The Geneva
Brochure.

Brochure Geneva

33 YEARS OF RELOCATION IN SWITZERLAND welcome-service.ch | info@welcome-service.ch

Content index

1. Switzerland 5 1.1. History 5 1.2. Geography 6 1.3. Population 6 1.4. Climate 6 1.5. Languages 7 1.6. Religion 7

2. Local Authorities 9 2.1. Police 9 2.2. Crime 9 2.3. Immigration 9 2.3.1. Non EU/EFTA nationals working in Switzerland 10 2.3.2. EU/EFTA nationals working in Switzerland 10

3. Housing 11 3.1. Geneva housing situation 11 3.2. Renting an accommodation 12 3.3. Some of your responsibilities as a tenant 13 3.4. Construction standards 14 3.5 Price of electricity 14

4. Connections 15 4.1. Utilities 15 4.2. Telephone & Internet & Television 15 4.3. Cable TV 15 4.4. Mobile Phones 16 4.5. Satellite 16 4.6. Serafe (Radio / TV Tax) 16

5. Insurance 17 5.1. Civil Liability & home content Insurance 17 5.2. Car Insurance 17 5.3. Bicycle Insurance 17 5.4. Health Insurance 17 5.5. Pet Insurance 18 5.6. Some insurances companies 18 5.7. Insurance brokers 18

6. Cars 18 6.1. Importing a car into Switzerland 18 6.2. Driving License 19 6.3. Driving in Switzerland 20 6.4. Vehicle Registration Office 20 6.5. Buying a car in Switzerland 20 6.6. Car Insurance 20 6.7. Parking 21 6.8. Mobility Car Sharing 22

7. Transport 23 7.1. Public Transport 23 7.2. Trains 23 7.3. CEVA 24 7.4. Taxis 24 7.5. Uber 24 7.6. Boats 24 7.7. Airplanes 24

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8. Healthcare 25 8.1. Hospitals 25 8.2. Doctors 25 8.3. Chemists 25

9. Education 26 9.1. Swiss education system – Public schools 26 9.2. The Private School System 26 9.2.1. Additional information 26 9.3. Day Nursery – Baby-Sitting service 26 9.4. Au Pairs 26

10. Banking 27 10.1. Swiss currency 27 10.2. Opening a bank account 27 10.3. Bank listing 27 10.4. Payment orders 27 10.5. E-banking 27

11. Postal Services 28 11.1. Import: Custom/VAT 28 11.2. Rapid Delivery Service 28 11.3. Cycle Delivery Service 28

12. Where to shop? 29 12.1. Food 29 12.1.1. Supermarkets 29 12.1.2. Shopping in France 30 12.2. Store opening hours 30 12.3. Shopping 30 12.4. Helpdesk 30

13. Culture 30 Theatres, Concert Halls, Museums, Cinema, Special Events 30

14. waste and recycling 31 14.1. Waste Disposal and Recycling System 31 14.1.1. Chargeable rubbish bags 31 14.1.2 Green recycling bins 31 14.1.3. Recycling Centre 31 14.1.4. Recycling and waste disposal plan 31 14.1.5. Electrical appliances 31 14.2. Waste recycling Canton of Geneva 32

15. Women’s interests 34

16. Domestic Animals 35 15.1. Import regulations 35 15.1.1. General information 35 15.1.2. Identification 35 15.1.3. Countries of origin and rabies risks 35 15.1.4. Import documents - Veterinary certificate, confirmation, pet ID 35 15.2. Adopting animals 36 15.3. Kennels 36 15.3.1. Lost dogs and cats 36 15.3.2. Veterinarians 36

17. Good to know 36

18. Contact 37

Annexe 38-53 3

1. Switzerland

1.1. History The origin of Switzerland dates back to 1291, when These chocolate cauldrons can be found in both three cantons (Schwyz, Uri and Unterwald) signed a fine chocolateries and supermarkets, they come charter aligning the newly-founded conglomerate in different types of chocolate, and are all filled against the Habsburg dynasty. Over the centuries, with delicious marzipan vegetables and special other cantons joined this alliance and, in 1848, they fruit-paste sweets which are wrapped in Geneva’s drew up a Constitution, laying the foundations of colours. This is in honour of the heroic gesture of the modern federal state. Switzerland today is made a female citizen of Geneva, La Mère Royaume, up of 26 cantons which all have their own cantonal who heard the attackers climbing the outer walls laws and separate tribunals, but there is a Federal and poured scalding hot soup over them: their Court of Justice which can overrule them. screams woke the villagers who were fast asleep. They dressed as fast as they could and managed to defeat the invaders. During the week-end of the Escalade, it is the general custom to dress-up in all sorts of fancy costumes and visit the much-animated Old Town, where various events are organised. The celebrations last from Friday to Sunday. Napoleon took over Geneva, from 1798 to 1813, and the city then became the capital of the Léman area. And more specifically the Lake Geneva region In 1815, Geneva finally entered in the Swiss Confederation, an event that is celebrated every Geneva is francophone, so are the neighbouring year on June 1st. cantons of Vaud and Valais and of course France on In modern times, Geneva became the preferred both sides of the lake. The city became a Canton European site of international organisations, such as of the Swiss Confederation relatively late, in 1815, the Red Cross, founded in Geneva in 1863. It was but had already made its mark historically. In ancient the seat of the League of Nations, between the two times, Geneva boasted the only bridge across the world wars, and, post-war, has been the European Rhône River. As early as 52 B.C., Julius Caesar headquarters of the United Nations mentioned Geneva; and he destroyed its only bridge in order to hold back the Helvetians who, under the threat of Barbarian invaders, were fleeing their homeland.

In medieval times, Geneva became a lively and prosperous marketplace. In the 16th Century, Reformation and an individual named Jean Calvin gave the town a new, unique dimension, both internationally and theologically. Thanks to the new regime, Geneva acquired relative independence from its neighbouring countries which envied the city’s commercial and spiritual freedom.

In 1602, Geneva was attacked by the Duke of Savoy who caught the town off-guard during the night of 11th December. Luckily, this attempt - called the battle of the Escalade - failed. Today, the event is still commemorated on the second weekend of December, by a historical procession, the preparation of soup in public places and schools (in considerable quantities!) and the sale of chocolate cauldrons.

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1.2. Geography 1.3. Population Switzerland is situated in mid-western Europe, in There are over 8.5 million inhabitants in Switzerland. the Alpine region. It is bordered by five foreign countries: France to the West, Germany to the The city of Geneva has a population of around North, Austria and Liechtenstein to the East and 200’860 residents: the Canton of Geneva alone Italy to the South. Switzerland is a small country. The boasts almost 498’897 inhabitants. Geneva has total area is 41’284km2 which includes a large green the highest proportion of foreign residents in belt area. Switzerland, around 45%, representing nearly 190 nationalities. The capital city, Bern, is located in the German- speaking part of the country. The Lake of Geneva (Lac Léman) is shared between France and Switzerland. Geneva and Lausanne are the two main 1.4. Climate cities on the shores of the Lake on the Swiss side, with Evian as the largest town on the French side. Because of its central position, Switzerland’s weather is influenced by the four main European air The city of Geneva is 373 meters above sea level currents – from the Atlantic, the eastern continent, and is surrounded by the Jura and Salève mountains, the northern sub polar region and the south with the Alps opposite, and the Rhône and Arve Mediterranean. Rivers running through it. The climate is temperate on the Central Plateau, otherwise it differs from region to region. The Alps, More information on www.geneve.ch extending from east to west, form a major weather division between the north and south of Switzerland. At high altitude, it’s often warm during the day and cold during the night, even in summer. The Vaud area feels the effects of four winds; the Bise (cold, from the North), the Vent, the Foehn (warm, from the South) and the Joran which animates sailing races on Lake Léman.

More information on www.meteosuisse.ch or dial #162 (information in French, German or Italian), or in any local daily newspaper.

A mobile app is also available for more information and weather forecast.

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1.5. Languages 1.6. Religion Switzerland is quadrilingual : German (74% of the The Swiss are in majority Christian. One hundred population), French (21%), Italian (4%) and Romansh and thirty religions are represented in Geneva. (1%), this can be explained by its federal structure. The most declared religion is Roman Catholicism Geneva, Neuchâtel and Vaud cantons are exclusively (42%) and Protestantism (33%). 14% belong to French-speaking; the cantons of Berne, Fribourg other religions and 11% have no religion. The city and Valais are bilingual (French & German). Except of Geneva is officially Protestant, but, as there are for the Tessin canton (Italian speaking) and Grisons many foreigners from the south of Europe (Spain, canton (Italian, German and Romansch), all the Italy, Portugal), there are actually more Catholics other cantons are only German-speaking. Naturally, than Protestants. foreign languages are taught at school and most people are multilingual.

In any given region, children have to learn at least one of the other two main national languages, most often French or German as a second language, depending on where they live. And it is true German people speak better French than French speak German!

As Geneva is located in the French part (Suisse Romande), the common language is French but most people do speak English as well.

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2. Local Authorities

2.1. Police 2.3. Immigration There is no uniformed federal police force, since For nationals from non-European Union (EU)/ law and order is the responsibility of each Canton. European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, Besides the Cantonal police, Switzerland also has the Swiss immigration process is fairly complex individual city and town police squads and non- and decentralized. Each Swiss canton has a certain uniformed federal police. The Swiss are generally amount of autonomy over immigration into its law-abiding. You do not often see policemen on canton. the streets, and if there is an incident, they respond quickly to a phone call. All policemen are armed, efficient and courteous. However, the number of 2.3.1. Non EU/EFTA nationals working in minor incivilities is on the increase and there is a Switzerland focus on cracking down the large number of illegal immigrant workers, which means that you can be A work authorization, visa and residence permit stopped at any time in the street and asked to show are required in Switzerland. A complete work your passport, residency permit or identity card. and residence permit application together with documentary evidence and arguments must be lodged with the appropriate cantonal immigration 2.2. Crime authority. Once this application is approved, a Swiss «entry guarantee» is issued. With the «entry Compared to other European countries, Switzerland guarantee», a visa can be collected at the Swiss has a low crime rate, although it has increased in the diplomatic post in the applicant’s home country or last decade, particularly damage to property. Violent other country of legal residence. Upon entry into crimes are relatively rare. In the recent years, there Switzerland, the applicant must register with the has been a rise in bicycle theft; you are advised not cantonal immigration authorities to be issued the to leave them unlocked. In the summer, gangs of final Swiss work and residence permit. burglars tend to flock to Switzerland from Eastern Europe, so it is a good idea to hide and lock-up Processing times for work and residence permits valuables when absent from home. A safety-deposit vary depending on the canton, but between eight box can easily be secured, on a rental basis, in any to twelve weeks is generally the average in a new bank. hire situation. Swiss entry visas are normally issued In Zurich, Geneva and Basel – as in big cities in less than a week. everywhere - there are pickpockets. Be careful when shopping in supermarkets or in any crowded place!

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2.3.2. EU/EFTA nationals working in Switzerland

Although not a member of the EU/EFTA, Switzerland has several agreements with EU/EFTA that allow Swiss nationals to enjoy many privileges of the EU/ EFTA, and also allow EU/EFTA nationals to enjoy privileged status in Switzerland. There are however different levels of agreements depending on when the member state joined the EU/EFTA.

Bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons are in full force for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, You will need to show your work permit when Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, renting an accommodation, purchasing a car, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United opening a bank account, obtaining a Swiss driving Kingdom, Cyprus, Malta, Iceland, Liechtenstein and licence, etc. As it might take time to get the permit Norway. Though nationals of these countries still itself, we recommend you to ask for an attestation need to apply for Swiss work and residence permits, at the Office Cantonal de la Population in the the consideration and issuance process is fairly meantime. Although it is not a legal requirement, we straightforward and not subject to any quotas. do encourage our clients to carry their Swiss permit with them at all times, or have at least a copy of it, The bilateral agreements on the free movement especially for re-entry into Switzerland. of persons that apply to EU member states that joined the EU in May 2004 (i.e. Bulgaria, Czech The partner/spouse of an employee may be able Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, to work, depending on the type of work permit Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia) confirm that granted to the hired relocating party. A ruling allows nationals of these countries are subject to transitory the partner of a B-permit holder to be employed immigration measures. Work and residence permits without being subject to the usual quota restrictions. issued to nationals of these countries are subject to They will still need to obtain permission to work. certain quotas and additional controls to protect the Again, the work permit procedure will be conducted local labour market. through the prospective employer.

