons. This

4 significant step witnessed the lifting of the preferential quota system which was introduced as phase one in June As a result the fifteen original EU member states which formed part of the agreement signed in June 1999 (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, United Kingdom) will no longer require prior authorization in order to enter and work in Switzerland where the intention to stay is for a period greater than four months and where the employee s contract of work will be held with the Swiss entity. As a result the immigration requirements for employees moving to Switzerland under a one-way transfer or permanent/localized move have become much simpler. International long-term and short-term assignments, however, will still be required to obtain a work permit under the existing rules. The new Law is also valid for Cyprus, Malta, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland. Prior authorization from the relevant Swiss Migration authorities is still required for employees arriving to work in Switzerland for a period of up to 90 days and for the 120 days permit with sporadic in and out trips. For Cross-Boarder Permits, restrictions on where an individual can commute from under a Cross-Border Permit (cross border areas) have been removed for nationals of EU 17/EFTA countries. Procedures for Non-EU nationals and nationals of new EU countries For non-eu nationals and nationals of new EU countries, the quota system is stringently applied. The authorities involved have wide discretion in their decision-making process. They usually make high demands on the qualification of the future employees (University degree, e.g., three to four years of working experience and appropriate salary). Please note that work permits for employees, who only work up to four months in Switzerland, are not subjected to quotas. Issuance of the Work Permit Non-EU nationals and nationals of new EU countries do need a work and a residence permit in order to start working in Switzerland. The following categories of residence and work permits are available: Short-term residence and work permits (L-Permits) for stays _ of up to one year _ Annual residence and work permits (B-Permits) The standard duration of the application procedure is usually six to ten weeks, depending on the Canton where the application is submitted. Standard required documents for a work and residence permit application are as follows: A copy of passport (for the employee and any accompanying family members) A current résumé (CV) Copies of higher education certificates Copy of signed employment contract Copy of birth certificate Copy of marriage certificate Most third country nationals do need a Visa in order to legally enter Switzerland and to take up employment. The visa needs to be picked up at the Swiss Embassy in your home country before entering Switzerland. Criminal Record Non-EU nationals usually need to provide the competent authorities with a Criminal Record. This document is a compulsory requirement for the work permit and residence application. Because of the fact that in each country there is another authority in charge of the issuance of Criminal Records, the employee has to provide it by himself with the mentioned document. Border Commuter Permit (Permit G) A border commuter permit is usually valid for five years. The restriction on where an individual can commute from under a Cross-Border permit has been removed in June 2007 for nationals of EU17/ETFA countries. Cross border areas remain for nationals of new EU countries. Non-EU persons have to domicile for at least six months in the relevant Cross-boarder area before the application can be submitted. Permanent Residence Permit (Permit C) After a continuous residence period of five years for EU and EFTA nationals and after ten years for most non-eu nationals, foreigners should normally be entitled to a permanent residence permit. A permanent residence permit entitles the foreigner to work without limitation or condition in Switzerland and to stay indefinitely, provided there is no reason for cancellation of the C permanent residence permit. Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work? NON-EU citizens:

5 For B permit holder: The accompanying spouse (legally married) of a B work and residence permit holder is entitled to work in Switzerland. Once the accompanying spouse of the B permit holder has found a job in Switzerland, it is his/her employer s responsibility to announce this employment to the relevant migration authorities. The accompanying spouse (legally married) of an L permit holder needs prir authorization from the Swiss Migration Authorities to be entitled to work in Switzerland. What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them? For long-term assignments, you are encouraged to bring important original documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance policies, medical prescriptions, employment information, academic certificates and entry permits. Please refer to the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website (below) for a list of identity document provisions according to nationality. Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away? It is necessary to register with the local "contrôle des habitants" as soon as you arrive (within 8 days). In Lausanne and in some other communes in the Canton of Vaud you need to get registered in person. Your Crown consultant will gladly inform you about the process. Although, every commune have their own specificity in terms of documents requirements when registering, make sure you take at least the following items with you (your consultant will confirm anyway): _ original signed and valid passports or national identity card for each family member; _ clear copies of passports information page(s) or national identity card per person; _ two recent identical passport-sized photographs per person (35 x 45 mm; the photograph must show the full face centred in the middle of the photo without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons; be clear and of good quality; be taken against a light background and be printed on normal photographic paper); _ original marriage certificate; _ copy of marriage certificate; _ your original birth certificate (may be requested at some town halls) _ original birth certificate showing parentage for each child; _ copy of birth certificate for each child; _ Local hires: copy of your Swiss employment contract and and work authorization, if applicable (see above) _ Expatriates: copy of your assignment letter and work authorization _ confirmation of health insurance (can be submitted later as well) _ copy of your lease agreement; _ Annonce d arrivée forms for you and for your family members (can be down loaded or completed on the spot) _ registration fee in cash (approx. 80 chf per person) It is also advisable to arrange a Swiss driving license as soon as possible, although you have maximum one year in which to do this. What items should I avoid bringing into the country? Please avoid importing the following items into Switzerland : _ Firearms and ammunition _ Alcohol (over 25%) in excess of 12 litres and 200 litres of wine _ Any articles derived from protected species including fur skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them _ Controlled drugs _ Indecent or obscene videotapes, films, books, magazines and other articles _ Flick knives and certain offensive weapons _ Counterfeit currency _ Radio transmitters (walkie talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc) which are not approved for use in Switzerland _ Radar detector Please contact Crown Lausanne to obtain more information on restricted items. Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally? If you respect the above, you should be able to enter and leave in Switzerland without any problems. Useful Links Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration

6 Office Cantonale de la Population Vaud: Visa Information

7 M O N E Y What is the local currency? The official currency is the Swiss franc divided into 100 centimes. (The Swiss German word for cents is Rappen.) Swiss francs are shortened either with the official banking name CHF (from the Latin name of the country Confederation Helvetica, CH) or sometimes just Fr. or Sfr. For example, 1 CHF = 1 franc = 100 centimes. What denominations does it come in? Notes come in denominations of: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000. Coins: 1 Franc, 2 Francs, 5 Francs, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents (1/2 Frank). What is the best way to exchange currency? The best way to exchange currency is either at banks, post offices or at railway stations. What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)? The most commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases are cash, debit cards and credit cards. Do note, there are no cheque books in Switzerland. Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I ll need cash. It is not common to use credit cards in daily business. While major credit cards are very popular, there are still many places in Lausanne and the rest of Switzerland that do not accept credit cards, such as newspaper stands and bakeries. Since you can never be too sure which places these are, be sure to carry at least a small amount of cash at all times. For quick withdrawals, a bank or post office will usually have an ATM machine. By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid? Direct debit is an efficient way of paying rent, gas, water and electricity bills. By this method, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank/post account. The various utility companies can help you with the arrangements. Internet banking is also increasingly becoming a reliable and accessible option. Should you choose not to arrange the automatic debit, you can arrange for a series of one-time payments for each bill. With each bill, you receive a payment slip (bulletin de versement) that you can use to pay it directly at the post office or send it to your bank or post office. Then the amount will be automatically paid from your account. What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it? A bank or post account can be opened at any stage, but the sooner the better. You will need the following: A valid passport Your work permit - failing this, a confirmation note (which you will be issued on registration at the Commune) confirming that you have registered and that your work permit is being processed A copy of your work contract A current address of residence Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages? All Swiss banks have employees well-versed in English, as well as other common languages used in Switzerland such as German, French and Italian. Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

8 Most banks will not grant you a loan before you have lived here for at least one year. A lot of banks will only issue you a credit card when you can provide them with a copy of your work permit. But you can always use your debit card until your permit has been granted. What are typical banking hours? 8:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30 pm-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock? Yes, you can find ATM machines all around the city, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Is there any other money information that might help me? The most common cards in Switzerland are the Maestro and the Post card, which are debit (rather than credit) cards linked to your current bank/post office account. These cards are accepted at department stores, supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants. These cards are a good alternative to other cards as there are many places in Switzerland that do not accept credit cards. Useful Links Main Swiss Banks - UBS: Credit Suisse: Banque Cantonale Vaudoise: Private International Banks - Lloyds: Financial Consultants - Blackden Financial: Currency Converter :

