Preface Last Updated: 10/23/2003
1:17 PM
Switzerland conjures up a fair swag of clichés: irresistible
chocolates, kitsch clocks, yodeling Heidis, international
bureaucracies, and an orderly, rather bland national persona. But
Harry Lime was wrong on more than one account when, in The Third
Man, he said 500 years of Swiss democracy and peace had produced
nothing more than the cuckoo clock.
For a start, the Germans invented this timepiece; secondly, the
Swiss have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per
capita than any other nation on earth. Muesli, DDT, and life
insurance may not be the stuff of legend, but the country’s Alpine
landscapes have enough zing to reinvigorate the most jaded traveler.
The fusion of German, French, and Italian ingredients has formed
a robust national culture, which represents a stimulating variety of
cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Goethe summed up Switzerland
succinctly as a combination of “the colossal and the well-ordered.”
The untamed majesty of the Alps and the tidy, just-so precision of
Swiss towns prevent Switzerland from ever being as one-dimensional
as some pundits like to try and make it.
The country does not have a strong artistic heritage, even though
many foreign writers and artists (such as Voltaire, Byron, Shelley,
James Joyce and Charlie Chaplin) have resided or settled in the
country. In contrast, many creative Swiss such as Charles Le
Corbusier, Paul Klee, Albert Giacometti and Jean-Luc Godard left the
country to make their name abroad.
Switzerland is all the travel brochures say it is and more. The
country’s natural beauty, the courtesy of its people, and the
stability of the Swiss way of life make living here interesting and
relaxing. Rugged mountains dotted with ski resorts, lakes set in
rolling farmlands, and arcaded towns crisscrossed by narrow
cobblestone streets are some of the sights that you will be pleased
to discover.
Swiss cities, while retaining the charm of their age, offer a
wide range of modern facilities and cultural opportunities.
The nation itself, while traditionally neutral, is active on the
international scene. If you are interested in getting to know
Switzerland and the rest of Europe, you will find ample opportunity.
A tour of duty here is a pleasant and rewarding experience.
The Host Country
Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 10/20/2003 2:28 PM
Switzerland covers an area of 15,944 square miles, which is about
twice the size of New Jersey. A quarter of the country consists of
glaciers, mountains, and lakes; another quarter is covered by
forests. Because of the varied topography (from an altitude of 633
feet above sea level in the Ticino Canton to 15,203 feet — the Monte
Rosa peak — in the Alps), climate and vegetation vary from
Mediterranean to arctic. Bern does not have great extremes of hot or
cold weather. Rain is common in summer as well as winter, with
snowfalls in Bern occurring with more regularity in recent years.
Humidity is high during spring and fall. Winter brings some warm
spells, and all-day fog and cloudy weather are common. Often a
30-minute drive will get you out of the clouds and into sunshine.
The Föhn, a dry south wind that passes over the Alps changing the
air pressure, has an enervating and otherwise unpleasant effect on
some people. Sinus problems are often aggravated by the dampness.
The average high temperature in July is 30°C (86°F), and the average
low for that month is 6.1°C (43°F). In February, the thermometer
reaches 5.4°C (42°F) and dips to about -10°C (14°F).
Population Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:19 PM
Switzerland’s population of 7.2 million (December 2000 estimate)
includes 1.4 million resident foreigners. More than three-fourths of
the people live in the central plain, which stretches between the
Alps and the Jura Mountains from Geneva to the Rhine.
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian,
and Romansch. A small portion of the people in the Graubunden Canton
principally speaks Romansch, based on Latin. The Swiss version of
German is spoken by about 70% of the population. Spoken Swiss German
differs substantially from German taught at the Foreign Service
Institute (FSI) and that spoken in Germany and Austria. It
frequently varies from canton to canton, even from town to town.
High German is the written language and is also used in most TV and
radio shows, on the stage, and in university lectures. A 1995
Inspector General’s “informal recommendation” strongly suggested
that junior language probation officers reach the required
professional level in German at FSI prior to assignment to
Switzerland, as there are not enough opportunities to converse in
High German (Officers with good High German can pick up some of the
local “lingo” but it is not easy.) French is the primary language in
the cantons of Fribourg, Jura, Vaud, Valais, Neuchatel, and Geneva.
Italian is the primary language of the Ticino Canton and in some
areas of the Graubunden Canton. English is a common foreign language
for most educated Swiss. The percentage of Protestants to Catholics
among the Swiss is about equal. Confessional differences run across
linguistic lines — there are both German — and French-speaking
cantons that are predominantly Protestant or Catholic. The
Italian-speaking Ticino Canton is Catholic.
Switzerland’s cantons differ in history, customs, and culture, as
well as in size and natural setting. As a national group, the Swiss
are generally serious-minded, forthright, and conscientious. Living
patterns are similar to those in the U.S., although the Swiss are
more formal and conservative than Americans; their practicality is
reflected in their architecture, furnishings, clothing and food.
Public Institutions Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:20 PM
Switzerland has a Federal Government structure with a bicameral
legislature. Members of the National Council, the Lower House, are
elected in the cantons by a complex system of proportional
representation. Population apportions the number of seats per
canton. Similarly, voting is by a complex proportional
representation system. The Upper House, the Council of States, is
composed of 46 members, 2 members from each canton (three are
divided into “half-cantons” with 1 member each), who are elected by
methods individually determined by the cantons. Executive power
rests in the seven-member Federal Council, a unique Swiss political
institution. Members of the Council are elected individually by both
houses of the legislature for 4-year terms, though in practice
Councilors are re-elected as long as they wish to serve. The
President of the Federal Council is also the President of the Swiss
Confederation. The office is filled by the Council members in
rotation for 1-year terms. Each Federal Councilor heads one of the
seven executive departments.
The four major political parties are the Free Democratic Party,
the Social Democratic Party, the Christian Democratic Party, and the
Swiss People’s Party.
Switzerland’s cantons historically preceded the Confederation,
which was established when three cantons joined together against the
Hapsburgs in 1291. Within the Federal System, each canton has its
own constitution and active political life. Cantonal governments
have primary responsibility for law and order, health and
sanitation, education, and public works and are almost exclusively
responsible for the implementation of federal law. The Federal
Executive Branch ensures internal and external security, upholds the
cantonal constitutions, and maintains diplomatic relations with
foreign nations.
Under the Swiss judicial system, a single national code exists
for civil, commercial, and criminal law. The only Federal court is
the Federal Tribunal, which has final appellate jurisdiction. All
courts of first instance, and all prosecutors, are cantonal.
Military service is compulsory for physically able male adults and
includes basic training and decreasing mandatory annual service
until age 35 (longer for officers). Geneva is the seat of many
international organizations, including the European Office of the
UN, several of its specialized agencies and nongovernmental
organizations such as the International Red Cross. Bern serves as
host to the Universal Postal Union.
Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 10/20/2003 2:32 PM
Switzerland is well endowed with cultural institutions. The opera
and theater play an important part in the life of the urban elite.
In Bern, most stage performances are in German, some in Swiss
dialect, and some in French; operas are usually in the original
language. English-language amateur and professional stage
productions are to be found occasionally in the larger cities. Music
education is important and standards are high. Many musical groups
perform in Switzerland, and the Geneva-based Orchestra de la Suisse
Romande is world famous. Many cities, including Bern, have
orchestras. Bern also has a Conservatory of Music with frequent
concerts by students, which are open to the public.
Switzerland has a high literacy rate. Two Federal technical
institutes and eight cantonal universities produce exceptionally
qualified professionals in all fields. A well-developed system of
apprenticeship training develops an unusually qualified labor force
of technicians and craftsmen.
Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:21 PM
Switzerland has a highly developed, internationally oriented, and
open market. The economy is characterized by a sophisticated
manufacturing sector, a highly skilled work force, and a large
service sector. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Europe while
unemployment is practically the lowest. About 40% of the Gross
National Product is earned abroad, of which some 80% is from the
sale of exported goods. Principal industries include
machinery/machine tools, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, watchmaking
and precision instruments. The key service sector branches are
banking, insurance, and tourism.
After strong economic growth during the eighties, the Swiss
economy was Western Europe’s weakest between 1990–1996, with growth
averaging 0.0% per year. Since 1997, economic performance has been
positive. While unemployment reached 5.5% during the height of the
recession, it has fallen to below 2%, in line with historical
levels. About 20% of the Swiss labor force is made up of foreign
workers.
There are well-developed trade union organizations in most
industries and trades, but strikes are very rare due to a unique
peace agreement concluded decades ago between labor and management.
Swiss provisions for property ownership and investment by foreigners
are more restrictive than those in the U.S. The purchase of real
estate by a nonresident or a company not incorporated in Switzerland
is subject to individual review by cantonal authorities and is often
permitted only in certain specified areas, usually
recreational/tourist sites.
Some 70% of Switzerland’s trade is with the EU; Germany is by far
the country’s most important trading partner. Switzerland is a
member of the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), but the voters
narrowly rejected membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) in
1992, over fears this would inevitably lead to full EU membership. A
package of seven sectoral agreements with the EU, known as the
“Bilaterals” will take effect once all EU member states have
ratified them, probably by mid–2001 with them. This will allow
greater worker mobility and mutual labor market access for EU and
Swiss citizens.
Transportation
Automobiles Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:23 PM
Importation and Sale of Private Vehicles. A car in Switzerland is
a convenience, but not a necessity. The costs for importing and
maintaining a car in Switzerland tend to be high. Employees who
bring in a privately owned vehicle may incur some charges for
conversion to Swiss specifications as well as inspection and
registration fees (at an average cost of SFr 310). Liability
insurance, required by Swiss law, is expensive. Diplomats may buy
duty-free gasoline at a cost somewhat higher than in the U.S. Annual
toll road stickers (SFr 40) also add to the cost of operating a car
in Switzerland. For these reasons, many American employees rely
heavily on the highly developed and exceptionally convenient
inter-city rail and bus and local public transportation systems.
When an employee imports a car, the Swiss authorities make a
distinction between those vehicles that have been in the employee’s
possession for at least 6 months prior to arriving in Switzerland
and newly purchased vehicles (whether purchased in the U.S. for
shipment to Switzerland or imported through a local dealer here).
Vehicles that have been owned more than 6 months prior to shipment
into Switzerland may be sold duty and tax free, but only after a
period of 1 year. If such a vehicle is sold prior to the expiration
of the 1-year period, customs and value-added tax (VAT) must be
paid. The vehicle may be sold duty and tax free to a person with the
same privileges. The General Services Office (GSO) Customs Assistant
can clarify.
Inspection Requirements. All vehicles must pass the Swiss
inspection before registration. Under regulations established in
1995, the Road Traffic Office will conduct an inspection limited to
safety systems (steering, brakes, lights, etc.); check data for the
circulation permit (previous registration, title, etc.) and register
the car as a “diplomatic vehicle."
Diplomatic vehicles are exempt from noise and air-pollution tests
as well as the antipollution service. Such “diplomatic vehicles” may
be sold without having to adapt the vehicle to the requirements in
force in Switzerland only to another person entitled to the same
privileges. However, to be sold on the local economy, the vehicle
must be converted to Swiss specifications and pass a more rigorous
inspection.
A vehicle imported (and owned more than 6 months) undergoes an
extended Swiss inspection, is registered under Code 179, and after 1
year may be sold on the local market as is. Such a vehicle must also
be modified to meet Swiss regulations. The speedometer must read
kilometers per hour (KPH). (Speedometers with both KPH and MPH
markings are acceptable.) Headlights must be converted to a
different angle from that of U.S. specification vehicles. Parking
lights must be white and the turn signals yellow. The exhaust
tailpipe must be at the rear of a vehicle. Tires must be rated to
correspond to the maximum speed.
Cars must pass an antipollution service and obtain an
antipollution certificate. This certificate can be obtained from the
importer, a dealer, or garage and must always be available for
presentation to the police upon request. Garages charge between SFr
100 and 200 for the test. This charge does not include parts that
may need to be replaced (e.g., air filters, exhaust system parts).
If importing a car with U.S. specifications, personnel should, if
at all possible, obtain a technical manual to help the Road Traffic
Office Inspectors conduct their inspection, or obtain the following
technical information in writing from the manufacturer or dealer:
make and type, year of construction, displacement, bore, stroke,
number of cylinders, torque, maximum speed of vehicle, overall gear
ratio and gear ratios for each power or performance range,
horsepower, type of motor, and factory guarantee of gross weight of
vehicle GVMR (gross vehicle mass ratio). It is also useful to have
documentation (such as a copy of original title or first
registration) showing the date that the vehicle entered circulation.
Personnel should ship the documents in their airfreight or carry
the documents in their luggage, rather than send them by surface
shipment. Employees who ship cars with U.S. license plates can drive
their cars with U.S. plates while waiting for the car to get through
the inspection and registration process. Vehicles imported without
plates must be registered before being driven. Employees should take
one plate and put it in their airfreight or carry-on luggage, rather
than shipping the plates on the car. U.S. license plates are
collector’s items in Europe and often are stolen in shipment.
Repair Facilities. Repair service in Bern for American vehicles
is adequate. Spare parts and servicing are available but very
expensive. In general, automobile parts, repairs, and maintenance
work are much more expensive in Switzerland than in the U.S. Some
employees opt to use the U.S. military shopping facilities in
Heidelberg, Germany, to obtain service, maintenance, and parts for
their automobiles.
