La Brochure di Vaud

There is no uniformed federal police force, since law and order is the responsibility of each Canton. Besides the Cantonal police, Switzerland also has individual city and town police squads and non- uniformed federal police. The Swiss are generally law-abiding. You do not often see policemen on 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 minor incivilities is on the increase and there is a focus on cracking down the large number of illegal immigrant workers, which means that you can be stopped at any time in the street and asked to show your passport, residency permit or identity card.

2.2. Crime

Compared to other European countries, Switzerland has a low crime rate, although it has increased in the last decade, particularly damage to property. Violent crimes are relatively rare. In the recent years, there has been a rise in bicycle theft; you are advised not to leave them unlocked. In the summer, gangs of burglars tend to flock to Switzerland from Eastern Europe, so it is a good idea to hide and lock-up valuables when absent from home. A safety-deposit box can easily be secured, on a rental basis, in any bank. In Zurich, Geneva and Basel – as in big cities everywhere - there are pickpockets. Be careful when shopping in supermarkets or in any crowded place!

2.3. Immigration

For nationals from non-European Union (EU)/ European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the Swiss immigration process is fairly complex and decentralized. Each Swiss canton has a certain amount of autonomy over immigration into its canton.

2.3.1. Non EU/EFTA nationals working in

Switzerland A work authorization, visa and residence permit are required in Switzerland. A complete work and residence permit application together with documentary evidence and arguments must be lodged with the appropriate cantonal immigration authority. Once this application is approved, a Swiss «entry guarantee» is issued. With the «entry guarantee», a visa can be collected at the Swiss diplomatic post in the applicant’s home country or other country of legal residence. Upon entry into Switzerland, the applicant must register with the cantonal immigration authorities to be issued the final Swiss work and residence permit. Processing times for work and residence permits vary depending on the canton, but between eight to twelve weeks is generally the average in a new hire situation. Swiss entry visas are normally issued in less than a week.

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

2.3.3. Registration at “Contrôle des

Habitants” Within fourteen days of your arrival in Switzerland, you must present yourself at the Residence Control Department (Contrôle des Habitants) of your commune of residence to announce your arrival. The following documents must be present:

• 3-passport size photographs

• Passport or ID card

• Lease contract signed by all parties

• Work contract

• Family record book or birth certificate if single

wedding/divorce certificate and children’ birth certificates for family Administrative offices in the main cities of Lake Geneva area

Utilities cover electricity, gas, heating and water. Charges for their use will depend upon your consumption. If renting a house, the utilities are never included in the rent. In the case of an apartment, a provision for heating and hot water is often included in the rent. These charges are calculated by the real estate agency and at the end of the year, the estate agency establishes the actual usage (from meter readings) and either will ask for more money or reimburse the difference if you have paid too much. Electricity and gas are always billed independently by the supplier. Before connecting your electrical appliances, check that the voltage is 220 volt. If not, you will need to buy a transformer to convert the voltage to 220 volt. It is also likely that the plugs will not be the same as the ones in your country. In this case, you will need to replace the plugs or buy adapters, which are very expensive. Depending on your electrical appliances and predicted length of stay, we recommend you buy new ones in Switzerland. Utilities are managed by different companies depending on your location.

4.2. Telephone & Internet &

Television Once applied for, this can usually be installed within a few days. Should the premises be new or have been empty for a long time, an electrician will have to be contacted to reactivate the phone line. This will be at the entering tenant’s expense. Swisscom is the main Swiss provider. Depending where you live, the local utilities company provides connection for telephone, internet and television. Welcome Service will provide you with up-to-date information once you have secured a home. More information on www.swisscom.ch or www.allo.ch or www.comparis.ch.