9 A C C O M M O D A T I O N What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city? The characteristics of the neighbourhood (mostly families, or singles, etc.) o Traffic (for safety and noise level) o Parking possibilities o Proximity to public transportation, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches, etc. It is very rare that you deal directly with the owner of the apartment/house for the rent. Mostly, you have to deal with a real estate agency. Please note that in Switzerland the following terms are used when describing houses: one family house - a house with no party-wall, a semi-detached house and a contiguous house, a construction of several houses with two party-walls. A party-wall means that you have a neighbour on your left and right side of the house. What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats? Lausanne The most popular neighbourhood for housing /apartments are, Sous-Gare, Ouchy, Centre (Cité, Flon, Riponne/Tunnel, Chauderon), Montchoisi, Maupa, Chailly. Examples of monthly rents for good quality accommodations LAUSANNE AREA Studio Sfr to Sfr room apartment - 1 bedroom Sfr to Sfr room apartment - 2 bedrooms Sfr to Sfr room apartment - 3 bedrooms Sfr to Sfr room apartment - 4 bedrooms Sfr to Sfr and more Semi-detached house - 3/4 bedrooms Sfr to Sfr and more Single house - 3/5 bedrooms Sfr to Sfr and more Remark: Number of rooms in Vaud includes living-room + bedrooms. A 3-room apartment = living-room, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen. Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes? Expats usually rent their homes, just like the majority of the Swiss people do. Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common? Two to three months` deposit is required. A special blocked bank account is opened for this purpose. This account is then blocked for the duration of the contract. As an alternative, if the owner of the property accepts that, you can use a specialized insurance company for rental guarantee without bank deposit, Swiss Caution for guarantee up to CHF 15'000.- (see link below.). This rental deposit needs to be paid for the entrance inspection day at the latest otherwise keys to the apartment will not be submitted. Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra? Utilities such as electricity, telephone and internet are extra and need to be organised by the transferee (or through Crown Relocations' consultant). When paying the rent, there are also extra charges for water and heating, which are shown separately as "charges". In addition, tenants often pay monthly charges to cover the maintenance of shared areas such as the hall, staircase and elevator. There are no agency fees in Switzerland but admin fees variable depending on agency: between Sfr 20.- and Sfr To be paid with first rent or at signature of lease contract by giro slips (BVR) or bank transfer. No cash. - Telephone (Swisscom) + operators - Internet various suppliers - TV & radio tax (Billag) - TV cable (Naxoo) - Sweeping of fireplace once per year if applicable - Rental of parking space/garage

10 Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood? There aren't really any security concerns in Switzerland. However, it is always good to get input from friends and colleagues who are familiar with the city. I m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city? The electric current is AC volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. The current here is compatible with electrical appliances from the UK. Appliances from the United States (110 volts/60 Hz) will require a step-down transformer. Plugs are typically the standard two or three pinned type; adapters can be purchased in most electrical shops. Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me? Keep in mind that Geneva is not a big city. You can drive from north to south in 30 to 40 minutes. Keep in mind that Nyon is a little town. You can drive from north to south in 5 minutes. Accommodation in Switzerland is very hard to find and expensive compared with other European countries. Useful Links Properties for rent and sale: Insurance company for rental guarantee without bank deposit:

11 E D U C A T I O N What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children? Expats in Lausanne who do not speak French tend to choose an English-language international school for their children. Such schools use British, American or international curricula. Many parents find these schools preferable because their programs are similar around the world, and thus children can easily integrate into a new school when the family moves again. Parents who speak French at home may choose an international school, French-speaking private school or a French-speaking local school for their children. It's important to note that Switzerland's public education system is of a very high quality and young children coming from abroad are welcome. For further assistance with regards to schooling contact Crown Lausanne. What are some examples of these schools? Brillantmont International College 16, avenue Charles-Secrétan 1005 Lausanne Phone: 021/ Fax: 021/ Brillantmont International College houses some 100 boarding boys and girls and about 50-day students. All these people live and study on the campus, which is located in a large park in the centre of Lausanne. The school offers the following curricula: American, British, Business, Language, Swiss, Short terms and summer school section. Collège Champittet Ch. de Champittet 1009 Pully Phone: 021 / Fax: 021 / College Champittet is situated near the lake of Geneva, very close to the centre of Lausannen (Pully). With its magnificent campus and varied sports facilities, it offers an ideal setting for studying and recreation. There is a new campus in Nyon, up to 6th grade (12 years old). A well-known catholic school founded in 1903, it is run in a spirit of open-mindedness to the modern world. Thus, pupils of 30 nationalities of different cultures and religions enrich each other on the basis of a deep respect for humanity. Ecole Française de Valmont Rte d'oron Lausanne Phone: 021 / Fax: 021 / Valmont is a French catholic school who welcome children from all nationalities. Institut Mont-Olivet Ch. de Montolivet Lausanne Phone: 021/ Fax: 021 / The modern, spacious buildings of Mont-Olivet stand in a big park on a gentle slope overlooking the lake and facing the majestic Savoy Alps.

