Hello friendly people,
I'm very fortunate and have just got a new job in Geneva. I've had a browse of the other forums and have learnt some very useful information. I have never looked or considered moving abroad before and am now finding myself in very unfamiliar territory.
I'm 22 years old and have never looked at doing anything like this before. I got my new job earlier this week and they have requested I start the first week of September if possible. As I will be asking a few questions on different matters and ensuring I've got everything covered I thought it was best suited for this forum rather than one of the other rather specific forums.
My plan was to spend the rest of this month looking on homegate.ch at different flats/apartments to rent. To email the estate agents to see pictures and to arrange a number of viewings for the last week / weekend of this month. I then intended to put my most important possessions in my car and to drive to Geneva via the channel tunnel. Then to view the properties, find somewhere nice and move things in. Since reading this I can see that things aren't going to be quite as simple as I had hoped.
I have a budget of around £1000 (1,500CHF) per month tops. I'd like either a large one bedroom property or if the room isn't big enough would be looking for a 2 bedroom property.
I had initially thought about selling my car and getting a new one once I am settled over there, but since have thought that I'd quite like to keep it.
My questions:
- I have a golf GT which I have owned for about a year. How much would you expect it to cost me to export/import this into Switzerland? Would you recommend it or would I be better off getting rid of my car and buying a new car once settled?
-Does 1,500CHF sound a fair amount for what I am looking to rent? Which locations near Geneva would I be best looking at? Which are most cost effective yet still very sought after areas to live in?
-How much would you estimate costs on top of this rent would be for electricity and other house hold bills? Remember that it is just me!
-If I lived in France instead, would I find living cheaper? I assume I would also not need a vesa or to import/export my car! Where in France would be recommended?
In my opinion having a car in Geneva (if you live close to the center) is not a good idea, you would have to look for an apartment that has a parking space.
The transport system is good enough to use daily and most things are in walking distance.
But on the other hand, it depends on where you are working. Are you working in the city center or outskirts.
I as well would try and ask the company that you will be working for if they could help you find an apartment.
I'm the other side of the country so of little use to you for the most part. Just wanted to say hi from a fellow Brightonian.
If you are thinking of going back to the UK in a few years, keep the car. Otherwise sell it now as you will find it more difficult to sell a RHD car down the line.
Long term the UK car is going to be a nuisance and unsellable here as it's RHD. However, for moving purposes it can be useful. It might make sense to come over with it, keep it for a couple of months until you're settled down, then take it back to the UK to sell.
If you're living in Switzerland, it's generally possible to live without a car. There's good (even excellent) public transportation available. As soon as you cross over into France it's a different story.
Your biggest problem is going to be accommodation (as I believe you have spotted). It's in short supply in all price categories, from budget to luxury. 1500 CHF is at the bottom end of the scale (unfortunately). There is stuff at that price, but you tend to have to know someone who's in the right place at the right time to get it. You might have more chance over the border in France.
On the whole it's better to live on the same side of the river as your place of work, as the bridges over the river are obvious choke-points for traffic, though trams and buses have their own lanes.
Oh and welcome to Geneva.
Thanks guys - much appreciated. I'm moving to Annecy this coming Sunday - taking my car with me. I'm going to be getting insurance from a company called Clements who specialise in insurance for expats - seems to be a reasonable price too. Slightly nervous about whether I've covered everything for my trip but I suppose that is all part of the fun!
Any other insurance companies anyone can recommend for a UK plated car driving in France / Switzerland?
I'll be off to Halfords tomorrow to get my florescent jacket and triangle!
Hey, good luck with your move! It must feel like a massive adventure for you. If you're off to Halfords, don't forget to pick up a breathalyser test too. It's a now a legal requirement to have one in your car when you stray over the border to France .
Alcohol test kit requirements
You seem to like nice places ! Brighton, Geneva, Annedy But if you have lodgings in Annecy and work in Geneva, try to find a cheap parking place a bit outside Geneva downtown. It will save money and nerves.