4.3. Cable TV

City apartments are already connected to cable TV enabling you to receive approximately thirty channels with the standard subscription - more channels are available. Sometimes the monthly subscription is included in the monthly rent. Should this not be the case and, if you wish, Welcome Service will take the necessary steps for you. Monthly subscription is between Chf 25.- and Chf 45.-, these bills are sent every three, six months or once a year. More information on www.upc-cablecom.ch. Radio/TV/Satellite outlet Optic fiber outlet Radio 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) TV Satellite 4. Connections.4. Mobile Phones The main mobile phone operators in Switzerland are Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise. Swisscom is slightly more expensive but has one of the best quality networks. Various types of subscriptions are available with these providers depending on your frequency and type of use. Normally one must wait to have received the residence permit to be able to subscribe to a mobile phone. However through Swisscom, we can order this for you even without a permit. More information on www.swisscom.ch or www.salt.ch or www.sunrise.ch. Making a telephone call

• In Vaud : dial the number with area code 021

• In other cantons : dial the number with area

code (refer to the list in ) Swiss area codes

• To Switzerland : dial country code (+41) + area

code without 0

• To foreign country : dial country code + area

code Main country codes

4.5. Satellite

Depending on where you live, you can install a satellite dish on your balcony or on your roof but you are required to get a prior written authorisation from your real estate agency.

4.6. SERAFE (Radio / TV Tax)

It is a legal requirement for all Swiss residents to pay this tax if you have access to TV and/or radio programmes, and you are risking high fines if you choose not to (up to Chf 5’000.-). Should you not own a TV receiver; you will not have to pay the TV tax. However, Serafe will expect you to pay a radio tax if you have a radio in your car and if you can get radio programmes via ADSL with a computer equipped with loudspeakers. More information on www.serafe.ch Radio Frequencies

Customs Clearance

• A car can be imported into Switzerland free of

tax if you have owned it for at least six months before moving to Switzerland, and you are 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 paid:

- 4% of the value of the car

- 7,7% of VAT

- 12 to 15 centimes per kilo (except for

holders of a European conformity certificate)

- administrative fees

• It is preferable to have the removal company

deal with the car importation, or at least go through the same border post as the rest of your effects. If that is not possible, the car can be cleared later.

• When clearing the customs at the border, you

will need the following documents:

- 18.44 Form – the official form listing your

personal belongings brought to Switzerland, including your car

- Your Swiss resident permit or your

Autorisation de Séjour

- The foreign car registration papers (called

the carte grise or grey card in Switzerland)

- Photocopy of the lease contract

- For vehicles with German plates: the

Kraftfahrzeugbrief & for vehicles from Italy: Foglio complementare

• 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).

• Additional information available at Head

Customs Office – Direction des Douanes Avenue Louis-Casaï 84 – 1211 Genève Tel: (+41) 058 469 72 72 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30. Call opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. More information : www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo privat/04392/04393/04394/index.html?lang=en Registration

• Although you are allowed to drive your car in

Switzerland for a maximum of one year with foreign registration plates, we advise you to make an early appointment with the garage or dealership representing your brand of car and get them to prepare your car for the mandatory control and exhaust emission tests requested by the canton’s vehicle registration office. It is also recommended that the garage handles the registration of your car. This service will be charged by the garage directly and you will receive a bill.

• The following papers will be requested :

- 13.20A form delivered and stamped by

Swiss Customs

- 18.44 form

- Original foreign car registration papers

(carte grise)

- Valid Swiss insurance policy

- Original EC certificate of conformity or

duplicate in French, German, Italian or English.

- Swiss residence permit

- Car service handbook showing technical

motor specifications

- The service record book of emission

control system (if necessary)

- Registration application form (Form 211)

- Form 1737f

If you are not a European Resident, we strongly recommend you not to import your car into Switzerland

• Swiss residence permit

• Two colour passport photographs (please

indicate first and family name on the back of them)

• Eye test – to be obtained from an authorized

optician in Geneva

• Original identification document

• Proof of payment

A driving license delivered by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great-Britain, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden will be sent back to the motoring administration of the country of origin. A driving license delivered by Andorra, Canada, Croatia, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea and the USA will 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).

