Country
Home
> Switzerland
> Experience > Mehdi Sbouai
Switzerland
Europe
Foreign Professional
Mehdi Sbouai - Touring Club Suisse
Function: Marketing/Project Manager
Company: Touring Club Suisse
City: Geneva
Nationality: French
Mehdi Sbouai lived in Germany and the U.S., before returning to his native France. Like many of his fellow countrymen, Mehdi Sbouai chooses to live in France but commutes to Geneva, Switzerland to work. He is currently employed as a Marketing Manager for Touring Club Suisse.
Is there a large expat community in Geneva?
Yes, there are many people from all over the world in Geneva. The United Nations has offices here and several of the large international companies have European headquarters in Geneva. Dell Computers, Phillip Morris, and Polo Ralph Lauren are just a few.
Given the large influx of expats, do you find the Swiss people themselves to be open to foreigners?
Not really. The Swiss remain within their own communities and do not really mix together. The Swiss don’t generally put themselves out to be welcoming to foreigners. To be fair, the French Swiss really don’t even mix with the German Swiss. There is much rivalry between the two. You have the French Swiss speaking only French and the German Swiss speaking only German.
The expats all mix together, but the Swiss remain on their side. The Swiss are accustomed to being surrounded by foreigners all the time and really don’t pay any attention to us.
Is Switzerland a safe country?
Yes. However, I would say that the French part is a little bit more like France in terms of security. The French Swiss side can be a little more dangerous and experience a slightly higher crime rate like seen in France; whereas the German side of Switzerland has a higher security level, similar to Germany. Germany is so peaceful and the crime rate is very low. It’s like nothing ever happens. I lived in Germany for three years so I am familiar with just how safe that country is.
What is the Swiss healthcare system like?
I live on the French border so I retain my French healthcare because the Swiss insurance is so expensive. It is like the U.S. system in that you must pay for coverage yourself. Your employer does not pay for it. You must personally pay for it.
Why did you choose to work in Switzerland instead of getting a job in France?
I worked in Germany for three years. At the end of my employment contract, I was looking for something new. A friend who worked in Switzerland suggested I come to work in Switzerland because I spoke German and had experience in sales and international business. He said I would find a job easily so I decided to try. Also, if I worked in Geneva, I would be able to see my family more often as they are only a few hours away in Burgundy, Dijon where I am originally from.
So, I made the decision to come to work in Switzerland as I knew I would find a job more easily here than anywhere else in Europe.
Was a permit required to work in Switzerland?
Yes, you need to have a work permit. Switzerland is not in the European Union so you need to have one even if you are European. It is not difficult to secure. As long as you have a job, the government will give it to you. Your company usually takes care of that for you.
Do you think there are job opportunities for people interested in moving to Switzerland?
Yes, particularly for those people who can speak German. I work in a very Swiss company; it’s not an international company. Most of my colleagues are Swiss Germans. I think it is like that in a lot of companies here. If you don’t speak at least English, you need to be able to speak German to come work in Switzerland. If you do, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. The job market is very dynamic, but you need to know at least a few languages and have the necessary qualifications in your field.
When I first came to work in Switzerland, I had three different job opportunities in one month’s time. That would never have happened in France.
How would you describe the work culture?
We work a lot. The work week is generally 42 hours a week, but we all work more. It’s very similar to the system in the U.S. You don’t watch your hours. You just work. You can be fired more easily here than in France, for instance.
The work culture style really depends on whether you are employed by a Swiss company or an international company; meaning it depends on that company’s country of origin. For Swiss companies, it is very informal. I can speak with my boss about everything and anything comfortably. We socialize after work from time to time. Everyone is nice to each other. The environment is very laid back. We work hard and we play hard. It’s very enjoyable.
How would you describe the housing market?
In the big cities like Geneva, Zurich and Lausanne, it is extremely expensive. It is difficult to find an apartment or house because so many people come here to work. It makes it difficult to find and pay for a decent place to live. Even the Swiss struggle to find an apartment.
What is the cost of living like?
It’s higher that what you would find in Germany or France; higher than everywhere else in Europe. Salaries are however higher. Even though there is compensation with higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living, it’s still difficult to financially make ends meet, if living in Switzerland.
How are taxes handled?
Swiss taxes are taken directly from my paycheck -- approximately 25% to 26% is taken out in taxes. It isn’t too high considering the rate is closer to 50% in Germany and France. In France, you have to set money aside from each paycheck to pay any taxes due at the end of the year. Here, it is all taken out of your paycheck and you do not have to set anything aside.
As a French citizen, I do not have to pay taxes on that income in France, but I will have to file a Swiss tax return at the end of the year.