Locally Purchased Vehicles. Automobiles that meet all Swiss
specifications can be purchased locally by all staff members at
diplomatic discounts of about 20%. Among those available are Ford
(European models), Peugeot, Renault, Opel, Volvo, Volkswagen,
Mercedes, BMW, and all the major Japanese models. New duty-free
vehicles purchased through local dealers must be ordered from the
factory. Deliveries require 8 to 12 weeks. A good used car market
exists and the condition of such cars is generally better than in
the U.S., as cars must pass mechanical and safety inspections within
a year prior to resale.
Registration, Licenses, Insurance, etc. Cars registered in
Switzerland must have Swiss license plates and bear a sticker with
“CH” (the international abbreviation for Switzerland). Additionally,
all cars must carry a red reflector emergency triangle for use in
case of traffic accidents or mechanical breakdowns.
Third-party auto insurance is compulsory and must be purchased
from a company incorporated in Switzerland. Other types of coverage
can be carried with a U.S. firm. The car’s horsepower determines the
premium of a Swiss policy. Large, high-powered American cars are
expensive to insure. Swiss companies give graduated safe-driving
discounts for up to 10 years of accident-free driving.
Employees with a valid U.S. driver’s license are not required to
carry a Swiss drivers license.
There are three Automobile Clubs in Switzerland that provide
breakdown and towing services, which is important for people
contemplating wintertime mountain driving. The annual fee is about
SFr 100. Official vehicles are not available for personal use by
Embassy personnel.
Local Transportation Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:24 PM
Railway, Trams, Buses, and Taxis.
The Swiss Federal Railway system is entirely electric and
connects the main cities and towns. Trains are clean and run on
schedule; fares are reasonable, with special round-trip and holiday
rates. It is possible to buy a year-long pass on the entire Swiss
railroad network including the public transportation systems of all
major cities. Another pass widely used by Embassy personnel permits
use of trains at half fare (cost is SFr 150 per year or SFr 222 for
two years). Discount fares (Junioren Karte) for families are also
available. Porters are infrequent, charge a minimum of SFr 5 per bag
and expect a small tip for handling baggage. Self-service luggage
carts are available at all major train stations as well as airports.
Bern has excellent train and highway connections to all points in
Europe.
Passenger buses operated by the postal system can reach most
points not accessible by train. There are over 100 mountain
funiculars and aerial tramways in Switzerland, and regular steamer
services operate on major lakes in spring, summer, and autumn.
Local transportation systems — trams, buses, trolley buses, and
taxis — are convenient and efficient. Taxi fares are comparable to
those in Washington, D.C.; all taxis have meters, and drivers expect
a 10%–15% tip.
Swiss roads are good though often narrow and winding. A network
of freeways exists, with additions and expansions in progress. Many
mountain passes are closed by snow in winter, but road tunnels and
railway car ferries operate through the St. Gotthard and Lotschberg
passes. Road directional signs are excellent and all traffic moves
on the right. An annual SFr 40 autobahn sticker is required to drive
on the highways.
Regional Transportation Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:24 PM
Geneva and Zurich are major European flight centers. Daily
flights to the U.S. are available from Zurich on American carriers.
Bern has a small airport in the suburb of Belp with service in
Switzerland to Basel and Lugano and in Europe to Amsterdam,
Brussels, Elba, Stuttgart, London, Munich, Paris, and Vienna.
A direct train between Bern and the Kloten (Zurich) International
Airport takes 1½ hours; Bern-Geneva by rail is about 1-2/3 hours.
Airport railroad stations are located inside the lower levels of the
air terminals in Zurich and Geneva. Escalators may be used to take
luggage carts between the train platform and airline terminals.
Communications
Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:18
AM
Telecommunications systems are excellent. Direct dialing is
possible to all parts of Switzerland, Western Europe, the U.S., and
Canada. Major U.S. phone companies’ cards are also available and
offer U.S. rates. Callback services are available. Both the Swiss
phone company’s charges and callback system are competitive.
Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:25 PM
International airmail to the U.S. takes 3 to 5 days, and surface
post 10 to 20 days. Airmail letters to the U.S. cost SFr 1.80
($1.20) for up to 20 grams. Customs duties are assessed on parcels
to nondiplomatic personnel. Parcels for diplomatic personnel should
bear the Embassy address, not the residence address; otherwise the
post office automatically charges duty. International airmail may be
addressed to:
Mr. John Adams Doe
Jubil„umsstrasse 93
Postfach
3001 Bern, Switzerland
International mail usually provides the fastest and most
efficient service between the post and the U.S. Personal letter
mail, cassette tapes, exposed or processed film (up to 2 pounds),
and medical items may be sent to and from post by Department pouch.
Domestic (U.S.) postage is required. Pouches are sent by air between
the Department and the post twice weekly. The proper address for
pouch mail is:
Mr. John Adams Doe
Department of State
5110 Bern Place
Washington, DC 20521–5110
For personal pouch mail, the address is:
Mr. John Adams Doe
5110 Bern Place
Dulles, Virginia 20189–5110
Parcels over 2 pounds, magazines, and books may be sent from the
Department to the post only by surface pouch. The pouch may not be
used to mail outgoing parcels. Packages must be sturdy and well
wrapped, no longer than 24 inches (or 62 inches length and girth
combined), and no heavier than 40 pounds. Pouch mail generally takes
2–3 weeks to arrive.
Mail and Pouch — Mission Geneva
Official U.S. Government personnel on temporary duty or permanent
assignment may use the diplomatic pouch for receipt of personal
mail, including magazines and parcels. You may send, via air pouch,
letters, exposed film, and videotapes. No parcels, except
merchandise being returned, may be sent via pouch from Geneva.
Insured packages or letters will not be delivered by the U.S. Postal
Service to the Department of State’s pouch room. The pouch takes 1–3
weeks from U.S. point of origin to post. All mail should be
addressed as follows:
Your name
Department of State
5120 Geneva Place
Washington, D.C. 20521–5120
Employees are also permitted to send letters and parcels at the
APO facilities at the U.S. military bases in Germany.
The Swiss postal system is excellent although expensive. A letter
to the U.S. costs CHF 1.80. Personal mail may be addressed to either
your home or the Mission. Parcels arriving through international
mail or shipment must carry your diplomatic title to facilitate
Swiss Customs verification of duty-free privileges for addressees.
The address for international mail directed to the Mission is:
Your Name
U.S. Mission 11,
route de Pregny
CH 1292 Chambesy/Geneva
Switzerland
Radio and TV Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:20 AM
Swiss Radio broadcasts in the three principal Swiss languages
with a few programs in Romansch. Programming is of good quality with
more talk programs than in the U.S. Broadcasts from other European
countries—such as AFN Stuttgart, VOA, Radio Luxembourg, and BBC—are
available through cable radio in many areas.
Cable television is available, with transmissions from two
British channels as well as from Germany, France, Austria, Italy,
Switzerland, and CNN. The modest monthly charges are sometimes
included in leases for apartments or houses, or payable through a
PTT office. Satellite programming is available with the proper
equipment. As in most of Europe, radio and TV in Switzerland are run
by a public corporation. Children’s programs are broadcast every day
and special programs are sometimes relayed from the U.S. by
satellite. News and sports coverage on both radio and TV are good.
Radios and European-standard TVs are available locally for purchase.
Many employees have multisystem television sets purchased at
military exchanges in Germany in order to receive local TV
broadcasts (a multisystem television that includes hyperband tuning
is necessary to receive the full range of Swiss cable channels) and
to utilize U.S. standard video recorders and prerecorded tapes.
Multisystem color television sets cost from $400 to $750 at military
exchanges versus local prices exceeding $1,000. Good quality radios
can be purchased locally starting at $50.
Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated:
10/23/2003 1:25 PM
Newspapers are available in the three principal languages. There
are over 100 dailies and periodicals in Switzerland. They represent
differing political viewpoints and come from various areas of the
country. Several weekly and monthly Swiss magazines cover news,
women’s fashion, television programs, and various hobbies. French,
German, and Italian periodicals are also available at local
newsstands.
The International Herald Tribune, USA Today, Wall Street Journal,
and international editions of Time and Newsweek are available at
local newsstands or by subscription. Some employees have had success
in changing their domestic news magazine subscriptions to the
international editions by filing a change of address with the
magazine’s European subscription centers in order to overcome
surface pouch distribution delays. Other U.S. and British magazines
are also sold locally. Prices are much higher than in the U.S. or
the U.K. Several bookstores have English-language departments.
Health and Medicine
Medical Facilities Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:26 PM
There are no U.S. Government medical facilities in Switzerland;
however, Swiss medical facilities are excellent. Embassy personnel
can obtain medical services from either of two English-speaking
contract physicians. The Embassy maintains a list of
English-speaking doctors in many specialties. Dental work is
expensive, so personnel may want to have major dental work done
before arriving in Switzerland. The Regional Medical Officer (RMO)
is in Frankfurt and the Regional Psychiatrist is in London. Although
the RMO visits post infrequently, he or she is readily available for
telephone consultations and emergency visits. Additionally, the
American nurse at the U.S. Mission in Geneva visits post once a
month.
Medical Facilities — Mission Geneva
The Swiss health care system is excellent and comparable to
American health care standards. The Mission has two Swiss doctors
under contract who perform in-service medical examinations and
consultations. A regional medical officer is stationed in Berlin and
the regional psychiatrist is stationed in London. The Mission’s
Health Unit has full-time nursing coverage and is available for
advice and referral. Persons on long-term drug therapy need a
pharmaceutical contact in Washington, D.C.
Community Health Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:21 AM
Swiss public services are similar to those in other highly
developed countries. The Swiss place a strong emphasis on
environmental responsibility and recycling. In most jurisdictions, a
fee is charged by volume for garbage collection. Trash is placed in
bags purchased in grocery or hardware stores and must carry a
surcharge sticker, also available in grocery and hardware stores.
Paper and metal are collected periodically, with the schedule
announced in the newspaper at the beginning of the year. Bins for
the recycling of glass bottles, plastics, and aluminum are located
at stores and other convenient locations.
The manufacture and sale of adulterated food and beverages are
prohibited. Official cantonal inspectors enforce controls. They
inspect water, milk, and meat on a regular basis, as well as other
foods and containers on a random basis. Sterilization of food
containers is good.
Preventive Measures Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:22 AM
Switzerland has no endemic contagious diseases. Special measures
to treat water or food are not necessary, and no special medical or
therapeutic treatment is required before arrival.
Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:26
PM
Employment opportunities in the Mission are limited, with 7
part-time, intermittent, temporary (PIT) positions: one part-time
slot in Public Affairs, one part-time executive secretary, two
part-time Administrative/RSO secretaries, a part-time Community
Liaison Office (CLO) coordinator position, and two part-time
consular assistants. The staff at the international school is small,
and vacancies in teaching/substituting positions are infrequent.
Spouses are permitted to work on the Swiss economy. However,
employment with a private firm in Switzerland is difficult, unless
one is fluent in German and/ or French. In addition, the American
family member has to relinquish any claim to diplomatic privileges
and immunities for actions relating to his/her employment.
Employment for Spouses and Dependents — Mission Geneva
Jobs outside the Mission are difficult to find, but they do exist.
The Swiss Government allows adult dependents and dependent children
(who arrive before their 21st birthday) to work on the local market.
Frequently, a language in addition to English is required. Mission
spouses are locally employed in positions ranging from senior level
management to support staff. Securing a job is up to the spouse.
Networking, review of the employment pages in the local papers,
attention to vacancies in international organizations, and
perseverance are required. The U.N. and almost all the international
organizations have web sites with current listings of job vacancies.
Opportunities are available within the Mission and, on occasion,
in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). During the
summer the Mission has, subject to funding, an active teen hire
program.
American Embassy - Bern
Post City Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:23 AM
Bern is a charming city built around a bend in the Aare River.
Its “Old Europe” atmosphere is evident in arcaded walks along
cobblestone streets, towering churches, fountains, clock towers, and
bustling open markets. Yet at the same time Bern offers modern
shopping facilities and ever-expanding suburbs with new apartment
buildings.
The city lies in west central Switzerland, with the Alps to the
south and the Jura Mountains to the northwest. Bern has a population
of about 126,861 (January 2001 estimate) and is the seat of the
executive and legislative branches of the Swiss Government. There
are about 36,500 Americans living in Switzerland mostly concentrated
in the major cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:24 AM
The Chancery building houses the offices of the Chief of Mission;
the DCM; the Political/Economic, Public Affairs, Consular, and
Administrative Sections; and those of the Commercial, Defense,
Legal, and Drug Enforcement attachés. The Embassy workweek is Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m and from 1:30 p.m to 5:30
p.m. U.S. national holidays and Swiss holidays are observed. Marine
Security Guards are on duty 24 hours daily in the Chancery, and one
officer and one communicator are on call. The switchboard hours are
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The closure of the Consular Branch Office in Geneva (August 1993)
and the Consulate General in Zurich (September 1996) has required
creative Embassy outreach programs to the large U.S. expatriate
communities in Switzerland. There are American Consular Agencies in
Zurich and Geneva, staffed by part-time local-hire Consular Agents
and assistants. The Agencies provide limited American citizen
consular services. The Consular Agencies are part of America Centers
of Zurich & Geneva, innovative, multi-Agency (State and Commerce)
initiatives that are run jointly with representatives of the private
American communities. The Basel Resources Center, run by local
American volunteers, assists the American community and keeps the
flag flying in that city. It receives Embassy support.