The Cantonal Resident’s Registry Office is called the “Office Cantonal de la Population” and is located at:

OCPM – Office cantonal de la population et des migrations 88, Route de Chancy – 1213 Onex Tel: (+41) 022 546 46 46 Open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 15:30 www.ge.ch/population/prestations-etranger

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3. Housing

3.1. Geneva Housing Situation Geneva is the smallest of Europe’s major international Where to live in the Canton of Geneva? cities, with a very diverse population. The fortified Left Bank Old Town is home mainly to the descendants of the Centre old patrician Huguenot families, who immigrated • Champel, Malagnou, Florissant – high-standard from France and Italy in the XVIth century to family residential area escape the persecution of Catherine de Medicis • Old Town – stunning old apartments - generally (representing a very orthodox Catholic Church at extremely expensive and rare that time). Just outside the walls of the Old Town, • Plainpalais – trendy, arty, university area is the area which is known as the left bank, where Modern-Art Galleries, bars and restaurants you will find the University of Geneva, the downtown favoured by students, young families banking area and Geneva’s cultural life. • Eaux-Vives – young, family, very lively, restaurants, parks, walks, Jet d’Eau If you cross the lake and head towards the • Carouge – a “village” atmosphere, small area known as the right bank, you will discover buildings, fairly expensive International Geneva: headquarters of humanitarian Countryside organisations such as the Red Cross/Crescent, the • Cologny, Vésenaz, Vandoeuvres, Anières, High Commission for Refugees, and worldwide Hermance – high-standard villas institutions such as the United Nations, the • Vessy, Veyrier, Troinex – middle-range villas World Health Organisation, International Labour • Thônex, Chêne-Bourg – mixed area of flats and Office, World Migration Organisation, World villas of normal standard Trade Organisation, to name just a few. There is • Onex, Petit-Lancy, Plan-Les-Ouates – fast- a strong multinational atmosphere in this part of growing suburbs, mostly flats the city, where many of those who work for these • Bernex, Lully, Cartigny, Satigny, Soral, Avusy organisations actually live. This is also the focal point - rural vineyards, typical village houses and for those entering and leaving Geneva (airport, detached houses railway station and highway). Most 5* hotels are Right Bank located on the right bank. Centre • Pâquis – close to lake front & railway station, The standard of living in Switzerland is high and ethnic, bars, restaurants, swimming, walks, very so are the infrastructures, however there is an animated in the summer, shopping, cinemas acute shortage of affordable accommodation in • Saint-Jean – quiet, middle-range area Switzerland, especially in the Geneva region. Thus • Servette – upcoming, middle-range area finding your dream and cosy apartment overlooking • Petit-Saconnex, Grand-Saconnex – mostly the lake may be very difficult to do! favoured by international employees and expatriates Shortage of places to live is common throughout Countryside Switzerland. The vacancy rate for apartments and • Versoix, Collex, Genthod, Bellevue – residential houses has fallen to 0,91% on average for the whole but can be affected by noise from aircraft, trains country. With 0,33%, Geneva has the lowest vacancy and motorway rate. • Meyrin, Vernier, Aïre-La-Ville – suburban, industrialised areas According to the Federal Office of Statistics, the two principal reasons are: population growth resulting from the arrival of multinational companies and a stagnation in new-build houses or apartments. Housing accounts for around 25 to 30% of the average family budget.

Housing accounts for around 25 to 30% of the average family budget.

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Most families want to live close to their children’s • Liberatory clause – this clause entails that school, while most singles or couples want to live as of the second year of rental, in the case close to their office or on the same side of the of transfer out of Geneva or Switzerland for lake in order to avoid crossing bridges, especially professional reasons the lease can be cancelled the Mont-Blanc bridge which can become very with three months’ notice for the end of a month. congested during rush-hour. Although Welcome Service will request it, it is not automatically granted. The cost will vary considerably depending on the construction year, size, facilities and location of • Deposit – the deposit or bank guarantee is the accommodation. When a vacant property is equivalent to three months of rent and must be renovated, the new tenant can expect an increase established prior to the entrance inspection (see in rent. below). Cash or checks are not accepted; the money must be blocked on a special bank account Given the lack of available apartments, some tenants in Switzerland during the entire length of the take advantage of the situation by subletting their lease. Upon vacating the premises, and providing apartment -furnished or not - at a higher price. that the premises have not been deteriorated Low-cost housing such as HLM and HCM (council beyond ‘normal wear and tear’, the guarantee will flats) is only for low-income Swiss nationals and be released. C-permit holders, who have paid taxes for 2 years minimum in the Canton of Geneva. If the total amount of the guarantee is below CHF 15’000.- this can be taken care of by Swisscaution or Smartcaution, but you will need 3.2. Renting an accommodation to receive the approval from the estate agency first. A yearly fee is due depending on the In Geneva, the number of rooms counted in an amount of the bank guarantee. apartment description includes the living room, More information on www.swisscaution.ch or bedroom and kitchen so a three-room apartment www.smartcaution.ch. consists of the living room, bathroom, kitchen and one bedroom. In Vaud, the kitchen is not counted as a • Rent – Must be paid by the 1st of each month. room so a three-room apartment consists of the living room, bathroom, kitchen and two bedrooms. • Entrance inspection – Before moving into your home, an entrance inspection is always • Rental application – when applying for completed in presence of the real estate accommodation, you will need to submit a agency. Welcome Service will be present during series of documents with your rental application, this formality and we highly recommend your so please note that you will have to provide us presence as well. Entrance inspection is the a copy of: base of the exit inspection. - Salary attestation issued by employer - Passport or ID card • Civil liability insurance – see Chapter 5 - Attestation of non-debt dated of less than 3 months • Home content insurance – see Chapter 5 - Work authorisation for non EU • Garbage – Switzerland recycles a relatively high • Lease contract – issued for one year, three or proportion of household waste, so Swiss people five years then automatically renewable. More sort their rubbish for recycling. The manner and more leases are issued for a fixed term and and timing of waste collection depends on non-renewable period of one year. This being where you live. Most buildings have a bin room said, if all goes well during the tenancy the lease is located in the basement that contains special most probably renewed. containers for compost, aluminium, batteries, standard garbage, glass, plastic, etc. All your • Cancellation notice – to cancel a lease contract, waste must be put in special plastic bags that tenants must give a 3-months advance notice for you can find in every supermarket. the anniversary date of the lease.

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3.3. Some of your responsibilities as a tenant • Excessive wear & tear – You will be expected to • Pipe works – The tenant must regularly clean replace, repair or clean damaged, lost or soiled items. and bear the cost of cleaning the internal and external drains. Some landlords/agencies will • Holes in the wall – You are allowed to hang request this to be performed for the exit inspection. up pictures on the walls but when leaving the apartment, the holes must be filled in. For this • Parasites, rodents, wasps, etc. – Inform your job, we recommend you to contact a painter. lessor immediately of any problems. Your lessor will provide you with details of a specialist • Damages caused by pets – You will be to deal with these problems, and will most responsible to repair any damages done by your pets. probably supervise the interventions, to make sure that you are not responsible for these pests. • Maintenance of household appliances/ equipment. • Maintenance of the garden – Unless otherwise • Repair of damage caused by leaking pipes (gas stated in the lease contract, tenants are or water), frost. responsible for the maintenance of the garden. The landlord/agency will expect tenants to return • Chimney – The chimney must be swept once it in the condition you received it. Responsibilities a year. Usually the chimney sweeper will get in include: trimming of the hedges and small trees contact with you directly. Please keep in a safe once a year, regular lawn-mowing, fertilizing and place invoices as they will be requested at the scarifying if necessary, maintenance of the flower exit inspection. beds, regular watering of the lawn, flower beds and small trees, removal of all waste material • Heating system – If the heating is an individual from the property, cleaning of the terrace with system, a control must be done once a year. You a waterblaster at least once a year. The lessor may also be requested to subscribe to a yearly has the right to request that a professional takes maintenance contract. care of the above mentioned, at the tenant’s charge, if the tenant has not done anything, • Boiler – The boiler must be de-scaled once despite warnings in writing. every two years. It is usually done shortly before the exit inspection. • Swimming-pool – It should be prepared for freezing temperatures. Usually, if you have a • Oil tank – You should check your oil level twice maintenance contract, the company should take a year and add fuel if necessary. care of it.

• Gutters, ditches and rain collectors – Due to the fall of the leaves in autumn, you should clean the latter as they might be obstructed. You can do this yourself or contract the services of a gardener or handyman. This will have to be done before leaving the house.

• Pipes – Due to the low temperatures, the external pipes may freeze in winter. You should therefore close the water supply and empty the pipes to prevent them from freezing. The tenant will be held responsible of any damage caused by freeze. Please note that some gardeners are willing to do that for you, so do not hesitate to ask them.

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3.4. Construction standards • Kitchen : either equipped or unequipped. • Properties with an equipped kitchen do not In anything from a studio to a three-room usually have a microwave oven or a separate apartment, the kitchen is often equipped or only freezer. semi-equipped; fridge, cooker, or extractor fan. In new buildings, appliances are of very good quality • Refrigerators with ice-boxes may be smaller than but freezers may nevertheless still be very small you are used to. and without microwave. • There are no fly or mosquito screens on windows. • Laundry facilities in apartment : sometimes equipped with connection in order to install your • There is no air-conditioning installed. personal appliance – installation must be done by a professional. In most buildings there is a • New apartments tend to have smaller bedrooms; common laundry-room with washer and dryer we recommend you to check before bringing your shared with rotas for tenant use. king-size bed.

• Laundry facilities in house : sometimes equipped • For new or renovated accommodations, the or not but there are always the connections. possible establishment of a telephone connection is at the charge of the entering tenant. • Lighting : apartments are handed over with bare electrical wires which mean there is no obligation from the landlord to provide sockets or hooks. 3.5. Price of electricity • No curtain rails or curtains are provided but • Electricity is usually at each tenant’s expense and shutters or blinds are installed. is billed based on the consumed kilowatt-hour (kWh) • Parquet or tile floors for living areas. • The price of the kilowatt-hour varies depending • In apartment buildings, the common laundry on your home address and the amount of room (usually in the basement) is equipped with electricity used (appliances, cooking, heating, washing machine(s) and dryer(s). etc.). In Switzerland, it can go from approximately Sfr. 0.05 to Sfr. 0.45, the average price being Sfr. • In a house, the laundry room may or may not be 0.20. equipped. Summary tables– cf Annexe - Table 20

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4. Connections

Before moving into your house/apartment, 4.2. Telephone & Internet & Welcome Service will take care of all connections on Television your behalf. Swisscom is the main provider and offers various combined packages with or without landline and 4.1. Utilities combining telephone, internet, TV and/or mobile. Internet speed will vary according to the address. Utilities include the following: electricity, gas, Alternative providers (i.e. Salt, Sunrise, UPC) can heating and water. The amount that you pay will also be available depending on the address. depend on your consumption. Once applied for, this can usually be installed within When renting an apartment, provisional a week. Should the premises be new or have been maintenance charges (heating and hot water) are empty for a long time, an electrician will have to be generally paid with the monthly rent to the agency. contacted to reactivate the telephone line. This will Once a year estate agents actually read meters be at the entering tenant’s expense. and send the yearly breakdown to tenants. Then tenants either have to pay an additional amount or Welcome Service will provide you with up-to-date receive a refund. Electricity and gas are always billed information once you have found a home. independently by the supplier. More information on www.swisscom.ch or When renting a house, all utilities are always www.allo.ch or www.comparis.ch. additional to the monthly rent.

Before connecting your electrical appliances, check 4.3. Cable TV that the voltage is 220 volts. If not, you will need to buy a transformer to convert the voltage to 220 volts. City apartments are sometimes connected to cable It is also likely that plugs will not be the same as the TV enabling you to receive approximately thirty ones in your home country. Should this be case, you basic channels with the standard subscription. More can either replace them or buy adapters. Depending channels and different packages are available on on the duration of your stay in Switzerland, we do demand. Sometimes the monthly basic subscription recommend that you buy new ones. is included in the monthly rent.

In Geneva, all utilities (electricity, gas and water) are More information on www.naxoo.ch if you live in managed by the “Services Industriels Genevois”, town or www.upc.ch if you live in the country side. known as SIG. Bills are sent every two months and payable within 30 days. You can also opt for digital bills and direct debit. Radio/TV/Satellite outlet

More information on www.sig-ge.ch or Radio (+41) 022 420 88 11 (urgent intervention) or 0844 80 08 08 (general info) TV Satellite

Optic fiber outlet

Number of the fiber optic cable outlet (OTO ID)

Sockets for your WLAN modem (you will find out the number (1 to 4) during the activation process)

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4.4. Mobile Phones 4.5. Satellite The main mobile phone operators in Switzerland are If you live in Geneva’s city centre, you may not be Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise. allowed to install a satellite dish on your balcony. Swisscom is slightly more expensive but has one Before you decide to install any type of satellite dish of the best quality networks. Various types of you must obtain prior written authorisation from the subscriptions are available with these providers estate agents. depending on your frequency and type of use. Normally one must wait to have received the More information on www.uktv.ch residence permit to be able to subscribe to a mobile phone. However through Swisscom, we can order this for you even without a permit. 4.6. SERAFE (Radio / TV Tax) More information on www.swisscom.ch or It is a legal requirement for all Swiss residents to www.salt.ch or www.sunrise.ch. pay the tax if you have access to TV and/or radio programmes, and you are risking high fines if you Making a telephone call choose not to (up to CHF 5’000.-). • In Vaud : dial the number with area code 021 If you have a computer with an internet connection, • In other cantons : dial the number with area and if you watch TV on internet (streaming etc) you code (refer to the list in annexe) must pay both the TV & Radio tax. The same goes if you receive TV programmes via any satellite (Sky, Swiss area codes – cf Annexe table 2 Canal+, etc).

• To Switzerland : dial country code (+41) + area More information on www.serafe.ch code without 0 • To foreign country : dial country code + area Radio Frequencies – cf Annexe table 4 code

Main country codes – cf Annexe table 3

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5. Insurance

5.1. Civil Liability & home 5.2. Car Insurance content Insurance Civil liability insurance is compulsory for all tenants All cars must be insured. If your car has Swiss and covers any accidental damage to other people registration plates, the insurance must also be Swiss. and/or to the property. All family members living You can choose between the following types of officially together are covered. Cost depends on insurance: the amount insured. An attestation of the policy will be requested by the real estate company for the • Third-Party – includes passenger cover and is entrance inspection. compulsory in all cantons. Home content insurance is often combined with • Part Comprehensive – known in some countries civil liability and covers personal belongings against as third party, fire and theft. Includes cover natural hazards such as fire, flood, gas explosion, etc. against fire, natural hazards, theft, broken glass The best basis for valuation is the removal inventory. and damage caused by a collision with animals. You can usually choose to pay a deductible, for example the first Sfr 500.- to 2’000.- of any claim, in order to reduce your premium. Part comprehensive insurance is compulsory in some cantons. • Full Comprehensive – covers all risks including self-inflicted damage to your own car. You can choose to pay a deductible in order to reduce your premium. It’s usually compulsory for leasing and credit purchase contracts. • Insurance company – check with your company if they have a special arrangement. If not, there is a list available at Welcome Service. If you import your car from your home country and keep the foreign registration plates, do not forget to keep your foreign insurance.