Have you thought about living in Switzerland?
Maybe. If I gave up my car and lived in the city-centre or near the city-centre and was able to use the public transportation, I would consider it. Now, if I stay here where I currently live, I would have to keep my car, but that’s not something I really want to do. So, sometimes I think about moving to Switzerland.
How long is your commute?
It’s only ten minutes. It’s ten minutes because I have a car. If I had to use public transportation, it would be thirty to forty-five minutes. That’s why I see the advantage in keeping my car and driving every day.
Is it expensive to keep a car?
Yes, it is. The car itself, insurance, gas, the maintenance, and the occasional parking fine make it very expensive to keep a car.
What is the weather like in Geneva?
Right now, as it is winter here, it is very cold. I have only been working in Switzerland for 3 months, but I understand the spring and summer season is very continental-European in terms of climate. This means very cold winters and quite hot summers.
It is very cloudy in Geneva because it is surrounded by mountains. There is also very often a lot of fog.
On an environmental level, how does Geneva rate?
Geneva is the second best city to live in after Zurich, which is Switzerland’s number one based on several criteria including climate, natural environment, public transport, standard of living, etc.
What types of recreational activities can you enjoy in Switzerland?
Many of the recreational activities are related to nature such as mountain biking, hiking, and skiing in the winter. Then, you have lots of lakes and activities centered on the water. There are several cultural activities as well. All the big American artists, for instance, come to Zurich or Geneva to perform.
The Swiss are also big travelers. The average Swiss person travels abroad three times each year.
What are the biggest positives and negatives, in your opinion, to living or working in Switzerland?
There are many positives. You can make good money working here. It is a three language country, which I think is very attractive and you can learn a lot. Combined with the natural environment – the mountains and the lakes – it is a very beautiful country.
The country is centrally located and the airports in Zurich and Geneva allow people to easily access the four surrounding countries quickly and affordably, which is really quite nice.
The biggest negative would be that Switzerland is a country of villages – even Geneva and Zurich are just large villages. If you like big cities like New York, Paris or Rome, and you can’t live without being in the center of the city, don’t come to Switzerland because there’s no such thing as a large metropolis here.
Is there anything else a new immigrant should know if moving to Switzerland?
Be social. Don’t be afraid to meet and talk to people. People won’t come to you. You have to go to them. The Swiss are very nice people, but they just aren’t as open or as friendly as what you find like in the U.S. So, be prepared for that.
Function: Marketing/Project Manager
Company: Touring Club Suisse
City: Geneva
Nationality: French
Mehdi Sbouai lived in Germany and the U.S., before returning to his native France. Like many of his fellow countrymen, Mehdi Sbouai chooses to live in France but commutes to Geneva, Switzerland to work. He is currently employed as a Marketing Manager for Touring Club Suisse.
Is there a large expat community in Geneva?
Yes, there are many people from all over the world in Geneva. The United Nations has offices here and several of the large international companies have European headquarters in Geneva. Dell Computers, Phillip Morris, and Polo Ralph Lauren are just a few.
Given the large influx of expats, do you find the Swiss people themselves to be open to foreigners?
Not really. The Swiss remain within their own communities and do not really mix together. The Swiss don’t generally put themselves out to be welcoming to foreigners. To be fair, the French Swiss really don’t even mix with the German Swiss. There is much rivalry between the two. You have the French Swiss speaking only French and the German Swiss speaking only German.
The expats all mix together, but the Swiss remain on their side. The Swiss are accustomed to being surrounded by foreigners all the time and really don’t pay any attention to us.
Is Switzerland a safe country?
Yes. However, I would say that the French part is a little bit more like France in terms of security. The French Swiss side can be a little more dangerous and experience a slightly higher crime rate like seen in France; whereas the German side of Switzerland has a higher security level, similar to Germany. Germany is so peaceful and the crime rate is very low. It’s like nothing ever happens. I lived in Germany for three years so I am familiar with just how safe that country is.
What is the Swiss healthcare system like?
I live on the French border so I retain my French healthcare because the Swiss insurance is so expensive. It is like the U.S. system in that you must pay for coverage yourself. Your employer does not pay for it. You must personally pay for it.
Why did you choose to work in Switzerland instead of getting a job in France?
I worked in Germany for three years. At the end of my employment contract, I was looking for something new. A friend who worked in Switzerland suggested I come to work in Switzerland because I spoke German and had experience in sales and international business. He said I would find a job easily so I decided to try. Also, if I worked in Geneva, I would be able to see my family more often as they are only a few hours away in Burgundy, Dijon where I am originally from.
So, I made the decision to come to work in Switzerland as I knew I would find a job more easily here than anywhere else in Europe.
