Lausanne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#973
46.521826, 6.632702
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lausanne is a vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 140,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.08 USD; multiple banking options including UBS and Credit Suisse. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and widely regarded as high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt with decent coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like UBS and PostFinance accept various forms of identification, making it easier for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from airbnb rentals to long-term apartments through websites like homegate.ch. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, with contactless payments common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Lausanne and Hotel du Marche provide budget-friendly lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lausanne Coworking is highly rated for its conducive work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Grancy offers a relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events are often held at the Lausanne Mudo, an innovation hub. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the 'Lausanne Expats' group on Facebook for various meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Lausanne, making it easy to get around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter services like Lime and bike-sharing options (PubliBike) are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ouchy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Helvetic Airways operates regional flights from Lausanne. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Swiss International Air Lines offers flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A9 highway provides good connectivity to other Swiss cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lausanne Railway Station serves as the main transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Swiss public transport passes available; monthly pass around CHF 80. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent regional trains connect Lausanne to Geneva, Montreux, and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) is the main hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Village and GYMCAMP offer various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Places like Anytime Fitness and Fitness24Seven cater to various fitness needs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavoir Automatic Lausanne is a popular laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Just Eat provide extensive food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying the local specialty, Fondue. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Green Van offer great plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie L'Instant offers delicious Swiss chocolates and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Flea markets like Marché de Rive offer local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local online stores like Loeb are popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de Bourg and Ouchy are known for their vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lausanne's own Brewery La Pinte offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Caveau de la Côte features local wines with tastings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Flon district hosts various food stalls, especially in summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Le Noir offer diverse international menus. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Olympic Museum and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Collection de l'Art Brut showcases unique art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town is full of historical charm and architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Notre-Dame Cathedral is an architectural gem. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of Lights is celebrated in December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Flon area is known for contemporary art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sunday Market at Place de la Palud is a vibrant spot. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Docks and Les Arches host various music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant street art can be found in the Flon district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook & Go offers fun culinary workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art du Cercle is a well-known local gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palais de Rumine is a noted historic building to explore. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Lausanne is known for its commitment to education and culture, reflected in numerous institutes and museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces offer scenic views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc National Suisse is a couple of hours away, in the Valais region. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ouchy promenade is a popular walking and cycling path along Lake Geneva. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Cathedral tower provides stunning views of the city and surrounding areas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Lake Geneva are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas along Lake Geneva allow designated bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like GeekZone offer various tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several parks feature table tennis tables around the city. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools, including Berlitz, offer classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cantonal Library is a notable spot for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre de la Vieille Ville hosts cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Lounge offers a space for gamers in Lausanne. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Lausanne is a popular destination for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 7,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 300,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 220,000) |
| 🏠 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 6,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 480,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 384,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 24%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approx. 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are provisions for strict regulations on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the rental value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 3% of property purchase price. |