Please note: Do not forget to ask your current insurance company for a certificate confirming a good driving record, the starting date of your insurance policy, its date of expiry, and the length of your no-claims period in order to qualify for a full discount on your car insurance premiums.

5.3. Bicycle Insurance • Physical and material damages caused to a third party up to Chf 200’000.- are covered by your Civil Liability Insurance. Damages caused to yourself are covered by your personal accidents insurance.

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5.4. Health Insurance 5.5. Pet Insurance Basic health insurance (assurance maladie de base) Damages caused by pets like dogs and cats are is compulsory for everyone who lives or works in generally covered by your Civil Liability Insurance, Switzerland. Foreigners are required to obtain but please verify this with your insurer and ask for coverage within three months of their arrival in the a policy that states this coverage. For medical care country. Please note that it is your own responsibility (caused by illness or accidents), you can obtain to contact the insurance provider in order to set up an insurance with Epona, but double check the your cover. coverage.

• Health insurance can be taken out with a More information on domestic animals in health fund or a private health insurance Chapter 15. company. It is usually necessary to affiliate with a Swiss insurance company, as Swiss insurance authorities do not always accept global health 5.6. Some insurance companies insurances, even when the policy covers medical care in Switzerland. The website “Comparis” offers a comparison of the • Basic insurance required by law covers medical various insurance companies and their premium. treatment in case of sickness, maternity and accidents (should an accident insurance policy More information on www.comparis.ch not already cover it). It includes: hospitalisation in a common ward, basic ambulatory and recognised medication by OFAS. 5.7. Insurance brokers • Complementary cover includes: health cures, medications not recognised by OFAS, Insurance brokers – cf Annexe - Table 5 prostheses, homeopathy, ambulance expenses, private and semi-private rooms, etc. • Employers sometimes benefit from group policies from health insurers which can offer employees discounted premiums. Legally, employers are required to insure all employees in the event of accidents; in such cases, costs will be split in half between the employer and the employee. • Health and accident insurances are mandatory for spouse and children. As a family is not necessarily covered by one parent’s affiliation, each family member must be insured individually. • It is possible to take out an international worldwide health insurance policy which may be of particular interest to people living in Switzerland temporarily or to those who are frequently changing countries. However, you need a special exemption and it must provide the same or better cover than a basic Swiss health insurance.

The website “Comparis” offers a comparison of the various insurance companies and their premium.

More information: www.comparis.ch

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6. Cars

6.1. Importing a car into • Additional information available at Head Switzerland Customs Office – Direction des Douanes Avenue Louis-Casaï 84 – 1211 Genève If you are not a European Resident, we strongly Tel: (+41) 058 469 72 72 recommend you not to import your car into Opening hours: Monday to Friday, Switzerland from 08:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30. Call opening hours: Monday to Friday, Customs Clearance from 09:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. • A car can be imported into Switzerland free of tax if you have owned it for at least six months More information : www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo before moving to Switzerland, and you are privat/04392/04393/04394/index.html?lang=en importing it as part of your personal effects. • If the car has been in your possession for less than six months, the following taxes must be Vehicle Control & Exhaust Emission Tests Registration paid: • Although you are allowed to drive your car in - 4% of the value of the car Switzerland for a maximum of one year with - 7,7% of VAT customs authorisation (form 15.3), we advise - 12 to 15 centimes per kilo (except for you to make an early appointment with the holders of a European conformity garage representing your type of car and get certificate) them to prepare your car for the mandatory - CO2-fees control and exhaust emission tests requested - administrative fees by the canton’s vehicle registration office. It is • It is preferable to have the removal company also recommended that the garage handles the deal with the car importation, or at least go registration of your car, this service will be billed through the same border post as the rest of directly from the garage to you. your effects. If that is not possible, the car can be cleared later. • The following papers will be requested : - 13.20A form delivered and stamped by Swiss • During customs clearance at the border, you will Customs need the following documents: - 18.44 form - 18.44 Form – the official form listing your - Foreign registration plates personal belongings brought to Switzerland, - Car registration papers (carte grise) including your car - Valid Swiss insurance policy - Your Swiss resident permit or your - Original EC certificate of conformity or Autorisation de Séjour duplicate in French, German, Italian or - The foreign car registration papers (called English. the carte grise or grey card in Switzerland) - Swiss residence permit - Photocopy of the lease contract - Car service handbook showing technical and - For vehicles with German plates: the motor specifications Kraftfahrzeugbrief & for vehicles from - If possible, the invoice attesting to the Italy: Foglio complementare purchase of the car - Cash, as it is not always possible to pay with credit cards

• Please note that if you bring your car to Switzerland, it can only be for your personal use and you will only be able to sell it to a third party a year after the date of importation into Switzerland (Note: you will have to pay a large tax to sell your car in Switzerland).

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CO2 emission regulations for passenger vehicles 6.2. Driving License • The Confederation is aiming to reduce average Your foreign driver’s license is valid in Switzerland for CO2 emissions in the case of new passenger 12 months following your arrival date in Switzerland, vehicles. From 1 July 2012, a fine (sanction) but we strongly advise you to change it immediately will thus have to be paid when new passenger upon your arrival. Should you get controlled by vehicles are registered for the first time if they the police and do not have a Swiss driver’s license, do not reach a specific target value (on average you will be fined, and have to change your driver’s 107 g of CO2 per km). This sanction will not, license to a Swiss one as soon as possible. however, be imposed at the import customs clearance but will be imposed subsequently by To obtain a Swiss driver’s license, the following the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Therefore, documents must be submitted: when importing a new passenger vehicle for personal use, please take into account that a • Application form completed (Demande d’un sanction tax may be incurred in addition to the permis de conduire sur la base d’un permis de customs clearance costs if the target value is conduire étranger pour la catégorie X) not achieved. More detailed information can be • Foreign driving license - please make sure that found at the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) link the date you have first passed your driver’s below, where answers to other questions on this license is stated on your license. If this is not topic can also be found. the case, you will need a certificate from the administration which issued your foreign driver’s • Please note that your car cannot be registered in license, with this date clearly indicated on it. Switzerland before you are in possession of your • Swiss residence permit Swiss residence permit. Therefore you should ask • Two colour passport photographs (please a two to three month extension of your current indicate first and family name on the back of insurance policy to cover you in Switzerland. them) • You are allowed to use your own car (registered • Eye test – to be obtained from an authorized under your name) in Switzerland for up to 1 year optician in Geneva (from your official entry date) as long as your • Original identification document foreign insurance covers you here with unlimited • Proof of payment validity despite your move. A driver’s license delivered by a European country will on a general basis be sent back to the motoring administration of the country of origin.

A driver’s license delivered by a non-European country will on a general basis be returned to its owner with a stamp “not valid in Switzerland”.

Certain nationalities (e.g.: most African countries, Australia, New Zealand, most Asian countries, most South American countries, and most Arabic countries) will have to pass a formal driving test (approx. one hour at an additional cost).

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6.3. Driving in Switzerland There are road rules and signs that you must know; Vehicle’s tires the general ones are contained in the Handbook of Swiss Traffic Regulations, published in French, In Switzerland, there is no legal requirement that German, Italian, English and Spanish. We strongly a vehicle must be fitted with winter tires in winter. recommend you to read it. However, the driver is obliged to drive in a safe and reliable vehicle and must always be able to maintain Here are some general indications: control of the vehicle in any situation. In winter • You can drive a car from the age of 18 conditions, driving with summer tires, does not fulfil • The Swiss drive on the right-hand side of the this obligation and is therefore punishable. road • It is compulsory for seat belts to be fastened in If, in the event of an accident, the driver is held liable both the front and back seats because his vehicle was not properly equipped for • Children under the age of 12 must be seated winter use, his insurance may reduce his benefits or at the back. They can only ride in the front even claim against him for negligence. passenger seat if it is impossible for them to sit at the back Laws governing the use of winter tires in Europe • Bus, taxi and cycle lanes are yellow and must be vary from country to another and sometimes even left clear by other drivers from region to region. If you are planning to travel • Drivers on a roundabout have priority over with your car, we highly recommend that you check those entering it i.e. give way to the left the country’s regulation beforehand. • At a stop or give way sign, priority is given to traffic coming from the right • If you want to drive on Swiss highways (motorways), you must purchase (Chf 40.- / year) a sticker called a Vignette, available at the border crossings into Switzerland, post offices and petrol stations. This Vignette has to be stuck to the inside of your windshield, and be clearly visible, it gives you unlimited access to all highways (motorways) across Switzerland for the indicated year on the Vignette • It’s forbidden to use your mobile phone whilst driving unless you use a hands-free kit • Public transport and pedestrians have priority over cars • Road signs: Highways (motorways): green Main roads: blue Secondary roads: white • Speed limits are Motorways: max 120 km/h Dual carriageways: max 100 km/h, Secondary highways: max 80 km/h Urban areas: max 50 km/h Residential areas: max 30 km/h • The temporary use of foreign private vehicles by persons resident in Switzerland is prohibited.

Every year, you will have to pay tax on your car based on the category of the car and the engine power.

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6.4. Vehicle Registration Office 6.7. Parking Service cantonal des véhicules arking is limited, difficult, and often pricey in Route de Veyrier 86 - 1227 Carouge Geneva, the following options are available: Tel : (+41) 022 388 30 30 Technical expertise appointments: Public Indoor Parking (+41) 022 388 31 10 Expensive but you can park your car for as long as Open Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:00 you wish. You pay when exiting, with coins or notes. More information on www.ge.ch/vehicules/ Depending on where you live and on how long you stay, it is possible to apply for a monthly subscription 6.5. Buying a car in Switzerland which could be less expensive. Here are the main ones: All cars must be insured. If your car has Swiss In • Alpes, Rue Thalberg – right bank order to buy a car in Switzerland, one must have a • Cornavin, Railway station – right bank permit as well as a Swiss driving license. • Mont-Blanc - under the lake • Geneva-Plage, Quai de Cologny – left bank New cars - All new cars must be fitted with a • Plainpalais, under the Plaine de Plainpalais – catalytic converter. In most cases, cars are bought left bank by leasehold. Some dealers grant a discount of • Rive, Rue de Rive – left bank approximately 10%. • Saint-Antoine, Old town – left bank

Used cars - Second-hand cars are usually in very White Zones good condition, well-maintained and available with Parking spaces located in white zones in Geneva interesting options. Garages often offer a one year allow you to park for one and a half hour maximum, guarantee; however, you should be cautious when depending on the area - it could also be only thirty buying from a private individual. If you are a member minutes or one hour. All parking meters accept of TCS (Touring Club Suisse), you can ask for one of coins and some of them accept credit cards; do not their agents to come and give the car a once over. forget to place the ticket on the dash board so that it is clearly visible. The App ‘Paybyphone’ is also available in the App Store and Google Play, which Welcome Service can provide you with a list of new enables you to pay the parking meters with your or second-hand car dealers depending on what kind phone. White zones are free at night & on Sundays. of car you want to buy but you can also look at the White zones in the suburbs are always free – double classified ads section in the local newspapers. check!

Autociel Blue Zones If you need a car while you are relocated in A blue-zone disk is required to park in a blue-zone Switzerland, Autociel will help you find the best area, Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 19:00. The deals. They help you find new cars, second hand disk gives the right to park for up to one hour. cars or even import or sell your car. It has rapidly become the leading car dealer for expatriates in the Romandie. Whatever you need or want, their team of experts, most of whom speak fluent English as well as other languages, can give you excellent advice, free of charge.

More information: Tel. (+41) 021 796 37 37 or www.autociel.ch

6.6. Car Insurance It is compulsory to have car insurance. For information, see Chapter 5.

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Macaron 6.8. Mobility Car Sharing In Geneva city centre, a system of Macaron has been set up allowing residents to park without time limit Mobility car sharing Switzerland provide vehicles in their district. The Macaron is valid for 12 months around the clock, on a self-service basis to do what however, spaces are not guaranteed (since you will you need to do without owning a car. need to find a new space each time you wish to park Mobility has 2’650 vehicles at 1’380 stations your car). This will cost you CHF 200.-/year. through-out Switzerland. You pick the car up at a station and use it for as long as you need and when The apply for a Macaron, you will need to bring the you are finished, you return the vehicle in the same following documents to the Fondation des Parkings: station

- The Macaron form** duly signed Period of use : the shortest period of use is one - A copy of the car registration document (grey hour. The maximum period you can use a mobility card) car is usually 16 days. - A copy of the lease contract or of the work permit if the address is written on it Choice of station : With 1’380 mobility stations - If your car is a company car, an attestation from throughout Switzerland there is almost certainly a your employer confirming that the car is used mobility car near you. for private and professional reasons - An attestation** from the real estate agency or You can check on: https://www.mobility.ch/fr/ the owner of your premises stating that you are clients-prives/ not renting a parking place - An attestation** upon your honour that you Pets with Mobility car sharing : Pets can also be are not renting a parking space in the transported in a Mobility car. Please make sure that neighbourhood they are either inside a suitable container or on a blanket, which you must provide. ** These documents can be downloaded from the Fondation des parkings website: Parking : If a dedicated Mobility parking space is www.geneve-parking.ch/fr/macarons-zones-bleues already occupied, use an authorized parking space within sight of the usual station and inform the Fondation des Parkings 24h Service Center immediately on 0848 824 812. Carrefour de l’Etoile 1 Mobility stations other than the starting station are Case postale 1775 not to be used as a parking space. 1227 Carouge P+R Etoile - 5th floor Journeys Abroad: If you wish to drive the vehicle Tel. (+41) 022 827 44 93 abroad, contact the 24h Service Center on 0848 824 Open: Mon – Fri 08:00 to 16:30 812 to obtain an authorization. Fuel costs will be reimbursed against receipts, at the rates currently Park & Ride applicable in Switzerland. Special insurance cover These facilities, combining parking and a bus ticket, such as European accident and breakdown cover is are located in Geneva neighbourhoods near major to be taken out at your own cost. As a general rule bus lines. You park your car then you take the bus journey abroad are permitted only in the countries to go downtown. covered by the insurance. A current list of those countries can be found in the General Terms and Note: Geneva has a large number of traffic wardens Conditions. who patrol parked cars, during both the day and night. Reservation options : No reservation fee: More information on www.geneve-parking.ch - Internet: www.mobility.ch or call (+41) 022 827 44 90 - Mobile reservation: www.m.mobility.ch With reservation fee: - 24H service center on 0848 824 812 You will find more information on the brochure: www.mobility.ch/fileadmin/files/documents/ brochures/How_it_works.pdf 21

