-Where were you born?
Dublin, Ireland
-In which country and city are you living now?
Montreux, Switzerland
-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone, for the moment.
-How long have you been living in Switzerland
20 Months
-What is your age?
48
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Switzerland?
My company asked me to work here.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No - being an EU citizen
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No - again I was advised by my employer.
-How do you make your living in Switzerland? Do you have any type of income generated?
I was offered a job by my company in Switzerland, so I had no difficulties.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
My French is very average, but I get by. But as Montreux is a very touristic conscious region, many people speak English. Indeed, sometimes I think English is the first language. It is important to observe local customs, and perhaps read up on them before you arrive. Being a Western European myself, things are not very different, but there are always some subtle differences.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I think every expat misses home to some degree. My personal favorite activity is just walking, but skiing in winter and lazing by the lake in summer are local favorites.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
No real plans for the moment - but one never knows.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I am renting for now, my 2-bedroom apparment costs 1550 Swiss Francs per month. That is quite expensive, but the view is awesome.
-What is the cost of living in Switzerland?
The cost of living is very high, so you have to be sure that your salary reflects this. It is a good idea to hire an accountant to help you with your tax returns, as the process is quite complicated.
-What do you think about the Swiss?
As in most countries, it varies. Switzerland has a very high percentage (20%) of foreigners living here, and some local people think this may be excessive.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Switzerland?
Positives - clean, beautiful scenery and at the heart of Europe.
Negatives - expensive and rather bureaucratic.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Switzerland?
Just do your homework before you decide to move here.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Switzerland?