12 Bilingual teaching French-German from 4 year old. Headmaster and teachers, endeavour to give their pupils a sound education, based on Christian principles, together with a firm and practical culture. Institut Monte Rosa Av. de Chillon Montreux-Territe Phone: 021 / Fax: 021 / Since 1874, Monte Rosa has been offering a wide range of academic programs in both general subject areas and intensive language studies, taught by enthusiastic teaching experts, in a family-like atmosphere conductive to learning. Co educational from 8 to 19 years. International School Haut-Lac Quai Maria Belgia Vevey Phone: 021/ Fax: 021 / The Haut-Lac International Bilingual School educates students of more than 30 different nationalities and from many diverse cultures, side by side with local Swiss students. Within the framework of an academically rigorous, students-centred, bilingual programme, the school endeavours to create a stimulating environment for children aged 3 to 18 years. The primary curriculum is based on the guidelines of the British Natinal Curriculum and the French primary programme, whilst the secondary curriculum incorporates the structures of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP.) International School of Monts-de-Corsier Le Champ de Pesses 1808 Les Monts-de-Corsier Phone: 021 / Fax: 021 / ISM caters for children from 18 months in our crèche, through to 12 years old and has a student body of approximately 100 children made up of over 30 nationalities. The school is non-denominational and embraces every aspect of multicultural diversity. The school values academic excellence and believes this is achieved by creating a warm and caring atmosphere where children feel safe and valued. Our personalised approach gives every child the opportunity to work at an appropriate level and to constantly realise new achievements. International School of Lausanne Chemin de la Grangette Le Mont.sur-Lausanne Phone: 021/ Fax: 021/ The School is located in the small town of Le Mont on the northern edge of Lausanne. The new campus, opened in 2005, offers modern, high quality facilities for students and teachers. The school comprises the Primary (ages 3-10), including the Early Childhood Centre; and the Secondary, made up of the Middle and High schools (ages and respectively). Throughout the school, their curriculum and educational practice are designed to be international. In the Primary School the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is in place and in the Middle School they are introducing the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) curriculum in

13 2006/2007. In Years 10 and 11 (Grades 9 and 10) of the High School the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is their established programme. Students in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12) follow the IB Diploma programme (IBDP). The students results in both the IGCSE and IBDP are very good. St. George's School in Switzerland Ch. de St. Georges Clarens/Montreux Phone: 021/ Fax: 021/ St. George's School is a British style international school for boys & girls. The school aims to enable each pupil to achieve his/her full academic potential, and to provide a stable, secure environment in which pupils are encouraged and guided to exercise initiative and creativity, and develop physical fitness. The stimulation of intellectual curiosity is also regarded as vital, as is the provision of that wider education which will help a pupil to acquire the personal balance of self-awareness and confidence, thereby preparing and fitting him or her for the opportunities and challenges of adult life. Collège du Léman Route de Sauverny Versoix Tel: In Pre-school, Primary and High School, the College du Leman offers two academic programmes: one taught in English, one with instruction in French preparing for the French Baccalauréat and the Swiss Federal Maturité, including the bilingual French-English Maturité also leading to entrance into universities throughout the world. All students are required to study French, starting from Pre-school, and those with a good knowledge of another language may pursue its study at a first-language level. In the secondary school, German, Spanish or Italian is taught in both sections. Moreover, all students may follow additional after school language classes. Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools? Most of the international schools in Switzerland are over booked. We can only suggest that you register your children as soon as possible at your chosen school or contact Crown Relocations for assistance. Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)? Yes. The pre-school "Les Tournesols" admits children from 4 months to the beginning school age 4 years. All classes are in French. Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande with a complete schooling from Kindergarten (with a Montessori section) to Senior school. English begins at 3 years of age, with 3 to 4 hours per week, followed by daily classes in the Primary school. All teachers are experienced professionals teaching in their mother tongue. Please note that a free place at a crèche is also hard to find in Lausanne and area, therefore, try to book a place as soon as you can. For the choice of crèches by region in Lausanne and its surroundings, please refer to: How are most kids transported to and from school? Most schools operate bus transportation. As Switzerland is a very safe country, many students also choose to use the public transportation on a daily basis.

