Our ceiling is so low, i can use my fist (And i have done so numerous times 
)
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The kids look like theyāre enjoying themselves which is good.
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4am is too early for disturbing noise:
Talking to your neighbours is always the first step. Joining the tenants association (Mieterverband) is advisable. They give excellent advice if further steps are required.
Switzerland is a nation of tenants, and a smaller number of home owners, both of whom generally get on with each other at least as well as in other countries that I have lived.
How old is said neighbor?
Have you seen him?
Maybe talk to other neighbors about it? How many apartments in your building?
If heās very old, thereās likely not much that can be done about that anymore.
My upstairs neighbors sometimes get up at five-ish due to their work. They try to be silent, but sometimes I hear them.
Thereās a saying. āThe more you earn,the more you spend.ā
Just an update from our side, we have slowly adjusted to our new lifestyle and it has been great so far.
It takes some getting use to, but overall we are doing well.
Work has been interesting, but so far colleagues have been great.
Work permit has been issued, medical insurance, schooling, lease and parking has been sorted.
To do list:
- wife needs to get A1 level German before our permit renewal
- I need to get a police clearance certificate from our RSA police for renewal
- We have 12 months since arrival to change our licenses from SA to CH - unfortunately not just a change over, but we need to do driving tests.
- Still need to get liability insurance
My son has joined a spielgruppe for 2 days, but will start school next year August.
My wife and I have joined the local crossfit gym, which has been great for her to meet some people and she is considering to start coaching there, as she has not really started looking for a job yet.
Money has been tight, as the company has paid for my rental deposit and first 3 months rent, and they are now deducting it gradually month per month, so hopefully next month will be my first full salary. But we have been frugal with our spending so we have a fridge full of food, and happy hearts.
We have met some great people since we have arrived, and we are grateful to be hear, and look forward to our new chapters to be written.
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Great news! Thank you for the update. Iām glad you settled in so well. All the best to you and your family.
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Great news. The start is the most difficult, both socially and money wise. I was reading today how immigrants get the ādregsā of the housing in Switzerland and Zurich in particular and a lot of immigrants move in the first year after they learn the ropes and are able to access better housing.
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40 years ago I took the first place that would have me. Took a month to find, was too large (3 bedrooms) and on wrong side of Geneva. Stayed a little less than 2 years until I got permits to live in Vaud.
One solution to not having enough may be to become a criminal.
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When we wanted to move from Kleinbasel to Grossbasel back in 2018 it was generally the case if anyone Swiss was at the viewing they got first offer. Even our Swiss friends thought it was ridiculous. We also viewed a flat that was advertised by the same company we were renting with and they said we couldnāt have it as it would mean them redecorating 2 flats at the same time and they didnāt have the budget!
So much for customer loyalty!
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Interesting, I should complain lessā¦or maybe the complaining got me where Iā now 
8 posts were split to a new topic: Adjusting to new life in Switzerland