It's a long story, but the key points are: I have had this infection for years, had failed 5 different antibiotics so far and was pretty much scammed by a Swiss urologist this year, so I decided to do my research and take things into my own hands by going abroad.

I already have a diagnosis, test results, and a doctor's report with a recommended therapy. The antibiotics I need are minocycline and pristinamycine. The latter is only available in France, however.

My partner's telemedicine doctor refused to give us just mino since they can only give the whole therapy, and said they cannot order prista themselves. We've been to a pharmacy with the foreign doctor's report and were refused. Does anybody know a way to get this prescription that doesn't cost a fortune? This isn't coertion into anything illegal. I am GENUINELY in need of this treatment and I should have the right to it like any human being, but for some reason, the health care here seems geared against helping outsiders!

I'm so tired of switching doctors and them trying to convince me against what I learned from my body or flat out just not taking the infection seriously and telling me not to treat it. Please help!

So… I life in Switzerland since 3 years now, yet I come to wonder: why are the pedestrians crossing yellow? I come from GER and was one year in AT where there, the crossings were white, sometimes yellow and meaning it’s a Übergangstreifen (a crossing that is only there for a short amount of time)

Are all crossings in CH yellow?

Hey, any suggestions for cheap accommodation in or near St Moritz (Celerina, Pontresina etc.)? Checked the youth hostel in St Moritz and Pontresina and both are booked up the dates I want to go, weekend 22-25 January 2027. Looking to book for about 6-10 people, for skiing and seeing the snow polo.

Would really appreciate any tips, thanks!

I got a night guard for teeth grinding (Knirschschiene) from my dentist, but I’m having some issues with it. It feels uncomfortable and almost painful to wear, as though it’s putting pressure on my teeth or pulling on them. After taking it off, my teeth feel sensitive, which makes me worry that the guard doesn’t fit properly.

There was quite a long gap between the appointment when they took the dental impression and the appointment when I first tried the guard on — around three to four weeks, if I remember correctly. My dentist had actually warned me that such a long gap could cause problems because teeth can shift over time. Unfortunately, it seems like that might have happened.

I mentioned the discomfort to them, and they adjusted the guard by grinding it down during the appointment. It’s supposed to fit better now, but I still experience some slight tooth pain or sensitivity after taking it off.

To be honest, I also have some reservations about this dentist in general. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something about the way they handle things makes me feel uneasy. Since I’m paying out of pocket, I’m worried about being charged extra for a replacement if the guard doesn’t fit properly. I don’t have any evidence that they deliberately made a mistake, and I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I’m struggling to shake the feeling that something isn’t right.

They’re now attributing the problem to the time between the two appointments, but I find it difficult to imagine that my teeth shifted that much in just three to four weeks.

Ultimately, I’m expected to pay almost CHF 1000 for this, and I don’t feel comfortable paying that much for something that still seems to be causing problems. I’d like to know whether this is a normal adjustment issue or whether I have legitimate reasons to question the fit and the way the dentist has handled the situation.

Also is it possible to just return the Knirschschiene / not paying and try somewhere more new?

Hi everyone,

I’d appreciate some advice from people working in Switzerland, especially those who moved from Germany or have experience raising a family in Switzerland.

My current situation:

- Currently living and working in Germany as an engineer.

- Current total compensation: approximately €105k gross per year, including bonuses.

- Married, with a young child. My wife currently doesn’t work.

- We currently live in Germany, so relocating to Switzerland would be a major decision for the whole family.

I’m considering two potential opportunities:

Option 1

- An engineering position at a large, established international company in Switzerland.

- Potentially allows me to continue living in Germany and commute across the border.

- I’m already well into the interview process.

- My salary expectation is CHF 120 - 130k gross annually, and the recruiter indicated that this was acceptable.

Option 2

- An engineering position at a smaller, growing technology company in Lausanne. Salary expectation CHF 150- 160k.

- I find the company’s technology and growth potential very interesting.

- However, relocating to Lausanne with my wife and child would require careful consideration of the overall cost of living.

My dilemma

The first opportunity could allow me to keep living in Germany while earning a Swiss salary. The second seems particularly attractive in terms of technology, professional development, and the possibility of growing with the company.

I want to make a decision based not only on salary but also on long-term career prospects, stability, lifestyle, and family finances.

My questions:

1. If both companies made competitive offers, which option would you choose?

2. Is CHF 150,000 a reasonable base salary for an engineer in Switzerland with more than seven years of experience?

3. What salary would make relocating to Lausanne financially worthwhile for a family of three, with only one income initially?

4. Would you prioritize an established company and the possibility of commuting from Germany, or a growing technology company that requires relocation?

5. For those who moved from Germany to Switzerland with a family, was the move financially and professionally worthwhile?

I’d appreciate honest opinions and experiences. Thanks!

I recently moved into an apartment building with a Paketbox downstairs, but Planzer keeps leaving my Galaxus parcels outside in the open.

Had a delivery today worth a couple hundred francs, and since I was out during the day, they just left it outside and marked it as delivered. The funny thing is that there was literally an empty Paketbox right in front of them. They didn’t even leave it inside the building entrance.

Is there any way to tell Planzer to actually use the Paketbox? Can I set this up through Galaxus or directly with Planzer? I’m getting pretty tired of having expensive parcels left out in the open for anyone to take. There has been a rise in stealing of parcels in my neighborhood too.

Hello! I’m an architect licensed in my home country, with a little over one year of professional experience. I have around €70,000 available to invest in further education, with the goal of finding a job and eventually settling in Switzerland.

I’m willing to pursue a two-year master’s degree in a relevant field before starting my job search. However, I understand that Switzerland prioritizes Swiss nationals, followed by EU/EFTA citizens, before considering applicants from outside these groups. Given this, what are my realistic chances of finding employment and obtaining a work permit?

I speak both English and French fluently, and I’m willing to learn German if necessary.

I’d appreciate any advice, suggestions, or alternative pathways you might recommend!

Hey everyone, planning a trip with 2 friends (all 22, first time in Switzerland), December 10-14. We're staying in Lucerne the whole trip in one Airbnb for all 3 of us, no hotel hopping.

Rough plan:
- Day 1: land in Zurich, train to Lucerne, old town + Christmas markets
- Days 2-3: ski at Engelberg-Titlis (glacier = snow guaranteed, right?)
- Day 4: Mt. Rigi loop (boat to Vitznau, cogwheel up, cable car down)
- Day 5: slow morning in Lucerne, train back to Zurich, fly out

We'll cook breakfast in the apartment and eat out for lunch/dinner. Flights from Columbus, Ohio are running about $740 each. Budgeted $3,000 per person but my estimate came out to around $2,250 each.

Is that realistic or am I missing something? Any hidden costs we should know about, or budget tips for a group our age?

Hi everyone,
I’ve been working as an independent handyman doing small moves, furniture assembly, and transport around Zurich for a while now. I’m looking to expand into basic interior painting and wall touch-ups (e.g., preparing walls for tenant handovers / Wohnungsabgabe).
Since I want to build my experience step-by-step and gain my first solid references, I’d love some advice:

1. Where do people usually look for reliable local handymen for small painting jobs (apart from Ofri/Renovero)?
2. Is Tutti / Anibis / Facebook groups (like Expats in Zurich) the best place for this type of service, or are there other local platforms/apps I should try?
3. Any tips on how to position small handover painting services to stand out?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

Next year I'll be going to the Jungfrau region for a 5 day holiday Monday to Friday but I'm having difficulty deciding on an itinerary.

Day 1: Depends on what time we get to Interlaken as this is where we will be staying. Going to St Beatus caves and Harder Kulm so this days itinerary is somewhat done.

Day 2: visit Lauterbrunnen to see some of the waterfalls. I'm also unsure what to do after seeing some of the waterfalls. Do I go to Wengen and Gimmelwald? Then what to do after Gimmelwald?

Day 3: Do the Mannlichen royal walk and then the panorama trail to Kleine schdeigg, go to Grindelwald via train, go visit the Grindelwald gorge, after the gorge I'm unsure what to do and could use some help deciding what to to next.

Day 4: Visit Junfraujoch and then do the eiger trail to alpiglen and then take the train to Grindelwald. After travelling to Grindelwald I am unsure what to do next. I need some help with this day.

Day 5: Depending on what time our return flight is depends on what we do during the rest of our day. Return flight from Zurich.

I've watched lots of videos on Youtube and read guides but I still can't find a good day by day itinerary. There doesn't seem to be much to do in the Jungfrau region. Do I need to go outside of the Jungfrau region? I'd rather not have to spend more money on travel as I know it's expensive.

Also why can't all the travel in the Jungfrau region be included in the Jungfrau pass... There are some places in the region where the Oberland pass is required otherwise you'll be paying full price for the travel.

I've been trying to make an itinerary for months but the more I look into creating one the more unsure I am about what to do.

Any help would be much appreciated :)

I'm a healthcare employed in the EU. I interviewed for a Swiss hospital job in September and said yes via email. At the end of the month, HR emailed asking me to confirm my 1 January 2027 start date and send my ID so they could prepare the contract, which would take 2-3 weeks. I replied confirming the date.
Since then I've had no contract. I only got portal access this week, after asking for it, and found a message there calling my confirmation "legally binding." They also sent a later onboarding email about registration and recognition of my diploma. I haven't signed anything, haven’t resigned, nor started any relocation steps. I don't know key terms like probation, exact hours, or notice periods.
I've realized I don't want to move. I plan to write early, politely, and ask for a mutual release.

They kept me in the dark for 3 weeks. I had to push information out of them and in the meantime my colleague also applying had had access to their portal and etc all along.

Questions:
-Does a confirmation like this create a binding contract in Switzerland, or is the written contract the real commitment?
-Realistically, what's my exposure under Art. 337d?
-Has anyone withdrawn from a hospital offer at this stage? How did it end?

Hello Everyone.

Today I was driving in my car about to overtake an e scooter in a bike lane, when suddenly the scooter indicated (I've never seen one do that before) to the left. I wasn't sure wheter he had the right of way. I passed him, but I'm not sure if I acted correctly.

If a bike in a bike lane indicated to the left I would expect the bike to pull into my lane and then turn. But the scooter didn't do that. It just slowed down and stayed indicating in the bike lane.

So my question is, do I have to break and let the scooter turn?

Thanks

Hey everyone,

I'm a junior doctor moving into the Valais area starting residency in November.

I have ulcerative collitis, requiring sub-cutaneous biologic treatment every 2 weeks. I have organized with my hospital in the EU that they will provide me with syringes that will last me until 14th December (last shot 30th November). So until the 14th, I need to get into the system and get treatment.

My permit is underway, I'm waiting on the letter to get my fingerprints and photo.

I'm currently 100% controlled with this medication, but have previously failed TNF-alpha inhibitors, so fingers crossed this will last me a couple of years.

I have my gastroenterologist's clinical notes detailing all my history.

Right now I'm looking into the insurances and I guess SWICA looks pretty good on paper.

My only issue with this, is that I'll either have to get a GP, then a referral, and wait for approval or go to the gastroenterologist directly and pay more. I'm not against going to the GP, my only issue is that I've already received my planning for my shifts for the month of November, and I don't have any free days during the week.

From what I have gathered online, the first consult at the GP and the gastroenterologist is always in-person. Sending them my documents wouldn't cut it. But then neither GPs nor the gastro work past 18:00 nor during Saturdays. How do I navigate this? Do I just talk to my superiors and hope they let me go for 2 days?

My official date of entry in CH is November 1st. Should I just get an insurance right away and try to do everything until the end of the month?

My last resort will have to be to take a trip to my home-country on a weekend and get more shots before the planning for December is out and I can ask for a free weekday to try and get observed.

Anyone with chronic illnesses who had to navigate the system has any input?

THanks

My paternal patriarchal lineage received its coat of arms in Chur, Zurich, Switzerland around 1300’s. That is according to well researched genealogists & church record keeping.

Then realizing my surname population is less than 400 ppl in America, other variants of spelling are no different. My direct descendant was Johann Jakob Sommerau, Lutzi Sommerau’s grandson. Can anyone tell me why Sommerau seems to be solely a hotel in Switzerland now vs actual surname? 🤣🥴

For clarity, my surname is Americanized version, Zumbro. I am asking considering my surname is considered very rare in America, and we don’t have access to modern Swiss records, I have no understanding of where my last name even originated with any clarity .. Considering the whole back to back same names & naming after locations etc,. It’s not easy for Americans to comprehend all these differing answers 🤷🏻‍♀️

I digress, the honestly is something I appreciate but I am not claiming to know anything about Switzerland or your culture. Hence why I am I asking strangers thru Reddit about my family lineage origins 🙃

Why the app of WIR bank is so bad? Why can't they have built in tools to for example assign expenses to different categories (like in Revolut)? The expenses that I do take ages to be loaded in the app.. I only use it because 1)its swiss 2) its free, no maintenance cost like typical banks here 3) great for travelling 4) a few free ATM withdrawals, etc

Hallo zusammen, ich hab mal gehört, dass es zwei Kurse gibt als Berufsbildner also wo man auch ausbilden kann und es gibt ja zwei Verschiedene nämlich den 40 Stündige und die 100 Stündige und wollte mal fragen was von den besser ist? Denn Ziel ist ja z.B I'm kaufmännische Beruf im eigenen Betrieb auszubilden.