New arrivals will be met at the airport and should advise the
Embassy of their arrival time well in advance. The Embassy will help
you get acquainted and find suitable housing. The Embassy “sponsor”
system aids new personnel in getting settled and in becoming
familiar with available facilities.
Personnel coming to Bern may land at either Zurich or Geneva
airports; there is also the option of arriving at Bern’s Belp
Airport via European connections.
The Chancery is in a residential area roughly 5 minutes by car or
bus from the center of town. The address is Jubilaeumsstrasse 93,
phone (country code 41, city code 31) 357 70 11 (357 72 18 after
hours). The phone number and address are listed in the Bern
telephone directory under Ambassade des Etats-Unis and Amerikanische
Botschaft.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:25 AM
Newcomers are usually booked into one of the transient apartments
in the government-owned Chancery Annex, a former hotel located next
to the Embassy. The size of the apartment assigned depends on family
size. All are equipped with the necessary furnishings to make
temporary life comfortable. The average time spent house-hunting
varies between 6 weeks and 3 months. Pets of employees permanently
assigned to Switzerland and waiting for their permanent housing are
allowed subject to a damage deposit.
There are a few restaurants located near the Annex; however, a
5-minute bus ride downtown offers many restaurants of differing
specialties to choose from. Dinner can cost SFr 80 per person at a
first-class restaurant, and as little as SFr 16 at simpler
establishments. Daily luncheon specials are available from SFr 16 to
SFr 25 at restaurants catering to office workers and shoppers, with
a la carte items somewhat more expensive.
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:28 AM
The U.S. Government owns the Ambassador’s residence and Annex and
leases houses or apartments for the DCM and most heads of agency.
The post’s Interagency Housing Board makes housing assignments.
In addition to available temporary quarters, the Annex contains
eight permanent apartments and the Marine House, spread out over
four wings. Apartments vary from one to four bedrooms and are
attractive, well appointed, and quite spacious by Swiss standards.
All units come with a stackable washer/dryer, separate freezer, and
storeroom space. It is Mission policy to keep these apartments fully
utilized. Incoming personnel may be assigned permanent apartments if
an appropriate vacancy is available at the time of arrival. Pets are
permitted in the permanent apartments with a deposit required for
each pet.
The Annex is in an attractive residential area on the Aare River.
It is next door to the Chancery and 5 minutes by bus to downtown.
The Annex houses a library/TV room, along with a special workout
room of free weights, weight machines, and other miscellaneous
equipment with changing rooms and showers. There is also an enclosed
garden with playground equipment for the younger residents of the
Annex. Close to the Annex is a swimming pool/ice skating rink/hockey
facility and tennis club. The Ambassador’s residence, built in 1913,
was owned by a prominent Bernese family until its purchase by the
U.S. Government in 1947. It occupies 3½ acres with extensive gardens
and a nature preserve. The residence has 21 rooms and 10 bathrooms.
The DCM’s residence was built in 1964 for the family Kindler. The
residence is called the Aarhus. This name reflects the location of
the nearby running River Aare. The shape of the house is unique for
Bern. Some have described it as mildly reminiscent of southern
California. The current owner made major alterations in 1988. The
house has four bedrooms, an elegant smaller living room, a dining
room, and a larger family/library room.
With the exceptions noted above, staff housing is by private
lease. Newcomers are assisted by the General Services Section in
locating housing. Good housing is available, although it may take
some time to find the right place. Generally speaking, spacious
quarters (other than the Annex) close to the Embassy are very
difficult to find.
Most Embassy personnel can reach the Embassy by car within 30
minutes due to the relative small size of Bern. The downside to
living outside the center is that good shopping is limited, and
children have long commutes to school. The best times for house and
apartment hunting are several weeks before the Bern moving days of
May 1 and November 1. Most Swiss leases are renewed or expire on
those days. All leases should contain a Diplomatic Clause, providing
for 2 (in rare cases 1) months’ notice of termination in the event
that the lessee is transferred from post before the end of his/her
tour. Landlords are very particular about damage done to apartments
and furnishings and a moderately priced insurance policy is required
to cover final inspection damage claims. Noise regulations are in
force in apartment buildings with quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7
a.m. People entertaining outdoors at private homes must also respect
these times.
Military attachés and personnel usually occupy the quarters
leased by their predecessors if approved by the Interagency Housing
Board. For specific information, write to the Embassy Defense
Attaché‚ Office.
Furnishings Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:29 AM
The Ambassador’s, DCM’s and MSG DET Commander’s residences are
furnished, as are the Annex apartments. All other government-leased
quarters and all private leases are unfurnished. Furnished
private-lease houses and apartments are difficult to locate.
Most employees on private leases bring their own furniture.
Unfurnished houses and apartments include a kitchen range, basic
bathroom fixtures, and refrigerators and ovens that are small by
U.S. standards; rooms are usually smaller than those in the U.S. as
well. In most cases, light fixtures must be provided by the tenant
as well as clothes closets/wardrobes, which can easily be purchased
in and near Bern. Most apartments have small, locked storage rooms
in the basement that can accommodate excess luggage, original
packing cartons, and small items. Before packing all of your
furniture, remember that apartments tend to be smaller here and that
storage can be a problem.
Low-pile, wall-to-wall carpeting is becoming a standard feature
of newer construction but is not normally provided in older houses
or apartments. Older homes may have wooden or tile flooring, and
area rugs can be useful. Curtains and draperies are seldom provided
in unfurnished apartments. Patio furniture is available here but at
significantly higher prices than in the U.S. Limited selections of
furniture and furnishings are available at some of the military
exchanges in Germany. One should not purchase curtains and material
in advance without knowing the exact size of the area to be covered.
Window sizes and shapes vary considerably, and curtain hanging
hardware is quite different from that in the U.S. All types of
furniture are available but are usually expensive. Carpenters and
cabinetmakers are good but expensive.
The Embassy will make a Welcome Kit available on loan to new
arrivals who locate housing prior to receiving household shipments.
The Kit contains basic kitchen equipment, dishes, and linens. A
basic set of furniture can be made available for personnel who
occupy quarters prior to the arrival of their household effects.
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:30 AM
All normal facilities are available and dependable.
Air-conditioning is extremely rare. Heating may be oil, gas, or
electric. Electric current in Bern is 220v and 50 cycle. Modern
houses and apartments have two types of indoor outlets: a two or
three-wire, single-phase, 220v system (for light fixtures and
appliances with a maximum of 2.2 kilowatts, 10 amps or up to 2000w).
Personnel can bring lamps and light fixtures with them (screw base
of 220v is standard here; three-way 220v bulbs are available in
Germany). A freezer or second refrigerator may be desirable for
personnel on private lease or those with larger family or
entertainment responsibilities. American freezers can be operated
using a stepdown transformer (110v, not 120v).
In general, appliances that need a 60-cycle “system” (appliances
with motors) will not function properly (fire hazard, damage to
appliance) in Switzerland. One should not bring the following
equipment: electric or gas stove, automatic washer, clocks and clock
radios, or stereo sets that would require an entire new motor for
adjustment. American clothes dryers are unusable. The electrical
outlets in Switzerland are hexagonal in shape. Many are recessed in
the wall requiring multiple adapter plugs for appliances with
U.S.-style plugs.
Most apartment buildings have common laundry facilities with
washers and dryers. Buildings have either an assigned laundry
schedule or a sign-up system, and it is common that wash day is only
once a week, or even biweekly. Most privately leased homes are
furnished with washers and either a dryer or a room for hanging
laundry. Transformers are useful. They are sometimes available from
those departing the post and can also be purchased at military
exchanges in Germany.
A TV/VCR with only the American NTSC system can be used at post
to view videotapes (utilizing a stepdown only transformer). In order
to receive local broadcasts, the system must have PAL (K)
capability.
Food Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:32 AM
Shopping facilities are very good, although much more expensive
than in the U.S. Markets and specialty shops, such as bakeries,
milk/cheese shops, grocery stores, and butcher shops are entirely
satisfactory. Several supermarkets exist, and a shopping center
(mall) can be reached in about 15 minutes by car from Bern. However,
shopping hours are not as convenient as in the U.S., with stores
closing at 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. except for one weekday evening when the
stores are generally open until 9 p.m. On Saturdays shops stay open
until 1 or 4 p.m. depending on each individual store or town.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, chocolates, dairy products, breads
and pastries, dried soups and sauces, and jams and preserves are
excellent. Butter and meat are of good quality, although some meat
cuts differ from those in the U.S. Many varieties of canned goods
are sold locally. Frozen foods are available in an increasingly wide
selection. In general, Swiss prices are about 50% higher than in the
U.S. Some foods are only available in the few stores that feature
imports, for example, maple and other flavorings, Knox gelatin,
baking soda, molasses, and syrup. Good baby food products are
available.
Personnel requiring special dietary foods should inquire whether
they are available here or need to be imported with household
effects. Because of the high cost of products in Switzerland, some
employees import food with their HHE shipment. Personnel also buy
food, liquor and other American products at the military facilities
in Germany. The closest facilities, located in Heidelberg or
Stuttgart are a 3- to 4-hour drive from Bern. Some Embassy employees
travel an hour-and-a-half to either France or Germany for grocery
and specialty shopping.
Clothing Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:58 AM
Bring clothes suitable for a temperate U.S. climate. It is
advisable to bring complete winter clothing, good footgear for
hiking and good raingear for constantly changing weather.
Business suits are commonly worn for official receptions and
dinners. Women wear business suits or dresses for these events. On
rare occasions a special evening invitation may be received calling
for tuxedo dress for men and cocktail or long dress for women, but
such an invitation is usually for the Ambassador and spouse or other
senior officers. The annual Marine Ball, however, brings out the
tuxes and long ball gowns for many.
For social occasions, Swiss dress informally, though still
conservatively. Younger Swiss are much more casual than older Swiss.
Women’s styles can range from jeans, slacks, and pant suits to
dresses; while men range from jeans and sweaters to jackets.
Good-quality men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing can be
purchased in Switzerland, but prices are much higher than in the
U.S. Men’s tailoring is excellent but dressmakers are hard to find.
Shoes are of excellent quality; however, individuals with narrow or
extra-wide feet should bring a good supply because these widths are
extremely hard to find. Made-to-measure shoes are available.
Catalog shopping through the military exchange is available with
reasonably priced items, but selection is very limited. Shopping
from U.S. catalogs is another option.
Both English-speaking schools require smaller children to wear
slippers indoors and white-soled gym shoes in gym. The International
School of Berne (ISB) requires black gym shorts and red shirts. (See
Education, Dependent Education.)
Supplies and Services
Supplies Last Updated: 10/21/2003 11:59 AM
The usual consumer goods, toiletries, cosmetics, and household
supplies are sold in Switzerland but prices are much higher than in
the U.S. One should bring highly specialized drugs, as it is
sometimes difficult to find the exact equivalent.
Basic Services Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:00 AM
Community services are good. Laundry, dry cleaning, shoe repair,
equipment repair, and beauty and barber services are all available
and good, but the cost for these services is much higher than in the
U.S.
Domestic Help Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:00 AM
A need for domestic help depends on one’s job, obligations, and
expectations. The cost of hiring a cleaning person on an hourly
basis is SFr 20–25. Swiss household staffs are rare. The current
wage for a live-in maid is a minimum of SFr 1,500 a month, plus room
and board and uniform. Added to this are social security (17%), half
paid by the employer and half by the employee, and health and
accident insurance (about 3.8% of salary).
Efficient but expensive catering services are available. Reliable
waiters and maids may also be hired as needed. Swiss babysitters
start at SFr 10 per hour plus transportation and are difficult to
find. Teenage babysitters, usually children of Embassy employees,
are often available for evenings, but virtually impossible to get in
the daytime during the school year. Rates usually start at SFr 7 per
hour for one child, and SFr 10 per hour to watch two children.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:00 AM
Bern has many Protestant denominations, the dominant one being
the Reformed Church. Other groups include a Church of Jesus Christ
of Latterday Saints, a Christian Science church, a Seventh-day
Adventist church, and others. The city also has several Roman
Catholic churches, a Jewish synagogue, an Islamic center, and a
Russian Orthodox Church. Most services are conducted in German. One
of the Catholic churches (Bruder Klaus), however, has one Sunday
Mass in English. In addition, a small Anglican church near the
Embassy serves as the parish church for the U.S., British, and
Canadian Protestant communities. All of its services are in English.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:28 PM
Most Embassy children attend either the International School of
Berne (ISB) or the British School of Bern. In 1993–94, one family at
post sent its three children to the L’Ecole Francaise de Berne, with
instruction in French. This was the family’s third year in Bern, and
their French instruction at ISB was strong enough for the students
to make the transition to an all-French instructional program.
L’Ecole runs from prekindergarten through grade 9. The British
School goes from preschool to grade 4 and the ISB from preschool
through grade 12.
