Living in Switzerland

Allegra! Have you ever heard a sentence in Romansh? In our newest episode, you’ll get to hear several, spoken by the Romansh news anchor Livio Chistell. You’ll get to find out more about: Where this language comes from Where it’s spoken What it’s like to grow up and work in a Romansh-speaking area How you can discover more about the language And of course, what it sounds like. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Federal tax, cantonal tax, municipal tax, and church tax... If you're planning to live in Switzerland or you’ve just arrived, you may be bewildered by the many different types of taxes in Switzerland. You’ll need to learn about: -              What types of taxes you will pay. -              How they will be paid. -              What deadlines you need to observe. -              How to reduce your tax bill. -              How to avoid double taxation, especially if you worked in your home country for part of the year. In this episode, tax expert Martin Beiner explains the different types of taxes in Switzerland and how to best manage them as an expat. To watch the video version of this episode, visit our YouTube channel using the link below: It’s Tax Time: Taxes in Switzerland with Martin Beiner If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Schwingen, Steinstossen, Hornussen... Switzerland is home to several unique sports. Hornussen is one of the most popular, known for the small ‘nouss’ that looks like a hockey puck and the ‘schindel’, the wooden paddle reminiscent of a pizzaiolo’s shovel. The sport contains elements of golf and baseball and is mainly played in the Bern and Solothurn region. In this episode, Sandra Widmer from the Swiss Hornussen Association explains hornussen’s origins, rules, and why it’s a great activity to get involved with for both for locals and for expats. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Political parties, interest groups, and even individual citizens can change the Swiss constitution via popular initiatives. But the process can be complex to understand and initiate. To launch an initiative, you must rewrite the relevant section(s) of the constitution, put together a committee, liaise with the Federal Chancellery, and of course, collect 100,000 valid signatures within 18 months. In this episode, Bitcoin educator Yves Bennaïm returns to speak to us about the Bitcoin Initiative, which is currently in the signature-collection phase, and what the process has been like so far. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Swiss citizens have the right to vote on a wide range of issues multiple times a year. Therefore, staying informed about politics in Switzerland is important for anyone living in Switzerland. In 2025 and 2026, there’s a lot going on: ·      The government is debating a new agreement with the EU ·      Around 60 cost-cutting measures have been proposed ·      Residents might get to vote on several popular initiatives ·      Swiss industries are struggling, and protectionism is being debated. Katy Romy has been working as a journalist at Swissinfo since 2015. She works as a correspondent at the Federal Palace and covers politics for the Swiss abroad. In this episode, she discusses the media, industries, and politics in Switzerland. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Around 11% of Swiss residents hold cryptocurrencies. Despite this, there’s still a lot of confusion about Bitcoin in Switzerland. Many people don’t fully understand: How the technology works What the benefits are How to manage the risks and volatility of Bitcoin How to buy and store Bitcoin Yves has been studying and teaching about Bitcoin for many years. He explains what it is and why it’s important, not just in Switzerland, but around the world. He also discusses where and how you can buy Bitcoin in Switzerland. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Switzerland offers expats amazing quality of life, a beautiful landscape, and a warm welcome. Despite this, many people encounter challenges. They might: Find it difficult to settle in: find a home, take out insurance, understand Swiss finances, etc. Struggle if one partner is not able to work or speak the local language. Worry about how their kids are settling in.  Struggle to succeed in a new work environment.  Having gone through the process of relocating to Switzerland himself, Esteban can help with all these issues. In this episode, he talks about both the practical aspects of moving to Switzerland and the cultural nuances that help you find a network and feel at home more quickly. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Although many people in Switzerland have a high income, most of them aren’t making the most of their finances. They are so-called HENRYS: High earners, not rich yet. They often:  Inflate their lifestyle to fit their salary Forget that some bills are more unpredictable in Switzerland than in other countries Take out too much insurance Lose a lot of money on high banking and investment fees Eric has created Schwiizerfranke, a blog containing countless guides and financial product comparisons to help you avoid all these traps. In this episode, he talks about setting up your finances, taking out the right amount of insurance, investing in Switzerland, and more. If you're interested in finding out more you can read Eric's blog by visiting https://www.schwiizerfranke.com If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Many expats struggle with dating in Switzerland. But the process doesn’t have to be difficult or painful. If you’re a successful professional living in Switzerland, you might:  Feel that you’re too busy to date Avoid dating because you think you’ll move away again Worry about interacting with locals due to language and cultural barriers But many Swiss residents are open to dating expats, and they may even be happy to move to another country in the future. In this episode, Kelly Brändli from Sinaps talks about Swiss dating etiquette, how expats can connect with locals, and how to build lasting romantic relationships in Switzerland. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

Dating in Switzerland can be confusing, especially for new expats. But there are plenty of singles looking to settle down. You just need to know where to find them. You might encounter various roadblocks when dating in Switzerland: ·      Finding people to date ·      Confidently approaching locals ·      Cultural differences ·      Understanding local dating faux pas In this episode, Trea Tijmens from SuccessMatch helps you understand where to find like-minded people in Switzerland, how to approach them, what to keep in mind during the first date, and how to follow up. If you liked the episode, share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

We speak to Daniel Shalom, the founder of Rigby AG, about the role of staffing companies in the Swiss job market and how recruiters can help expats find a suitable role. Daniel describes the difference between contracts, projects, and permanent placements. Then, he talks about the reasons why so many businesses work with a recruitment company and how the process works. In the final part of the episode, he explains why candidates, especially those from outside of Switzerland, should consider working with a recruiter and what they can expect from the experience. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

We speak to Pragati Siddhanti, the founder of the popular blog My Swiss Story, about how expats can get set up and build a successful career in Switzerland. Pragati shares how she came to Switzerland over eight years ago and has since worked as a technology leader in large, international companies, set up her blog and community, and become a guest lecturer at a Swiss university. In the first part of the episode, she takes us through the practical steps of getting set up in Switzerland, like getting a permit, housing, and health insurance. Later, we discuss how to find a job and set up a side business or project. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

We speak to Lisa Arnet from the Swiss Tourism Federation about sustainable tourism in Switzerland. The classification “Swisstainable” was created around three years ago. While it stated with only a few service providers, over 2,000 businesses and multiple destinations are involved today. Lisa explains the three dimensions of sustainability, how the classification works, and some of the measures businesses are taking. We also discuss what residents and tourists can do to make their trips within Switzerland more sustainable. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.   The Swiss Tourism Federation is taking measures to make travel more ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable. If you’re a resident looking to travel around the country or you’re visiting Switzerland as a tourist, there’s a lot you can do to support this mission: Support Swisstainable destinations: When selecting accommodation, restaurants, and activities, look for the green Swisstainable logo. Classified businesses are actively working towards becoming more sustainable. Use public transport: The Swiss public transport system is green and efficient. Most destinations can be reached by train, bus, or boat. Using public transport is sustainable but also pleasant, as you can sit back and enjoy the view. Use slow transport: Hike or cycle from one place to the next. This is a great way to experience Switzerland, and it’s very sustainable. Most towns and some destinations offer bike rentals. Stay longer: Instead of rushing to see everything Switzerland has to offer, stay in one place for longer. This allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and get a true feel for the area. Recycle: You’ll find bins with various recycling options in most Swiss train stations. Many large supermarkets also have recycling stations. Make sure you recycle as much of your rubbish as possible. Share your sustainable adventure: Use #Swisstainable to tag your photos and videos on social media. The more people know about Swisstainable, the bigger its impact.

We speak to four women from the Zurich International Women’s Association about social groups and expat life in Switzerland. Karin, Martha, Debbie, and Carolina offer diverse perspectives on finding a social network. They speak about topics such as how to approach your neighbours, what you can do to meet others in your community, and how to juggle work, having a family, and leisure time. We also discuss the importance of joining social groups like ZIWA and what to look for in a group. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

We speak to Carolyn Schönafinger from Holidays to Switzerland about travelling around Switzerland. Carolyn has been visiting Switzerland for over 30 years and runs her own travel podcast. She tells us about four famous places (Lucerne, the Berner Oberland, Zermatt, and Montreux) as well as several destinations off the beaten track. We also talk about the different seasons, the best times to travel, and ways to save money while visiting Switzerland. No matter if you’re a first-time visitor or already living in Switzerland, you’re sure to learn something new. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland. You can visit Switzerland year-round. It’s a great destination for winter and summer sports, but those two seasons tend to be busy. If you want a quieter experience, consider travelling in May and October. Some popular destinations: Lucerne: This city is conveniently located in the heart of Switzerland, and it features historic sights like the Chapel Bridge. You can access mountains like Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi easily from Lucerne. The Berner Oberland: You’re in the heart of the Bernese Alps here. There are lots of traditional chalet-style buildings, and you can see the famous Jungfraujoch. Zermatt: This town is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, so it’s a spectacular destination. There are also lots of historic chalets. Montreux: This French-speaking town has a different, more Mediterranean vibe. It’s located on Lake Geneva and has a famous promenade. From Montreux, you can visit the Chillon castle and several other towns. Some lesser-known places to visit: Schaffhausen: A lot of tourists visit the Rhine Falls, but many of them don’t take a closer look at the nearby town, which features beautiful old buildings. There is also a fortress you can visit. Lake Constance: This lake borders three countries, so you can take a boat from Switzerland to Germany. Appenzell: A very rural area, where you can still find traditional Swiss farms and restaurants. There is a biannual Yodel Festival. The Emmental Valley: This is a scenic area of Switzerland that features rolling hills and open fields, with the mountains in the distance. You can visit the famous Emmental cheese factory.

We speak to Serge Frech, the director of the Swiss national association of ICT training (ICT-Berufsbildung), about basic and continued IT training in Switzerland. Unlike in many countries, most Swiss IT professionals complete vocational training. After achieving a basic degree, they can continue their education by obtaining a federal or advanced federal diploma. These qualifications are equivalent to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Expats with a degree from another country can also take part in this programme. Since there is a severe IT professional shortage in Switzerland, this opens up many opportunities. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

We speak to Laura Vrinceanu, who got her IT job through Rigby, about moving to Zurich, Switzerland. Laura relocated a year and a half ago to work for a bank as a Tableau developer. With seven years of professional experience under her belt, she is committed to never stop learning and strive for excellence in her field of work. Moving to Zurich has been a positive experience for Laura. She loves many aspects of life in Switzerland, from the great amenities to the beautiful scenery and the excellent work-life balance. Join us to discover how she got her job, how her move went, and what she recommends to others who want to relocate to Switzerland.

We speak to the Swiss education consultant Stefanie Busse about local, bilingual, and international schools in Switzerland. As a former German teacher, Stefanie has first-hand experience teaching in both public and international schools in Switzerland. She has been advising expat families for over 10 years about the Swiss education system and collaborates with educational authorities and schools. Join us as we explore how schools work in Switzerland, the advantages and potential challenges of each schooling option, and how to get help if you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your child. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and leave a review on your favourite platform. You can also subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

We speak to the food experts Jessica Manurung and David Moginier about regional foods in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Basel and Vaud. Jessica is a Basel-based food blogger. She has been sharing her restaurant recommendations on social media since 2019. Last year, she published the Basel Cookbook, sharing a mix of innovative and traditional recipes from local chefs. David has been a food and wine journalist for many years. He was in charge of gastronomy for the daily 24 heures, and has written Vaud cookbook, as well as several books by Michelin-starred chefs. Join us as we talk about various food traditions and innovations: What people eat in the German and French-speaking areas of Switzerland Favourite dishes to try New trends such as sustainable eating, the nose to tail principle, and Nikkei cuisine And don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.

In this episode, we speak to the finance blogger Baptiste Wicht about Switzerland’s financial system. Baptiste has been running his blog The Poor Swiss for over six years. He helps expats and locals find the best financial products such as savings and investment accounts, pension providers, and credit cards. He also writes about financial independence and shares monthly insights into his family’s financial situation. Join us as we talk about getting set up financially as an expat: Opening savings and investment accounts Optimising pensions Avoiding common financial traps And don’t forget to share this podcast with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter at rigby.ch/newsletter for more great content about living in Switzerland.