6.3. Driving in Switzerland

There are road rules and signs that you must know; the general ones are contained in the Handbook of Swiss Traffic Regulations, published in French, German, Italian, English and Spanish. We strongly recommend you to read it. Here are some general indications:

• You can drive a car from the age of 18

• The Swiss drive on the right-hand side of the

road

• It is compulsory for seat belts to be fastened in

both the front and back seats

• Children under the age of 12 must be seated

at the back. They can only ride in the front passenger seat if it is impossible for them to sit at the back

• Bus, taxi and cycle lanes are yellow and must be

left clear by other drivers

• Drivers on a roundabout have priority over

those entering it i.e. give way to the left

• At a stop or give way sign, priority is given to

traffic coming from the right CO2 emission regulations for passenger vehicles

• The Confederation is aiming to reduce average

CO2 emissions in the case of new passenger vehicles. From 1 July 2012, a fine (sanction) will thus have to be paid when new passenger vehicles are registered for the first time if they do not reach a specific target value (on average 107 g of CO2 per km). This sanction will not, however, be imposed at the import customs clearance but will be imposed subsequently by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Therefore, when importing a new passenger vehicle for personal use, please take into account that a sanction tax may be incurred in addition to the customs clearance costs if the target value is not achieved. More detailed information can be found at the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) link below, where answers to other questions on this topic can also be found.

• Please note that your car cannot be registered in

Switzerland before you are in possession of your Swiss residence permit. Therefore you should ask a two to three month extension of your current insurance policy to cover you in Switzerland.

• You are allowed to use your own car (registered

under your name) in Switzerland for up to 1 year (from your official entry date) as long as your foreign insurance covers you here with unlimited validity despite your move.

6.2. Driving License

Your foreign driving license is valid in Switzerland for 12 month but we advise you to change it immediately upon arrival in Switzerland. Should you fail to apply during your first year, you are not allowed to drive after this period until you have passed a Swiss driving test. To obtain a Swiss driving license, the following documents must be submitted:

• Application form completed (Demande d’un

permis de conduire sur la base d’un permis de conduire étranger pour la catégorie X)

• Foreign driving license - please make sure that

the date you have first passed your driver’s license is stated on your license. If this is not the case, you will need a certificate from the administration which issued your foreign driver’s license, with this date clearly indicated on it.

• 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. Vehicle’s tires In Switzerland, there is no legal requirement that a vehicle must be fitted with winter tires in winter. However, the driver is obliged to drive in a safe and reliable vehicle and must always be able to maintain control of the vehicle in any situation. In winter conditions, driving with summer tires, does not fulfil this obligation and is therefore punishable. If, in the event of an accident, the driver is held liable because his vehicle was not properly equipped for winter use, his insurance may reduce his benefits or even claim against him for negligence. Laws governing the use of winter tires in Europe vary from country to another and sometimes even from region to region. If you are planning to travel with your car, we highly recommend that you check the country’s regulation beforehand.

6.4. Vehicle Registration Office

Service des Automobiles et de la NavigationMore information: www.vd.ch/themes/mobilite/automobile/

6.5. Buying a car in

Switzerland All cars must be insured. If your car has Swiss In order to buy a car in Switzerland, one must have a permit as well as a Swiss driving license. New cars - All new cars must be fitted with a catalytic converter. In most cases, cars are bought by leasehold. Some dealers grant a discount of approximately 10%. Used cars - Second-hand cars are usually in very good condition, well-maintained and available with interesting options. Garages often offer a one year guarantee; however, you should be cautious when buying from a private individual. If you are a member of TCS (Touring Club Suisse), you can ask for one of their agents to come and give the car a once over. Welcome Service can provide you with a list of new or second-hand car dealers depending on what kind of car you want to buy but you can also look at the classified ads section in the local newspapers. Autociel If you need a car while you are relocated in Switzerland, Autociel will help you find the best deals. They help you find new cars, second hand cars or even import or sell your car. It has rapidly become the leading car dealer for expatriates in the French speaking part of Switzerland. 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.