7. Transport

7.1. Public Transport 7.2. Trains Public transport in Switzerland is of good quality; no The Swiss railway system is called CFF in French, strikes, punctual, frequent and clean. Most of them SBB in German, FFS in Italian. It is very easy to travel usually run from around 06:00 to around 00:00 (a bit from Geneva to other Swiss cities and throughout later on the weekends and holiday periods) Europe, for example to Paris, Milan or Brussels, by . train. Geneva Public Transport System is called TPG and includes buses, tramways and taxi-boats. The Trains are free for children up to 6 years of age, then network is very good and very well-served. half-price up to 16 years and full price thereafter. The CFF offers different passes such as the half-price At each bus stop, there is an itinerary with the pass in order to travel half-price in trains and boats, frequency schedule. Buses pass more frequently in junior half-price to travel for free when accompanied the city (every 10 minutes) than in the country side by an adult, combined half-price and voie 7 to travel (every 30 minutes to an hour). for free from 7pm to 7am and the general pass to More information on www.tpg.ch or travel all around Switzerland by train and all other (+41) 022 308 33 11. forms of public transport for free.

Buying tickets The CFF also provides some special day or week- A simple ticket is valid 60 minutes for one zone, but end packages, such as skiing days, week-ends to there are many different kinds of daily or season Disneyland in Paris with hotel and train, etc. tickets that must be bought before getting on any public transport. NB: CFF fares are subject to change each year in At bus stop, there are machines where you can pay December. either by cash or with a special bus card. Note: the machines do not give change, and credit cards are The two main train stations are: not accepted. • Gare de Cornavin, located in the centre of town Tickets can also be purchased by sending an SMS to • Gare de Cointrin, located at the airport 788 with one of the following codes : tpg1 : Geneva Canton (zone 10) Full Fare (CHF 3.-) More information and reservation on www.cff.ch or - 60 minutes (+41) 0900 300 300. tpg2 : Geneva Canton (zone 10) Reduced Fare (CHF 2.-) - 60 minutes A mobile app is also available to purchase tickets and get more information: SBB Mobile A mobile app is also available to purchase tickets and get more information: tpg

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7.3. CEVA 7.6. Boats 16 kilometres long of which 14 on Swiss territory, the There are excursions on the Lac Léman (Lake rail line CEVA links directly Cornavin to Annemasse Geneva) throughout the year, but the high-season while serving main areas in Geneva: Chêne-Boug, is from mid-May to mid-September, when there Eaux-Vives, Champel-Hôpital, Carouge-Bachet and are a lot of boats navigating on the lake. There are Lancy- Pont Rouge. lunch and dinner cruises, as well as inter-city, whole or selected parts of the lake, as well as panoramic This huge project is part of the development trips (to show you the best views of the area). Some and the economic growth of Geneva’s canton. In even take you to neighbouring France, so make sure connecting the two banks, on top of current ways of you carry your identification papers with you when transportation, it will ease the transports of people, contemplating such trips. become an alternative to cars and therefore will help reduce congestion. Buying a ticket: CGN – Compagnie Générale de Navigation The works have started in 2011 and will last approx. Mont-Blanc counter (right bank) 8 years (until 2019). For further information on this project, please go to following website: CGN – Compagnie Générale de Navigation www.ceva.ch Jardin Anglais counter (left bank)

All year long – different time tables according to 7.4. Taxis season www.cgn.ch or (+41) 0848 811 848 Taxis are easily available in Switzerland, most Weekdays: 08:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:30 people call and book for taxis. Fares can be rather Weekends: 08h30-12h00 and 13h40-17h15 high, and depend on how many you are, the time of day, and your destination. 7.7. Airplanes Taxi and Limousine services – cf Annexe - Table 6 Geneva airport, is called Cointrin International Airport, and used to be a very busy airport. There 7.5. UBER are still some international flights to Europe, but if you want to fly to another continent you may have The main advantage of this transport is the to transit via Zurich or any other major European technology. Indeed, you can order your driver, insert city. The airport is not far from the Geneva centre your route and destionation as well as pay via the and connected by train to Cornavin station, and by app. No need for cash money but before your first bus (#5, #10, #23 and #57). It is open from 04:00 trip you must have downloaded the app, you are AM to 12:00 PM. Many international airlines are registered and have added your payment method represented at the airport or have an office in town. so that you can make your first trip. More information on www.gva.ch or More information on www.uber.com (+41) 022 717 71 11 Arrival & Departure information also on (+41) 0900 571 500

A mobile app is also available to purchase tickets and get more information: Geneva airport

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8. Healthcare

Switzerland is well-known for having very good 8.2. Doctors medical care. Foreigners coming from certain countries, for example Russia, will be required to Depending on your health insurance contract, you have a health-check before moving to Switzerland. can go to the doctor of your choice or may have This check-up will be done in Switzerland, in general to go to an appointed doctor. You should make an at the Hôpital Universitaire de Geneva - HUG appointment before visiting the doctor. The invoice (Cantonal Hospital). will be sent directly at your home and must be paid within 30 days. Send a copy of the invoice to your Before moving to Switzerland, please bring your health insurance so that they can reimburse you family’s medical records as well as yours, as you will for the consultation. Once deductible is reached, be asked for them upon arrival. insurance will recover 90% of the cost but it could be less depending on whether the doctor is validated by the insurance (i.e. some policies do not cover 8.1. Hospitals alternative therapies).

The Canton of Geneva offers one public hospital, For additional addresses, please check the HUG, one private hospital, Hôpital de la Tour, and telephone directory under the column “Médecins”. a host of public permanences médicales and private clinics. 8.3. Chemists The choice of hospital or clinic depends on your health insurance cover and availability of the Pharmacie Principale hospital’s relevant service. If you have basic health All over Geneva city insurance, you will stay in a communal ward with two Tel : (+41) 022 715 05 15 to four beds, semi-private in a two-bed ward and www.pharmacie-principale.ch with private insurance you have your own room. Pharmacie Populaire The HUG (022 372 81 20) has an Emergency All over Geneva city department., and so has the Hôpital des Enfants Tel : (+41) 022 918 09 00 (022 382 45 55), located right behind it, for www.ppg.ch paediatric emergencies.

Hospital, Private clinics, Medical emergencies and In case of emergencies, call the chemist on duty Dental clinics – cf Annexe - Table 7 (there is a rota between the major chemists in Geneva). Check the emergency pharmacies on www.pharmageneve.ch “Pharmacies de garde”

Alternatively the pharmacies of the Cornavin train station and Cointrin airport are open 7 days per week.

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9. Education

We have at your disposal a list of the Private Schools in the Lake Geneva Region.

9.2.1. Additional Information

Fédération Suisse des Ecoles Privées 1, Hotelgasse - 3000 Bern Tel : (+41) 031 328 40 50 info@swiss-schools.ch - www.swiss-schools.ch 9.1. Swiss education system – Public schools Association Genevoise des Ecoles Privées 98, rue de Saint-Jean 98 - 1211 Geneva 11 The public school system varies in each canton. Tel : (+41) 022 715 32 30 Children must attend the local school depending on info@agep.ch - www.agep.ch where they live. Schooling is free of charge as it is included in your individual taxes. Association Vaudoise des Ecoles Privées 2, route du Lac - 1094 Paudex In the canton of Geneva, children must be 4 years Tel : (+41) 021 796 33 00 old by July 31st of the ongoing year to start school. info@avdep.ch - www.avdep.ch The primary level consists of 8 years (from 1P to 8P) and is called “école primaire”. Then children go to the secondary school which is called “cycle 9.3. Day Nursery – Baby-Sitting service d’orientation” (duration: 3 years). After completing their compulsory education, teenagers have Day care for early childhood is a challenge in Geneva the choice between doing an apprenticeship or as the offer is less than the demand. continuing their education in order to get further There are several kindergartens in the various degrees such as: Swiss Maturity, Commercial neighborhoods of Geneva but waiting list is very Maturity, etc. long. All enrolments are centralized at the Early Childhood Offices (BIPE). Cost varies according to Teaching language is always French. As of the the income and one cannot choose the location of fifth year of primary school, German is introduced. the kindergarten. Application form can be found on However, and for all school levels, there are special the website of BIPE. lessons or welcome classes for children who do not speak any French and where French is taught. BIPE 8, rue du Cendrier – 1201 Geneva Children go to school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Tel : (+41) 022 418 81 81 Thursdays and Fridays and also on Wednesdays Email : contact-bipe.sdpe@ville-ge.ch mornings only as of 5P. www.ville-geneve.ch/plan-ville/institutions-petite- enfance/bureau-information-petite-enfance/ Many schools do offer lunch facilities but not all of them. Alternatively you can hire a private nanny at home but cost can be expensive and you need on top of More information can be found on: www.educa.ch the salary to pay social taxes and get insurance. If or www.geneve.ch/dip you are a member of the American Women’s Club, this organization might help you as well.

9.2. The Private School System For the service of a professional nurse coming to your home, the cost is expensive. There are several international schools in English, French or bilingual French/English. They also Nursery services – cf Annexe - Table 8 provide US or British programs. Schooling is expensive and for most schools there is a waiting-list. So as soon as you know which school 9.4. Au Pairs you want your children to attend, submit your application without delay. Au Pairs services – cf Annexe table 9

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10. Banking

10.1. Swiss currency 10.3. Bank listing The Swiss currency is divided in francs and centimes. The two major Swiss banks are:

Bank notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1’000 Swiss Francs. • UBS – United Bank of Switzerland Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes & 1, 2, 5 francs More information on www.ubs.ch Click on UBS locations to find out the closest Normal bank opening hours are from between 08:00 office to you. or 08:30 and 16:30 or 17:00 Monday to Friday. If you • CS – Credit Suisse Bank need cash, you can use your bank card to withdraw More information on www.credit-suisse.ch money from an automatic cash machine at any time, Click on Where to find us to find out the closest day or night, including outside of bank opening office to you. times. But you may prefer to find a smaller regional, cantonal, private or foreign bank. The cantonal 10.2. Opening a bank account bank in Geneva is called Banque Cantonale de Geneva. One of the first things you need to do when arriving in Switzerland is to open a salary or personal bank • BCGE – Banque Cantonale Genevoise account. The account may be opened in your name More information on www.bcge.ch or as a joint account with your partner. Your salary will be paid directly into your bank account. We The cantonal bank in Vaud is Banque Cantonale advise you to check with your employer, before Vaudoise. opening your account, whether the company has a special agreement with a particular bank. • BCV – Banque Cantonale Vaudoise More information on www.bcv.ch You can also open a savings account which generates higher interest rates than a salary account. Others: Raiffeisen www.raiffeisen.ch, Migros bank www.migrosbank.ch Bank account can only be opened once you have a legal address and this must be done in person. You need to bring your passport and authorization of stay (Assurance d’Autorisation de Séjour) or residence attestation delivered by Geneva Authorities. A few days after submitting your application, you will receive a bank card which can be used only in the bank where you have opened your account.

After three months’ salaries have been deposited in your account, we suggest you apply for a Maestro card which will give you 24h access to ATM machines. The Maestro will allow you to make the payments at supermarkets, shops, restaurants, hairdressers, fuel stations, and any other service-provider equipped with cash points and which bear an Maestro sticker on their window. Please note that Maestro is a debit card, not a credit card.

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10.4. Payment orders 10.5. E-banking Standing orders can be set up with your bank in In Switzerland, E-banking is a common way to order to pay regular bills (i.e. monthly rent of your manage your bank account: it allows you to pay accommodation). Payment orders can also be made your invoices, to find out quickly the balance of by enclosing pre-printed giro payment forms and your accounts, securities positions in your custody the total amount, with your instructions to the bank. account and obtain a consolidated overview of your You can also pay bills electronically since all Swiss assets (on request). You can also look up the details banks have e-banking systems. of pending or executed account credits or debits at any time.

What is a QR-bill? 1. + 2. The QR-bill is divided into two parts, a receipt and the payment section . It always contains readable details about the beneficiary, to which additional information can be added.

3. The QR-code contains all the information necessary for payment.

4. The QR-IBAN is the collection account number which replaces the old account number, known as BVR member number in the format 01-xxxxxx-x . Please note, if you have a standing order whose account number changes to a QR- IBAN, do not forget to modify it.

5. The reference of the QR-bill is to be reported on your payment order in the event of manual entry, as with the old ESRs.