English-speaking teachers staff ISB and the British School. Both
schools are modern with adequately sized rooms, a library, and an
outside play area. ISB also has a gym, computer lab, science lab,
and an arts center. Both schools provide bus services to many areas
of Bern. ISB uses numerical grades from 1 to 7 and the British
School uses a letter system. Teacher comments, and parent
conferences are used at both schools, and standards of achievement
compare favorably with those in the U.S. The British School uses a
trimester system, with 2-week holidays at Christmas and Easter, a
1-week fall vacation, and the traditional Swiss 1-week “ski holiday”
in February. Summer vacation is from the last week of June to the
last week of August. The ISB has a quarterly calendar, and its
holidays are about the same as those of the British School. Holiday
calendars however are not synchronized; therefore students at one
school may be on holiday when the other school is in session.
The ISB is a nonprofit, coeducational private school run by a
Board of Directors of up to nine persons elected by the Parents
Association. An Embassy parent has usually been on the Board. It is
accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
and the European Council of Independent Schools and successfully
completed its 10-year reaccreditation in 1994. Its 270 students come
from the diplomatic corps and multinational business and industry,
with over 30 nations represented.
The curriculum is international in nature. At the high school
level, students may pursue the International Baccalaureate program.
This is broader and deeper than most U.S. high school curricula.
Instruction is in English, but French and German are offered as
foreign languages in grades 1 to 12. German can also be offered as a
first language. Home languages instruction can be organized if an
external teacher is available but this is not funded by the school.
English-as-a-Second-Language instruction is available for students
whose mother tongue is not English. The school has a comprehensive
special education program for learning disabled students and for
highly gifted students. It is an Optimal Match school working with
the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University.
The school’s testing program includes the International
Baccalaureate, the College Board SAT and Cambridge IGCSE
examinations. Recent U.S. Embassy high school graduates have been
accepted at Boston University, Colby College, Elon College, Florida
Institute of Technology, U.S. Naval Academy among others. Other
graduates have gone to Stanford, Goucher, New York University, and
Connecticut College in the U.S., as well as English, Japanese,
Swiss, Indian, South African, Canadian, Australian, and Spanish
universities. The school is supported by a grant from the Office of
Overseas Schools of the Department of State. More specific
information may be obtained from that office or from microfiche
files available at overseas posts.
Founded in 1988, the British School is an independent, nonprofit
day school located in Gumlingen, a suburb of Bern. The school
provides a modern British curriculum. The teaching allows each child
to develop to his/her particular need through both same-age and
cross-age groupings. Present enrollment is about 72 students in
prekindergarten through Grade 4. Embassy parents with children at
the school have, on the whole, been very satisfied with their
involvement and the care and attention given to their students.
The English Speaking Playgroup takes children aged 3 to 5 years
who speak English or, in limited numbers, who wish to learn English.
Activities include singing, art, music and movement, stories, and
poems as well as supervised games and play. The groups have a
maximum of 12 children. There is also an English Montessori School
in Bern for children 3 to 6 years old. The L’Ecole Francaise de
Berne also provides a preschool for ages 2½ to 5 years old.
Occasionally it is possible to enroll in a Swiss neighborhood
nursery school; classes are conducted in Swiss German. Some families
have recently found adequate day-care facilities near the Embassy,
but these are generally expensive and often have limited English
instruction.
Tuition charges from kindergarten on up, at both the British
School and ISB, fall within the State and Defense Department
education allowances. Pre-kindergarten expenses have to be paid by
the parents.
Away From Post Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:03 AM
Most Swiss boarding schools may be reached from major cities by car
or train within a few hours. Swiss boarding schools for secondary
school children are private. Scholastic standards are generally
high, and tuition fees (which are high) vary yearly. Two teenage
dependents are currently attending boarding schools in Switzerland
outside of Bern. Personnel considering such a school should consult
a professional educational adviser. The schools at post are
considered adequate; thus the post allowance for schooling is the
same at post as away from post.
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:29 PM
The University in Bern, one of the largest in Switzerland, offers
courses in seven areas of study to undergraduate and graduate
students. English literature classes are given in English, all
others in German. Specific information on this and other
universities may be obtained from each institution or from the
Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities, Sennweg 2, 3012 Bern.
The American College of Switzerland at Leysin (a campus of Schiller
International University) is about 1½ hours away from Bern by car.
It is a fully accredited (by the Middle States Association of
Colleges and Schools) 4-year college in Switzerland. It offers five
programs leading to a B.A., B.S., or M.B.A. degree. More information
may be obtained from the Office of Admission, 1854 Leysin,
Switzerland.
The Zurich Campus of City University of Bellevue, Washington, is
1½ hours from Bern by car (slightly faster by train). It is an
accredited English-speaking college and offers both undergraduate
and master’s programs in business administration. More information
can be obtained from the college at the Educational Programs of City
University, AG, Raemi Str. 71, 8006 Zurich.
Webster University of St. Louis in Geneva, 1¾ hours from Bern by
car, offers both undergraduate and masters of arts programs. Further
information can be obtained from the college at the Center for
International Reform, John Knox, 27 Chemin des Crets de Pregny, 1218
Grand Saconnex/Geneva.
Franklin College in Lugano, 5 hours from Bern, is an accredited
English-speaking college offering A.A., B.A., and M.B.A. degrees.
More information can be obtained from the college, 6902 Lugano,
Switzerland.
There are also several campuses of the European University
specializing in a B.A. or M.A. in business with instruction in
English. Information can be obtained at Route de Fontanivent
CH-1817, Fontanivent-Montreux, Switzerland.
There are also several noted hotel schools, including one run by
Schiller University. For information, write Hotel Europe, CH-6390,
Engelberg, Switzerland.
Night classes in Bern are offered in a wide variety of subjects
including business skills, hobbies and crafts, sports, home
economics, and the arts. All classes are in German. Several language
schools have group lessons taught in German, but private lessons
with English-speaking instructors are available. The International
School of Bern offers beginning and intermediate courses in German
and French; and the English-speaking social clubs (see below) have
ongoing conversational classes in both languages. Music lessons are
offered at the Bern Conservatory, as well as by private teachers.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:05 AM
Many opportunities are available for individual sports. Tennis,
hot-air ballooning, windsurfing, sailing, rafting, hang gliding,
golf, riding, skiing, skating, boating, fishing, hunting, swimming,
climbing, and hiking can all be enjoyed in or near Bern. Lessons are
given in many of these sports. Although no public tennis courts
exist, staff members can join private clubs where lessons are
offered by licensed instructors, some of whom are English speaking.
Several riding stables in and around Bern offer indoor instruction
to groups and individuals. Sailing lessons are given on nearby Lake
Thun, and mountaineering is taught by the Swiss Alpine Club. The
lessons are nearly always in German and/or French.
Skiing is Switzerland’s major sport. There are many ski areas
near Bern, and all have English-speaking ski instructors. Both group
and private lessons are cheaper than in the U.S.
The nearest golf club is a 25-minute drive from Bern. Diplomats
and nondiplomatic personnel can join at a reduced fee, but the green
fees are expensive. A number of excellent golf courses can be found
throughout Switzerland.
Hunting is an expensive sport, and a difficult annual examination
must be passed to obtain a license. The Swiss are avid shooters, and
rifle and pistol ranges are widespread. Stream fishing for trout,
graylings, and pike is popular and fishing equipment is available,
but a license must be obtained and strict rules adhered to.
A public outdoor swimming pool near the Embassy is converted into
an ice-skating rink during winter. Occasional ice hockey matches are
held there. Other public swimming pools are located throughout Bern
and the surroundings.
The most popular spectator sports are ice hockey, soccer, track
and field events, and ski competitions. Horse shows and bicycle and
motorcycle races and rallies also take place in or near Bern. Sports
equipment is generally more expensive than in the U.S., but items
are available at the military exchange at reasonable prices. Good
used equipment is also available at the beginning of each ski
season.
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:05 AM
Bern is centrally located for travel to all parts of Switzerland
by car or train. The city is within a few hours’ driving distance of
France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Magnificent scenery and
charming restaurants and hotels add to the local color.
Countless opportunities exist for camping and hiking near Bern
and all over Switzerland. Wooded areas that are perfect for picnics
surround the city. Bern itself boasts a botanical garden, a rose
garden overlooking the old town, an outdoor zoo with play areas for
children and the famous bear pits.
Bern has several museums and a number of small art galleries,
plus occasional exhibitions and fairs. Outstanding museums are also
found in other Swiss cities.
No restrictions are placed on photography except where posted,
such as in military areas.
Entertainment Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:06 AM
The variety of entertainment in Bern is impressive though little
cosmopolitan nightlife exists.
About 20 film theaters show American, French, German, and Italian
movies. Many American movies are shown in Bern in English (subtitles
are in German and French). The City Theater offers operas, plays,
ballets, and operettas, while smaller theaters offer plays and
cabarets. Guest performances by Swiss and international classical
and jazz musicians are common. An excellent international jazz
festival takes place every spring. Lectures, travelogues, etc., are
given frequently. Most of the performances are presented in German,
although some nightclub acts are in French. Bern has four
nightclubs, several bars, and many restaurants featuring Swiss
specialties. In general, Swiss law prohibits young children from
attending film theaters at night.
The principal local festivities are Swiss National Day (August
1), the Onion Market Day, held on the last Monday in November, and
Sammi Klaus Day (December 5). The Onion Market features hundreds of
market stalls selling onions and handicrafts. The Fasnacht
(Carnival) celebration is held in late winter at the beginning of
the Lenten season.
Social Activities Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:06 AM
The American community in Bern consists mostly of Embassy staff
members and their dependents, resident American business community
members, and Americans married to Swiss. Social life can be as full
and varied as one desires through one of the clubs, the AEA or
Marine Corps functions, or friends made in Bern.
English-speaking clubs in Bern are the American Women’s Club, the
International Club of Bern, and the Swiss American Society. A
German/French-speaking Club (GAD) is also available for spouses of
all Embassy employees as well as spouses of Swiss Foreign Ministry
personnel to meet. Clubs often have programs specifically for
children as well as events for families. Girl Scout, Boy Scout and
Cub Scout units are also available, but often depend on family
member involvement.
Official Functions
Nature of Functions Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:07 AM
The Ambassador, DCM, PAO, and military attachés have many
diplomatic functions to attend. Additionally, the Councilors of the
Embassy attend several official functions, and since the Embassy is
relatively small, other Embassy officers (as well as junior
officers) have opportunities to attend official functions in
Switzerland. The Bern Consular Corps offers regular social contacts
for the administrative officers of a number of embassies to meet
once a month over lunch to discuss common administrative issues of
concern affecting the diplomatic community in Bern. Official
diplomatic functions are generally rather formal cocktail
receptions.
Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:07 AM
Standards of social conduct are similar to those in the U.S.,
though a bit more formal. Generally, Swiss say goodbye individually
to all persons when leaving a gathering. Officers will need calling
cards on arrival in Bern. Printing is more expensive than in the
U.S., and an order takes about 2 to 3 weeks to complete. The format
and size of locally printed cards are slightly different from the
standard type most officers have printed.
Special Information Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:08 AM
No particular hazards or restrictions exist regarding living and
traveling in Switzerland.
Each new employee and dependent should bring eight photos (about
1.5" x 1.75") for the Swiss and Embassy Bern identification cards.
Post Orientation Program
The CLO Coordinator (CLOC) oversees the Orientation Program.
He/she finds social sponsors to assist work sponsors. CLOC provides
a Welcome Kit for new arrivals that includes information on
community services, maps, shopping, schools, the myriad of tourist
attractions, and general information on living in Bern. CLOC also
helps develop formal newcomer briefings in both substantive and
administrative areas. The American Women’s Club of Bern, the GAD (a
German- and French-speaking club for spouses of diplomats), and the
International Club of Bern provide additional opportunities to
experience Switzerland, and some Mission members belong to these
clubs or to the Swiss-American Society.
Consular Agency - Geneva
Post City Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:31 PM
Center of International Activity
Geneva is one of the world’s leading centers of international
activity. In addition to the European Office of the U.N. more than
175 international government and nongovernment agencies and 188
permanent national missions are located here. Although Geneva is not
the capital city (Bern is the Swiss capital), it is considered the
center of more international activity per capita than any other city
in the world. The city itself has a population of about 173,000.
Greater Geneva — the city and all surrounding communes, which make
up the Canton of Geneva — has about 440,000 residents. More than
45,000 diplomats, international civil servants, and their families
reside here.
The main focus of international activity is the Palais des
Nations. Once the home of the League of Nations, it is now the seat
of the U.N.’s European Office. More than 300 conferences a year,
attended by more than 25,000 delegates, make the Palais des Nations
the world’s busiest international conference center.
Geneva is often a front-page dateline during a summit conference
or high-level political meeting. But even when the diplomacy
occurring in Geneva does not make headlines, it works steadily to
improve international relations and to make the world a better
place. International activity in Geneva includes developing programs
for combatting disease, expanding trade, helping refugees and
migrants, training people in industry and agriculture, and
developing the maximum use of weather and communications satellites.
The following are among the major intergovernmental organizations
headquartered in Geneva: International Labor Organization (ILO);
World Health Organization (WHO); International Telecommunications
Union (ITU); World Meteorological Organization (WMO); World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); U.N. Conference on Trade
and Development (UNCTAD); U.N. Economic Commission for Europe (ECE);
World Trade Organization (WTO); Human Rights Commission (HRC); U.N.
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); and Intergovernmental
Organization for Migration (IOM).