6.7. Parking

Parking is limited, difficult, and often pricey in Lausanne, the following options are available: Public Indoor Parking Expensive but you can park your car for as long as you wish. You pay when exiting, with coins or notes, often credit cards are accepted. Depending on where you live and on how long you stay, it is possible to apply for a monthly subscription which could be less expensive. White Zones Parking spaces located in white zones allow you to park thirty minutes, one hour or one hour and thirty minutes, depending on the area. To be sure look for the white road signs with blue P, the maximum parking time will be indicated on them. The parking meter accepts coins and do not forget to put the ticket under the windshield, if required. Blue Zones A blue zone disk is required to park in a blue zone area from 08:00 to 19:00. The disk gives the right to park for up to an hour without payment. In Lausanne centre, a system of Macaron (sticker) has been set up allowing residents to park without time limit in their district. The Macaron which you buy at the Police Station, is valid for 12 months. Park & Ride These facilities, combining parking and bus ticket, are located in Lausanne neighbourhoods near major bus lines. You park your car and then you take the bus to go downtown. Daily cost is Sfr 10.- and monthly cost is Sfr 98.-, parking and bus ticket included. Recommendation: Be careful where and how long you park your car for because there are a lot of traffic wardens giving fines at any time of day and night.

6.8. Mobility Car Sharing

Mobility car sharing Switzerland provide a choice of 2650 vehicles around the clock, on a self-service basis to do what you need to do without owning a car. You pick the car up at a station and use it for as long as you need and when you are finished, you return the vehicle in a station (same or different). Period of use : the shortest period of use is one hour. The maximum period you can use a mobility car is usually 16 days. Reservation options : with no reservation fee: Internet: www.mobility.ch or Mobile reservation www.m.mobility.ch. With reservation fee: -24/24 service center on 0848 824 812 Choice of station : with 1’380 mobility stations throughout Switzerland there is almost certainly a mobility car near you. Check on https://www. mobility.ch/en/clients-prives/ Pets : pets can also be transported in a Mobility car. Please make sure that they are either inside a suitable container or on a blanket, which you must provide. Parking : if a dedicated Mobility parking space is already occupied, use an authorized parking space within sight of the usual station and inform the 24h Service Center immediately on 0848 824 812. Mobility stations other than the starting station are not to be used as a parking space. Driving abroad: if you wish to drive the vehicle abroad, contact the 24h Service Center on 0848 824 812 to obtain an authorization. Fuel costs will be reimbursed against receipts, at the rates currently applicable in Switzerland. Special insurance cover such as European accident and breakdown cover is to be taken out at your own cost. As a general rule journey abroad are permitted only in the countries covered by the insurance. A current list of those countries can be found in the General Terms and Conditions. The general insurance does not cover the following list of countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Russia. A mobile app is available: Mobility car More information and online reservation : www.mobility.ch

8.1. Hospitals

In the Canton of Vaud, the largest public hospital called Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) is located in the North of Lausanne. Lausanne has several public, semi-private hospitals and private clinics. But Nyon, Morges, Vevey and Montreux also have their own public hospital or private clinics. Hospital, Private clinics, Medical emergencies and Dental clinicsThe choice of hospital depends on your health insurance cover and on the hospital accommodation. If you are covered by the basic health insurance, you will stay in a general ward with two to four beds, while a half private insurance gives you access to a two-bed ward and a private to a room for your own.

8.2. Doctors

You have the freedom of choosing your own doctor. You should make an appointment before visiting the doctor. The invoice will be sent to you directly at home and it must be paid within 30 days. Send a copy of the invoice to your health insurance so that they can reimburse you for the consultation. Normally you will recover 90% of the cost but it could be less according to the type of doctor. For additional addresses, please check the telephone directory under the column “Médecins”. There are several websites that allows you to consult a doctor online: www.soignez-moi.ch, www. medgate.ch, www.medi24.ch

8.3. Chemists

List of chemists

The Swiss currency is divided in francs and centimes. Bank notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1’000 Swiss Francs. Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes & 1, 2, 5 francs Normal bank opening hours are from between 08:00 or 08:30 and 16:30 or 17:00 Monday to Friday. If you need cash, you can use your bank card to withdraw money from an automatic cash machine at any time, day or night, including outside of bank opening times.

10.2. Opening a bank account

One of the first things you need to do when you arrive in Switzerland is to open a salary or personal bank account. The account may be opened in your name or as a joint account with your spouse. Normally, your salary will be paid directly into your bank account. To open the account, you will be requested to provide a copy of your passport and of your work contract. For US people (holding a green card), you cannot open your account until you have a legal address in Switzerland. Some 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 an EC-Card which will give you 24h access to ATM machines. Please note that EC-Card is a debit card, not a credit card. Most petrol stations, stores, etc. are equipped with the EC-Direct system for payment.

10.3. Bank listing

The two major Swiss banks are:

• UBS – United Bank of Switzerland

More information on www.ubs.ch Click on UBS locations to find out the closest office to you.

• CS – Credit Suisse Bank

More information on www.credit-suisse.ch Click on Where to find us to find out the closest office to you. You may prefer to find a smaller regional, cantonal, private or foreign bank. In Vaud, the cantonal bank is called Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. You will find many offices even in small villages.

• BCV – Banque Cantonale Vaudoise

More information on www.bcv.ch

10.4. Payment orders

Standing orders can be set up with your bank in order to pay regular bills (i.e. monthly rent of your accommodation). Payment orders can also be made by enclosing pre-printed giro payment forms and the total amount, with your instructions to the bank. You can also pay bills electronically since all Swiss banks have e-banking systems.

10.5. E-banking

In Switzerland, E-banking is a common way to manage your bank account: it allows you to pay your invoices, to find out quickly the balance of your accounts, securities positions in your custody account and obtain a consolidated overview of your assets (on request). You can also look up the details 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. The Swiss Postal Service is La Poste in French. La Poste offices offer two services (postal services and payments), both available at all counters. However, make sure you stand in the relevant queue to save yourself the frustration of waiting for nothing. Banking and financial transactions At the Versements counter: 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 small portion is for you to keep as proof of payment, make sure that the clerk has stamped your receipt. Other Services At the Timbres/Colis/Envois Express counter:

• Send letters, packages, faxes and telegrams

• Collect registered mail, packages, etc.

• Buy stamps and telephone tax cards

• Make telephone calls

• Buy Swiss motorway obligatory sticker (Chf 40.-)

• Make photocopies

You have the choice between fast (A-grade mail or Prioritaire) and regular (B-grade mail) delivery service. A-grade mail is more expensive but it takes only one working day for delivery anywhere in Switzerland and approximately two to three days in Europe. B-grade mail takes two to three working days. If you would like to dispatch a consignment with important or valuable contents, the best solution is 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 the address is a P.O box. If the person is away during the delivery, he is notified with a yellow paper from the post office called “invitation à retirer un envoi” meaning there is a 7-day holding period at the closest post office. Opening hours: Monday-Friday: from 07:30 to 18:00 – most small branches are closed at lunch time from 12:00 to 13:45 Saturday: from 09:00 to 11:00 More information on www.poste.ch or (+41) 0848 888 888

11.1. Import: Custom/VAT

All goods arriving in Switzerland from abroad are basically liable to duties (Customs Duty and Import VAT) and must be declared to Swiss Customs for taxation. Courier or postal consignments are declared by the carrier (i.e. DHL, UPS, Swiss Post, etc.) on your behalf. Once the carrier has completed the customs declaration, the amount of any tax and/ or duty payable are worked out. Any charges due are billed to the recipient. Customs duty Duty is calculated on the gross weight of the postal item. Duty rates are usually less than CHF 1.- per kilogramme. However, alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, food and textiles are subject to higher duty rates. Value added tax (VAT) VAT is calculated on the amount which the importer has to pay and the additional costs up to the destination (transport costs and postal charges) as well as import duties and fees (e.g. examination fee). If the goods are not imported as a result of a sale, VAT is calculated on the market value and additional costs up to the destination, i.e. the amount which a purchaser would have to pay for the imported items. VAT is determined on the basis of the declaration provided by the foreign sender, who has to provide evidence of the value of the goods by enclosing a copy of the invoice or another proof of value (internet print-out, contract of sale etc.). If no value is declared, the customs office will set the tax base ex officio. The same applies if the accuracy of the declaration is in doubt; in that case, a higher import fee should be expected. Values expressed in a foreign currency are calculated by the customs office on the basis of the exchange rate (selling rate) applicable on the last stock exchange trading day prior to customs clearance. The current VAT rate is 7,7% (standard rate).