14 When does the typical school year start and end? Public school runs from mid-august to end of June. Private and International schools run from the beginning of September to the end of June. Is there anything else I should know about local schools? Local Primary schools provide intensive French lessons for foreign students. They are able to follow the program (Swiss curriculum) from the beginning. Within 4-6 months, foreign students are fluent in French. Feel free to contact Crown Lausanne if you have any questions. Useful Links Capcanaille Daycare Center: International School Brillantmont: Collège Champittet: Ecole Française de Valmont: Institut Mont-Olivet: Institut Monte Rosa: International School Haut-Lac: International School of Monts-deCorsier: ww.international-school.org International School of Lausanne: St. George's School in Switzerland: Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande: Les Tournesols pre-school: Collège du Léman:

15 H E A L T H Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city? No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland, but all travellers coming into the country should be up-to-date on tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio and varicella immunization. It is also important to bring any medical certificates/records from your home country. Check any other specific vaccination requirements carefully with your local Switzerland consulate or embassy to confirm medical requirements. Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat? Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world and are of very high standards. However, health care is very expensive and having insurance prior to arrival is recommended. If you are staying for more than three months, Swiss health insurance is obligatory. With that said, make sure that your health insurance from your home country will cover you until you can organize Swiss health insurance. Emergencies are open 24 hours (CHUV or Clinique de La Source). You can get ambulatory exams (blood test, x-rays) at the Clinique de La Source (with a basic insurance LaMal). For more information on local providers contact Crown Lausanne or check out the comparison site below to give you and idea of the different policy rates available. For the Swiss Health and Accident Insurance Coverage, please refer to the following pdf document: is.pdf What is the word for "doctor" in the local language? Doctor: Docteur or médecin Dentist: Dentiste What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider? In the phone book under "médecin" you will have a list of doctors and dentists "médecin-dentiste". It is also good to ask your colleagues for some good tips or your Crown Relocations consultant can also be a very good guide. Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go? Considering that the medical care in Switzerland is some of the best in the world, there should be no reason to leave. You're more likely to find someone leaving their country to seek Swiss medical care! What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police. o Police : 117 o Fire : 118 o Ambulance: 144 o Helicopter (Rega) : 1414 o Helicopter (Air Glacier) : 1415 o Emergency for children : 0848 / o Poisoning : 145 o Road help : 140 What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable? You can call a local hospital and they will guide you to an on-call doctor or go to the emergencies of Lausanne (Le CHUV or Clinique de La Source Vidysource ). See below for the website of the main hospitals in Lausanne. How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language? Pharmacies are easily recognizable, thanks to the big green neon cross that flashes above the entrance. In French, the word is Pharmacie. Pharmacies have a note on the door telling you where to

16 go for an emergency. Is the water safe to drink? Yes, the water is very safe to drink. Useful Links Practical information, doctors and facilities: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health: Vidy Med: Le CHUV: Health insurance policies and rate comparison site:

