Montreux, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#2153
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Montreux is a picturesque resort town located on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its stunning views of the Swiss Alps and its annual jazz festival. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 26,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF ≈ 1.10 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, sourced from the Swiss mountains. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include UBS, Credit Suisse, and PostFinance. Revolut and N26 are popular for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and serviced apartments, with a range highly dependent on the season. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in restaurants and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com have a variety of short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Montreux Youth Hostel offers affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area is best for tourists, featuring numerous hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Montreux-Vevey region, particularly near the lakeside, provides a good work-life balance. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de Grancy offers a cozy coworking atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Montreux offers great coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups on platforms like Meetup.com or specific tech event announcements. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Montreux Expats Facebook group for community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services can be accessed through the Uber app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local vendors like Montreux-Vevey Tourisme. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The public beach at Montreux is a popular spot for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Helvetic Airways serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Swiss International Air Lines connects to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A9 highway provides easy access to Geneva and Lausanne. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Montreux Railway Station connects to the wider Swiss rail network. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Montreux-Vevey transport card offers unlimited travel for a set duration. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to Lausanne and Geneva run frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Clinic Montreux specializes in various healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Montreux offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers such as Club Med Montreux provide access to various facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available at several locations around town. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats delivers a variety of local cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rösti, a Swiss potato dish, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café des Alpes serves great vegetarian and vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolate & Co. offers exquisite chocolate and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and Co-op grocery store provide budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local Swiss stores like Digitec are good options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Migros provide online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The lakeside bars, such as the Montreux Jazz Café, are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Vevey in nearby Vevey offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Restaurant du Montreux offers selections from the Lavaux vineyards. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | During summer, local markets often feature food stalls with a variety of options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try the Italian restaurant La Rouvenaz or the French bistro Le Museum. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Chillon Castle and the Montreux lakeside promenade are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Montreux Jazz Festival exhibitions and the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne are worth visiting. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town of Montreux showcases historical architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Vincent's Church offers beautiful stained glass and architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Montreux Jazz Festival takes place every July, attracting global artists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The lakeside area and Rue du Theatre are vibrant cultural spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Stravinski Auditorium hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local farmers' market at Montreux is held weekly, offering fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The annual Montreux Jazz Festival showcases world-renowned musicians. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for local murals and installations along the lakeside promenade. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are offered at the Montreux Palace. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Van Gogh gallery showcases works and hosts exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Montreux Palace is an iconic historical hotel with stunning architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is famed for its winemaking, evident in the terraced vineyards. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning trails and views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby Parc Naturel Régional Gruyère pays de la Veveyse provides hiking opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The flower path along Lake Geneva offers scenic walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Rochers-de-Naye offers breathtaking panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Montreux are good for bird watching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Montreux countryside are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Swiss Post offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics stores provide repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sport clubs around Montreux often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools and community centers offer French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque de Montreux offers a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host activities and gatherings for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often host gaming events and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Barrière de Montreux offers a traditional casino experience. |
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 4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 180,000). |
| 🏠 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 4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 336,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 304,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends are subject to a withholding tax of 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Swiss tax system is based on residency and allows for numerous deductions. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is about 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Switzerland has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on the property's market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax varies by canton, averaging around 1.5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Switzerland offers low taxes on personal income, and there are favorable conditions for nomadic workers. |