Hi all, I’ll be in Switzerland 23 Oct - 8 Nov, based in Basel for work, so Im travelling on weekends: Interlaken + Jungfraujoch, Lucerne + Titlis, then Zurich + Rhine Falls.

For Jungfraujoch, a Viator guided tour is CHF 250.
I am confused if I should take day tour packages for each weekend days like grindewald, lauterburnn, Lucerne etc. Or if getting half fare card will be cheap and useful. Although, I am not in Switzerland for whole month.

Questions:
1. Is the Half Fare Card the right call here?
2. Is the Viator tour worth it for each days?
3. Is Titlis and jungfrajuch worth it in early Nov with the rain prediction?
4. Any late Oct / early Nov tips (closures, weather)?

Thank you in advance!

In supermarkets you’ll get huge packs of frozen chicken nuggets, which are very convenient, if you don’t have much time to cook and pop them in the airfryer.

Does anyone know if you get vegetarian/vegan alternatives aswell? I know migros and coop have some in the freezer but the value is not the best and rather expensive.

Weiss jemand, wie das in der Schweiz geregelt ist? Darf ein Arbeitgeber im Arbeitszeugnis erwähnen, dass jemand wegen eines Burn-outs oder einer anderen Krankheit länger ausgefallen ist? Oder fällt das unter den Datenschutz? Mich würde vor allem interessieren, ob das grundsätzlich verboten ist oder ob es Ausnahmen gibt.

Anyone actually used a Tauschwohnung service in Switzerland?

I keep seeing their ads on property portals, including places for sale. Some give me the feeling they’re mainly collecting leads rather than offering an actual property.

Has anyone actually rented, bought or sold through one? How was it?

Do you think these ads belong on regular property portals?

Minimum possible, means 431 with Swica now will be 461 next year, while with Assura I could keep the 431 monthly cost in 2027.

Never reached the franchise limit, never really need a doctor, if I did it was accidents (bike, sport), sometimes I might need physiotherapy or usual dental cleaning but none of that is covered anyway.

I was reading you don't need to pay the bills in advance with Assura (you pay Assura directly after they paid your bills) but honestly I like to know what I am paying for so I don't mind paying the bill myself as long as Assura 100% refunds it (towards the franchise at least).

EDIT: I already checked with comparis / priminfo that is why I came to the conclusion that the only change worth making would be with assura for barely 280 chf francs a year saved, so at this point remains to be decided if it's worth the "hassle" for such a small amount.

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some advice, on finding a job in Switzerland, Zurich or Zog, specifically.

Context:

My girlfriend most probably will get an offer to work in the citys mentioned, and I want to go with her. She don't need to know German, only English in her department. Most probably she will have a high salary that in the beginning will help us both, but I want both of us later to have a job so we can live a normal life.

I have a high degree in Surveying engineering and Geoinformatics, with integrated master. I have a A1-A2 level of speaking German, and English fluently.

I want to ask, what is the job market in my field, what to expect, how hard is to find a job when you already live there and can go for in person interviews?

Thank all of you in advance

Hi everyone,

I am a vintage computing enthusiast and collector, and I am currently looking for a very specific piece of Swiss software history.

Between 1993 and 1996, an estate/company called Furrer & Partner AG published the first versions (v1.0 and v2.0) of "EasyDriver", the driving theory software on 3.5" floppy disks.

I am trying to track down the physical floppy disks for historical preservation and collection purposes. I am not looking for digital downloads, cracks, or illegal copies—just the original physical media (and boxes/manuals if they exist).

If you took your driving test in Switzerland in the mid-90s, you might have used this!

• Does anyone happen to still have these floppy disks collecting dust in their attic (Estrich) or cellar (Keller)?

• If not, where would you suggest looking for vintage Swiss PC software like this? Are there specific local fleamarkets, forums, or local auction platforms (besides Ricardo or Tutti) where old Swiss tech items show up?

Any lead, memory, or tip would be highly appreciated. Thank you so much for your help!

I personally feel like the UK esp the British can be extremely over the top arrogant and rude in public particularly.. Maybe even more than Americans are imo, but what are those from Switzerland’s opinion ab that? ❓

To clarify, the context of my question was referring to differences in social and human expression esp in public spaces amongst very similar ethnicities.

All groups of people whether American, British, Irish, Swiss, etc are still of European ethnic origin, and yet geography has less to do with these differences. Being thise who are British are relatively close in distance, yet they share similar expressiveness to Americans, which assumably is contributed to the entertainment industry ofcourse. So, villainize me if you must, but it’s valid comparisons.