Moving to Olten, Switzerland

"Olten is a city in Switzerland, situated between the cities of Zurich, Bern and Basel. The city has a population of approximately 16,000 people and is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical sites. The main language spoken in Olten is German, however English is also widely spoken. Olten is well connected by road, rail and air, and is serviced by regular regional buses as well as international trains. The city is home to a number of restaurants, shops, museums, parks and leisure facilities. When moving to Olten you should bear in mind the cost of living is relatively high due to the city's location and high salaries. Olten is known for its safe and friendly atmosphere, and its welcoming attitude towards newcomers. The city is a great choice for those looking to experience the beauty and culture of Switzerland, while still having the convenience of modern amenities and connections to the larger cities," said one expat who made the move to Olten.

"Keep in mind: - There is no free choice of school for your children, unless you are willing and able to pay for (expensive) private schools. Your children will usually go to school in the quarter you live. If you have specific school preferences for your kids, take this into consideration in the neighborhood choice. - Not only property prices vary highly between city and countryside, and between the various cantons. Also taxes and costs for (mandatory!) health insurance may vary a lot. Example: the canton of Zug may sound very attractive at first sight, because of the extremely low taxes. You'll quickly find out that this is (more than) compensated by prices for housing. Check out tax and health insurance rates at www.comparis.ch," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.

"Finding a place to live in Olten can be done in a few different ways. Craigslist or other rental websites offer rental listings from landlords, private renters, or property owners. You can also visit the City of Olten's website for information about renting or other housing options. Additionally, local newspapers often carry real estate ads that list available apartments and houses for rent. Networking with local contacts is also a great way to find out about vacancies and other opportunities for housing. Finally, housing agencies and brokers can help to connect you with an appropriate rental property," said one expat in Olten.

"www.immoscout.ch is a good website to find houses/apartments, both for sale and for rent. When you consider to buy a house: - may be a good idea as mortgage interest rates are low - keep in mind that a bank will not give mortgages for more than 80% of the value of the house. You need to finance the rest of the house yourself - check which legal conditions you must oblige when buying property. In particular, try to organise your work/stay permit before you buy, as this will make buying conditions easier and cheaper," said one expat who made the move to Olten.

"Expat homes and apartments in Olten tend to be located within walking distance of the city centre and public transport. The apartments are typically modern, with modern amenities and appliances. Some expat homes also feature private gardens and common areas as well. The area around Olten is known for its beautiful scenery, so many expat homes and apartments have views of the surrounding countryside. Safety and security are highly important, with many of the buildings featuring secure access and alarm systems," remarked one expat in Olten, Switzerland.

"The average cost of housing in Olten is relatively moderate compared to other cities in Switzerland," said one expat in Olten.

"Property is expensive, whether you buy or rent. In the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, prices can be astronomic," remarked one expat who made the move to Olten.

"Buying or renting a home in Olten depends on your individual financial and lifestyle needs. Buying a home is a great long-term investment, but can be a much heavier financial burden, as you'll need to account for closing costs, monthly payments, and other associated costs. Renting, however, can be much more affordable. You'll need to account for any upfront costs such as a security deposit, and monthly rent payments, but you'll be able to enjoy more flexibility and financial freedom. Ultimately, you'll need to evaluate your personal finances and goals in order to decide if buying or renting is the better option for you," remarked one expat in Olten, Switzerland.

"Clothes, toiletries, kitchenware, linens, furniture, electronics, books, artwork, tools, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, important documents such as birth certificate and passport, bank statements and insurance policies, enough cash for the first few days until you get access to banking," remarked one expat who made the move to Olten.

"No particular things for myself - as I have a Swiss wife, she could very well prepare me for moving to and living in Switzerland. - There are no real needs to bring to Switzerland. Anything you need is available here as well. - Don't bring washing machines, tumblers, kitchen appliances, as they usually belong to / come with the house or apartment that you buy or rent. Moving these things is very unusual in Switzerland. - When you bring electrical equipment: check plugs and voltage. Swiss electricity comes at 230V/50Hz and plugs and sockets are of type "J", which means that any plug of type "C" or "J" will fit into a Swiss socket, and any other plug won't. - Switzerland is expensive. In particular, medicins, health care and body care products are very expensive. Many Swiss buy them abroad (in Germany) whenever possible. - Switzerland has the best public transport system of Europe, and one of the best of the world. Living without car may be very well possible for you in Switzerland - consider this when you plan to import a car," explained one expat living in Olten, Switzerland.

"In Olten, it is considered impolite to be late to appointments or social events. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Additionally, you should show respect for other peoples' beliefs and opinions, and be aware that public displays of affection (such as kissing or hand-holding) are generally discouraged. Smoking and street begging are also considered offensive and may result in fines. Finally, try to be mindful of Olten's quiet hours, which usually begin after 11pm," commented one expat who made the move to Olten.

"Olten is an attractive destination for expats due to its convenient location in the heart of Switzerland. The city is well-connected to the rest of the country by rail, making it easy to explore the rest of the country. Olten also offers a high quality of life, with a low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and a safe and secure environment. The city is also home to a diverse range of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres. Additionally, Olten is a great place to learn a new language, as it is home to a large number of international students. Finally, the city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place for expats to settle down and make a new home," offered one expat living in Olten.

"Olten offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. Olten also has a number of pharmacies, where citizens can purchase medications and other health-related products. Additionally, the city has a number of health centers and community health centers that provide preventive care, health education, and other services. Olten also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as those for cancer, mental health, and geriatric care. Finally, the city has a number of home care services, which provide assistance to those who are unable to leave their homes for medical care," commented one expat who moved to Olten.

"Olten offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical needs. Patients can access general practitioners, specialists, and emergency services, as well as a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Olten also has a number of pharmacies and health stores, providing access to a variety of medications and health products. Additionally, the city has a number of alternative health care providers, such as homeopaths, naturopaths, and acupuncturists," offered one expat living in Olten.