17 T R A N S P O R T Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life (work/school/shopping) at my destination? It is not necessary, but may be more comfortable. The public transportation system, however, is very good, reliable and secure. How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city? In order to drive legally in Switzerland you must be at least 18 years old. You can drive using a foreign driving license for up to one year. After this time, however, you need to exchange your license for a Swiss license at your local "Automobile Service" (Service des Automobiles). A form can be unloaded on every website. It tells you which documents need to be sent (an eye test has to be done at a specialized shop lunettes or opticien.) When changing a foreign license to a Swiss license you will be required to take a test, unless you are from a country with which Switzerland has an agreement. These countries are: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, St. Martin, Sweden, and the United States. International Driving Permits are also available to people over the age of 18 who hold valid full UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) driving licenses. An IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You must declare your vehicle to customs when crossing the Swiss border without being asked to do so. Import Duties and VAT have to be paid if you possess the car for less than 6 moths or if you sell the vehicle during your first 12 months in Switzerland. You have to register your car within 12 months of arrival, if it was imported as part of your personal effects. You have to register it within 1 month if it was imported as new. Crown Relocation can gladly assist you with this process. What side of the road do people drive on? People in Switzerland drive on the right side of the road. Describe typical public transportation an expat might use to get around the city. Buses and trams run between 5am and midnight. Once stamped, your ticket is valid for about an hour, so that you may transfer on another bus or tram. Apart from M1, the new metro line (M2) is now crossing the city from the north (Place de L'Ours/Tribunal Fédéral) to the south (Ouchy) of Lausanne. Could an expat also use public transportation to get out of the city to surrounding towns, recreation areas or suburbs? If so, list options. Yes. Information on Swiss railway system and the public transport network of Lausanne can be found on in English and on in French In regards to transportation, are there any safety issues I should be aware of? As the buses do not stop automatically at each station, you need to push one of the buttons to ask the driver to stop at the next station. Some driving tips are: Watch out for the many cyclists and trams in the city. Always give way to vehicles coming from your right. Traffic flows counter-clockwise in roundabouts, and cars to the left have priority. Post buses always have the right of way, and drivers must sound their horns when approaching blind turns or corners. Only hands free headsets may be used while driving! Summer and winter tires (tyres) need to be changed each season. You must carry a red breakdown triangle. It is prohibited for children under 12 years old to sit in the front seat. Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the

18 road. Take care when overtaking - allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road ahead. Switzerland has similar drunk driving laws to the UK, only allowing 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. Speed limits, shown below, are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines. Note: From April 2010 approved child seats are compulsory for children up to the age of 12 and measuring less than 150 cms. Speed limits Motorway Open Road Town Alcohol % in blood Switzerland 120 km/h 80 km/h 50 km/h 0.05 A good idea is to invest in some literature on how to drive in Switzerland. A useful guide in English is Living and Working in Switzerland (this book is part of Crown's welcome pack). Some helpful terms to know while driving: Entrée - entrance Sortie - exit Essence - gasoline Sens Unique - one-way Police - Police Where do I buy tickets/tokens/etc. for the major public transportation? You can buy these at the machine by each bus, train and metro station or at the Lausanne tourist office. Monthly or annual tickets can be purchased only at certain stations. Trains: passes carte multi-courses can be purchased at any train station (machines as well). Useful Links Train and other public transportation: Buses and metro in Lausanne: Federal Department of Environment Transport, Energy and Communications: Touring Club of Switzerland: Automobile Club of Switzerland: Driving in Switzerland - useful tips: Service des Automobiles et de la Navigation Canton Vaud:

19 S H O P P I N G What are the items that I should bring with me because they re not available (or are too expensive) where I am going? Nothing in particular comes to mind. There are stores supplying international foods and other items from all over the world in Lausanne. In addition, there are American stores nearby Nyon (30 minutes away by car) and Geneva (50 minutes by car), as well as a British minimarket in neighbouring France (approx. 60 minutes away by car) and also an on-line store. Will anyone have particular trouble finding clothes that fit? No, that should not be a problem. What grocery stores do expats in your city shop at? Migros, Coop, Globus, Manor. Where can other household items (such as cleaning materials and home furnishings) be found? Ikea, Pfister Meubles, Conforama, Interio, Fly. What are factors that might affect my shopping habits in this country/city? The opening times of the shops and shopping centres are different than in some countries. Within the city, the shops close at 6:30 pm every night, 5 or 6 pm on Saturday and are closed on Sundays. The shopping malls have the same hours but late-opening is on Friday nights until 8 or 9 pm. Please note that the shopping stores (Aperto & Coop Pronto) in the train station is open every day of the year until 10pm, but prices are higher than in normal shops. Keep the size and layout of your building in mind when purchasing furniture. For example, if you live in a building without an elevator or exceptionally narrow halls. Sometimes it is required to pass large pieces of furniture through the window with the help of an outside elevator. Useful Links Migros: Coop: Coop at Home: Globus: Manor: Pfister meubles: Ikea: Grocery online shop : Tests and comparisons in French: British Food on-line: American Market Genève, Nyon and on-line: americanmarket.ch