The major nongovernmental organizations in Geneva include the
International Committee of the Red Cross and the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World
Council of Churches, and the International Commission of Jurists.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and
the Worldwide Fund for Nature are in nearby Gland.
United States Mission to the U.N. Office and Other International
Organizations
The U.S. Mission, which is headed by a Permanent Representative
with the rank of Ambassador, represents the U.S. in its dealings and
communications with the United Nations and other international
agencies in Geneva, as well as with the 186-plus countries that also
maintain permanent missions in Geneva. The Mission staff consists of
about 225 U.S. and FSN employees.
The U.S. Mission promotes U.S. Government policies and interests
in all of the many multilateral organizations based in Geneva.
Mission officers regularly serve as key channels of communication,
report on developments, make policy recommendations, and promote
management reforms and enhanced effectiveness of the U.N.
organizations. The U.S. participates in most of the 300 conferences
that meet in Geneva each year. In some cases, Mission officers serve
as the sole U.S. Government participants in the meetings. In other
cases, a delegation comprises representatives from the Department of
State, other U.S. Government Departments or agencies,
nongovernmental organizations and the private sector participates in
these meetings. Mission officers are then integral members of the
delegation.
Geneva is also the site of numerous arms control negotiations and
discussions. The Conference on Disarmament (CD), the world’s primary
multilateral arms control negotiating forum, meets in Geneva. The
head of the separate U.S. Delegation to the CD also has the rank of
Ambassador. In addition, other arms control discussions pertaining
to existing treaties, such as START and the ABM agreement, take
place in Geneva. Separate U.S. Government delegations to these talks
come to Geneva for weeks at a time.
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
represents the U.S. at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is
constituted as the U.S. Mission to the WTO. The Deputy U.S. Trade
Representative heads the U.S. delegation, and has the rank of
Ambassador. With about 20 employees, the Office promotes U.S. trade
interests, monitors implementation of existing multilateral trade
agreements, enforces U.S. rights through dispute settlement, and
participates in multilateral trade negotiations.
UNITED STATES MISSION
Geneva
Situated on the banks of the largest lake in central Europe, at
the foot of the Jura Mountains and the gate of the Alps, Geneva has
a unique charm. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, is
visible on clear days. On the edge of the city, the Rhone River
emerges from Lake Geneva to continue its flow to France. The Canton
of Geneva is located in the extreme southwest corner of Switzerland,
and is surrounded on three sides by France. No matter where you are
in the Canton, you are never more than a few minutes drive from the
French border.
Today, Geneva has some 400,000 inhabitants. Its international
face can be seen in its population, one-third of which is from
abroad, representing 157 nations. Geneva, more than most cities of
its size, is multilingual. French is both the official and everyday
language, but English, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese,
and Arabic can be heard in the streets. Despite its large
international representation, Geneva takes its character from its
Swiss heritage. It welcomes foreigners, but expects privacy and
respect for its traditions in return.
Geneva’s climate varies. It is temperate from April to October.
Winters are damp, with overcast skies, but a trip to the nearby
mountains will usually reward you with sunshine. Snow covers the
mountaintops throughout winter, but Geneva remains temperate with
minimal snowfall. Temperatures rarely stay below freezing during the
day.
Summers are pleasant with only occasional hotspells. Temperatures
are cool and crisp in both spring and autumn. Rain is frequent
during spring and early fall. Two characteristically Swiss winds
affect the seasonal weather. The “bise” is a north wind that blows
in across Lake Geneva, bringing a chilling cold bite to the winter
and clear cool skies in the summer. The “foehn,” a south wind, is
surprisingly humid and warm. Geneva has no serious climatic changes
or extremes of temperature.
History
The word “Geneva,” Celtic in origin, means “at the water’s edge.”
Archeological findings attest to its habitation as early as 12,000
BC. Ruins of a large village, constructed of wooden pile dwellings
and set along the edges of the lake, date from 2,500 BC. The first
fortified settlement, on the hill of the old town, is thought to be
Celtic in origin. In the Middle Ages, the town was a city of the
Holy Roman Empire.
Later, Geneva became a part of the territory of the princes of
Savoy, which finally extended from the Mediterranean to the borders
of Bern and Burgundy, and as far as the Valais. Official links with
the Swiss Confederation began in the 16th century when Geneva
undertook alliances with Fribourg and Bern to protect its
independence.
With the Protestant Reformation, Geneva became the seat of
Calvinism, providing a Europe-wide haven for Protestant refugees.
The Reformation and the period of Calvinist rule have had deep and
lasting effects on the city’s political, cultural, and economic
life. Incidentally, it was French Protestant refugees who introduced
watchmaking to Geneva, thus establishing one of Switzerland’s most
important export industries.
Geneva was closely associated with the 18th century French
liberal movement. Rousseau and Voltaire lived in and near Geneva for
long periods before the French Revolution. Their ideas had profound
repercussions both in Geneva and throughout the Western World,
setting off a wave of revolution against traditional monarchies.
In 1815 Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation, thus completing
present-day Switzerland.
The vogue of tourism in the beginning of the 19th century marked
Geneva’s first urban changes. Modernization of hotels, the lure of
pleasure boats along the lake and down the Rhone, transformed the
city. In the last century Geneva has developed into a prosperous and
flourishing center of commerce, tourism, and international politics.
Geneva’s general appearance belies its long, distinguished
history. The Old City, on the left bank of the Rhone, keeps its
charm from the 16th to 18th centuries. Within its maze of narrow
streets you will find remnants of ancient times, as in the diggings
under the Cathedral, as well as fine antique shops. The rest of
Geneva is a modern city that reflects its growth in population, and
expansion of commercial and international organizations. Always,
there are splendid cafes and tea shops.
Geneva is a small, manageable city. It is quick to get to know
and easy to move around in. It has the ambience of a town, rather
than a city. Its residents and guests spend much of their leisure
time in the well-tended parks, the gardens, and the lakeside
promenades. From the town’s center you can walk to most important
landmarks within 20 minutes.
Lake Geneva is a focus of activity year round. It attracts both
the tourist and the local population to its waterside cafes,
marinas, and yacht races. The Jet d’Eau, literally, a jet of water
spurting 495 feet out of the Lake, is a unique Geneva attraction.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 10/22/2003 11:57 AM
The U.S. Mission reports directly to the Department of State
through the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. Although
the Mission is headed by an Ambassador and DCM, it is atypical in
structure and organization. Its major sections are: Public Affairs,
Political and Specialized Agency Affairs, Refugee and Migration
Affairs, and International Economic Affairs. The Administrative
Section, which includes Conference Services and Communications,
supports all visiting Mission delegations, as well as the Geneva
Offices of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the
Conference on Disarmament (CD).
The Mission and USTR offices are located in a modern, U.S.
Government-owned building at 11, Route de Pregny, telephone:
41–22–749–4111. CD offices are located in the Mission building.
Geneva’s international airport and main railroad stations are each
about 10 minutes away by car. The administrative workweek is Monday
through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with 1 hour for lunch. USTR
hours differ slightly.
Mission personnel, CD, and USTR employees permanently assigned to
Geneva (except those of the Foreign Agricultural Service) are
payrolled by the Charleston Finance Center in liaison with the
Regional Administrative Management Center, Paris. The Union de
Banques Suisses, with a branch at the nearby World Health
Organization (WHO), is one of the banks that provides a full range
of services for Mission staff and official visitors.
Housing Last Updated: 10/22/2003 11:58 AM
As a result of Geneva’s new attraction to the business world,
permanent housing is currently in great demand and short supply.
Prepare for a permanent housing search that may last 1–3 months. The
Housing Office is up-to-date on the tight housing market and will
assist in every possible way. To facilitate your search, contact the
Mission Housing Office (41–22–749–4386) and, if at all possible,
visit the post beforehand.
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:00 AM
Upon arrival, personnel should expect to stay in temporary
quarters for the duration of their housing search. Organize your
packing and your airfreight to accommodate your stay in temporary
quarters. Plan for seasonal weather changes, and at the same time,
keep in mind that temporary quarters offer little or no storage
space.
There are a number of choices for temporary quarters:
The first includes residential hotels, that is, hotels which
offer an apartment or studio facility along with a small kitchen.
These include the Residence Mont Blanc, the Motel Mon Repos, and the
Laffitte. The advantage is the kitchenette and the separate
bedrooms. The disadvantage is the plain decor and the threadbare
ambience.
A second option is a hotel room with kitchenette. These include
the Carlton, Ascot, the Autuil, and a list of others.
The third option is a fine, European style hotel with no kitchen
facilities, of which there is an abundance. They are small but fresh
and well-tended. Self-service restaurants such as the Manora offer a
change from restaurant eating, providing a large selection of fresh
vegetables and fruits, as well as lighter meals.
Because of funding limitations, employees wishing to stay in a
hotel without kitchen facilities for more than a week should obtain
post management approval in advance. Limitations on per diem
payments may apply.
During tourist season and when there are large conferences in
town, hotels of all kinds are fully booked. Be sure to request your
reservations as soon as you can.
All of the recommended temporary quarters fall within the
temporary quarters allowance, even for families with three or more
children. You may request a more complete or up-to-date listing from
the Housing Office.
Pet rules vary and there is usually a pet fee, so be sure to
inquire when you write or cable the Mission.
Washers and dryers, located in the Mission basement, are
available for your use while you are in temporary quarters.
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:03 AM
Under the Interagency Housing Policy of the Mission, only
Ambassadors and their deputies have U.S. Government-leased housing.
An exception is made for the Marine Security Guard Detachment,
including the detachment commander. All other employees occupy
privately leased housing.
Geneva is an LQA post which means you are provided a monthly
housing allowance and you have the opportunity, rare in the Foreign
Service, to choose your own housing. The Housing Office will assist
you in every way possible to find a residence and to work through
the details with the lessor. In the end, you will be responsible for
signing your lease and for paying your rent and utilities, just as
you would in Washington.
Be aware that housing is extremely tight in Geneva. The key to
finding satisfactory housing is flexibility. Consider that the house
you find may not be the house of your dreams, but rather what you
need to live adequately. Assess what is most important for your
housing needs, then prioritize just as you would in Washington, D.C.
Expect significantly higher costs and less floor space than you
would find in Washington, D.C.
Geneva proper is a city of apartments. For some personnel,
apartment living, in the heart of town, is what they prefer. Large
apartments are hard to find and houses are rare in the downtown
areas, but efficient, smaller apartments are possible. Several
modern apartment complexes near the Mission on the right bank of
Lake Geneva draw both American and international personnel. They are
well organized and usually contain a shopping center or small
grocery store. Washers and dryers are normally found in a common
laundry room. Specific times for their use are assigned. Underground
parking is the norm and access to public transport is easy. Parking
in the historic old town area may not be available.
Many families with children choose suburban homes located along
the northern shore of Lake Geneva in the Canton of Vaud. These homes
have gardens or yard space and are within a reasonable driving
distance (20 minutes) of the Mission. Those with children look for
housing in areas close to selected schools. These homes are
increasingly rare, however, and require extensive efforts to locate.
Housing along the southern lake boundary is popular and equally
lovely. It may require a longer commute should you choose to drive
rather than take the bus.
Shopping is always available and is often within walking
distance. There are some European-style shopping malls in the
suburbs. Prices for goods and services are high by American
standards, but the Department provides an adequate cost-of-living
allowance.
In Geneva, the Diplomatic Clause included in the lease requires 3
months’ notice for termination of the contract. It would therefore
be extremely difficult to break the lease for any reason other than
diplomatic orders. The General Services Office (GSO) reviews all
leases and keeps copies on file.
Immediately after signing a lease and again on its expiration, an
inventory/ survey, called a “walk through” is made by the real
estate agent, the lessee, and a representative of the Mission. The
“walk through” details with great specificity the condition of your
quarters. It lists all items furnished by the agent and their
condition.
You must purchase Household Third-Party-Liability insurance from
a Swiss insurance company. This insurance covers any accidental
damage to rented property. Its primary purpose is to cover damage to
your residence caused accidentally by you, your family, guests, or
pets. Damage due to negligence is not covered. When you leave
Switzerland and are negotiating a check-out with your landlord, this
policy will immediately prove its value and permit a peaceful exit
from your home. Local leases contain a clause which requires this
insurance, and owners will often cancel the lease and evict you if
you do not provide them with proof of insurance. Insurance payments
are normally covered by LQA. The Housing office assists you with
this insurance policy.
The Mission has Welcome Kits for use until your household effects
(HHE) arrive. These include beds, folding chairs and a table, lamps,
as well as bed linens, towels, and kitchen utensils.
Furnishings Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:05 AM
The Mission does not provide any furniture or furnishings. In
Geneva, personnel bring their own HHE. Furniture used in Washington,
D.C., is suitable in Geneva. A rule of thumb in selecting your
furniture is that Geneva houses and their rooms are smaller than
Americans are used to. For example, a queen-sized bed is a better
fit for the master bedroom than a king-size. Living rooms and dining
rooms are often not divided into separate rooms but form one large
open area. Only about half the kitchens have room for a table and
chairs; thus, it is rare to find an “eat-in” kitchen. Most houses
have a yard or garden space. Most apartments have balconies and
indeed these are one of the joys of apartment living.
Quite often the flooring is wood parquet or ceramic tile. To
reduce noise and also to observe some city regulations, bring floor
coverings. Rugs and carpets of all types and quality are available
but costly.
