5 Reasons Switzerland is Amazing (And 5 Reasons It’s Not)

[@busktheworld5658]

I live in Zurick since 4 months now and I love it so much ... people are incredibly kind to each other.... this is such an amazing city ... this is hard for me to find a cons to switzerland for being honest ... you could say the lack of freedom ... but this is because everything is very socially organised, which make life very comfortable for everyone ... this is the price to pay ... it can be a bit annoying sometimes ( when you don´t know where the fuck are you gonna park your car ... lol ) but overall, I accept this kind of little inconvenience ...

[@timspeijer7125]

This is a great video and exactly explains my situation in Switzerland as wel. As a Dutch person who moved to Switzerland almost two years ago I am equally divided in how much I love living in Switzerland, but also that I probably never can live here all my life, specifically because of the reasons you just mentioned. My quality of life on the weekends in Switzerland is so much higher compared to The Netherlands because of splitboarding, hiking, climbing etc. But my quality of life during the workweek was so much better in The Netherlands because we value flexibility, personal individuality and are generally way more slack on rules. Thanks for the video!

[@michaelwithouta]

Thanks for watching. Very interesting to see it from your perspective. Switzerland is indeed great for outdoor activities. If you have the time (and sometimes money) to enjoy.

[@enjoystraveling]

@@michaelwithouta I think what would be good about Switzerland, I’ve only lived in in Germany for limited amount of time and I find it great that it doesn’t always take money to enjoy things unless you downhill ski for example. I had fun simply hiking or bicycling and that takes little or no money once you have a bicycle or money to bring a picnic

[@ben12405]

I heard the exact same things about japan, so I was not surprised when you mentionned a japanese proverb haha

[@michaelwithouta]

Thank you for watching. I think Japanese and Swiss would get along fairly well.

[@akasta]

Everything always comes with one trade-off or the other, it's good to be mindful of that and honest about one's own experiences and expectations when making a choice, especially about the environment to settle in. Travelling to a place is very different than staying there, or even living and working there.

[@mikithealien]

Dude I love your style, very relaxing to listen to you. Witer so!

[@betterwhere]

Thanks for sharing your experience about living in Switzerland. I do agree that it looks great on paper and whenever I'm there, I really like it - particularly the cleanliness, safety, and infrastructure. But of course I'm a tourist, not a resident. As for tap water, you can drink it almost everywhere in Europe and in most places it's very good as well so that's not something only the Swiss enjoy. According to the CDC, there are 50 countries where you can drink tap water. I love that the Swiss take noise disturbance seriously - I keep wondering how many years will pass when countries start taking seriously noise pollution in general. It would be so nice to have as much awareness of it as of air pollution and other types of pollution. The rules-based society does have its benefits but also its drawbacks. It's interesting that a country that feels so freedom-oriented at the same time can be so harsh. I used to prefer a rules-based society. But after spending some time in more laissez-faire countries I've also grown to appreciate that I don't have to worry about breaking some "it's always been like that" rules that don't really make much sense or make a big difference. Would you say that other areas of Switzerland may offer a different mix of advantages and disadvantages than Zurich?

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

Ha ha. The land of "do not call the ambulance." I also think of Switzerland as the Land of Trust. I personally love the quiet and cleanliness. The unwritten rule of Switzerland is that you can do whatever you want so long as you do not bother your neighbors. You forgot to mention that when someone takes a dog for a walk and does not clean up the poop, someone else will circle the poop with chalk and leave a note (taped to the sidewalk) telling the owner to pick up after their dog. I immigrated to Switzerland eight years ago and am never leaving. I love living here.

[@nickzahner3352]

I live in switzerland! I can only tell from my perspective. What i see happening around the world and even in our neighbourhood germany france etc. I live in the best most stable and beautiful country on this planet! I could not live anywhere else.

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

I used to live in Japan. And I spent years planning a move to Switzerland, and at some point in my research I began to see a lot of similarities. But once you dig a little deeper the differences are vast. Not just the amount of money, but where the money comes from. I don't even think the Swiss Franc has ever had the troubles the Japanese Yen has gone through. Switzerland's income from tourism, watch production, shipping, financial services is, essentially, unmatched. Natural resources Language abilities (5 if you count Swiss German, 6 if you count English) Cleanliness, order, respect for authority--basically civility Proximity to hostile neighbors with lingering war anger (and fishing border disputes) Commitment level to nature and clean environment (let's just skip the conversation about dolphins, whales and sea life in general) Asian culture is very...specific, and Japan is...just getting over HIGH xenophobia and moving into a normal range. But yes, on some levels they have things in common; generally "quiet" people, a certain commitment to the arts, and a quality I think is what gives these 2 countries their real power; a "togetherness" that's rare in this day and age. To ME, both of these countries have not lost the dedication to "the greater good" that EVERYBODY is just given up on. Everywhere else its me, me, me, me. I found this video because after a few years the opportunity to do a Swiss move is in front of me again. Thank you for the insights.

