St. Gallen, Switzerland 🇨🇭
#976
47.425618, 9.376239
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | St. Gallen is the capital of the canton of St. Gallen, located in eastern Switzerland, known for its rich textile history and beautiful Abbey. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 75,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Swiss Franc (CHF). 1 CHF ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is safe and drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and J sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Swisscom, Sunrise, and Salt. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking options for expats include UBS, Credit Suisse, and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options are available, including apartments and serviced residences, best found on platforms like Airbnb, Hotellerie, and local listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, using credit cards and mobile payment apps. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway, and local real estate websites provide options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Youthhostel St. Gallen and guesthouses around the city offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces like Co-Working St. Gallen and the Impact Hub provide excellent environments for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like Cafe Schmitt and Obergass provide a friendly atmosphere for remote working with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events are regularly organized through platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There are active expat communities on Facebook like 'Expats in St. Gallen' that organize regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in St. Gallen, and local taxis can be booked via Taxi Zentrale St. Gallen. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented through services like Lime or local bike shops that offer rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Constance is approximately 15 km away, accessible by train and bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Regional connections are primarily serviced by Swiss International Air Lines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Nearby Zurich Airport provides major international flight options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A1 and A13 highways for convenient regional and intercity travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | St. Gallen Main Station is the primary transit hub, with connections throughout Switzerland. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly transportation passes can be purchased, covering Trams and Buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services connect St. Gallen to nearby cities like Zurich, Appenzell, and Winterthur. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kantonsspital St. Gallen is the main healthcare facility, providing comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studios like Yoga Dara and various wellness spas are available in the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular gyms like Fitness Park and McFIT offer a range of fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like Waschen St. Gallen and laundry services are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is popular through apps like Uber Eats and Eat.ch. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Älplermagronen, a traditional Swiss pasta dish with potatoes and cheese. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Peppers St. Gallen offer extensive vegan and vegetarian menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Schmidt & Møller offers exceptional pastries and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Markthalle St. Gallen provide fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce options include Coop Online and Migros Online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Coop and Migros offer grocery delivery to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center features lively nightlife with bars like 01 and Täubli. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Braukeller St. Gallen offers local craft beers with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try the Rebhäusle St. Gallen for a great selection of Swiss wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls during summer festivals provide diverse culinary options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Hummingbird serve various Asian and fusion dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Abbey of St. Gallen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen exhibits a broad collection of Swiss and international art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Gallen has several historical sites, including the old town and its well-preserved churches. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Abbey Library is a renowned place of worship and holds ancient manuscripts. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The St. Gallen Festival showcases art and culture annually, attracting visitors worldwide. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic downtown area hosts many cultural sites and events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Theater St. Gallen features a variety of performances, including opera and drama. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets in the city center offer local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like Palace St. Gallen host various performances throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore urban murals in neighborhoods like St. Georgen for local street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local workshops like 'Kochschule St. Gallen' offer cooking classes for all levels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries such as the Riegger Gallery feature contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Notable buildings include St. Gallen Cathedral and the Town Hall. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is known for its Appenzeller cheese and traditional Swiss crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the nearby Appenzellerland for stunning landscapes and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Swiss National Park is located about 1.5 hours away by train. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The area features many cycling pathways along the Sitter River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Drei Weieren offers spectacular views over St. Gallen. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular near Lake Constance. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas by the cities allow bonfires for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Swiss Post and DHL handle parcel deliveries efficiently. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services like MediaMarkt offer electronics repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis clubs and events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Sprachschule St. Gallen offers German language courses for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cantonal Library of St. Gallen is a perfect place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers like the Stadtteilzentrum provide cultural programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming centers host tournaments and LAN parties. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino St. Gallen offers gaming, dining, and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 220,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = CHF 188,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 312,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 4,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CHF 258,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 384,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CHF 312,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is around 14.6%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is generally 35%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Swiss tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate can be around 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7.7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply for taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is around 1.5% to 3% depending on the canton. |