Digital Nomad Life in Zug, Switzerland
Summary: Digital nomads like living in Zug, Switzerland because of its low taxes, high quality of life, and excellent infrastructure. Zug is a small city with a population of around 30,000 people, making it a great place to live for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The best neighborhood to live in Zug is the Old Town, which is located in the center of the city and offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. The weather in Zug, Switzerland is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (0-12 Celsius) throughout the year. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Zug is estimated to be around $2,000 USD, depending on lifestyle and other factors. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Zug is approximately $1,500 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Zug?
When we asked people living in Zug about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats living in Zug can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, language clubs, and cultural clubs. Expats can also join local meetup groups, which are a great way to meet people with similar interests. Additionally, many expats find that attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions, is a great way to meet people and learn more about the local culture. Finally, expats can also join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Zug," said one person in Switzerland.
"Even if you are not a "club" person join the Zug international Women's Club or the Men's Club.- You don't have to join in everything but you will meet a lot of different people - our relocation agent got us membership which was great. Hang out at the park in Cham on nice days - loads of expat mums down there and easy to meet others esp. if you have littel children (park is called Villette btw.)," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Switzerland.
What is life like in Zug?
When we asked people living in Zug what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Zug as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The city is known for its low taxes, high quality of life, and excellent infrastructure. Expats and digital nomads in Zug can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's many parks and lakes to taking advantage of the city's vibrant cultural scene. The city is also home to a large international community, making it easy to meet people from all over the world. Additionally, Zug is well-connected to the rest of Switzerland and Europe, making it easy to travel and explore the region. All in all, Zug is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a safe, comfortable, and exciting place to live," remarked one member in Switzerland.
"Zug has very low personal and corporate taxation and most people are just here because of tehir jobs (expats that is). However, standard of living is good - lots of international restaurants, good train connections to other cities and areas, very nice local people once they get used to you - and we found that it really helped to learn a bit of German - the locals are REALLY keen to practice their English but we found a few stumbling words in German always broke the ice. Seem very sporty as well - lots of cyclists and in-line skaters out on the streets and MANY people swim in the lakes regulary. Walking is of course a big thing - who couldn't get hooked with the gorgeous mountains right on the doorstep!!," explained one expat living in Switzerland.
Where should I live in Zug?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Finding a place to live in Zug can be done by searching online for rental listings, contacting a local real estate agent, or attending a local housing fair. Additionally, many expats in Zug use online forums to connect with other expats and find housing opportunities. It is also possible to find housing through word of mouth, by asking friends and colleagues if they know of any available apartments or houses," said one expat in Switzerland.
"Had help from an excellent relocation agent, Le Concierge. We found her and her company completely by chance (through the school magazine) and would highly, highly recommend not only her but this way of doing things - she thought of everything and asked a lot of excellent questions about us which made us re-evaluate our attitudes to moving in part," remarked one member in Switzerland.
What do I need to know before moving to Zug?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Zug, they said:
"Pack your bags and get on over here!!! Seriously - make sure you get a good agent to help you before you start - the help we got before we came was invaluable and she is still helping us on and off now when we have questions (Nicky at Le Concierge); talk to your kids a lot in advance so they are in on the adventure from the start and try to get them to understand that things will be different and their favorite peanut butter may not be available (tip: Gourmet Garage in Zürich can be a lifesaver!); be prepared to spend a lot of energy at the beginning making new friends and getting involved - after a while you'll find one or two good friends and the effort will be worth it; above all keep an open mind, be patient with yourselves and the experience and don't worry if you have homesick days," remarked one member in Switzerland.
"Expats considering retiring in Zug should be aware that the cost of living is high, and that the city is known for its low taxes. It is important to research the local housing market and to be aware of the language requirements for living in the area. Additionally, expats should be aware of the healthcare system in Switzerland, and the requirements for obtaining a residence permit. Finally, it is important to research the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition into life in Zug," explained one expat living in Switzerland.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Zug?
"Expatriates in Zug appreciate the city's small-town charm and its close proximity to larger cities like Zurich and Lucerne. They also enjoy the city's low taxes, excellent public transportation, and high quality of life. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's diverse cultural offerings, including its many festivals, museums, and galleries. The city's friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere also make it a great place for expats to settle down and call home," said one person in Switzerland.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Zug?
"Expats in Zug often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. As German is the official language, many expats find it difficult to communicate with locals and to access services. Additionally, the Swiss culture is known for its formality and reserve, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Furthermore, the cost of living in Zug is high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," said one expat who made the move to Switzerland.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Zug for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Zug for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a visa. You should contact the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country to find out what documents you need to provide in order to apply for a residence permit or visa," explained one expat living in Switzerland.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Zug?
We asked people in Zug if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be aware of the cultural norms in Zug. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and customs, as speaking too loudly or using inappropriate language can be seen as offensive. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making assumptions about the people or their customs," said one expat in Switzerland.
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What are healthcare services like in Zug?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Zug, they replied:
"Zug offers a wide range of healthcare services to its residents. The canton of Zug has a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized medical care, emergency services, and preventive health care. The canton also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Zug University Hospital, which offers advanced medical care and research. Additionally, Zug has a number of private medical practices and clinics that provide a range of medical services, including general and specialized care, as well as preventive health care. Zug also has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide a variety of medications and health products. Finally, Zug has a number of health insurance providers that offer a range of health insurance plans to its residents," remarked one member in Switzerland.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Zug?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Zug appreciate the city's high quality of life, with its low crime rate, excellent public transportation, and beautiful scenery. They also enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene, with its many festivals, museums, and galleries. Additionally, the city's proximity to Zurich and other major cities in Switzerland makes it an ideal base for those who need to travel frequently. On the downside, the cost of living in Zug is quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season," said one digital nomad in Switzerland.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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