[@suicasemmitos]

mega guets video, gratuliere!

[@enjoystraveling]

I personally would rather have the strict rules and tradition, etc., and have the cleanliness and safety, and be able to swim in the rivers and have to comply with the rules. but each to their own

[@enjoystraveling]

I’ve seen in some countries, including my own, if people don’t want to pay to get rid of their larger trash or chemicals, they simply drive it out in the countryside and dump it and I think Switzerland would fine you and catch you for that. I find dumping really sad because, that’s bad for nature as well as it just looks ugly !

[@michaelwithouta]

thank you for watching and commenting. I agree. Dumping any form of trash inappropriately should be fined. We only have one earth.

[@enjoystraveling]

@@michaelwithouta that’s true, we only have one earth and nature would think us also if they could, the plants and the animals.

[@KikaAfsa]

As a Swiss citizen from Geneva, I have lived abroad for 25 yrs and I had to go back to my country for safety and medical purposes. Since my return in 2023 I’ve been very well taken care of my health. But I dislike it so much, it’s not the place where I used to enjoy living even if I used to come every year to visit my family and friends. I don’t know how long I will manage to stay in Geneva, as my entire family lives here but they became so frigid and unpleasant. So either it’s my fault or my country has changed so much that nowadays I feel like a foreigner in Switzerland. 🇨🇭

[@michaelwithouta]

I am sorry to hear about your health issue and you feeling estranged. I hope both will get better soon. Living abroad for only a few years has definitively changed me. Last time I went to Switzerland for a visit, I got a big culture shock.

[@michaelwithouta]

What experience do you have with Switzerland or Swiss? Share your experience. Thanks for watching

[@radio_marco]

As a swiss myself, I agree.

[@trussgrey1709]

Which country did you move to?

[@michaelwithouta]

I currently live in Taiwan. Thanks for watching.

[@flopunkt3665]

It's basically like a more fancy version of Germany but with even less individuality.

[@michaelwithouta]

hahaha. maybe. I have not lived in Germany. but i know many Germans who moved to Switzerland who still experienced a big culture shock. thank you for watching and commenting

[@mariaagosti-pm7tk]

I am German and lived in Switzerland, to be honest, I do have a better quality of life in Germany. Yes, the infrastructure is better in Switzerland but trains or busses on time do not add to my overall happiness. Yes, the nature is more stunning in Switzerland, but how does that help me if I am not into hiking, swimming in lakes or skiing, plus, I didnt have time to pursue my ACTUAL hobbies in Switzerland because the only thing I did was work, work, work many more hours than in do now in Germany. I did have a 40 hour week in Switzerland, no I hav a 32 hour week in Germany. So a more fancy version depends on what you find more fancy in Switzerland and if that aligns with your values. I think it always depends on the individual. On paper it might be considered a more fancy version but the reality looks different to many of us who lived there.

[@NoName-rq6bg]

way more individuality*

[@Ludographic359]

Please do not compare Switzerland with Germany is very offensive for some people 😛

[@impexRQ]

@@mariaagosti-pm7tkcan’t be … Switzerland is far far ahead of Germany in every single aspect

[@peterheggs512]

I am from there too, and a bit older than you and so far didn't encounter a situation like your voice message. I suppose that's not something that happens very often. However, I do believe, something a lot of Swiss aren't consciously aware of neither, is that we are extremely sensitive towards any kind noise. A lot of, if not most of the rules that others find strict are in regard to being loud or noise. The best thing about Switzerland in my opinion is the political system, going away from a direct democracy (with a collective presidency) would feel like going to a dictatorship to me.

[@jean-emmanuelrotzetter6030]

I am somehow sick of the "Switzerland is expensive". Main point is currency exchange rate evolution. The Swiss France is overrated compared to many other countries. Euro for example was up to 1.70 CHF after introduction - dropped the last 15 years to now less than 0.95 (a drop of some 45%). Even worse US and Canadian dollar - I still have old friends in Canada who spend time in Switzerland when 1 CAD was worth more than 4.40 CHF, now 0.63 CHF. The USD then was 4.30, now 0.90 CHF. And more a historical comparison based on "Union monétaire latine" some 160 years ago when 1 Swiss franc was worth 1 French franc, 1 Italian lire. French removed 2 zero but at change for Euro that "nouveau franc" was worth 0.24 CHF, so basically the French Franc value felt from 1 to 0.0024 CHF. Italian lira from 1 to 0.00082 CHF (or 1 CHF could buy more than 1160 LIT) Technically Switzerland cost of living is high compared to other countries, because those other countries currencies are weak, lost value the last decades - due mainly to those countries economic politics. Simply imagine the Euro still worth 1.70 CHF. Or USD, CAD still more than 4 CHF. And Switzerland has different cultural regions - French and Italian speaking part of the country are quite different from most of the Alemannic language regions.

