Biel/Bienne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#978
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Biel/Bienne is a bilingual city located in the canton of Bern, known for its watchmaking industry and scenic lakeside views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 55,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps; fiber optic available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.05 USD, widely accepted cards like Mastercard and Visa. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt are popular providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | UBS, Credit Suisse, Revolut accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local agencies, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; contactless payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms available for flexible stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Biel; prices start around CHF 30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town (Altstadt) offers charming streets and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Quai theory area, with coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de l'Industrie, a popular spot for freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café BISE, known for its quiet atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at Lokal; check local Facebook groups for events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Biel Expats Meetup group hosts weekly social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Biel. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent a bike at Bern Mobility, with good options for scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Biel has several public swimming areas and beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SkyWork Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Swiss International Air Lines offers service to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A5 and A6 highways provide great access to neighboring cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Biel/Bienne Railway Station connects to major Swiss cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly SBB travel passes available for unlimited train travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train and bus systems connect Biel to Bern, Lausanne, and beyond. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kantonsspital Biel is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Biel offers various classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Holmes Place offers comprehensive fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat 'Waschparadies' offers self-service machines. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and local service Just Eat are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Rösti, a traditional Swiss potato dish, at Restaurant Bären. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Rösterei serves excellent plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Martel is famous for its Swiss chocolates and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Biel's weekly market features local produce and artisanal products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops like Digitec offer a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer online shopping and delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Old Town offers various bars and pubs for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Bierfabrik produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Biel offers a cozy setting to taste local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks set up during events at the city center. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Check out Le Baird for French and Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Biel/Bienne Lake promenade is a must-visit for its stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Communication offers engaging exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Clock Tower and the old wooden bridge are key historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Evangelical Church of Biel is a local architectural gem. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bieler Fasnacht is a vibrant carnival held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town features charming historical buildings and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Theater Biel/Solsken hosts diverse performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market at Bundesplatz offers local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Biel has a vibrant music scene with regular concerts at KulturBiel. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art installations can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Gourmet Cooking School offers classes highlighting Swiss cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Im Oberen Berghof showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Biel/Bienne Historical Museum features stunning architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Biel is known for its watchmaking history, which can be explored through various museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Jura Mountains offer hiking and breathtaking scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc regional Chasseral is nearby, featuring nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The lakeside path around Lake Biel is excellent for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Chasseral mountain viewpoint offers stunning panoramas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Seeland wetlands provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along Lake Biel allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair and various local vendors provide gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Biel hosts regular play sessions. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language School Biel offers courses in multiple languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biel/Bienne City Library is an excellent study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre de Loisirs offers a variety of community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various cafes provide spaces for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Bienne offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 160,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 288,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 228,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 360,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 272,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% in the canton of Bern. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for income above CHF 1,000,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% to 3% depending on the municipality. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Biel offers tax-friendly conditions for remote workers. |