Practical Geneva
Practical information for internationals living in Geneva.
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Local life:
Swiss way of life
How to live in Switzerland and adopt local customs, in order to facilitate your integration.
In a spirit of solidarity with EU member states, the Federal Council has adopted a voluntary target of reducing gas consumption by 15% for the winter of 2023-24.
- Find few simple tricks so you’ll waste less energy on heating – and what’s more, you’ll save money.
- Over 500 practical tips for saving energy and protecting the environment (in French).
The canton promotes a balanced and sustainable development of Geneva and the region, to preserve the planet and the well-being of future generations.
Find out what the “Direction de la Durabilité et du Climat (DDC)”, is doing to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN.
GENEVA is the only canton in French-speaking Switzerland not to have a bag charge for its waste management, opting instead for compulsory sorting..
- How to sort your waste in the canton of Geneva (information in several languages).
- Geneva encourages the sorting of organic waste, with green bags marked with the “OK Compost” or “EN 13432” logo available free of charge in most communes.
- Non-recyclable incinerable waste must be packaged in black OKS standard bags, available in all shops.
- The City of Geneva also provides practical information on how to sort all types of waste and indicates collection points and drop-off centres for bulky items, which should not be left on the road without first notifying your local authority.
In all communes in the canton of VAUD, only the official white and green taxed bag is accepted for the collection of incinerable, non-recyclable waste.
- You can buy them in supermarkets and many local stores, and some local authorities also sell them.
- Consult your local authority’s website for information on waste management and recycling, for example for the city of Nyon.
In FRANCE, selective waste sorting is also encouraged. Containers are color-coded. Find out how sorting works in your commune, for example for the Pays de Gex.
The prices of hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc., are calculated with taxes and service included. A tip is therefore not essential but demonstrates your satisfaction with the quality of service.
Beyond the clichés (the famous Swiss punctuality!), arriving on time for an interview or a meeting is essential. If it is not possible for you to go to an appointment, in the event of a visit to your doctor for example, it is important to announce this 24 hours in advance, otherwise you will have to pay for the consultation itself. if you haven’t introduced yourself.
Are we allowed to make noise during the day?
What are my rights and my duties?
Before complaining it is always better to discuss!
Consult practical information in several languages .
More information :
- Living in Geneva: interactive map in several languages to locate the service centres, institutions and organisations that are essential for settling in Geneva
- Daily life in Switzerland: practical and thematic information for living in Switzerland
- About Switzerland: discover Switzerland on the website of the on the FDFA website
Other useful information
Emergencies & doctors
Universities
Voting for Internationals
Daycare centers
CAGI services
Contact the CAGI
Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates.