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Guide
St. Gallen, Switzerland π¨π
#976
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | St. Gallen is the capital of the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 75,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 CHF β 1.05 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Swiss providers include Sunrise, Swisscom, and Salt. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks like UBS and Credit Suisse are widely available; also, international options include Revolut. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and local rentals. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites are popular for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel St. Gallen offers budget-friendly options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Old Town, close to the Cathedral and cultural sites. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center and areas around the university, offering amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space St. Gallen is a popular spot for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Bodan is known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups are held regularly at the Coworking Space and local startups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in St. Gallen Facebook group organizes frequent gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi Zurich and local taxi services. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | CitiBike and Lime offer bike rentals throughout the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Constance, about 30 minutes away by train. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Swiss International Air Lines operates regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and easyJet service Zurich airport, which is the nearest major airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | A1 and A13 connect St. Gallen to major Swiss cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | St. Gallen Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for public transport, costing around CHF 80. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains operate frequently to Zurich, Lucerne, and the rest of Switzerland. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Kantonsspital St. Gallen is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga St. Gallen offers various classes and wellness services. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Park and McFit are popular gym chains in the area. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at 'Wasche Nanny' and various laundromats. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and local delivery services such as Eat.ch. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Capuns, traditional Swiss Swiss chard rolls filled with meat and rice. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan & Vegetarisch Restaurant offers several plant-based dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Confiserie Miko, known for its Swiss chocolates. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets at BΓΌndnerstrasse offer budget-friendly shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Migros and Coop are popular online grocery and retail options. |
π Grocery Delivery | Coop offers home delivery service in St. Gallen. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The bars around Gallusplatz are popular for nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Braukeller St. Gallen produces a variety of regional beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Vinothek St. Gallen offers a selection of local wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food markets often pop up in the Old Town, especially on weekends. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Several Asian and Italian restaurants are spread across the city. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen showcases modern art. |
π° Historical Sites | The historical Old Town with its medieval architecture is very charming. |
π Religious Sites | St. Gallen Cathedral is an iconic religious site. |
π Annual Events | St. Gallen Festival occurs in the summer, featuring arts and music. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The area around the Abbey is rich in cultural heritage. |
π Theater Venues | Theater St. Gallen offers various performances and events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Weekly markets at Marktplatz feature local produce and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Clubs such as Palace St. Gallen host live music events. |
π¨ Street Art | Urban art can be found throughout the city, especially in alleys. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Culinary courses are available at various cooking schools in the city. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Various independent art galleries are present in the city center. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Rathaus (Town Hall) is a beautiful example of local architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Switzerland's textile heritage is highlighted in local museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Appenzell region offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | SΓ€ntis and nearby Alpstein region are national parks ideal for nature lovers. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous paths along the River Sitter provide scenic routes. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | GeissbΓΌhl is a popular viewpoint with panoramic views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Sittertobel Nature Reserve is excellent for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas can be found in local parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Services from Post Switzerland and DHL are available. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iFix offer electronic repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers offer tables for public use. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools provide classes in German and English. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Stadtbibliothek St. Gallen offers excellent study opportunities. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Kulturzentrum am MΓΌnster hosts events and activities for families. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues like Dell'Anima Cafe cater to gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino St. Gallen offers gaming options for adults. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 5,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CHF 200,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = CHF 152,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CHF 270,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = CHF 192,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CHF 4,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CHF 336,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CHF 3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = CHF 240,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Approx. 15%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 35%. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 40%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 7.7% standard rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on value assessed. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 1.5%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Swiss tax laws may offer benefits depending on residence status. |