Living a Swiss Lifestyle

There are a lot of urban myths about all the rules to abide by when living here in Switzerland. There is no doubt that many rules do exist, but essentially, good citizenship is what it is all about. You recycle your rubbish, you don't play your music loud after a certain time at night. If you live in a flat (apartment) you may have to do your washing in a buanderie ( the laundry room) on a fixed day. If you hang your duvet covers out of the window to air then there may be a time when you are required to bring them in again, and if you have a small garden with a flat you may not be allowed to cut the grass or do any home improvements on a Sunday particularly if it makes any noise. It just depends on the apartment block or area that you live in and who your neighbors are. Initially you wonder whether you are allowed to even breathe on a Sunday... but things are not as strict as you are led to believe when you first arrive, some expats perpetuate horror stories for fun, but, it is worth checking that you are not breaking any rules. The book "Living and Working in Switzerland" is an excellent book that debunks some of the myths but outlines some of the truths. It also has a section on paying tax, and guidelines when buying and renting property.