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BestSwitzerland Blog includes topics about Switzerland business, people, casinos, travel & tourism, housing, real estate, relocation. |
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Switzerland Blog |
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Posted on September 7th, 2007 by Ronika
The soldier released his parachute mid-air. He reaches the ground and wades through a murky swamp, making sure to raise his rifle above his head. He uses his compass to move towards the coordinates he was given. Then, he peers through his binoculars and sees the fortress that he and his battalion have to storm for a search and rescue mission. After surveying the place for a few minutes, he grabs the communications receiver attached his uniform belt and calls headquarters. They inform him that he and his battalion have to strike at exactly 16:00. The soldier looks at his wrist, only to discover that he had left his Swiss army watch at the base!
The Army, the Army! Switzerland’s military has the characteristics of both a regular army and a militia. It is probably best known for its up-to-date equipment, including Swiss army watches. The army’s origins can be traced to the Old Swiss Confederacy’s cantonal troops. This group had two functions: it may be called upon to help its own members, or to fight outside threats. These armies were later changed to a federal army. In the late 1980s, the size of the Swiss army began to shrink, and the trend continues to this day.
Pilot Your Way Through Life Among all the Swiss armed forces, the Swiss Air Force is the smallest. Consequently, there is much competition to get positions as aircraft pilots. In fact, at the age of 16, parachutists and potential pilots must conduct training during their own spare time. One can join a unit of candidate pilots after finishing officer school and finishing basic training. Though you may not join the Swiss Army, you must practice or train hard for any type of position you wish to have. A Swiss army watch can assist you in this undertaking by ensuring that you keep appointments and follow schedules.
An Engineering Marvel Soldiers training for Switzerland’s military learn several practical lessons. Although they are far from begin boy scouts, the Swiss Army lives by the same rule. “Be prepared” is a mantra Swiss soldiers have to live out. It is thus not surprising that Swiss army items, such as the Swiss army watch, are engineered with the same mantra in mind. The Swiss army watch, like the Swiss Army itself, is ready for just about any blow or challenge. Designed to be durable, classy, and precise, the Swiss army watch is the very epitome of everything that’s wonderful and amazing about Swiss engineering.
Keeping Time Uniquely What makes a Swiss army watch so distinctive? The first is the workmanship. The Swiss, in general, are expert watchmakers. Switzerland is even touted as the watch-making center of the world. The Swiss are such excellent watchmakers, in fact, watchmaking is one of the country’s oldest, if not the largest, industry. The Swiss government supports watchmaking in every way, including establishing schools and courses for training people in the craft of making Swiss army watches. Other reasons a Swiss army watch is on a league of its own include remarkable finish, durability, precision, and incredible attention to detail.
So, should you get your own Swiss army watch? The answer is a resounding yes. A Swiss army watch will not only help you keep track of of time, it will let you keep time accurately and uniquely.
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Filed under: People & Lifestyle
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Posted on September 7th, 2007 by Henry
Can I buy if I am not a resident?
It all depends. Non residents can buy vacation properties in touristic areas.
European Union citizens who are Swiss residents can buy without restrictions. Other residents can buy one property in Switzerland for their own use.
There’s a special permission to be asked if you want to buy a piece of land larger than 3000 m2.
Can I get a mortgage?
Yes. Foreigners can get between 60 of the house price or bank-appraised value, whichever is lower.
Interest rates are usually very low (10 years average mortgage rates are below 5.
How does the actual buying property in Switzerland process work?
It depends on the canton. In most cantons, once you have agreed on the terms with the seller or his agent, arranged the financing if applicable and obtained your residence permit, you take an appointment with a local notary public.
This is a sworn officer whose responsibility it is to check that the transaction is legal and then to make it happen. He will check that the seller really owns what is being sold, that you have the right to buy it and that you understand what you are buying. The money is paid to the notary and he releases it only when the change of ownership has been properly registered. It should be noted that paying a little extra “under the table” is a criminal offence in Switzerland and should be avoided.
How does the price level of Swiss real estate compare with that of Paris, London, LA?
House prices in most areas of Switzerland are comparable or cheaper than in London, LA or Paris.
Building quality is usually better although interior decoration is not always something you want to keep.
These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenarios. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.
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Filed under: Housing, Real Estate & Relocation
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Posted on September 7th, 2007 by Henry
Switzerland has long been one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with the bulk of travelers coming for the breathtaking scenery and extensive ski facilities, available at resorts such as Zermatt and St. Moritz. Prior to the year 2000, casinos did not form part of the Swiss tourist experience, but following the liberalization of the law in that year, casino operators were quick to step in, and Switzerland casinos are now increasingly popular with both Swiss citizens and foreign visitors alike. Indeed, it is estimated that Switzerland has the highest ratio of casinos per head of population of any major nation.
Until 1993, gambling was banned by law in Switzerland, but this was repealed in a referendum by the Swiss people, and the first Switzerland casinos opened in 2002. There are now 19 casinos in Switzerland, categorized according to their size; however, even the biggest Switzerland casino, located in the Grand Hotel in Lugano, has a relatively modest 26 gaming tables and around 350 slot machines, and many others are significantly smaller. Most are situated in popular resorts and tourist destinations, in order to take advantage of the demand for gambling that large numbers of foreign visitors inevitably bring.