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11. Postal Services

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: from 08:00 to 18:00 – most small branches are closed at lunch time from 12:00 to 14:00 Saturday: from 09:00 to 11:00

The Swiss Postal Service is La Poste in French. Only one post office in Geneva is open seven days a week. It is located close to the Cornavin railway La Poste offices offer two services (postal services station at Rue des Gares 16. The opening times for and payments), both available at all counters. this particular post-office are: However, make sure you stand in the relevant queue - Monday-Friday: from 08:00 to 19:00 to save yourself the frustration of waiting for nothing. - Saturday: from 08:00 to 12:00 - Sunday: from 15:00 to 18:45 Banking and financial transactions At the Versements counter: More information on www.poste.ch or (+41) 0848 888 888 Pay bills with a bulletin de versement (orange, blue or pink giro payment form). This payment form has two parts; the largest part is for the recipient and the 11.1. Import: Custom/VAT small portion is for you to keep as proof of payment, make sure that the clerk has stamped your receipt. In principle, every item sent from abroad is subject to customs duties and VAT and must be declared Other Services to Swiss Customs for taxation. Courier or postal At the Timbres/Colis/Envois Express counter: consignments are declared by the carrier (i.e. DHL, • Send letters, packages, faxes and telegrams UPS, Swiss Post, etc.) on your behalf. Once the • Collect registered mail, packages, etc. carrier has completed the customs declaration, the • Buy stamps and telephone tax cards amount of any tax and/or duty payable are worked • Make telephone calls out. Any charges due are billed to the recipient. • Buy Swiss motorway obligatory sticker (Chf 40.-) • Make photocopies Furthermore, gifts mailed from individuals living abroad to individuals in Switzerland are duty-exempt You have the choice between fast (A-grade mail up to a value of CHF 100.-. Goods purchased on or Prioritaire) and regular (B-grade mail) delivery the Internet do not satisfy these conditions and service. A-grade mail is more expensive but it takes are subject to duty in accordance with the general only one working day for delivery anywhere in provisions. Switzerland and approximately two to three days in Europe. B-grade mail takes two to three working days. 11.2. Rapid Delivery Service If you would like to dispatch a consignment with important or valuable contents, the best solution is Rapid delivery services – cf Annexe table 10 to send a letter with proof of delivery “Registered (R)”. It is delivered against signature only by the next working day Mondays to Fridays; also Saturdays if 11.3. Cycle Delivery Service the address is a P.O box. If the person is away during the delivery, he is notified with a yellow paper from If you want same-day delivery of a letter or a parcel the post office called “invitation à retirer un envoi” in Geneva, you can contact the cycle couriers. The meaning there is a 7-day holding period at the price depends on the time and zone of delivery. closest post office. KRICK Tel (+41) 022 329 60 60 www.krick.ch

LA VELO POSTALE GENEVE Tel (+41) 022 321 18 28 www.lavelopostale.com

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12. Where to shop ?

12.1. Food 12.1.1. Supermarkets Other supermarkets:

Supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday. • Manor – www.manor.ch (right and left bank) In the morning they open between 8:00 and 9:00 Food is of very good quality, plenty of choice, and they close around 19:00 except on Saturdays but expensive. Underground parking facilities when they close at 18:00. They are open during available. lunch time. Most supermarket have a late opening night on Thursday evenings – closing time is 20:00 • Globus – www.globus.ch – (left bank) Globus is or 21:00 located in the centre of town, on the left bank. The food section can be found on the lower Please note that in Cointrin airport and Cornavin level and it is more of a delicatessen than a train station there are shopping centres with supermarket. supermarkets and other shops open seven days a week until 20:00. • Denner – www.denner.ch – One of the cheapest supermarkets, you may find some of them The two main supermarkets in Switzerland are around the city of Geneva and in the suburbs. Migros & Coop. Where there is a Migros, a Coop Fresh products are not of good quality but very is not far away! interesting for cigarettes, wines, beers and spirits.

• Migros – www.migros.ch – This is a Swiss • Aligro – www.aligro.ch – right bank) This is a supermarket chain which produces and sells wholesale supermarket: very good-value when its own products. Nowadays you may also find you have a big family or if you plan on catering products of other brands. You can recognize a for a large group. Outdoor parking facilities Migros as it is always signalled by an orange available. “M”. The more “M”, the bigger the Migros. “MMM” is the largest supermarket you can find • Lidl – www.lidl.ch – (right and left bank) Another in the area. cheap supermarket, like Denner. Big quantities, Migros sells mostly food (but neither alcohol not a lot of choice, but a good deal for the nor tobacco) but they have also opened shops weekly basics. which sell electronic appliances, clothes, sports accessories, do-it yourself and gardening • LeShop.ch – www.leshop.ch – Online articles. supermarket. The service offers you 12’000 Migros products, delivered at your home. Migros has a shop at Cointrin airport and Cornavin train station open seven days a week Shops are closed on Sunday, but you will find small until 22:00. local grocery stores called épiceries or dépanneurs that remain open for a few hours on Sunday. • Coop – www.coop.ch – Coop is the main competitor of Migros. The most important difference between the two is that in Coop outlets you can find different brands of products. Secondly, Coop sells alcohol, tobacco, and newspapers/magazines, which Migros doesn’t. Coop offers its own small product range but most of the products on sale are from big brands such as Kellogg’s, Findus, etc. Coop is slightly more expensive than Migros and has a larger selection of products.

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13. Culture

12.1.2. Shopping in France As Geneva is an international scene, there are many entertainment options: Lots of Swiss people shop for food in France as it is cheaper than in Switzerland, especially meat, 13.1. Theatres fish, milk, butter and cheese products. Some supermarkets are open on Sunday morning until Theatres list – cf Annexe table 14 12:00. The total value of duty-free goods which you are allowed to bring back to Switzerland is CHF 13.2. Concert Halls 300.- per adult per day (any more than the below Concert halls list – cf Annexe table 15 mentioned will have to be left at the border and you will have to pay tax on them): 13.3. Museums Duty-free allowances per person and per day: • Alcohol <18% 5 lit Museums list – cf Annexe table 16 • Alcohol >18% 1 lit • Meat 1 kg • Butter/cream 1 kg/lit 13.4. Cinema • Oil 5 kg/lit There are about twenty movie theatres in Geneva. • Cereals 20 kg • Eggs 2 kg You can find schedules in local newspapers or on the • Fish 20 kg web at www.geneve.cine.ch • Fruit 20 kg • Juice 3 lit • Milk/cheese 5 lit/kg 13.5. Special Events • Potato products 2.5 kg Special events list – cf Annexe table 17 • Vegetables 20 kg

More information on www.zoll.admin.ch or (+41) 022 979 19 19

12.2. Shops’ opening hours

Shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 18:30 or 19:00 except on Thursday evening where some shops are open until 21:00. On Saturday, shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00. All shops are closed on Sunday except at Cornavin station and Cointrin airport. Ethnographic museum (MEG) Some shops are closed on Monday morning.

12.3. Market

Every day of the week, there is a market in different place.

Markets address list – cf Annexe - Table 11

12.4. Shopping

Shopping address list – cf Annexe table 12 Victoria hall 12.5. Helpdesk

Useful list – cf Annexe table 13 30

14. waste and recycling

14.1. Waste Disposal and 14.1.3. Recycling Centre Recycling System Swiss people are recyclers! There are multiple Switzerland is very conscientious when it comes recycling centre around Central Switzerland where to the environment, and every village has its own you can bring your recycling, which must be waste disposal and recycling systems which are set separated into paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, etc out on posters you can get from your local town hall or which can be downloaded at the bottom of Here is a website mapping all recycling centres this page. All waste which is disposed of in public across Switzerland : www.recycling-map.ch rubbish bins has to be deposited either in special waste bags or bags with stickers on, both of which 14.1.4. Recycling and waste disposal plan are specific to each canton. The waste disposal poster is called “Abfallplan” 14.1.1. Chargeable rubbish bags and can be obtained at your local municipal (“Gemeinde”) office. It shows all the various Each canton has its very own rubbish bags that is timetables for refuse collection and the various mandatory to be used and purchased within the recycling operations. Most areas have regular canton of living. The purchase price of these bags collections of paper and cardboard. These should includes a charge that covers the waste disposal be stacked neatly into bundles and tied with string costs. You can buy your official rubbish bags at like a parcel. the supermarket (Migros, Coop, etc) or at the Post Office. The bags must be requested directly at the 14.1.5. Electrical appliances cashier as they are not sold on shelves. The bags comes in different format (17l, 25l, 60l, 110l). These Televisions, computers, mobiles, etc should be bags are then to be thrown into the large communal returned to an electrical provider or to any shop containers near homes or collected in the street on selling new appliances. Retailers are obliged to take a designated day. One 35 litre bag costs CHF 2.90, these appliances back free of charge. Alternatively so be sure to fill it completely before putting it out. they could be brought to a waste collection centre.

14.1.2 Green recycling bins

Every home should be equipped with a green/ compost bin where all edible peelings, grass, and any other garden disposals can be disposed. The bin is usually emptied once a week.

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14.2. WASTE RECYCLING CANTON OF GENEVA Many materials are recycled in Geneva, residents are MEDICINE & DRUGS asked to sort the following : What: expired medicine & drugs without packaging. Where: in pharmacies that take them back free of DOMESTIC WASTE charge. What: all waste from households that cannot be sorted out. ORGANIC WASTE Where: in plastic containers in various recycling What: leftover food, plants, flowers, etc. points. Where: in plastic containers in bags of max 110 liter or in various recycling points in bags of max 35 liters. GLASS NO: cat litter boxes, nappies, etc. What: bottles, jars, etc. Where: various recycling points. NO: drinking glass, window glass, mirrors, Various smaller recycling points can be found earthenware, porcelain, etc. throughout the canton with the following link : www.recycling-map.ch/en TEXTILES What: Clean clothing and textiles, shoes, bags, etc. Where: various recycling points. NO: dirty clothes, tissue remnant, mattresses, carpets, etc.

BATTERIES What: All batteries, rechargeable, accumulators, etc. Where: In shops selling them or in various recycling points. More information on : www.ge.ch/en/how-sort-your-trash PLASTIC BOTTLE PET What: All transparent plastic bottles with the logo PET. Where: In shops selling them or in various recycling points. NO: Vinegar bottles, shampoo bottles, milk bottles, etc.

SPECIAL WASTE What: chemical & toxic products, paint & solvent, aerosol, car batteries, etc. Where: In cantonal recycling area (ESREC) NO: waste from shops and business.

CARDBOARD & PAPER What: wastepaper, folded cardboard, newspaper, etc. Where: in an 800 liters plastic wheeled container present in your building or in various recycling points. NO: dirty cardboard box, milk carton, etc.

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14.2.1. Larger recycling areas and opening hours

Cantonal Recovery Area (ESREC) Châtillon Cantonal Recovery Area (ESREC) La Praille Address: Address: Ch. des Communaux 40 – 1233 Bernex Ave de la Praille 47A – 1227 Carouge

Opening Hours: Opening Hours : • Monday closed • Monday closed • Thursday to Friday: 15 :00 pm to 19:00 pm • Thursday to Friday: 15 :00 pm to 19:00 pm • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 17:00 pm • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 17:00 pm

Cantonal Recovery Area (ESREC) Les Chânats Address: Ch. des Chânats – 1293 Bellevue

Opening Hours: • Monday closed • Thursday to Friday: 15 :00 pm to 19:00 pm • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 17:00 pm

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15. Women’s interests

Once a move is complete, and the children are Newcomers Network settled in school, it is time to build up a social CAGI – Geneva Welcome Center network. 4, boulevard du Théâtre – 1204 Geneva www.cagi.ch/en/newcomers-network.php As an international city, Geneva provides excellent means to achieve this through the many women’s Career Women’s Forum and international organizations. Tel. : (+41) 022 318 32 00 www.cwf.ch/index.php American International Club of Geneva 24, Place du Bourg-de-Four – 1204 Geneva Another good source of information is the Tel : (+41) 022 704 13 23 Anglophone Information Services www.amclub.ch Tel: 0900 576 444 and 022 304 43 04 The American International Women’s Club of Geneva This centre provides information on finding help 11, Route de Chêne - 1207 Geneva regarding emergencies, general help, classes (in Tel: (+41) 022 736 01 20 English) activities, professionals and their services www.aiwcgeneva.org (such as tax controllers, accountants and lawyers). In fact Anglophone will attempt to answer questions British Residents’ Association of Switzerland on almost any subject whether it is related to www.zurich.britishresidents.ch Switzerland or not.

Geneva English - Speaking Club They also publish a free magazine, every two months www.angloswissclubs.ch called Swiss Style containing useful information for residents and expatriates. www.swissstyle.com

©livingingeneva.wordpress.com

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16. Domestic Animals

16.1 Import regulations 16.1.3. Countries of origin and rabies risks 16.1.1. General information Dogs, cats and ferrets may in principle be imported as “pets” from any third country. Requirements for Dogs, cats and ferrets are deemed to be pets if a rabies vaccinations, laboratory tests and waiting total of not more than 5 animals are imported from periods vary depending on the risk of dogs, cats or third countries and they ferrets becoming infected with urban rabies in the - are kept in the household out of interest in the country of origin. animals or as household companions; - accompany their owners (or another person on On www.blv.admin.ch and http://www.pettravel. behalf of the owner); com/immigration/Switzerland.cfm more information - are not intended to be to be sold or transferred can be found on the general import rules. Please be to another owner. More specific information about aware difference is made between EU countries and importing your cats, dogs or ferret can be found at ‘third countries’. http://blv.bytix.com/plus/dbr/default.aspx?lang=en 16.1.4. Import documents - Veterinary An animal health permit is required for importing certificate, confirmation, pet ID dogs, cats and ferrets from third countries if they are entering Switzerland via a Swiss airport from a A veterinary certificate is needed to enter “rabies risk country”. Switzerland from third countries accompanied by This requirement for a permit does not apply to dogs, cats or ferrets as pets. This must be issued by animals entering Switzerland in transit through the the official veterinarian responsible in the country of EU by road or rail. The animals are controlled when origin. A sample certificate can be found at www.blv. they enter the EU according to EU regulations. The admin.ch > Bringing pets to Switzerland > Dogs, Swiss border customs authorities make spot-check cats, ferrets from third countries. controls occasionally. With a few exceptions, it is forbidden to import and Dogs and cats aged less than 3-month old not re-import dogs with docked ears and/or a cropped accompanied by their mother from countries at low tail. risk for rabies must in addition be brought in with a veterinary confirmation; ask your veterinarian for 16.1.2. Identification more information. No pups aged less than 3-month old may be Dogs, cats and ferrets must be correctly identified imported from rabies risk countries. There is also with a microchip. The microchip must comply with no exemption permit as there is with imports from ISO Standard 11784 and must be readable by the EU. a reading device compatible with ISO Standard For the re-importing of Swiss animals, the Swiss pet 11785. Therefore, make sure your animal is fitted passport is sufficient if all import regulations are met with a so-called “Euro-chip”, which only contains and entered in this passport. digits as identification code and no asterisks (*). Rex Handling (http://www.avihandling.com/) can If a dog is definitively imported into Switzerland, assist you when travelling with pets (or when pets it must be taken to a veterinarian within the first travel by themselves). 10 days of entering the country: all dogs kept in Switzerland must be registered in a database by a veterinarian.