20 N E T W O R K I N G How close-knit is the expat community in this area? How do I get involved with it? There are a lot of people from all over the world living in Lausanne. The only major expat club in Lausanne is the American Women's Club (see link below) Beside expat groups, what is the best way to make social connections outside of work? A good way of meeting people, whether for expats or locals, is to join a sport association or other club (cooking, music, dancing etc.). Where can I meet other singles in this city? Many expat singles in Lausanne frequent bars and pubs where other expats go. Also, clubs for people with similar interests are great places to meet others. The King Size Pub in the Flon area (next to the Europlex Cinema) hosts regular expat evenings. During the summer, the best place to meet other people in Lausanne, is the lake border called "Ouchy" near the Olympic Museum. Are there any unique networking opportunities for accompanying partners? No. But if you call Crown Lausanne, we will be able to give you some good ideas and contacts. Useful Links Information on Ouchy: switzerland.isyours.com/e/guide/lausanne/ouchy.html Executives International: American Women's Club: American International Women's Club of Geneva: Expatica: XpatXchange: Geneva Women in International Trade: Leman Events for the English speaking community in Switzerland:

21 Y O U N G P E O P L E How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc? Lausanne is equipped similarly to many large cities in Europe. Like everywhere in Switzerland, the playgrounds are maintained daily. A lot of restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets are equipped with baby changing stations. Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies? The best list is maintained by the Lausanne-Famille. (url listed below). However, this web page is only in French. If you need any help, please feel free to contact Crown Lausanne. Discuss any safety issues for children in this city. There aren't any issues that are out of the ordinary. Basically, you can't go wrong with exercising caution around traffic and just being aware of what children are up to. What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area? The Olympic Museum (The world official museum for the IOC. If you like sports, you will love it) La Vallée des enfants in Lausanne (A wonderful playground for children in the heard of Lausanne) The game museum in La Tour-de-Peilz The "Lake Leman" museum in Nyon Aquaparc in Le Bouveret (the biggest water park in the French part of Switzerland) Swiss Vapeur Parc in Le Bouveret (If your hobby is to play with little trains, don't miss this park) The Labyrinth Parc in Evionnaz (The biggest Labyrinth in the world) Fun Planet in Villeneuve (A big place to play for children of any age). Signal de Bougy (a big outdoors place for children up to years old). Birthday party can be organised there. During the summer: Luna Park near Lausanne-Ouchy Paléo Festival in Nyon Montreux Jazz Festival (one of the famous music festivals in the world). Festival de la Cité Fête de la musique What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends? Usually schools are very well informed on the various types of activities that children can participate in after school or on weekends. "L association des parents d élèves" will inform parents on all the children activities ( look for the local association of your neighbourhood). Naturally, in the winter, the most popular activity is skiing. During the summer months, though, children tend to accompany their parents on walking or cycling excursions. What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent? Note that the drinking age in Switzerland is 18. Your children will not be allowed to buy any alcoholic drinks or cigarettes before 18 and the cashier will ask for an ID card if they are not sure about the age. Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17? Boy Scouts of the Canton de Vaud support activity. This organization offers adventure, amusements and activities to develop a sense of responsibility, for boys ages There is also a co-ed adventure program for ages 14 to 20, with an emphasis on high adventure activities. Programs are centred at local schools. Contact: Christophe Pinget. Phone: I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture? As for learning the language, young people can either learn it in school or take special language courses. The best way of learning a language, however, is to be surrounded by people who speak it. This is also a good way to assimilate into the local culture.

22 The school will also offer some activities for your children during the summer holidays. Useful Links Lausanne family site: The Olympic museum: The Labyrinth parc: Aquaparc: Swiss Vapeur parc: Fun Planet: Paleo Festival: Montreux Jazz Festival: Know-It-All Passport - the ultimate guide for English-speakers in the Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France areas: