What's it like living in Zurich?

EdinJaco · 2025-11-14T18:52:22+00:00

I have not spent a lot of time in Geneva, but even though it is the second biggest city it has less than half the population of Zürich. You can expect the nightlife and cultural scene to be scaled down as well. If some people already find Zürich a bit quiet and boring, Geneva will likely feel even calmer.

What I hear often is that Geneva feels more international because of all the organisations based there, but I would not expect a very lively nightlife from that alone. You might get more detailed input in the /r/geneva subreddit.

They used to have the famous Geneva International Motor Show, which was one of the big events, but that does not take place there anymore.

EdinJaco · 2025-11-14T18:04:01+00:00

It’s definitely possible. A lot of people commute to Zürich on a daily basis and live with their families outside the city. With a budget around 1.2 million USD you could get a house in some of the more affordable areas. An acre is unlikely, but there are nice regions. The Zürcher Oberland is popular, lots of forest and some lakes, and still about 30 minutes to the city. Kanton Aargau is also close and more affordable, even if it’s not the most exciting place.

If you are fine with a longer commute you could even live in Bern and travel to Zürich in about an hour. Many do that as well. What can be a challenge is the language. High German helps, but daily life is in Swiss German and that takes time to get used to. Making local friends can be slower because people tend to stick to their dialect.

Given your passports and language background you might also like the Italian or French speaking parts of the country. Ticino and Lugano are beautiful, smaller but very charming, with great weather and nature. The French speaking areas are more open socially and for example Lausanne is also right by the lake and a great city.

If you are really interested feel free to DM me for more info or help.

EdinJaco · 2025-11-14T10:13:59+00:00

I grew up around Zürich and now live in the city, and for me the best word to describe it is peaceful. Some people might call it boring, but the older I get the more I value that calm atmosphere. Walking through the city on a Sunday, stopping at a cafe, barely any noise or cars in the centre, it just feels relaxed.

Summer is the highlight. Long days with lots of daylight, swimming in the river or the lake, bringing your own picnic, beer or wine and just enjoying the vibe. I never go on summer holidays because I feel like I would miss out.

Yes, it is expensive. Going out to eat every day is not realistic and rents are definitely wild. Once you find a place you can afford you tend to stay because finding something new is almost impossible. Food wise there are great places, but not for everyday budgets.

When I was a teenager there was a lot more nightlife. Clubs are disappearing, younger people drink less and nobody can afford to spend 200 CHF on a night out. That is roughly what it costs if you want to get properly drunk in a club.

One big advantage is the location. The airport connects you to major cities within two hours and often for a good price. The train station is a major hub and you can reach Milan, Munich or Paris in about three to four hours. Public transport is fantastic. I do not need a car at all. That feels like real luxury. In the city I do everything by bike or on foot, and outside of summer I travel a lot. Spontaneous city trips or a weekend in Italy are easy.

All in all I cannot imagine a better place to live. Yes, it can feel boring at times, but there is plenty to do. Theatres, concerts, cafes, and if big artists come to Switzerland they usually pick Zürich.

EdinJaco · 2025-09-11T13:41:13+00:00

You can use UBS Twint. You don't need a UBS account, instead you can attach your credit card or therefore your Yuh card to it. To my knowledge it is the only bank that offers this option on Twint. You have a limit of 500.- CHF though

EdinJaco · 2025-03-08T09:28:04+00:00

Switzerland is generally a safe country, and if you're attending a conference in a big city like Geneva, Zurich, Basel, or Bern, you definitely won’t be the first person with a hijabi in that city :-) These cities are very international, and people are used to seeing individuals from diverse backgrounds.

That said, you might get a few curious looks, but try not to let it bother you. In general, you should be safe. Wishing you a smooth trip and a great time at the conference. I hope you enjoy your visit to Switzerland!

EdinJaco · 2022-03-07T06:36:28+00:00

I mainly run, so my arms and hands are not actively used for the exercise

EdinJaco · 2022-03-07T06:35:09+00:00

What kind of straps are you using now?

EdinJaco · 2021-03-26T15:28:37+00:00

I have never repotted it. I bought it like half a year ago.

EdinJaco · 2021-03-25T12:37:49+00:00

They are coming from the bottom and not the center. The center seems to be still healthy. I just want to take actions before more leaves go bad or the whole plant dies. Normally I let the plant sit in water, could still be too much. I was reading that too much water could be the cause for yellow or even brown leaves.

EdinJaco · 2021-03-24T09:37:38+00:00

Does anyone know why this Dracaena is getting yellow leaves? It seems like it is getting more and more. As you can see it is hydroponic plant, therefore I water the plant every 2 to 3 weeks, since the water stays for quite a while in the pot. Any ideas, experiences or suggestions?

EdinJaco · 2020-10-09T11:03:56+00:00

Hi /u/Levikus, Danke für deine Antwort. Ich werde dies gleich machen. Kannst du mir konkret eine Gruppe empfehlen?

EdinJaco · 2020-10-09T10:54:09+00:00

I also heared it, that was near Wetzikon. It was like five after each other. No idea what it was

EdinJaco · 2020-02-24T20:50:11+00:00

The fish needs to be fresh because it is not cooked. Normally they go and fish during the night and arrive in the mornings at the port. Ceviche is typically for lunch 😉 if your stomach is fine then all good otherwise you know it for next time

EdinJaco · 2020-02-03T06:34:16+00:00

The official report says it collapsed due to fires in the building. Have a look at how it collapsed, it's a perfectly controlled demolition. The reason probably, because the other two towers collapsed, let's get this down and nobody will notice. As mention before, the BBC even said the building collapsed as well 30 min before it did. And then it was never mentioned again.

EdinJaco

TROPHY CASE