Was a permit required to work in Switzerland?
Yes, you need to have a work permit. Switzerland is not in the European Union so you need to have one even if you are European. It is not difficult to secure. As long as you have a job, the government will give it to you. Your company usually takes care of that for you.
Do you think there are job opportunities for people interested in moving to Switzerland?
Yes, particularly for those people who can speak German. I work in a very Swiss company; it’s not an international company. Most of my colleagues are Swiss Germans. I think it is like that in a lot of companies here. If you don’t speak at least English, you need to be able to speak German to come work in Switzerland. If you do, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. The job market is very dynamic, but you need to know at least a few languages and have the necessary qualifications in your field.
When I first came to work in Switzerland, I had three different job opportunities in one month’s time. That would never have happened in France.
How would you describe the work culture?
We work a lot. The work week is generally 42 hours a week, but we all work more. It’s very similar to the system in the U.S. You don’t watch your hours. You just work. You can be fired more easily here than in France, for instance.
The work culture style really depends on whether you are employed by a Swiss company or an international company; meaning it depends on that company’s country of origin. For Swiss companies, it is very informal. I can speak with my boss about everything and anything comfortably. We socialize after work from time to time. Everyone is nice to each other. The environment is very laid back. We work hard and we play hard. It’s very enjoyable.
How would you describe the housing market?
In the big cities like Geneva, Zurich and Lausanne, it is extremely expensive. It is difficult to find an apartment or house because so many people come here to work. It makes it difficult to find and pay for a decent place to live. Even the Swiss struggle to find an apartment.
What is the cost of living like?
It’s higher that what you would find in Germany or France; higher than everywhere else in Europe. Salaries are however higher. Even though there is compensation with higher salaries to offset the higher cost of living, it’s still difficult to financially make ends meet, if living in Switzerland.
How are taxes handled?
Swiss taxes are taken directly from my paycheck -- approximately 25% to 26% is taken out in taxes. It isn’t too high considering the rate is closer to 50% in Germany and France. In France, you have to set money aside from each paycheck to pay any taxes due at the end of the year. Here, it is all taken out of your paycheck and you do not have to set anything aside.
As a French citizen, I do not have to pay taxes on that income in France, but I will have to file a Swiss tax return at the end of the year.
Have you thought about living in Switzerland?
Maybe. If I gave up my car and lived in the city-centre or near the city-centre and was able to use the public transportation, I would consider it. Now, if I stay here where I currently live, I would have to keep my car, but that’s not something I really want to do. So, sometimes I think about moving to Switzerland.
How long is your commute?
It’s only ten minutes. It’s ten minutes because I have a car. If I had to use public transportation, it would be thirty to forty-five minutes. That’s why I see the advantage in keeping my car and driving every day.
Is it expensive to keep a car?
Yes, it is. The car itself, insurance, gas, the maintenance, and the occasional parking fine make it very expensive to keep a car.
What is the weather like in Geneva?
Right now, as it is winter here, it is very cold. I have only been working in Switzerland for 3 months, but I understand the spring and summer season is very continental-European in terms of climate. This means very cold winters and quite hot summers.
It is very cloudy in Geneva because it is surrounded by mountains. There is also very often a lot of fog.
On an environmental level, how does Geneva rate?
Geneva is the second best city to live in after Zurich, which is Switzerland’s number one based on several criteria including climate, natural environment, public transport, standard of living, etc.
What types of recreational activities can you enjoy in Switzerland?
Many of the recreational activities are related to nature such as mountain biking, hiking, and skiing in the winter. Then, you have lots of lakes and activities centered on the water. There are several cultural activities as well. All the big American artists, for instance, come to Zurich or Geneva to perform.
The Swiss are also big travelers. The average Swiss person travels abroad three times each year.
What are the biggest positives and negatives, in your opinion, to living or working in Switzerland?
There are many positives. You can make good money working here. It is a three language country, which I think is very attractive and you can learn a lot. Combined with the natural environment – the mountains and the lakes – it is a very beautiful country.
The country is centrally located and the airports in Zurich and Geneva allow people to easily access the four surrounding countries quickly and affordably, which is really quite nice.
The biggest negative would be that Switzerland is a country of villages – even Geneva and Zurich are just large villages. If you like big cities like New York, Paris or Rome, and you can’t live without being in the center of the city, don’t come to Switzerland because there’s no such thing as a large metropolis here.
Is there anything else a new immigrant should know if moving to Switzerland?
Be social. Don’t be afraid to meet and talk to people. People won’t come to you. You have to go to them. The Swiss are very nice people, but they just aren’t as open or as friendly as what you find like in the U.S. So, be prepared for that.