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16.2. Adopting animals 16.4. Kennels Adoption is possible but cats/dogs belong to SPA. Look in the telephone book under “Animaux, Accordingly, it is not possible to leave the country Pension pour” or consult the list at the Office with adopted cats/dogs. Vétérinaire Cantonal, Chemin du Pont du If you wish to acquire a dog or cat in the Geneva Centenaire 109 - 1228 Plan les Ouates – (+41) 022 area or if you find an abandoned animal, call: 388 71 60. Also consult the Petites Annonces in the AWC magazine, The Courrier. You will also find a SPA – Société Protectrice des Animaux short listing of cats’ and dogs’ boarding kennels at 5, Avenue de Cavoitanne – 1233 Bernex the end of this document. Tel: (+41) 022 757 13 23 www.sgpa.ch 16.4.1. Lost dogs and cats

SOS Chats Lost dogs are first taken to the local police station. If 2, chemin du Plantin – 1217 Meyrin the owner cannot be traced, the dog is then taken to Tel : (+41) 022 785 32 84 the dog pound, Fourrière Cantonale pour Chien, www.sos-chats.ch Ch. Fourrière 11, 1239 Collex – (+41) 022 546 59 77 If unclaimed after 5-6 days, the dog is transferred The SPA (RSPCA) is open to the public: Monday to to the SPA, Rte de Merley, 1233 Bernex – (+41) 022 Friday from 09:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00 757 13 23, where it is re-vaccinated and kept until and on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00 non-stop. adoption. The SPA will charge claimants a small fee There is a large selection of animals available for for maintenance and anyone adopting an animal adoption. must assume this fee.

Lost cats are taken straight to the SPA in Bernex (see 16.3. Birds above).

Geneva: The COR (Centre Ornithologique de SOS Chats at 2 Chemin du Plantin, 1217 Meyrin – Réadaptation) provides first-aid for birds and will 022 785 32 84 can also be contacted care for injured birds. COR – 47, chemin des Chênes in Genthod 16.4.2. Veterinarians 079-624 33 07 – www.cor-ge.ch Listed in the telephone book under “Vétérinaires” or you can dial 1811 or consult the local newspaper under “Urgences”. In the district of Nyon there is an emergency service from 18:00 Saturday to 06:00 Monday listed in the Quotidien de la Côte under “Numéros Importants”. Emergencies for small pets (dogs, cats, rabbits) – Monday to Friday from 19:00 and weekends and bank holidays from 8:00 : 0900 83 83 43 Société Genevoise des Vétérinaires www.sgv.name

For more information call L’Office Fédéral de l’Agriculture in Bern on Tel (+41) 58 462 25 11

List of useful addresses – cf Annexe table 19

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17. Good to know

GTK tips - cf Annexe table 21 and further

18. CONTACT

Should you need any further specific information, please do not hesitate in contacting Welcome Service info@welcome-service.ch

Rue Zurlinden 6 Rue de Bourg 20 CH -1207 Geneva CH -1003 Lausanne T  +41  22  707  61 50 T  +41  21  353 61 50

GENEVA - LAUSANNE - ZÜRICH - SWITZERLAND

Follow us on :

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annexe

TABLE 1 – PLACES OF WORSHIP

Lutheran Church of Baptist Church of Geneva Church of England Church of Scotland Geneva 7, rue Tabazan Holy Trinity Anglican Presbyterian 20, rue Verdaine 1204 Geneva Church 1, place de la Taconnerie 1204 Geneva Tel. (+41) 022 311 43 01 14bis, rue du Mont-Blanc 1204 Geneva Tel. (+41) 022 310 50 89 www.ebcg.ch 1201 Geneva Tel. (+41) 022 840 28 05 www.genevalutheran.ch Tel. (+41) 022 731 51 55 www.swisscities.com/cofs www.anglican.ch/geneva-htc

American Church Catholic Church Roman Catholic Church Nederlandse Protestantse Emmanuel Episcopal John XXIII Centre 13, rue des Granges Gemeente Church 35, chemin Dr Adolphe 1204 Geneva 1, place de la Taconnerie 3, rue de Monthoux Pasteur Tel. (+41) 022 319 43 43 1204 Geneva 1201 Geneva 1209 Petit-Saconnex www.cath-ge.ch Route de l’Eglise-1291 Tel. (+41) 022 732 80 78 Tel. (+41) 022 733 04 83 Commugny www.emmanuelchurch.ch www.johnxxiii.ch www.ned-pg.ch

Russian Orthodox Church Mosque Communauté israélite de Synagogue Beth Yaacov 18, rue de Beaumont 34, chemin Colladon Geneva Place de la Synagogue 1206 Geneva 1209 Petit Saconnex 21, Avenue Dumas 1204 Geneva Tel. (+41) 022 346 47 09 Tel. (+41) 022 798 37 11 1206 Geneva Tel. (+41) 022 311 48 15 www.mosque.ch Tel. (+41) 022 317 89 00 www.comisra.ch

GIL: Centre & synagogue Geneva International de la Communauté Buddhist Centre israélite libérale 8, Avenue de la 43, Route de Chêne – 1208 Croisette-1205 Geneva Geneva Tel. (+41) 022 321 59 21 Tel. (+41) 732 32 45 www.theravada.ch www.gil.ch

TABLE 2 – SWISS PHONE AREA CODES TABLE 3 – MAIN INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CODES

Aigle 024 Obwald 041 Austria 0043 Japan 0081

Appenzell 071 Saint-Gall 071 Australia 0061 Netherlands 0031

Argovie 062 Schaffhouse 052 Belgium 0032 Norway 0047

Basel 061 Schwyz 041 Canada 001 Portugal 00351

Bern 031 Soleure 032 Denmark 0045 Russia 007

Biel 032 Tessin 091 Finland 00358 Spain 0034

Fribourg 026 Thun 033 France 0033 Sweden 0046

Glaris 055 Thurgovie 052 Germany 0049 UK 0044

Grison 081 Uri 055 Greece 0030 USA 001

Jura 032 Valais 027 Italy 0039

Lausanne 021 Yverdon 024

Luzern 041 Zug 041

Neuchâtel 032 Zurich 043 044 Nidwald 041

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TABLE 4 – MAIN RADIO FREQUENCIES

RSR1 «La Première» RSR2 «Espace 2» RSR3 «Couleur 3» Radio Zones www.rts.ch www.rts.ch www.rts.ch www.radiozones.ch 102.6 FM 96.2 FM 98.5 FM 93.8 FM

Rouge FM Yes FM Virgin Radio Autoroute FM www.rougefm.ch www.yesfm.ch www.virginradio.fr www.autorouteinfo.fr 106.5 FM 93.3 FM / 95.6 FM 91.1 FM 107.7 FM

World Radio Switzerland NRJ One FM Nostalgie www.worldradio.fr www.nrj.ch www.onefm.ch www.nostalgie.fr 101.7 FM 103.6 FM 107.0 FM 105.0 FM

TABLE 5 - INSURANCE TABLE 6 - TAXI AND LIMOUSINE SERVICES BROKER

Fane Finance Centrale Taxi Tel Coopérative Taxis 202 Swiss Lux Limo Maison Forte d’Arare – 3, Rue des Rois 15 Rue du Village Suisse 10 1278 La Rippe chemin Plein-Vent 3 - 1228 1204 Geneva 1205 Geneva Tel: (+41) 079 684 58 28 Plan-les-Ouates Tel: (+41) 022 331 41 33 Tel : (+41) 022 3 202 202 www.swissluxlimo.ch Tel : (+41) 022 710 27 00 www.taxi-Tel.ch www.taxis.ch www.fane.ch

TAXI FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS

Aloha Transport Coopérative Taxis 202 Rue de la Fontaine 13 Rue du Village Suisse 10 1204 Geneva 1205 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 321 12 21 Tel: (+41) 022 3 202 202 www.alohatransport.ch www.taxis.ch

TABLE 7 - HOSPITAL, PRIVATE CLINICS, MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND DENTAL CLINICS

Cantonal Hospital - HUG

HUG - Main address Paediatric Hospital Ophthalmic Hospital Maternity & Gynaecology 24, rue Micheli-du-Crest 6, rue Willy Donzé 22, rue Alcide Jentzer Hospital 1205 Geneva 1205 Geneva 1211 Geneva 14 30, boulevard de la Cluse Tel : (+41) 022 372 33 11 Tel: (+41) 022 382 40 00 Tel: (+41) 022 382 84 00 1205 Geneva www.hug-ge.ch Tel: (+41) 022 382 68 16

Private Hospital Private Clinics

Hôpital de La Tour Clinique Générale Beaulieu Clinique de Carouge Clinique des Grangettes 3, avenue J-D Maillard 20, chemin Beau Soleil 1, avenue Cardinal-Mermillod 7, chemin des Grangettes 1217 Meyrin 1206 Geneva 1227 Carouge 1224 Chêne-Bougeries Tel: (+41) 022 719 61 11 Tel: (+41) 022 839 55 55 Tel: (+41) 022 309 45 45 Tel : (+41) 022 305 01 11 www.latour.ch www.beaulieu.ch Emergencies: Emergencies (+41) 022 309 46 46 (+41) 022 305 07 77 www.latour.ch/carouge www.grangettes.ch

DOC in the CITY

Clinique de la Colline Medical network for expats (International insurance with 6, avenue de Beau-Séjour - worldwide coverage is necessary to cover the costs.) 1206 Geneva 8, route de Malagnou Tel: (+41) 022 702 20 22 1208 Geneva www.lacolline.ch Tel. : (+41) 022 789 80 00 www.docinthecity.ch

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Medical Emergencies 7/7 & 24/24

Cantonal Hospital - HUG Hôpital de la Tour Clinique de Carouge Clinique et Permanence 24, rue Micheli-du-Crest 3, avenue JD Maillard 1, Av. Cardinal Mermillod d’Onex 1205 Geneva 1217 Meyrin 1227 Carouge 98 route de Chancy Tel : (+41) 022 372 81 20 Tel : (+41) 022 719 60 00 or Tel : (+41) 022 309 46 46 or 1213 Onex www.hug-ge.ch 022 719 61 11 022 309 45 45 Tel: (+41) 022 709 00 00 www.la-tour.ch www.latour.ch/carouge www.cite-generation.ch

Medical Emergencies during week days – left bank

Permanence Médico- Helvetic Care Rive Centre Médico-Chirurgical Chirurgicale des Acacias 2, Cours de Rive des Eaux-Vives 19, rue des Epinettes 1204 Geneva 4, rue du Nant 1227 Les Acacias Tel : (+41) 022 312 11 11 1207 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 342 54 55 www.helvetic-care.ch Tel: (+41) 022 718 03 80 www.eaux-vives.com

Medical Emergencies during week days – right bank

Centre Médical du Léman Centre Médical Servette Centre Médical Rue de Centre Médical Charmilles 17, rue Alfred-Vincent 17, avenue de Luserna Lausanne 87-89-91, rue de Lyon 1201 Geneva 1203 Geneva 80, rue de Lausanne 1203 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 716 06 60 Tel: (+41) 022 795 25 25 1202 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 319 25 25 www.cmleman.ch www.cms.magellan.ch Tel: (+41) 022 908 33 33 www.cms.magellan.ch www.cms.magellan.ch

Groupe medical de Chantepoulet 1-3, rue de Chantepoulet – 1201 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 731 21 20 www.gmed.ch

Pediatric Emergencies

HUG Clinique et Permanence Clinique des Grangettes Clinique Générale Beaulieu Open : 24h/24h – 7 days d’Onex Open from 10h00 to 22h00, Open : evenings 18h00 to a week 98 route de Chancy 7 days a week 22h00; weekends & bank 47, ave de la Roseraie 1213 Onex 7, chemin des Grangettes holidays 8h00 to 22h00 1211 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 709 00 00 1224 Chêne-Bougeries 20, chemin Beau Soleil Tel : (+41) 022 372 45 55 www.cite-generation.ch Tel : (+41) 022 305 05 55 1206 Geneva www.hug-ge.ch/urgences www.grangettes.ch Tel: (+41) 022 839 55 55 www.beaulieu.ch

Dental Clinics

Adent Private Dental Clinic Centre médico-dentaire C1 Clinique Dentaire de la Clinique Dentaire de 24, chemin des Tulipiers 87, rue de Lyon Servette (Dental Clinic) Malombré 1208 Geneva 1203 Geneva 60, avenue Wendt - 1203 5, chemin Malombré - 1206 Tel: (+41) 022 700 81 00 / Tel: (+41) 022 338 02 00 Geneva Geneva 0800 101 800 www.cmd1.ch Tel: (+41) 022 733 98 00 Tel: (+41) 022 346 64 44 www.adent.ch www.malodent.ch www.malodent.ch

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Centre de Soins Dentaires Centre de Soins Dentaires de Plan-les-Ouates de Vésenaz 176 bis, Route de Saint- 65, Route de Thonon – 1222 Julien Vésenaz 1228 Plan-les-Ouates Tel: (+41) 022 722 04 22 Tel: (+41) 022 706 22 22 www.cdsd.ch www.cdsd.ch

TABLE 8 - NURSERY SERVICES

Bureau d’Information Fédération Geneva Priorité Enfants Pro-Juventute Maman Petite Enfance (BIPE) Enfants 2, Rond-Point de Plainpalais de Jour 8, Rue du Cendrier 47, Route de Mon-Idée 1205 Geneva 1, Rue de l’Aubépine 1201 Geneva 1226 Thônex Tel: (+41) 022 321 02 77 1205 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 321 22 23 Tel: (+41) 022 349 11 11 www.prioriteenfants.ch Tel : (+41) 022 328 55 77 www.geneve-enfants.ch www.proju.ch

Didac Koala Super nounou Association Mary Poppins 37A, rue de Lausanne 47, rte de Mon Idée pour l’accueil familiale 1, Rue de l’Aubépine 1201 Geneva 1226 Thônex de jour 1205 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 715 48 50 Tel : (+41) 022 349 30 66 56, Route de Sauverny T 022 328 22 27 www.didac-aupair.ch www.koala-ge.ch 1290 Versoix mary-poppins@proju.ch Tel : (+41) 022 755 13 20 www.supernounou.ch

TABLE 9 - AU PAIRS SERVICES

Pro Filia Asserma Avenue de Rumine 32 Avenue de Lavaux 63 1005 Lausanne 1009 Pully Tel: (+41) 021 323 77 66 Tel: (+41) 021 729 74 94 www.profilia.ch www.asserma.ch vd@profilia.ch asserma@bluewin.ch

TABLE 10 - RAPID DELIVERY SERVICES

FedEx DHL UPS World Courier Rue des Ateliers 9 Place de Cornavin 7 Rue Pré de la Fontaine 11 4bis, route des Jeunes 1217 Meyrin 1201 Geneva (CFF Geneva) 1217 Meyrin 1227 Acacias Tel: (+41) 0848 1 33339 Tel: (+41) 0848 71 17 11 Tel: (+41) 0800 55 88 33 Tel : (+41) 022 827 30 60 www.fedex.com/ch www.dhl.ch www.ups.com www.worldcourier.com

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TABLE 11 - MARKETS ADDRESS LIST

Fruits & Vegetables - Geneva

Monday & Thursday 08:00 – 13:00 Rue Liotard right bank

Monday 08:00 – 13:00 Rue de la Canonnière right bank

Monday & Thursday 08:00 – 13:00 Place du Pré-l’Evêque left bank

Tuesday, Friday & Sunday 08:00 – 18:45 Plaine de Plainpalais left bank

Tuesday & Friday 08:00 – 18:45 Saint-Jean right bank

Tuesday & Friday 08:00 – 18:45 Place de la Navigation right bank

Wednesday & Saturday 08:00 – 13:00 Bd Hélvétique - Rive left bank

Wednesday & Saturday 07:00 – 13:00 Place du Marché – Carouge left bank

Wednesday & Saturday 06:30 – 18:00 Place de la Fusterie left bank

Saturday 06:00 – 13:30 Place Grenus right bank

Thursday 08:00 – 13:00 Plateau de Champel left bank

Thursday 16:30 – 20:00 Place des Grottes right bank

Monday to Friday 07:30 – 19:00 Les Halles de Rive left bank Saturday 07:30 – 19:00

There are also some markets in small villages in the surroundings of Geneva.

Fruits & Vegetables - Across the border - France

Tuesday & Friday 08:00 – 13:00 Annemasse left bank

Saturday 08:00 – 13:00 Ferney-Voltaire right bank

Sunday 08:00 – 13:00 Douvaine left bank

Sunday 08:00 – 13:00 Ville La Grand left bank

Sunday 08:00 – 13:00 Collonge-Sous-Salève left bank

Sunday 08:00 – 13:00 Divonne right bank

Flowers

Monday to Friday 07:30 – 19:00 Les Halles de Rive left bank Saturday 06:00 – 16:00

Monday to Saturday 07:00 – 19:00 Place du Molard left bank

Books (from April to October)

Friday 08:00 – 18:45 Place de la Fusterie left bank

Flea market

Wednesday & Saturday 08:00 – 18:00 Plaine de Plainpalais left bank

More information : www.ville-geneve.ch/marches-ville-geneve/calendrier-marches

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TABLE 12 - SHOPPING ADDRESS LIST

Do It Yourself

Migros Do-It Migros Do-It Eugène Baud Jumbo Market 32, avenue Vibert 34, place de la Gare 34 Avenue Ed. Baud 12, rue des Entreprises 1227 Carouge 1225 Chêne-Bourg 1225 Chêne-Bourg 1217 Meyrin Tel: (+41) 022 307 20 10 Tel : (+41) 022 860 81 60 Tel : (+41) 022 869 23 23 Tel: (+41) 022 780 18 18 www.migros.ch www.migros.ch www.eugene-baud.ch www.jumbo.ch

Electrical Appliances

André Maréchal Media Markt La Fnac Fust SA 2, avenue de Chamonix Various stores in Geneva Various stores in Geneva Various stores in Geneva 1207 Geneva www.mediamarkt.ch www.fnac.ch www.fust.ch or Tel: (+41) 022 849 08 49 0848 559 111 www.andremarechal.com

Interdiscount Various stores in Geneva www.interdiscount.ch

Furniture at reasonable prices

Conforama IKEA Interio Micasa 14, rue des Entreprises 156, Route de Vernier 171, route de Meyrin 32, avenue Vibert - 1227 1217 Meyrin 1214 Vernier 1217 Meyrin Carouge Tel: (+41) 022 989 09 19 Tel : (+41) 0848 801 100 Tel : (+41) 022 306 60 60 Tel : (+41) 022 307 20 70 www.conforama.ch www.ikea.ch www.interio.ch www.micasa.ch

Pfister Meubles 5-9 Riantbosson - 1217 Meyrin Tel : (+41) 022 989 85 00 www.moebelpfister.ch

Furniture - others

Artopia Domiciles Grange Ligne Roset 28, rue de la Terrassière 40, boulevard Helvétique 3, place des Eaux-Vives, 18, bd Helvétique 1207 Geneva 1207 Geneva 1207 Geneva 1207 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 700 26 26 Tel : (+41) 022 840 36 20 Tel : (+41) 022 735 26 25 Tel : (+41) 022 735 65 77 www.artopia.ch www.domiciles.ch www.grange-geneve.ch www.ligne-roset.ch

Teo Jakob Roche-Bobois 8, place de l’Octroi 100, rue du Rhône 1227 Carouge 1207 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 342 23 23 Tel : (+41) 022 311 01 44 www.teojakob.ch www.roche-bobois.com

Furniture to rent

Decorent Pisler Furniture Rental IN-Lease 18, rue du Valais Birkenstrasse 24 Töpferstrasse 5 – 6004 1202 Geneva 8134 Zurich Lucerne Tel: (+41) 022 734 03 10 Tel : (+41) 043 377 96 47 Tel: +41 41 310 73 52 www.decorent.ch www.event-furniture.ch www.in-lease.com

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Garden-Center

Eugène Baud Schilliger La Jardinerie Avenue Ed Baud Various stores in Geneva 200 route de Thonon – 1222 1225 Chêne-Bourg www.schilliger.com Vésenaz Tel : (+41) 022 869 23 23 Tel: (+41) 022 752 34 28 www.eugene-baud.ch www.jardinerieroy.ch

Kids

Autour de Bébé Aubert Baby 2000 Kids Planet Au Berceau d’Or 100 rue de Lyon 36 ave Cardinal Mermillod 33, rue de Carouge 8, Rue de la Rôtisserie 1203 Geneva 1227 Carouge 1205 Geneva 1204 Genève Tel : (+41) 0900 900 022 Tel: (+41) 022 301 65 90 Tel: (+41) 022 800 34 80 Tel: (+41) 022 310 50 80 www.autourdebebe.ch www.aubert.com www.kidsplanet.ch www.auberceaudor.ch

TABLE 13 - USEFUL LIST (PLUMBER, PAINTER, GARDNER…)

Alarm Fitters

Protelec Securitech Securiton Siemens Building 7, chemin de la Pallanterie 10, rue Blavignac 22, avenue du Mail Technologies SA 1252 Meinier 1227 Carouge 1205 Geneva 109, chemin Pont du Tel : (+41) 022 855 08 68 Tel : (+41) 022 301 14 94 Tel: (+41) 022 809 48 88 Centenaire www.protelec.ch www.securitech.ch www.securiton.ch 1228 Plan-Les-Ouates Tel : (+41) 058 557 51 00 www.siemens.ch

Safe Home SA Dialarme 15-17 Route de Vessy 136 Route de Saint Julien 1206 Geneva 1228 Plan-les-Ouates Fax 022 703 56 05 Fax 022 743 10 47 www.safehome.ch www.dialarme.ch

Carpenters

Marc Antonini & Cie Serge Kaufmann Michel Vuadens 67, chemin de Bonvard 9, rue François Meunier 115, route de Vernier 1222 Vésenaz 1227 Carouge 1219 Châtelaine Tel: (+41) 022 750 23 23 Tel: (+41) 022 342 94 90 Tel: (+41) 022 796 82 23

Cleaning Companies

Blanco E. SA ProNet Services IB-Services 20 route de Pré-Bois 152C route de Thonon 45 route de Frontenex 1215 Geneva 1222 Vésenaz 1207 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 343 66 07 Tel : (+41) 022 320 55 37 Tel : (+41) 022 732 30 69 www.pronetservices.ch www.ib-services.ch

Computer Installation

Franck Beney Yann & Co Event Production System Tel : (+41) 079 204 06 88 Tel : (+41) 022 503 41 14 152b, route de Thonon www.yannandco.com 1222 Vésenaz Tel : (+41) 022 786 22 16

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Dry Cleaning

Baechler 5 à sec Teinturerie Nouvelle Various dry-cleaning shops Various dry-cleaning shops 12 Place des Eaux-Vives in Geneva in Geneva 1207 Geneva www.baechler.ch www.5asec.com Tel : (+41) 022 736 60 76

Laundrenet If you are looking for some help with your laundry, « Laundrenet » is what you are looking for. “Laundrenet” is an ecologic Laundromat where you can either have somebody take care of everything (cleaning, drying, folding) or do it yourself. It is also a cyber café, where you can surf the net and have fun.

For more information: tel: (+41) 022 734 83 83 / www.laundrenet.com

Electricians Household Staffing Agency

Dupont Electricité EP Electricité SA Mac Menage SERADO SA 16, chemin des Clochettes 36, rue des Maraîchers Mrs Martine Vergain-Crametz 40, rue de Montchoisy 1206 Geneva 1205 Geneva 3, rue du Parc 1207 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 704 30 00 Tel : (+41) 022 708 48 48 1207 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 718 77 70 www.dupontsa.net www.epsa.ch Tel : (+41) 079 626 60 12 www.serado.ch www.mac-menage.ch

Gardeners

Angelo Papa Markus Brugger Wonderlandscape 4, rue Patru 3, Chemin de la Bâtie 17, Route de Colovrex 1205 Geneva 1213 Petit-Lancy 1218 Le Grand Saconnex Tel : (+41) 022 329 07 26 Tel : (+41) 022 793 98 14 Tel : (+41) 022 788 51 11 www.wonderlandscape.ch

Locksmiths

Serrurerie JL Klein Beux SOS Service ACSD Silva 9, chemin de la Muraille Rue de l’Ancien Port Tel : (+41) 022 348 98 80 1219 Le Lignon 1201 Geneva or (+41) 0800 34 88 00 Tel : (+41) 022 796 27 27 Tel: (+41) 022 311 12 22 Mobile: (+41) 076 379 90 96

Painters

Cancelli & De Pascali Alessandro Longo Jean-Pierre Pelosi 4, avenue St-Clotilde 36B Edmond-Rochat 19, place d’Armes 1205 Geneva 1217 Meyrin 1227 Carouge Tel : (+41) 022 343 03 20 Tel : (+41) 079 310 16 89 Tel : (+41) 022 342 12 88

Plumbers Satellite Dish Suppliers

Costa SA Express’ Eau Jay-Jay UKTV Satel Service 14, rue des Pavillons 16, Avenue Wendt 16E, route de Curson 147, rue de Lausanne 1205 Geneva 1203 Geneva 1197 Prangins 1202 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 328 65 17 Tel : (+41) 022 548 12 75 Tel : (+41) 022 960 20 15 Tel : (+41) 022 901 04 15 or (+41) 079 916 12 74 Mobile : (+41) 078 605 04 01 www.satelservice.com www.uktv.ch

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Security Services

GPA Guardian Protection SA Protectas Securitas 14, place du Manoir 8, Impasse Colombelle 22, avenue du Mail 1223 Cologny 1218 Grand-Saconnex 1205 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 707 94 00 Tel : (+41) 022 710 06 06 Tel : (+41) 022 809 48 48 www.gpa.ch www.protectas.com www.securitas.ch

Swimming-pool Maintenance

Astro H20 86, rue de Geneva 8, ave des Grandes 1225 Chêne-Bourg Communes Tel : (+41) 022 342 96 52 1213 Petit-Lancy Tel : (+41) 022 879 95 00