If you have curtains and draperies and would like to alter them
to fit, bring them. Locally made draperies are possible, but costs
are high. An option is to wait, then special order draperies from
the U.S. after you assess your needs. Drapery costs can be partially
covered in the foreign transfer allowance. Consult the Financial
Management Office for details on reimbursable expenses.
A sofa bed will extend your guest capacity. If you have one, ship
it. It is particularly useful if you will be living in a one-or
two-bedroom apartment.
Bring lamps. U.S. lamps can be used here by simply attaching a
plug adapter and changing the bulbs. At least two household centers,
IKEA and Interio, offer a large selection of household items, as
well as reasonably priced assembled and unassembled furniture. Both
are within easy driving of Geneva. Antique shops abound and are
great places to browse and to find a special piece of furniture.
Departing personnel often have household goods and furniture for
sale. The Mission newsletter, Geneva Talks, publishes these listings
weekly and is available through the CLO at 41–22–749–4750 or IVG
493–4750. New arrivals can also advertise their needs.
Basic items, such as light fixtures and permanently installed
hardware, can frequently be bought from previous occupants. In most
cases, storage space is limited. Most apartments have small storage
rooms in the basement that can accommodate luggage and storage
boxes. Houses have small bomb shelters that are useful for storage.
Closets are scarce, but wardrobes are available locally.
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:09 AM
Overall, Swiss housing is excellent. Building quality is
superior; windows are installed to let in light and seal out cold.
Gardens and balconies are the norm. As in all of Europe, space is
less available and more efficiently used.
Kitchens: You can expect Swiss housing to have efficiently
designed, smaller kitchens. When stoves and refrigerators come with
the house/apartment they are of European size. If you have a medium-
to large-size family or entertainment responsibilities, you might
want to consider renting locally an additional refrigerator/freezer
that will fit the size constraints of Swiss residences.
Washers and Dryers: American-made washers and dryers cannot be
adapted to accommodate local plumbing, water and electrical
regulations. Do not bring them. Washers and dryers, although basic
needs for Americans, are not always included in individual rental
units, particularly those providing access to a general laundry
room. Installation of a personal washer and dryer is often not
permitted. Check before signing the lease. You can lease/purchase
refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers. Consult with Housing
in drawing up an appliance lease. The cost for the appliance rental
can be included in your housing budget if its cost is within your
total allowance. It is also possible to rent furniture. Central
heating, usually oil, and hot water are adequate. These expenses are
reimbursable.
Telephones: Telephone lines take 3 to 6 weeks for installation. A
Swiss net/ ISDN line, which can be split into 2 or more phone
numbers, is possible. Phone line installation is reimbursable out of
the foreign transfer allowance, but full coverage is possible only
if you submit an itemized voucher for the travel allowance. Consult
the Financial Management Office for details on reimbursable expenses
as well as vouchers. The usual local phone company is Swisscom. You
can choose your own provider for international calls. American
telephones can be installed with the use of a local cable and
adapter.
TV’s: American TV’s do not work in Europe. Sets can be purchased
or leased locally. The military exchanges and bases carry such
equipment for very reasonable cost. Guarantees and warranties are
honored at the store of purchase. Cable television hookup is
available to all but those who live in the most rural or mountainous
areas and for those rugged few, a satellite dish can be bought.
Electricity: American electrical appliances will work with a
transformer and an adapter. Geneva has 220 volt/ 50 Hz electricity
and Swiss specific three-hole wall outlets. Mission personnel are
provided up to two transformers.
Administrative Services available to Non-Mission Personnel.
Non-Mission U.S. Government employees assigned to international
organizations in Geneva may be provided certain administrative
services. Check with the Financial Management Officer
(41–22–749–4692, or IVG 493–4692.)
Food Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:12 AM
In Geneva, chocolate is considered a major food group. A complete
selection of fresh and imported food is also available. Almost
anything can be found including tropical fruits, eastern spices, and
Mediterranean specialties. Throughout the week and especially on
weekends there are open-air farmers’ markets offering everything
from cheese to table linens. Private farms often sell produce in
season, and these farms are one of the pleasures of Swiss living.
The availability of American-brand foods is limited. If you have a
favorite product, bring a supply to ease your transition. Bring baby
food and baby supplies to last until you find a suitable equivalent.
Should your baby have special needs, ship extra cases with your
household effects (HHE).
The Mission has a small store run by AGEA, the American
Government Employee Association. A small selection of toiletries,
snacks, light foods, breakfast cereals, cookies, and cake mixes, as
well as duty-free alcohol and cigarettes are obtained from the
military bases in Germany and are available to Americans with
diplomatic privileges. Greeting cards, stamps and a few guidebooks
are also available. There is a video rental service. All U.S.
Government American employees permanently assigned to Geneva are
automatically members of AGEA. A board of directors is elected
annually. AGEA is one of the sponsors of a regular season of events
for employees and their families, including the Hail and Farewell
barbecues and seasonal children’s parties.
Diplomatic personnel may import purchases from the European Post
Exchanges and Commissaries. Although the nearest PX is a 5-hour
drive away, many find an occasional PX shopping trip economically
prudent. A Mission wide order for turkeys and hams for the holiday
season is filled once a year.
Clothing Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:13 AM
Geneva’s climate resembles that of the mid- and northern U.S. so
clothing needs are similar. However, in Geneva all attire, even for
a casual weekend dinner or a trip to the market, is more formal than
in the U.S. During the winter, wool sweaters, coats, hats, and warm
socks are essential. Long silk underwear and thermals make light
clothing usable year round. Bring your winter clothes and boots.
Houses and offices are amply heated in winter. Summer is very
pleasant with warmer weather and little humidity. A light jacket or
sweater is handy year round. Fall and spring are pleasant months of
temperate weather. Rain is frequent, however, and can last for days.
Bring waterproof office shoes and a raincoat with a warm zip-in
lining.
You will probably walk more in Geneva than in D.C. Bring
excellent walking shoes with thick soles and sturdy cushioning.
Weekend walks through the vineyards are easily made in good walking
shoes, but for anything more rigorous you are well advised to bring
a sturdy pair of hiking boots and good socks.
Both clothing and shoes are readily available in Switzerland, but
quality tends to be truly excellent or just plain sad, with little
in between. Shoes are very expensive.
Men Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:14 AM
Year-round wool suits do nicely. Sweater vests are acceptable and
comfortable in the office for those early fall days. If you have
representational responsibilities, you may use a tuxedo during the
year.
Women Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:14 AM
Washington business attire does well in Geneva. Hem length
varies. Trousers are common. Almost all receptions are held
immediately after work; business dress is the norm. Dinner dresses
are simple, not frilly.
Children Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:15 AM
Children’s clothing is available, with quality leaping from
excellent to poor with little in between. Many employees rely on the
military bases and catalog shopping for their children. If you have
children with growing feet, bring extra sizes.
Supplies and Services Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:17 AM
Just about anything you could want is available on the local
market. Bring a supply of personal items for the first months while
you familiarize yourself with the different brands and packaging.
Cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceutical items are all here.
Pharmacists are especially helpful in recommending similar products
or a suitable remedy. All medications, prescription and
nonprescription, are especially dear, one tablet often costing 1 CHF.
Bring a supply of your most frequently used pharmaceuticals.
European cleaning supplies, detergents, soaps, etc., are abundant
and work well.
Paper products can be very expensive. Bring a supply of
stationery, cocktail napkins, and specialty items. American
thank-you notes are a nice touch. English language books, magazines,
and newspapers are easily found but expensive. A paperback costs
about 30 CHF. Bring a good supply of reading material for all the
family.
Computers and computer supplies are available. Most paper is
European size, so if your printer takes only U.S. letter size, bring
what you need, shop at a military base, or consider locally
purchasing an inexpensive printer. The International
Telecommunications Union (ITU), as a service to the staff at
international missions, provides free Internet access.
Craft and party supplies for children are especially expensive
and very limited in variety. Bring a supply of crayons, markers,
coloring books, drawing paper, paints, glue, and stickers. Bring
party decorations and favors as well as Halloween costumes or their
makings. An assortment of small children’s gifts will also come in
handy.
Supplies Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:18 AM
Just about anything you could want is available on the local
market. Bring a supply of personal items for the first months while
you familiarize yourself with the different brands and packaging.
Cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceutical items are all here.
Pharmacists are especially helpful in recommending similar products
or a suitable remedy. All medications, prescription and
nonprescription, are especially dear, one tablet often costing 1 CHF.
Bring a supply of your most frequently used pharmaceuticals.
European cleaning supplies, detergents, soaps, etc., are abundant
and work well.
Paper products can be very expensive. Bring a supply of
stationery, cocktail napkins, and specialty items. American
thank-you notes are a nice touch. English language books, magazines,
and newspapers are easily found but expensive. A paperback costs
about 30 CHF. Bring a good supply of reading material for all the
family.
Computers and computer supplies are available. Most paper is
European size, so if your printer takes only U.S. letter size, bring
what you need, shop at a military base, or consider locally
purchasing an inexpensive printer. The International
Telecommunications Union (ITU), as a service to the staff at
international missions, provides free Internet access.
Craft and party supplies for children are especially expensive
and very limited in variety. Bring a supply of crayons, markers,
coloring books, drawing paper, paints, glue, and stickers. Bring
party decorations and favors as well as Halloween costumes or their
makings. An assortment of small children’s gifts will also come in
handy.
Basic Services Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:20 AM
Same-day and 24-hour drycleaning are possible though unusual. One
week is the norm. While services are usually efficient, drycleaning
is costly and the chemicals used are harsher than in Washington.
Choose wash-and-wear clothing whenever possible. Laundry services,
including those for men’s shirts, are good but expensive.
Well-managed, self-service laundry facilities exist. There are also
washers and dryers in the Mission basement available for use until
you are fully installed in your home.
Beauty and barbershops are not only plentiful but excellent.
Furniture repair is well done.
Automobile repair is excellent. It is quick and easy to find
parts and services for European makes. Services for U.S. vehicles
are also available. American auto parts, however, are difficult if
not impossible to find on the local market. Have a U.S. contact for
ordering special parts.
Tip: All services are costly, but Mission employees receive a
cost-of-living allowance which fluctuates with the exchange rate but
generally provides support.
Domestic Help Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:20 AM
Geneva is not a post where one easily finds affordable live-in
help. Many families hire a cleaning person on an hourly basis. Rates
are currently 20 CHF an hour. Kitchen help is available for cocktail
and dinner parties: rates range from 20-25 CHF. Families with
children often hire high-school-aged babysitters for an evening out.
The Mission will provide guidance on local laws should you wish to
engage live-in or full-time help. Do not bring any domestic help
with you unless you have contacted the personnel officer first.
Financial requirements are steep and should be considered before any
decision is made.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:31 PM
English-language services are held in many places of worship
including: the American Church, Church of Scotland (Presbyterian),
Crossroads of Evangelical Church, Evangelical Baptist Churst, First
Church of Christ Scientist, Holy Trinity Church (Anglican),
International Christian Fellowship, Islamic Cultural Foundation,
Jewish Liberal Community, Lutheran Church of Geneva, Pope John XXIII
Center (Roman Catholic Church), Society of Friends Quaker House, and
the Westlake Church.
Most other major faiths are represented in Geneva. Several
Synagogues, an Orthodox center, Mormon center, and a Mosque are
here. The Liberal Synagogue has services in English.
Many groups offer religious instruction for children. You can
expect a fee of up to 100 CHR per child. InterYouth, a division of
“Youth for Christ,” is active in Geneva. It has an active program
for young people ages 11–18, including public service activities and
social events. Bible studies, seminars, and fellowship activities
are available for adults as well as children.
Education Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:32 AM
Geneva offers a wide choice of schools and educational
philosophy.
The Mission’s education allowance is based on the tuition and
fees for the College du Leman (CDL). Not all fees at CDL are covered
but, as with all other posts worldwide, Geneva relies on the
Standardized Regulations for allowable expenses. Some expenses which
you may experience in Geneva that you may not see in the U.S.
include ski trips, fieldtrips, hot meals, and afterschool
activities. Fees which exceed the allowable expenses are the
responsibility of the family. Waiting lists for enrollment currently
exist in all Geneva schools. CDL has agreed to accept all Mission
dependents qualifying for admission.
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:33 PM
College du Leman (CDL). Established in 1960, CDL is an
internationally recognized and accredited boarding and day school.
It is a short block from public transportation and tram service. CDL
is divided into the Anglo-American section which is taught in
English, and the Swiss-French section, taught in French. The
Anglo-American section prepares for either the American College
Board Examinations (SAT, Achievement Tests and Advanced Placement
Exams,) or the GCE exams of Cambridge. The Swiss-French section
follows programs for the Swiss Federal Maturite and the French
Baccalaureate.
CDL offers a complete academic program, American-accepted AP
courses, as well as some extracurricular programs.
CDL includes grades K to 13. To be admitted to grade 1, a student
must be 6 years old no later than December of the school year.
Admission to grades 9 to 12 and 13 is dependent upon submission of
school transcripts showing successful completion of courses in
English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages. An
initial placement testing is possible.
