Basel, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#972
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Basel is located at the borders of Switzerland, France, and Germany, making it a culturally rich city that combines influences from all three countries. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 160 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.05 USD; major banks include UBS, Credit Suisse, and PostFinance. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Basel has some of the best tap water quality in the country. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Sunrise, Swisscom, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Additional options like Revolut and N26 are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rental agencies, and extended-stay hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel by the river: Basel Backpack, budget-friendly and centrally located. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Kleinbasel area, close to the Rhine River and old town. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The City Center and St. Johanns areas, which offer coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Lab, a popular coworking space with great amenities and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Les Trois Rois, known for its inspiring environment and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events organized by Meetup, like the Basel Tech Meetup, are great for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Basel International Community organizes regular socials for newcomers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Basel, along with local services like Taxi Basel. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Basel offers a bike-sharing service called 'BSBike' and scooters through Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nearest beach is in Strandbad Au, located about 30 mins away on Lake Basel. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sky Work Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Swiss International Air Lines operates from EuroAirport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Basel is connected by the A2 and A3 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Basel SBB is the main train station, connecting intercity and international routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Swiss travel pass provides unlimited travel on public transport in Basel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Freiburg are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospital Basel, known for top-tier healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Platz Basel, offering various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitnesspark and Migros Fitness are popular with various membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash and Fold services can be found across the city, such as Mr. Clean. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Eat.ch are popular food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Basler Läckerli, a gingerbread cookie, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veganitas and Hiltl offer great plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confiserie Schiesser for excellent Swiss chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markthalle Basel offers a range of affordable food options under one roof. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options like coop.ch and migros.ch for grocery needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros both provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kleinbasel has a vibrant nightlife with bars like Les Trois Rois. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Basler Brau brewery for local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Weinbar 58 provides an extensive selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Basel Street Food Festival showcases diverse culinary delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian cuisine at Casa Vecchia is highly recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Basel Minster and the Tinguely Fountain are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kunstmuseum Basel is a major art venue showcasing world-class exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Town Hall and its distinctive red façade are historical highlights. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basel Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Basel Fasnacht is an annual carnival celebrated with parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town (Altstadt) provides a rich cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Basel Theatre for diverse performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markthalle Basel for a mix of local produce and international food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Basel Symphonic Orchestra hosts classical concerts regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city features various street art installations, particularly in the Kleinbasel area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Basel Culinary Center offers hands-on cooking courses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Templon showcases both local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Basel Town Hall is a prime example of Renaissance architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its heritage through various local festivals and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Reinacher Heide nature reserve, perfect for hiking and picnicking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc du Doubs is accessible and known for its beautiful landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Rhine River path offers scenic cycling and walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Dreiländereck viewpoint at the river confluence is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the Rhine River are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The Rheinufer has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair in the city center for quick tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several public parks have free table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Goethe-Institut offers German language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Basel’s central library provides excellent study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Volkshaus Basel serves as a community gathering spot. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Playzone offers gaming setups for competitive play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Basel offers a range of gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 7,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = CHF 350,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 5,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = CHF 275,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 6,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 408,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 5,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 312,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 6,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 504,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 384,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 14.6%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes are based on the local cantonal regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% to 3% depending on the canton. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Switzerland offers favorable tax arrangements and incentives for entrepreneurs and digital nomads. |