TABLE 14 - THEATRES LIST TABLE 15 - CONCERT HALLS LIST

Théâtre de Carouge La Comédie Alhambra Arena Classical & contemporary Classical & contemporary 10, rue de la Rôtisserie 3, route des Batailleux 57, rue Ancienne 6, bd des Philosophes 1204 Geneva 1218 Grand-Saconnex 1227 Carouge 1205 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 418 36 00 Tel : (+41) 022 710 90 90 Tel : (+41) 022 343 43 43 Tel : (+41) 022 320 50 01 or 0800 41 84 18 www.geneva-arena.ch www.theatredecarouge- www.comedie.ch www.ville-ge.ch/alhambra geneve.ch

Forum Meyrin Theater in English BFM Casino Théâtre 1, place des Cinq-Continents 22, chemin des Batailles 2, place des Volontaires 42, rue de Carouge - 1205 1217 Meyrin 1214 Vernier 1204 Geneva Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 989 34 34 Tel : (+41) 022 341 51 90/92 Tel : (+41) 022 322 12 20 Tel : (+41) 022 418 44 00 www.forum-meyrin.ch www.theaterinenglish.ch www.bfm.ch www.larevue.ch

Le Poche Am Stram Gram Le Grand Théâtre Victoria Hall Contemporary 56, route de Frontenex Opera & ballet Classical music 7, rue du Cheval Blanc 1204 1207 Geneva 5, place Neuve 14, rue Général Dufour Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 735 79 24 1204 Geneva 1204 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 310 37 59 www.amstramgram.ch Tel : (+41) 022 418 30 00 Tel : (+41) 022 418 35 00 www.lepoche.ch www.geneveopera.com

TABLE 16 - MUSEUMS LIST

Ariana - Porcelain Conservatoire et Jardin Barbier Mueller - Ethnic art Baur Collection - Asian art 10, avenue de la Paix botanique 10, rue Calvin 8, rue Munier-Romilly 1202 Geneva Chemin de l’Impératrice 1 1204 Geneva 1206 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 418 54 50 1292 Chambésy Tel: (+41) 022 312 02 70 Tel: (+41) 022 704 32 82 www.afma.ch Tel. (+41) 022 418 51 00 www.barbier-mueller.com www.collections-baur.ch www.ville-ge.ch/cjb

Art & History Museum Natural History - Science Patek Philippe Museum Rath Paintings, greek and roman 1, route de Malagnou Watches Painting & Modern Art antiquities 1208 Geneva 7, Vieux-Grenadiers 1, place Neuve 2, rue Charles Galland Tel: (+41) 022 418 63 00 1205 Geneva 1204 Geneva 1204 Geneva www.ville-ge.ch/mhng Tel : (+41) 022 807 09 10 Tel: (+41) 022 418 33 40 Tel: (+41) 022 418 26 00 www.patekmuseum.com www.mah.ville-ge.ch

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CICR - International Red Petit Palais Mamco Cross Private Art Collection Modern & Contemporary Art 17, avenue de la Paix 2, Terrasse St-Victor 10, Vieux-Grenadiers 1202 Geneva 1206 Geneva 1205 Geneva Tel: (+41) 022 748 95 25 Tel : (+41) 022 346 14 33 Tel: (+41) 022 320 61 22 www.cicr.org www.mamco.ch

TABLE 17 - SPECIAL EVENTS LIST

January & February Antigel Festival www.antigel.ch

March International Motor Show (Palexpo) www.salon-auto.ch

Early April Jazz Festival - Cully (Vevey area) www.cullyjazz.ch

June Music Fest - in all cities & villages of the Lake Geneva Region Bol D’Or Regatta - Geneva www.boldor.ch Caribana Festival - Crans Céligny (Nyon area) www.caribana.ch Humour festival «Morges-sous-rire» - Morges www.morges-sous-rire.ch

July Lake Parade www.lakeparade.ch Paléo Festival (Nyon – Vaud) www.paleo.ch Montreux Jazz Festival (Montreux – Vaud) www.montreuxjazz.com

July & August Cinelac – open air cinema by the lake www.cinelac.ch

August Geneva Festival with fireworks www.fetesdegeneve.ch Swiss National Day Celebration (1st August)

September Bâtie Festival www.batie.ch

October Grape Harvesting Festival November Foire de Geneva (Palexpo) www.foiredegeneve.ch Festival Tous Ecrans www.tous-ecrans.com

December Fête de l’Escalade www.compagniede1602.ch

TABLE 18 - SPORTS PLACE LIST

Golf

Bonmont Château de Bonmont - 1275 Chéserex Tel: (+41) 022 369 99 00 www.bonmont.com

Club of Geneva 70, route de la Capite - 1223 Cologny Tel : (+41) 022 707 48 00 www.asg.ch

Country Club 47, route de Collex - 1293 Bellevue Tel : (+41) 022 959 79 00 www.countryclubgeneva.ch Geneva

Domaine de la 50, route de la Vieille-Bâtie Tel : (+41) 022 774 35 20 www.golf-vieille-batie.ch Vieille-Batie 1239 Collex-Bossy

Domaine Villa Prangins - 1196 Gland Tel : (+41) 022 999 06 00 www.golfdomaineimperial.com Impérial

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Golf - across the border

Domaine de Thermes - 01220 Divonne Les Bains Tel: (+33) 450 40 34 34 www.domaine-de-divonne.com Divonne

Golf d’Esery 74930 Esery Tel : (+33) 450 36 58 70 www.golf-club-esery.com

Golf Country Château de Crevin - 74160 Bossey Tel : (+33) 450 43 95 50 wwww.golfbossey.com Club

Golf de Gonville Route de Chênes - 01630 Saint-Jean-de- Tel : (+33) 450 56 40 92 www.golfgonville.com Gonville

Golf de Maison Creux de Naz - 01170 Echenevex Tel : (+33) 450 42 44 42 www.golfmaisonblanche.fr Blanche

TABLE 19 - ANIMALS - USEFUL ADDRESSES

Cats

Chatterie of Liberty Chatterie du Persan Mrs Champendal Mrs Dumas 30, chemin du Martinet 222, route de Thonon 1284 Chancy 1246 Corsier Tel : (+41) 022 756 16 60 Tel : (+41) 022 752 10 08 www.of-liberty.com

Dogs

Bois-Clair Chatterie of Liberty De la Malotte Pension du Rhône Family Verdan-Guichon Mrs Champendal Family Guiriani 18, route de Challex 3, chemin du Cusinand 30, chemin du Martinet 18, ch de la Malotte 1283 La Plaine 1285 Athénaz 1284 Chancy 1284 Chancy Tel : (+41) 022 754 12 00 Tel : (+41) 022 756 11 32 Tel : (+41) 022 756 16 60 Tel : (+41) 022 756 15 46 www.of-liberty.com

Stillwagon Bradley Don 51, ch de la Douane 1287 Laconnex Tel : (+41) 022 757 23 32 www.laconnex-beach.ch/ stillwagon

More information call L’Office Fédéral de l’Agriculture in Bern on Tel (+41) 031 322 25 11

Veterinarian

Urgences Vétérinaires for Cabinet de Villereuse Cabinet vétérinaire de Dr Pierre-Alain Baud small animals 7, rue de Villereuse Frontenex 42, rue Moillebeau Weekends and bank 1207 Geneva Dr Spycher & Chappuis 1209 Geneva holidays only Tel : (+41) 022 736 44 00 10, rue Viollier Tel : (+41) 022 734 96 94 Tel : (+41) 900 83 83 43 Monday-Friday 8am-7pm 1207 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 840 08 68

Dr Alain Guerene & Dr Wolfgang Uebersax 42, chemin des Tuileries 1293 Bellevue Tel : (+41) 022 774 25 25

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Pets’ Chemists

Pharmacie de la Prairie Pharmacie Du Progrès Pharmacie St-Léger 55 rue de la Servette Vet specialists 15 bd des Philosophes 1202 Geneva 12 place Grenus 1205 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 733 54 11 1202 Geneva Tel : (+41) 022 329 57 33 Tel : (+41) 022 732 53 20

Pet shops

Cats & Dogs Qualipet Various shops in Geneva 32, route de Veyrier www.catsanddogs-swiss.ch 1227 Carouge Tel : (+41) 022 823 11 55 www.qualipet.ch

TABLE 20 – THE PRICE OF ELECTRICITY

The following tables describe the average total annual amount of kWh billed depending on the type of accommodation and the number of persons living in it. These examples do not include the electricity used for heating.

Apartment block (no electrical water heater) - kWh per year

Apartment : 60m2 75m2 90m2 120m2

No electrical stove Nor washing machine or 1100 1350 1650 2050 tumble dryer

1350 1700 2100 2650

1300 1650 2100 2700

1550 2000 2550 3300

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Apartment block with electrical water heater - kWh per year

Apartment : 60m2 75m2 90m2 120m2

No electrical stove Nor washing machine or 2100 3350 4650 6050 tumble dryer

2350 3700 5100 6700

2300 3650 5100 6700

2550 4000 5550 7300

Individual house (no electrical water heater) - kWh per year

or or

Living area : 160m2

2500 3150

2900 3750

Individual house with electrical water heater - kWh per year

or or

Living area : 160m2

4500 7150

4900 7750

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TABLE 21 AND FURTHER – USEFUL GOOD-TO-KNOW TIPS SIZE CONVERTER

WOMEN’S CLOTHES

Continental 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52

UK 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26

USA 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

MEN’S SHIRTS

Continental 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46

UK / USA 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 -

MEN’S UNDERWEAR

Continental 5 6 7 8 9 10

UK 34 36 38 40 42 44

USA S M L XL 14 16 WOMEN’S SHOES

Continental 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

UK 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

USA 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 MEN’S SHOES

Continental 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

UK 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

USA 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

Continental 92 104 116 128 140 152

UK 16/18 20/22 24/26 28/30 32/34 36/38

USA 2 4 6 8 10 12 CHILDREN’S SHOES

Continental 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

UK / USA 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 13

Continental 33 34 35 36 37 38

UK / USA 1 2 2 3 4 5

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TEMPERATURE LENGTH

° Celsius °Fahrenheit UK / USA Metric Metric UK / USA freezing point of water 0 32 1 inch 2.54 cm 1 cm 0.39 in

5 41 1 foot 30.48 cm 1m 3ft 3.25 in Conversion: 10 50 1 yard 91.44 cm 1 km 0.62 mi * Celsius to Fahrenheit: 15 59 multiply by 9, divide by 5 1 mile 1.6 km 8 km 5 mi and add 32. 20 68 CAPACITY * Fahrenheit to Celsius: 25 77 subtract 32, multiply by 5 Imperial Metric Metric Imperial and divide by 9. 30 86 1.75 UK 1 UK pint 0.57 litre 1 litre pints 35 95 boiling point of water 2.13 US 1 US pint 0.47 litre 1 litre 40 104 pints

50 122 0.22 UK 1 UK gallon 4.54 litre 1 litre gallon 100 212 0.26 US 1 US gallon 3.78 litre 1 litre gallon

WEIGHT

Imperial Metric Metric Imperial

1 oz 28.35 g 1g 0.035oz

1 lb 454 g 100 g 3.5oz

1 cwt 50. 8kg 250 g 9oz

1 ton 1.016 kg 500 g 18oz

2.205 lb 1 tonne 1 kg 2.2lb

Public Bank Holidays

New Year (January 1st) National Day (August 1st)

Good Friday Fasting Genevois (2nd Thursday of September)

Easter Monday Christmas (December 25th)

Ascension Day Restoration of the Republic (December 31st)

Whit Monday

Integration Tips

Get involved in your Community House. It will improve your French and knowledge of your area.

• When greeting someone say: “Bonjour Monsieur X, Madame X or Mademoiselle X” and shake hands. • Announce your visit with a phone call. • If you have an appointment, do not be late. • The first time you are invited to someone’s house, bring a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or flowers (always in odd numbers). • Before eating, say “Bon appétit” meaning Enjoy your meal. • Before drinking, wait until your host says “A votre santé” meaning Cheers.

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Emergency & useful telephone numbers

Police 117 La Tour Hospital 022 719 61 11

Fire Brigade 118 SOS Keys 022 311 12 22

Ambulance & Cardiomobile 144 SIG customer care 0844 80 08 08

Road assistance 140 SIG emergencies 022 420 88 11

European emergency number 112 Speaking clock 161

Rega – Helicopter rescue 1414 Weather forecast 162

Poisoning 145 Traffic information 163

Veterinary emergency 0900 83 83 43 Automatic wake-up call 0900 77 hh mm

SOS Doctors 022 748 49 50 UBS Helpline 0800 888 601

Doctors “à domicile” 022 322 20 20 Flight information 0900 57 15 00

Cantonal Hospital 022 372 33 11 CFF/SBB Rail Service 0900 300 300

Paediatric Hospital 022 372 33 11 Lost and Found 022 327 60 00

“Doc in the City” 022 789 80 00

Useful Websites

General information about Switzerland www.myswitzerland.com - www.swissworld.org

General information about Geneva www.geneva.ch www.geneve-tourisme.ch www.ville-ge.ch www.lake-geneva-region.ch www.cagi.ch

Swiss telephone directories www.local.ch - www.zip.ch

National & International news www.swissnews.ch - www.swissinfo.org www.edicom.ch - www.tdg.ch - www.letemps.ch

Information for English-speakers living in Switzerland www.xpatxchange.ch - www.glocals.com www.expatica.ch

Currency converter www.xe.net

Swiss search engines in English www.swissguide.ch - www.search.ch

Children www.knowitall.ch - www.allforkids.ch www.kiddieclub.ch

Weather forecast www.meteosuisse.ch

Swiss telephone directories www.local.ch

Itinerary & Maps www.mappy.ch - www.maps.google.fr

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Rue Zurlinden 6 Rue de Bourg 20 CH -1207 Geneva CH -1003 Lausanne T  +41  22  707  61 50 T  +41  21  353 61 50

GENEVA - LAUSANNE - ZÜRICH - SWITZERLAND

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