St. Gallen, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#976
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | St. Gallen is the capital of the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 75,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CHF ≈ 1.05 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Swiss providers include Sunrise, Swisscom, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like UBS and Credit Suisse are widely available; also, international options include Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel St. Gallen offers budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town, close to the Cathedral and cultural sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center and areas around the university, offering amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space St. Gallen is a popular spot for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bodan is known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are held regularly at the Coworking Space and local startups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in St. Gallen Facebook group organizes frequent gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi Zurich and local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | CitiBike and Lime offer bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Constance, about 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and easyJet service Zurich airport, which is the nearest major airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A1 and A13 connect St. Gallen to major Swiss cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | St. Gallen Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for public transport, costing around CHF 80. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains operate frequently to Zurich, Lucerne, and the rest of Switzerland. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kantonsspital St. Gallen is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga St. Gallen offers various classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Park and McFit are popular gym chains in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at 'Wasche Nanny' and various laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and local delivery services such as Eat.ch. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Capuns, traditional Swiss Swiss chard rolls filled with meat and rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan & Vegetarisch Restaurant offers several plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confiserie Miko, known for its Swiss chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets at Bündnerstrasse offer budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Migros and Coop are popular online grocery and retail options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop offers home delivery service in St. Gallen. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The bars around Gallusplatz are popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Braukeller St. Gallen produces a variety of regional beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinothek St. Gallen offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets often pop up in the Old Town, especially on weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Asian and Italian restaurants are spread across the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen showcases modern art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historical Old Town with its medieval architecture is very charming. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Gallen Cathedral is an iconic religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | St. Gallen Festival occurs in the summer, featuring arts and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around the Abbey is rich in cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theater St. Gallen offers various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets at Marktplatz feature local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs such as Palace St. Gallen host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban art can be found throughout the city, especially in alleys. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary courses are available at various cooking schools in the city. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various independent art galleries are present in the city center. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Rathaus (Town Hall) is a beautiful example of local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Switzerland's textile heritage is highlighted in local museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Appenzell region offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Säntis and nearby Alpstein region are national parks ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous paths along the River Sitter provide scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Geissbühl is a popular viewpoint with panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sittertobel Nature Reserve is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas can be found in local parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services from Post Switzerland and DHL are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iFix offer electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers offer tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide classes in German and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Stadtbibliothek St. Gallen offers excellent study opportunities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kulturzentrum am Münster hosts events and activities for families. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues like Dell'Anima Cafe cater to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino St. Gallen offers gaming options for adults. |
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 3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 152,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 270,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 192,000). |
| 🏡 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 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 240,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7.7% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on value assessed. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 1.5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Swiss tax laws may offer benefits depending on residence status. |