In addition, there is a fairly stringent set of regulations that govern the Switzerland casino business, which are designed to help maximize the positive effects of gambling in the context of a socially responsible regulation regime. Swiss casinos are required to train their staff in recognizing and helping those who are gambling beyond their means, and they are also obliged to provide information detailing the potential risks of excessive gambling to all customers. Customers are also required to show identification when entering casinos, but unlike many other European countries, there is no requirement for patrons to be registered with the casino.
Apart from the aforementioned Grand Hotel Lugano, which is the largest of all Switzerland casinos, there are also several other large casinos in the country, situated in Baden, Basel, Bern, Luzern, Montreux, and St. Gallen. Thirteen smaller casinos are spread around Switzerland, including facilities in Davos, Interlaken, and St. Moritz. These casinos cater to local and international visitors, in particular those visiting Switzerland for winter sports, but also to the business traveler. The Switzerland casino business is a relatively small but growing sector of the economy, and visitors to the country will find the facilities ultra modern and extremely welcoming.
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Filed under: Business & Entrepreneur
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Posted on September 7th, 2007 by Anna
Zurich has a multi faceted appeal with its cultural events, booming nightlife, extravagant shopping and glorious old town streets and sights on the banks of the Limmat River. All this in addition to its close proximity to the magical Swiss Alps make a trip to Zurich unforgettable.
Through the ages Zurich has seen many avant-garde writers and artists both frequent and live here. Zurich is ranked highly on the list of the worlds top art cities alongside New York, Paris, London and Berlin. A typical feature of Zürich is indeed its high density of art galleries which are minutes apart on foot. The Rämistrasse “art mile” is a must see for visitors to Zurich with gallery after gallery. Museums too are in abundance here with Zürich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions in the whole of Switzerland.
Art and culture aside, taking a stroll around Zurich’s centre is a special experience. Zürich’s well-preserved Old Town is on the banks of the Limmat River. It is not only home to countless places of interest but is a simply a beautiful place to visit and gather your thoughts over a lazy beer or coffee.
Having sampled the culture you may be in need of sampling some of the local night sports. Luckily Zurich is home to around 700 bars and clubs, most of which stay open until the early hours. DJs from all over the world play everything from House, Techno and Latin to Acid Jazz. If you prefer things a little more mellow, drop into one of the numerous open-air bars (in summer).
Zurich’s proximity to the Swiss Alps makes trips to these glorious mountains very easy. Car hire in Zurich is in abundance with all the main brands having a presence. The Alps however are not the only thing that can lure you away from Zurich. Zurich’s surrounding region has so many attractions that if you are not the skiing type you will be spoilt for things to do and see.
The Rhine Falls are a must see as they are the largest falls in Europe and will take you breath away. In this glorious region you can also visit Alpamare, the largest water park in Europe or for something less active the Emma-Kunz-Zentrum in the former Roman Quarry is an oasis of wellness and relaxation. With parks, zoo’s and museums there is too much to mention but visiting Zurich’s surrounding region must be done and will give any visitor a memorable trip. For further information on Zurich and its surrounding area go to Zuerich.com.
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Filed under: Culture & Customs
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Posted on September 7th, 2007 by Claira
Switzerland is a divine destination in the center of Europe. The fantasy land is blessed with scenic beauty, stone churches, lovely lakes, dense forest, ancient cities, attractive countryside with picturesque meadows and farms, adventure sports and alpine landscape. Adventure, thrill, enthusiasm and joy seem to be prevailing around every corner of the country.
Switzerland is a prosperous and peaceful country and has a stable modern economy. It is one of the richest countries in Europe. Its standards of living, worker productivity, quality of education, and health care are higher than any other European country.
There are various places of tourist interest in Switzerland that one can explore during the tour of Switzerland. Zurich is the most populous city of Switzerland and is famous for its financial institutions and shops as well as for its superb art galleries. The city has some good collection of budget hotels in Switzerland.
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Abuzz with a large number of museums, cultural events and restaurants, Geneva is a great place to visit on your tour to Switzerland. There are many other popular cities in Switzerland such as Interlaken, Lucerne and Lausanne.
Switzerland is rich in architecture and culture and is influenced by the heritage of Germany, France and Italy. Some of the world famous attractions in Switzerland include Museum of Art, Cathedrale de St-Pierre, Chateau de Chillon, Montreux, Vaud Great Church, Church of Our Lady, Jungfrau, The Jungfraujoch Experience, Bahnhofstrasse and Swiss National Museum.
Switzerland has become one of the most booming financial and tourist centers in the world. It is renowned for its high quality of export manufactures, such as motors, generators, turbines and watch making industry. Switzerland’s milk chocolate is also world famous.
So, we can say that whole of the world’s beauty could be experienced in Switzerland and this beautiful country has something for everyone.
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Filed under: Switzerland Travel
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