International School of Geneva. The International School of
Geneva has three branches: Pregny, located just across from the
Mission, starting at age 3 and continuing though American grade 5,
which is called class 6; La Chataigneraie, “La Chat,” located in
Coppet, offering education for grades K to 13; and La Grande
Boissiere, “LGB,” located on the southern side of the lake, grades K
to 13. The International School of Geneva is based on a British
curriculum and offers graduation with the International
Baccalaureate Certificate after grade 13.
The I.B. is a strong comprehensive academic program well
recognized in the U.S. A certificate of graduation, which meets
admission criteria for U.S. universities, is possible for students
choosing to graduate after grade 12. The U.S. Government does not
reimburse for grade 13. The International School is 5% or 10% more
expensive than CDL, and this additional amount is not reimbursed.
Other Schools
The Swiss public schools offer free neighborhood education. The
language is French with tutoring initially provided in some Cantons.
Starting age is 4 years.
The Florimont School offers a rigorous, parochial education in
French. It provides substantial support for non-French speakers and
a special class for children over age 10 starting French for the
first time. Costs are covered by the educational allowance.
The Geneva English School is for primary grades only. It is a
small, well-focused school based on British curriculum. Costs are
covered by the educational allowance.
There are no day care centers in Geneva. The Swiss educational
system is oriented to stay-at-home moms or live-in help. Half-day
preschools are possible to find for children about age three. There
are a good many Mom and Tot programs. Montessori schools exist.
Kindergarten is available in either French or English,
English-speaking kindergartens being fewer in number.
Should your child have special needs or be working at an
exceptional level in a gifted and talented program, speak directly
to the school, and call or e-mail the CLO, (41–22–749–7450 or IVG
493–7450).
As at all posts, dependent education is a matter for careful
attention. Parents should request up-to-date specifics through the
CLO, and directly from the schools.
Special Educational Opportunities
Language. Good French-language classes, both private or in
groups, are easily found. The Mission offers French to personnel and
their dependents, subject to availability of funds. Language lessons
are also offered at reasonable cost by the U.N., city-funded
universities, and large private corporations. Personnel and eligible
dependents are strongly encouraged to take the intensive language
instruction offered by the Foreign Service Institute.
Higher Education. It is possible to begin or complete, in
English, a college degree, or to sign up for individual classes.
Webster University, an American college, has a campus in Geneva and
holds both day and evening classes. A British program, Open
University, offers an independent study program with tutorials
scheduled locally throughout the year.
Superior facilities for those fluent in French are available at
the University of Geneva and the Institute des Hautes Etudes
Internationales. For more information, write to the institution of
your choice.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:44 AM
Geneva is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Excellent skiing is just
40 minutes away by car, and the walking trails are right outside the
door. Cross-country skiing is popular and available in Geneva’s
immediate environs. Other recreational pastimes include: tennis,
squash, and all manner of ball sports, trekking, mountain climbing,
and bouldering; cycling of all kinds; fishing; horseback riding;
hang gliding, water sports including sailing, canoeing, and
kayaking. There are joggers on the roads and on the trails all year
round. Golf courses exist in Switzerland as well as France, although
golf is quite expensive. Sport and fitness clubs are well-staffed.
Trainers provide exercise classes as well as personal coaching.
Fitness clubs may have weight rooms, pools, saunas and steam baths.
Some have indoor squash and tennis courts. Membership is possible
for the day or the year. A few clubs offer a membership discount to
Mission personnel.
Sports activities for children are different from those found in
the U.S. Cricket is commonly played, not baseball. Soccer and rugby
are popular, not American football. As extensive sports programs are
not offered by the schools, parents often transport their children
to and from activities.
There are excellent indoor swimming pools in town, one Olympic
size. Swim teams for children and teens are of the highest caliber.
There are small beaches on the Lake.
All sports equipment is sold at prices comparable to those for
goods of excellent quality in the U.S. Ski apparel can be rented by
the day or the season. Rental prices are reasonable. Ski boots for
the very large foot and ankle, both cross-country and alpine, are
very difficult to find. Bring your special order needs. Hiking boots
are available and of excellent quality.
Tip: Think snow.
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:46 AM
Geneva is ideally located for convenient travel to a host of
cities and sites. Bern, Switzerland’s capital and location of the
American Embassy, is 98 miles away. You can get anywhere in
Switzerland in a day’s travel by car or train.
Very pleasant day trips include boat excursions to Lausanne,
Montreux, and other Swiss cities along Lac Leman, or voyages out to
Evian, Annecy, or Chamonix in France. You can sign up at the tourist
office for a group tour or venture out on your own by train or bus.
Most major cities in Western Europe are within 2-days traveling, by
car or train. Southern France is but 4 hours away by car, Paris only
3¾ hours by fast train.
Geneva is proud of its many parks and gardens that are
beautifully designed and meticulously cared for. Every year Geneva
prepares 40,000 rose bushes to be admired and sniffed in their three
rose gardens. Besides roses, you will find paths for strolling,
benches placed just for the view, and coffee houses. Many parks have
playground areas for children, which contain sandboxes,
merry-go-rounds, and swings. The Batie Woods, located at the
junction of Lake Geneva and the Rhone, is a vast park featuring a
small zoo with goats, deer, pigs, and peacocks.
Entertainment Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:48 AM
Geneva offers a rich artistic and cultural life. Concerts, all
kinds of shows, and exhibitions of the highest quality take place
throughout the year. Of special note is Geneva’s music and opera.
Geneva is home to the Suisse Romand Orchestra, which has both a
summer and a winter series. Victoria Hall, with 1,850 seats,
exceptional acoustics, and a unique decor in rococo style, is
Geneva’s pearl of concert halls. It is devoted to classical music
and its Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Although larger productions
are held downtown, smaller performances of fine quality take place
in the surrounding villages, monasteries, and churches.
International annual jazz festivals are held in Montreux and
nearby Lugano. For the younger at heart or age, the annual week long
Paleo concert, held in nearby Nyon, is a great hit, attracting
thousands of young people from throughout Europe.
The Grand Theater, an opera house built with the Opera Garnier of
Paris in mind, is the focal point of operatic life in Geneva.
Tickets are offered by event or by the season. Excellent programs
including opera, ballet, concerts, symphonies, and jazz are all
staged here. Nightclubs and large hotels offer yet another series of
programs and performers.
For the art lover, there are many fine, smaller exhibits both in
the larger museums and the smaller galleries. Geneva has its own
Museum of Natural History, Museum of Art and History, and Museum of
Ethnography.
Large stage productions are in French. There is a local
English-speaking group, the Geneva English Drama Society, which you
can attend or join as a performer.
Geneva has more than 1,100 restaurants, many of excellent
quality. Cuisine is largely French, Swiss, or international, but a
wide range is to be found. You will also find McDonald’s and Pizza
Hut. Many choose to sample the fare in nearby France as well.
There are several large libraries in town, with most collections
in French. A small English-language library of mainly British
titles, The American Library, is located in the heart of the city,
and has a branch in a nearby suburb. It has an extensive children’s
section.
Bring a solid supply of reading material and subscribe to your
favorite magazines. Mail-order book service is offered on the
Internet.
Tip: Bring books.
Check out the Geneva Tourism web site: www.geneva-tourism.ch
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:50 AM
The American International Club is a civic and speakers organization
which hosts regular luncheons and a major Fourth of July
celebration. Membership is open to both men and women.
American women can join several clubs, notably the American
Women’s Club of Geneva, and the U.N. Women’s Guild, both of which
are international in membership. The Nyon Women’s Club is popular
with women in that area. These clubs offer a choice of scheduled
activities, including conversational French groups, cooking classes,
regular cross-country skiing and hiking outings, as well as
volunteer and charitable work. They also sponsor evening activities
and gala events.
Teenagers find fewer organized social activities than one would
expect in the D.C. area. Consequently, teen activities are usually
hosted by families or the teens themselves. Most schools offer ski
weeks during their winter holiday. School vacations are long enough
for families to travel together. Organized team sports are found in
local clubs rather than the schools. The minimum age for a Swiss
driver’s license is 18. Many young people buy monthly public
transportation passes at reasonable rates in order to get around on
their own. Intercity transportation is safe and reliable. Geneva is
connected to the suburbs and environs by convenient, frequent bus
and rail service.
International Contacts Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:52 AM
Geneva affords many opportunities to meet people of other
nationalities. Meeting the Swiss is more difficult. The constant
flow of visitors and the natural reticence of the Swiss make any
strong sense of community spirit elusive. One international
organization that promotes contacts among diplomats, international
civil servants, and Swiss residents is the Diplomatic Club. The club
sponsors periodic luncheons, mostly in English. The membership fee
is modest. Mission personnel find their social life determined by
their own initiatives and interests.
Official Functions Last Updated: 10/22/2003 12:53 AM
Senior officers attend many official international functions.
Business lunches or after work receptions are the most usual events.
Normal protocol is observed. Social dress and customs are similar to
Washington, D.C. International conferences afford many receptions,
but invitations are reserved for those working with the group. Most
entertaining is done at receptions and informal dinners.
Bring a large supply of calling cards. Local printing facilities
are good, but expensive.
Special Information Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:34 PM
Post Orientation Program
The Mission’s annual orientation program is open to employees and
family members. It is held in the fall and acquaints new arrivals
with the purpose and operation of the Mission as well as with many
of the key Mission staff. A tape of the program is available
throughout the year. Also, upon arrival, the Mission provides you
with a “sponsor,” an employee or Mission family to show you around
in a more personal manner.
The American Women’s Club has an excellent information and
orientation program for life in Switzerland. It is held over a
period of 6 weeks, 1 day a week. It is a good way to become familiar
with the ins and outs of Switzerland, as well as to meet newly
arrived English speakers from all over the world. The program is
offered twice a year and is always fully booked. Call the AWC upon
arrival and inquire as to dates and registration. Cost is 100 CHF
per person or 150 CHF a couple.
Notes For Travelers
Getting to the Post Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:34 PM
No special problems arise in traveling to Switzerland. One does
not need to bring Swiss money. Airports and railway stations all
have exchange offices and all hotels will change American money and
travelers checks.
Airfreight usually arrives 1–2 weeks after delivery to the
carrier in the U.S. However, longer delays are possible. Arrival
time for surface freight depends on the shipping point and usually
takes 4–6 weeks from the U.S.
Getting to the Post — Mission Geneva
Personnel and their families can review the schedules of American
carriers, which depart daily from the U.S. connecting in London,
Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zurich. Direct flights are
available from Washington, D.C., and New York.
Visas are not required for Americans entering Switzerland; a
valid passport is enough. Bring 12 passport-sized photographs of
yourself and each family member. They will be needed for your Swiss
identification and other cards.
There are no visa requirements to enter France unless the travel
is for official business. However, a passport is required whenever
you enter France and return to Switzerland.
Customs, Duties, and Passage
Customs and Duties Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:36 PM
Diplomatic personnel have complete duty-free customs privileges
for personal articles. A written clearance validated by the Embassy
is usually required. Nondiplomatic personnel may import a “first
installation” of new or used personal and household effects within 1
year of their arrival.
Nonofficial travelers to Switzerland are allowed to bring with
them duty-free 2 liters of wine plus 1 liter of spirits and 400
cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco. Shipments of
effects and unaccompanied baggage are normally cleared easily and
promptly, and no special arrangements are necessary before
departure. Transportation of effects through other European
countries en route to Bern usually presents no problems.
Money, travelers checks, and other money instruments may be
imported and exported freely.
Customs and Duties — Mission Geneva
The port of entry for surface shipments is Antwerp. Normal packing
standards are required, with no restrictions on the size of cartons
or lift vans. The customary shipping documents issued by the U.S.
Despatch Agent, or forwarding agents of other countries, are all the
documentation necessary. Surface shipment of goods from the U.S.
takes about 4 weeks once it is loaded on the ship. Air shipments
take about 2 weeks. Local movers are competent and neither breakage
nor pilferage is a serious problem. Send the Mission General
Services Office a copy of the packing lists. They will be translated
into French and submitted to Customs authorities. There are no
initial import prohibitions for diplomatic personnel. If you are
planning any future shipments, contact the post for guidelines.
Check to see that your cases are numbered and marked with the
appropriate address as given below:
Surface shipment
Your Name
U.S. Mission
11 route de Pregny
CH 1292 Chambesy/Geneva
Switzerland
Air shipment
U.S. Mission
(employee’s initials)
11 route de Pregny
CH 1292 Chambesy/Geneva
Switzerland c/o Interdean/Treyvaud
Cars. All accredited employees of the Mission are entitled to the
duty-free importation of one new vehicle, plus any number of used
vehicles owned by the employee for 6 months before their official
accreditation in Switzerland.
Temporary plates for vehicles are not issued. To register your
car you will need your plates and your registration from the country
in which it was last registered. These must be current and valid for
at least 3 months after the car arrives in Geneva. If possible,
remove the license plates before shipping your car and hand carry
them, along with your registration. Should you need a license plate
on the car for driving it to the ship, leave one on the car and hand
carry the other.
If your license plate is valid when your vehicle arrives, and you
have acquired local third-party liability insurance, you can drive
it out of customs and begin using it. Otherwise, the process of
clearing and registering your vehicle is much longer and you will
not be able to drive it during the processing time. You are
permitted to drive your vehicle for 90 days before obtaining Swiss
license plates, provided you have valid foreign plates.
Customs and Inspection. The Transportation Office will guide you
through importation, inspection, and registration. (Tel.
41–22–749–4393 or 4643, or IVG 493–4393) It will direct you to a
local insurer. Upon arrival at post pick up the Transportation
Office Information Handbook for Newcomers.
You will need to provide the following papers:
American passport
The importation documents, approved by the customs authorities
Your vehicle registration certificate from the country where the
vehicle was previously registered or a copy of the title if it has
never been registered
Your previous license plates. Note that without license plates a car
cannot be driven out of the customs bonded warehouse until the day
of the inspection.
The manufacturer’s Technical Data Manual
Letter of good driving record from your insurer (see below)
Swiss ID card
Swiss third-party liability insurance
Inspection authorities require that your car’s engine and chassis be
clean on the day of the inspection. Car engines must therefore be
steamcleaned for the inspection. Steamcleaning costs CHF 120–140.
Cars older than 5 years have a greater difficulty passing
inspection. Should you intend to import an older car, call the
Transportation Office before shipping to discuss your options.
The vehicle inspection is similar to the safety inspection
standard in the U.S., which is to say all safety equipment (i.e.,
shock absorbers, brakes, and tires) should be in good condition.
When your vehicle passes inspection, it will be registered and you
will receive new license plates.
Insurance. Third-party-liability vehicle insurance is mandatory
and must be purchased in Switzerland. The insurance policy must be
valid in any European country where you might normally drive during
a vacation. Without the policy the Swiss will not license your
vehicle and the vehicle cannot be driven out of the Customs
warehouse. Premiums can be reduced up to 60% when you provide
letters reporting accident-free driving. With a 10-year
accident-free record, you can claim a full discount.
Comprehensive insurance for the vehicle can be purchased from
anywhere in the world. However, some employees have had
complications collecting on their claims. Check with your insurer
regarding specifics on coverage. Be sure your policy remains valid
in countries outside of Switzerland.
Insurance and registration procedures require the size of your
engine in cubic centimeters. Your manufacturer can provide this
information.
All types of foreign-made cars are sold and repaired in Geneva;
however, it is easier and quicker to find spare parts and service
for European cars. Also, although many families bring vans and
sports vehicles to post, remember that European cars, and therefore
roads, parking spaces, and garages are smaller than U.S. models.
Upon leaving post your imported car can, without duties or fees,
be sold to another member of the diplomatic service, or be exported.
Sales to nondiplomats may require substantial costs for meeting
Swiss vehicle specifications.
Contact the Transportation Office before you buy a car or make
shipping arrangements. (Tel. 41–22–749–4393 or 4643, or IVG
493–4393)
Drivers License. Members of diplomatic missions are not required
to obtain Swiss driving licenses as long as their foreign licenses
remain valid. If the foreign license is not in English, French,
German, or Italian, an International license may be requested. Swiss
drivers licenses are valid for life.
Gasoline. Gasoline costs about CHF 1.30 per liter. Gas cards for
the purchase of duty-free gasoline are available to accredited
personnel only. Gas cards are accepted at specific gas stations
throughout Switzerland, reducing the cost of gas significantly. This
tax-free privilege also applies to home heating fuel.
Arriving in Switzerland by Car. If traveling to Switzerland by
car, you must have international third-party liability insurance and
the green insurance paper (Carte International d’Assurance). This
insurance must be with a Swiss or foreign company accredited by the
Swiss Federal Government. If you do not have third-party insurance
and the green insurance paper, you must buy insurance at every
European border you cross. American or other valid license plates
may be used to bring your car into Switzerland, but you must have
Swiss plates within 1 year of arrival. U.S. plates may be used for 1
year or until the plates expire, whichever comes first.
Passage Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:09 AM
Visas are not required for Americans entering Switzerland; a
valid passport is sufficient. American diplomats stationed in
Switzerland do not need diplomatic visas.
If traveling to Switzerland by car, one must have international
third party liability insurance and the green insurance card (Carte
Internationale d’Assurance). Without this card, one must buy
insurance at each European border crossing.
Pets Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:36 PM
Dogs and cats may be brought to Switzerland with a veterinary
certificate of good health and rabies vaccination. The vaccination
must be given no less than 30 days and no more than 1 year prior to
date of entry. The Embassy Administrative Section has information on
the importation of other animals.
Pets — Mission Geneva
Dogs and cats may be imported into Switzerland without a permit, and
a veterinary inspection is not required for accompanied arrivals,
unless there are more than three of them. Whether they arrive with
their owners or as unaccompanied air baggage, dogs and cats have to
have health and rabies vaccination certificates (in French, Italian,
German, or English) issued by a licensed veterinarian. These
certificates should be dated at least 30 days, but no more than 6
months, before entry. For more detailed information, contact the
shipping office at the Mission (41–22–323–4393) or the Federal
Veterinary Office, Tel: 41–31–323–8517, or fax 41–31–323–8522).
After arrival, license fees are required for all animals except
birds and cats. Before a license is issued for a dog, local third
party liability insurance must be purchased.
Other pets — birds (except parrots and parakeets) — may be
imported without certification. For parrots and parakeets, turtles
and other reptiles, rodents, and other species, contact the Federal
Veterinary Office at: 41–31–323–8509.
Firearms and Ammunition Last Updated: 10/23/2003 1:37 PM
Firearms and related ammunition may be imported only with the
express permission of the Ambassador. Personnel shipping firearms
must comply with U.S. and Swiss export license requirements.
Personnel wishing to import weapons should consult with the
Embassy’s administrative officer.
Firearms and Ammunition — Mission Geneva
Sporting and hunting guns may be brought to post. If you plan to
import firearms of any kind, contact the GSO/RSO prior to shipment
to determine if they comply with Swiss laws. If they meet
requirements, you will need to provide make, model, serial number,
caliber, and intended use.
Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures Last Updated: 10/23/2003
1:37 PM
The Swiss franc, divided into 100 Rappen or centimes, is the
basic unit of currency. The abbreviated notation SFr precedes the
amount. The Swiss National Bank issues the currency, supervises its
circulation, and handles discount and clearing operations for
commercial banks. No currency restrictions exist in Switzerland.
Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures — Mission Geneva
The Swiss franc, divided into 100 centimes, is the unit of currency.
The abbreviated notation is CHF preceding the amount. The exchange
rate fluctuates, but as of January 2002 is US$1 = CHF 1.66.
The Swiss national bank issues currency, supervises money
circulation, and handles discount and clearing operations for
commercial banks. No currency restrictions exist. Personal bills can
be paid in cash at the Post Office, through automatic debit
arrangements with banks, through the Internet, or at automatic
teller machines open 24 hours a day.
Employees are strongly urged to bring either a bank card or
credit card which can access one of the international processing
centers (PLUS, Cirrus, VISA, MC, etc.). ATM facilities are available
throughout Geneva and nearby France.
The metric system of weights and measures is used throughout
Switzerland.
Tip: Before you leave the U.S., get a pin number for your credit
card.
Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property Last Updated: 10/23/2003
1:38 PM
Restrictions
All American Embassy personnel are exempt from Swiss Federal and
Cantonal personal taxes. Diplomats (“CD” personnel who are on the
Diplomatic List) can receive an exemption from the VAT for purchases
with an invoice price greater than SFr 100. To obtain the exemption,
diplomats should obtain a “Form B” from the Budget and Fiscal Office
and present the form, along with their diplomatic identification
card to the vendor at the point of sale. Because of the relative
newness of this exemption for diplomats (July 1, 1995), many vendors
are unwilling to accept the Form B, or to issue an invoice with the
VAT deducted. When such a rejection occurs, personnel should keep
their invoice and payment receipt. Once per year, the Embassy will
collect bills and receipts from Embassy personnel, and submit the
collected invoices and receipts to the Swiss Government for
reimbursement.
Despite an aggressive effort by post management to obtain an
exemption for administrative and technical (A&T) staff, the Swiss
Government requires A&T personnel assigned to the Mission to pay VAT
on all products and services.
Personal and household effects can be sold without payment of
duty after 3 years from the date of importation. If items are sold
upon the owner’s transfer from Switzerland but before the 3-year
period ends, reductions in duty rates are granted. Special post
regulations govern the sale of personal effects by assigned
personnel. Post adheres to the 3 FAM 620 restrictions on the sale of
personal property. All Embassy and Consulate personnel must have any
intended sale of dutiable personal goods or their automobile
approved by the administrative officer. Fire insurance on household
furnishings is compulsory for Swiss or Embassy personnel. This
insurance can be extended to cover water damage, theft, etc.
Insurance covering damage to leased houses is recommended and can
easily be arranged at the Embassy through GSO when you are arranging
your third-party auto insurance.
Facilities
U.S. dollars and travelers checks may be imported and exported
freely, and international currencies can be bought or sold at free
market rates in local banks. All Swiss banks accept travelers checks
and U.S. dollars. Employees who wish to cash U.S. Treasury checks
and cashier’s checks in a Swiss bank need to have an account with
the bank. The Embassy Cashier cashes personal travelers and U.S.
Treasury checks daily for employees and also accepts checks from
temporary duty employees. The Embassy can accept dollar checks for
conversion to Swiss francs (up to $500 a day) and also for up to
$200 in U.S. currency.
Checking and savings accounts can be opened easily in any Swiss
bank. Interest (at a lower rate) is paid on checking as well as
savings accounts. Checking accounts in Swiss francs are rarely used,
because local bills are paid through the postal system, where one
can open a postal account.
Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property — Mission Geneva
U.S. Mission personnel and their families are exempt from local
personal taxes and from Swiss Federal Cantonal income taxes. No
exemptions exist for indirect taxes included in bills for public
service and luxury sales tax, but taxes on goods costing over CHF
100 are refundable, either at point of purchase or through the
Mission. The general exemption does not apply to servants or
personal employees of official personnel.
Personal property may be sold only after approval of the
Administrative Counselor. Personal and household effects may be sold
without duty after 3 years from the date of importation. If items
are sold within a shorter period because of transfer from
Switzerland, duty rates are reduced. Guidelines governing sales are
set by the Department of State.
Recommended Reading Last Updated: 10/21/2003 12:15 AM
These titles are provided as a general guide to material
currently available on Switzerland. The Department of State does not
endorse unofficial publications. We also encourage individuals who
have access to the Internet to try the Embassy’s Web Site: http://www.usembassy.ch/;
Internet news about Switzerland is also avail-able at http://
www.swissnews.com/, http://www.swissemb.org/ and on the CD/ROM
“Swiss Click Encyclopedia” available at the Overseas Briefing
Center.
Fodor’s. The Complete Guide with Mountain Drives, Alpine Hikes
and City Walking Tours.
Dicks, Diane, ed. Ticking Along Too, Stories About Switzerland.
Bergli Books Ltd.: 1990.
Hampshire, David. Living and Working in Switzerland — A Survival
Handbook, 1998.
Survival Books. Trade Fair Services CH-8437 Zurzach, Switzerland
1989.
Honan, Mark. Lonely Planet Switzerland.
Kane, Robert S., Switzerland at its Best. Passport Books: 1989.
All About Switzerland. Swiss National Tourist Office.
Off the Beaten Track, Switzerland, Out-of-the-Way Places to Tour
and Explore. Moorland Pub. Co. Ltd.: 1989.
Switzerland Guide: Michelin.
Switzerland — A Phaidon Cultural Guide (with over 600 color
illustrations and 34 pages of maps). Prentice-Hall, Inc.: 1985.
History, Politics, and Cultural History
Hughes, Christopher. Baedecker. Guide to Switzerland: 1981.
McPhee, John. Place de La Concorde Suisse, Farrar Straus Giroux.
New York: 1983.
Milivojevic, Marko & Pierre Maurer, eds. Swiss Neutrality and
Security, Armed Forces, National Defense and Foreign Policy. Berg
Publishers: 1990.
Sauter, Marc R. Switzerland from Earliest Times to the Roman
Conquest. Thames & Hudson Ltd.: 1976.
Treichler, Hans Peter. L'Aventure Suisse. Migros Press.
Vuilleumier, Marc. Immigrants and Refugees in Switzerland. Pro
Helvetia Arts Council of Switzerland: 1987.
The following listed “Pro Helvetia” brochures may be obtained
from the Swiss Embassy in Washington, D.C.:
Piere Dominice, Matthias Finger: Adult Education in Switzerland.
Dieter Fahrni: An Outline History of Switzerland. From the
Origins to the Present Day.
Rene Levy: The Social Structure of Switzerland.
Oswald Sigg: Switzerland’s Political Institutions.
Marc Vuilleumier: Immigrants and Refugees in Switzerland. An
Outline History.
Bernhard Wenger: The Four Literatures of Switzerland.
Alfred Wyler: Dialect and High German in German-Speaking
Switzerland.
Local Holidays Last Updated: 10/22/2003 2:09 PM
The Embassy closes for the following holidays:
New Year’s Day January 1
Barzelistag January 2
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday January 18
President’s Day Febtruary 15
Good Friday April 2
Easter Monday April 5
Ascension Day April 13
Whit Monday May 24
Memorial Day May 31
Swiss National Day August 1
Labor Day September 6
Columbus Day October 11
Jeûne Genevois (Geneva Thanksgiving) November 9
Veterans Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day November 25
Christmas Day December 25
Boxing Day December 26
St. Stephen’s Day December 26
Restoration Day December 31
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