[@michaelwithouta]

Thank you for your valuable input. Switzerland is definitively expensive if you come from a different country. And given the data you showed, that is a staggering increase of cost for foreigners. But, in my experience, even as a Swiss living in Switzerland with a Swiss salary, it is not an affordable place. (!) Warning: I am complaining on very, very high level. A sign that I am still Swiss ;) Before living abroad, I used to think that I had a pretty good quality of life in Switzerland. But there are quite a few, non-essential things I did not do in Switzerland because I am stingy. E.g.: - I have never taken a taxi in Switzerland - I have never ordered from a delivery service, like Uber Eats - I rarely went out to eat - I rarely ate at the cafeteria at work. Usually I brought my own lunch from home. - I rarely looked for professional help. I tried to maintain and repair most things myself. Which in hindsight is not a bad thing. I learned a lot. But it was only possible because I had access to my dad's tools. - I did not go to the doctors / dentist for non-urgent concerns - I never hired a moving company / cleaning services - I never had cloths altered to fit better (I am short) - ... Nowadays, I am still stingy, but I have done all of the above since moving abroad. And it isn't because I have higher buying power. Locals, who would belong to the equivalent middle class in Switzerland, live like this, too. (You can absolutely make an argument about wealth disparity, but this comment would never end.) In my experience, I am able to have a more elaborate life outside of Switzerland, while spending a similar percentage of my salary. There are countries that have better price-to-value ratio compared to Switzerland. Instead of saying "Switzerland is expensive", it would be better to say "Switzerland has a bad price-to-value ratio". Not as catchy, though. Thank you for making me clarify my thoughts and go a bit deeper into the topic. I very much appreciate you comment and thanks for watching. If you are Swiss, do you not experience Switzerland being expensive living in Switzerland?

[@Roggino]

⁠@@michaelwithoutait would be nice to go deep in this analysis, what is the cause of it and try to find solutions to invert this tendency in Switzerland. Japan is also a quite expensive country, but the food and eating out is very affordable. How they manage that? I live in the Italian part of Switzerland and here people are struggling, also because they always dream to be paid more, but mostly they are spending their money in economies where salaries are even lower (Italy, online China, etc.) and they don’t understand that this can’t work, even more in the long run.

[@urban7152]

Accurate.

[@abbc8707]

Switzerland is a monarchy and the people are its royal house.

[@enjoystraveling]

In my opinion, a person who values individuality and is more extroverted would be happier and a Latin American country or some others besides Switzerland or Japan. I personally cringe if a person is playing videos on their phone in a restaurant or train or bus. One time on a bus an older woman kept playing candy crush for over 10 minutes for 20 minutes and I finally told her please turn it down and she complained but she gave me a bad look.

[@mariaagosti-pm7tk]

How did you ask her to turn the volume down, like confrontational or polite? Because I experienced many Swiss people who just randomly point out something they dont like about you in the most confrontational way they could go about it. Its all about communication and they way you phrase things.

[@enjoystraveling]

@@mariaagosti-pm7tk this did not happen to Switzerland. It happened in the United States and I asked very politely.

[@enjoystraveling]

@@mariaagosti-pm7tk that’s true it is about the way you phrase things and I believe and being polite.

[@michaelwithouta]

thank you for watching and commenting. I used to get annoyed with others playing videos in public transport, too. Nowadays, I try to tell myself "Live and let live" and put on noise-cancelling headphones. But one of my pet peeves is typing on a smartphone with the keyboard sounds activated.

[@bantip5499]

@@mariaagosti-pm7tk Two reasons why that happens: First, we expect people to go by the rules by default, because most of the people using public transport on commuter trains are people living here and know about the rules. Thus, they go againts the rules deliberately, because they are assholes. Second, because it doesnt matter anymore, if you ask politely or rudely, because the idiot who didnt mute his phone is almost certainly giving you attitude if you ask him to mute it. As if it wasnt his fault to go on everybody's nerves in public transport. So we have just given up on politeness in this situation.

[@Intellizence]

74th subs from India🙏🇮🇳

[@michaelwithouta]

much appreciated. Thanks for watching and subcribing.

[@impexRQ]

Switzerland (the country ) the Swiss people , Nop

[@albrigo]

That's always the same story for foreign cultures or expats coming or living in Switzerland. They just care about the high salaries they get in Switzerland, but then they complain about all the rest, they are incapable of integrating into a different culture, not worse than other ones, just particular. So, they come up with those kind of general absurdities (not even correct) and denigration.

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

Well, almost of the 1/4 of the people living there were born in another country. So I don't know if they're so unhappy, since so many of them stay. And you say all they care about is the high salaries? Are you sure about that? A lot of people go for education. A LOT. And many for the peace and quiet. Many EU citizens enjoy so many things aside from the salaries. Have you heard of the Swiss Alps? I don't think you've had enough actual interactions with foreign born people about if they like or dislike CH. You say "they are incapable of integrating into a different culture," and yet thousands apply for citizenship. Every year. Again, that's every year. Are you really, sure "they are incapable of integrating into a different culture?" Where is your proof of this fact? I spent years researching this, and CH is a high research country-so I would LOVE to see your facts.