11.2. Rapid Delivery Service

Rapid delivery services

11.3. Cycle Delivery Service

If you want same day delivery of a letter or a packet in Vaud area, you can contact the cycle couriers. The price depends on the time and zone of delivery Vélocité - Lausanne Tel (+41) 21 624 24 84 - www.velocite.ch/fr

12.1.1. Supermarkets

The supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday. In the morning, they open between 8:00 and 9:00 and they close around 18:30 except on Saturday where they close at 18:00. They are open during lunch time. The two main supermarkets in Switzerland are Migros and Coop. Where there is a Migros, a Coop is not far away!

• Migros – www.migros.ch – You can recognize

a Migros as there is always an “M”, coloured in orange and green. Migros sells food but they also have opened shops in which they sell electronic appliances, clothes, sports accessories but alcohol and tobacco are forbidden. In every city, such as Nyon, Morges, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux you will find one or several Migros. Most big villages also have a Migros but it’s sometimes smaller.

• Coop – www.coop.ch – Principal competitor of

Migros. The main difference between the two is that at Coop you can find different brands. Coop offers its own small product range but most of the products are from big brands such as Kellogg’s, Findus, etc. In addition, contrary to Migros, Coop sells alcohol, tobacco, and newspapers/magazines. Coop is a little more expensive than Migros. You will be able to find imported products in the larger Coop stores. Other supermarkets:

• Manor in Geneva, Chavannes-de-Bogis (close

to Nyon), Morges, Lausanne, Vevey – www. manor.ch – Very good food quality but a bit expensive.

• Globus in Lausanne – www.globus.ch – The

food section is more a delicatessen than a supermarket of very good quality. You can also find specialised imported products.

• Denner in several cities of Canton of Vaud –

www.denner.ch – Fresh products are not of the best quality but it is very interesting for cigarettes, wines, beers and spirits.

• Aligro in Geneva and Chavannes-Près-Renens

– www.aligro.ch – Wholesale supermarket. Very attractive when you have a big family or when you organize big dinner parties.

• LeShop.ch – www.leshop.ch – Online

supermarket. The service offers you 12’000 Migros products, delivered at your home. Shops are closed on Sunday, but you will find small local grocery stores called épiceries or dépanneurs that remain open for a few hours on Sunday. You can also drive to the Geneva Airport and Geneva train station where you will find a Migros that is open from 8:00 to 20:00, 7 days a week, all year, as well as other stores. At the Lausanne train station a Coop is open on Sunday from 5:30 to 00:00. You can ofetn find essentials goods in the gas stations.

12.1.2. Shopping in France

A lot of people shop for food in France as it is cheaper than in Switzerland, especially meat, fish, milk, butter and cheese products. Some supermarkets are open on Sunday morning until 12:00. The total value of duty-free goods allowed across the border is Sfr 300.- per person. If you bring back goods in large quantities above what is authorized, you’ll have to pay a tax and leave goods at the border. Some duty-free allowances per person and per day:

• Alcohol <15% 2 lit

• Alcohol >15% 1 lit

• Butter/cream 1 kg/lit

• Cereals 20 kg

• Eggs 2.5 kg

• Fish 20 kg

• Fruit 20 kg

• Juice 3 lit

• Meat 0.5 kg

• Milk/cheese 5 lit/kg

• Oil 4 lit/kg

• Potato products 2.5 kg

• Poultry 3.5 kg

• Vegetables 20 kg

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

12.2. Store opening hours

Week days 08:00 or 09:00 – 18:30 or 19:00 Saturday 08:00 or 09:00 – 17:00 or 18:00 Sunday Closed 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

16.1.1. General information

Dogs, cats and ferrets are deemed to be pets if a total of not more than 5 animals are imported from third countries and they

- are kept in the household out of interest in the

animals or as household companions;

- accompany their owners (or another person on

behalf of the owner);

- are not intended to be to be sold or transferred

to another owner. More specific information about importing your cats, dogs or ferret can be found at http://blv.bytix.com/plus/dbr/default.aspx?lang=en An animal health permit is required for importing dogs, cats and ferrets from third countries if they are entering Switzerland via a Swiss airport from a “rabies risk country”. This requirement for a permit does not apply to animals entering Switzerland in transit through the EU by road or rail. The animals are controlled when they enter the EU according to EU regulations. The Swiss border customs authorities make spot-check controls occasionally. With a few exceptions, it is forbidden to import and re-import dogs with docked ears and/or a cropped tail.

16.1.2. Identification

Dogs, cats and ferrets must be correctly identified with a microchip. The microchip must comply with ISO Standard 11784 and must be readable by a reading device compatible with ISO Standard 11785. Therefore, make sure your animal is fitted with a so-called “Euro-chip”, which only contains digits as identification code and no asterisks (*). If a dog is definitively imported into Switzerland, it must be taken to a veterinarian within the first 10 days of entering the country: all dogs kept in Switzerland must be registered in a database by a veterinarian.

16.1.3. Countries of origin and rabies risks

Dogs, cats and ferrets may in principle be imported as “pets” from any third country. Requirements for rabies vaccinations, laboratory tests and waiting periods vary depending on the risk of dogs, cats or ferrets becoming infected with urban rabies in the country of origin. On www.blv.admin.ch and http://www.pettravel. com/immigration/Switzerland.cfm more information can be found on the general import rules. Please be aware difference is made between EU countries and ‘third countries’.

16.1.4. Import documents - Veterinary

certificate, confirmation, pet ID A veterinary certificate is needed to enter Switzerland from third countries accompanied by dogs, cats or ferrets as pets. This must be issued by the official veterinarian responsible in the country of origin. A sample certificate can be found at www.blv. admin.ch > Bringing pets to Switzerland > Dogs, cats, ferrets from third countries. Dogs and cats aged less than 3-month old not accompanied by their mother from countries at low risk for rabies must in addition be brought in with a veterinary confirmation; ask your veterinarian for more information. No pups aged less than 3-month old may be imported from rabies risk countries. There is also no exemption permit as there is with imports from the EU. For the re-importing of Swiss animals, the Swiss pet passport is sufficient if all import regulations are met and entered in this passport. Rex Handling (http://www.avihandling.com/) can assist you when travelling with pets (or when pets travel by themselves).

16.2. Adopting animals

Adoption is possible but cats/dogs belong to SPA. Accordingly, it is not possible to leave the country with adopted cats/dogs. If you wish to acquire a dog or cat in the Geneva area or if you find an abandoned animal, call: SPA – Société Protectrice des Animaux Route de Berne 318 – 1000 Lausanne Tel: (+41) 021 784 80 00 www.svpa.ch The SPA (RSPCA) is open to the public: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00 non-stop. There is a large selection of animals available for adoption.

16.3. Kennels

Look in the telephone book under “Animaux, Pension pour” or consult the list at the Service de la consommation et des affaires vétérinaires – Affaires Vétérinaires, Chemin des Boveresses 155 – 1066 Epalinge – Tel: (+41) 021 316 38 70 – www.blv.admin.ch. You can also consult Le Chien Magazine edited once a month – Tel: (+41) 022 595 19 00 – www.lechien.ch or ask your veterinarian.

16.3.1. Lost dogs and cats

Lost dogs are first taken to the local police station. If the owner cannot be traced, the dog is then taken to the dog pound, Fourrière Cantonale – Refuge Ste Catherine, Route de Berne 318 – 1000 Lausanne Tel: (+41) 021 784 80 00 – same address as the SVPA. If unclaimed, the dog is kept until adoption. The SPA will charge claimants a small fee for maintenance and anyone adopting an animal must assume this fee. Same procedure for cats.

16.3.2. Veterinarians

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”. For more information call L’Office Fédéral de l’Agriculture in Bern on phone (+41) 058 462 25 11 Should you need any further specific information, please do not hesitate in contacting Welcome Service info@welcome-service.ch

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