issue 2/2020 helloswitzerland.com Presenting Partner:
CITY MEETS MOUNTAIN
ALPINE
CHEESE TRAIL
ULTIMATE MUSIC
FESTIVAL GUIDE
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Dear readers, Once we’re free to explore every amazing corner of Switzerland: check out our day trip suggestions from some major Swiss cities and also the Engelberg cheese trail. For spectacular views, try some iconic Swiss train routes: the Glacier or the Bernina express.
The adventure of a lifetime THIS IS HELLO SWITZERLAND
Irina Ghita, Editor
We are Hello Switzerland
Cover photo credits: Views of Matterhorn from Gornergratbahn, © Switzerland Tourism/Giglio Pasqua
Irina Ghita
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FE AT URED PAR TNER : DISCOV ER SW I TZER L A ND
CITY MEETS MOUNTAIN GET OUT OF THE CITY, UP INTO THE ALPS Provided by: Switzerland Tourism Photo: Admiring the view at Rochers-de-Naye, © Switzerland Tourism/ Andre Meier
Breakfast in town, lunch at 3,000m above sea level and a visit to the opera in the evening – this can only happen in Switzerland. 6
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Switzerland is marvelously accessible from every urban corner to each distant mountain top. Enjoy the diversity and the ease of travel as you jump on a train in, maybe, Zurich and get off to admire the view on Titlis in a matter of hours.
Day trips from Basel
Here are our hand-picked day trip ideas from Basel, Geneva and Zurich. From insider tips just a stone’s throw away to unique panoramic views at over 3,000m, take your pick.
Day trips from Geneva
Day trips from Zurich
Basel
Zurich
Wasserfallen Weissenstein
Titlis Les Pléiades Rochers-de-Naye
Gornergrat Geneva
Ebenalp
Grosser Mythen
Glacier 3000
Views of Matterhorn from Gornergratbahn, © Switzerland Tourism/ Giglio Pasqua.
The daffodil fields in Les Pléiades © Switzerland Tourism/ Maude Rion.
Grosser Mythen, © Switzerland Tourism/ Ivo Scholz.
About 1.5h away from Basel by train, you can reach either Weissenstein or Wasserfallen for a short-day trip in fresh mountain air. Gornergrat is about 4.5h away (also by train) and offers amazing views of the Matterhorn:
A couple hours away from Geneva you can admire endless fields of daffodils or marmot colonies. A bit further lies the impressive Glacier 3000:
Appenzell and Schwyz have a rich history, well-preserved customs and are only a few hours away from Zurich. Titlis - about 3h hours away. Here’s why it’s worth the trip:
1. Weissenstein: Solothurn’s local mountain in the highest Jura chain is a hikers’ paradise with impressive views into the far distance.
1. Les Pléiades: From Vevey, a cog railway runs via Blonay to the AstroPléiades. In spring the surrounding fields are filled with daffodils as far as the eye can see.
1. Ebenalp: In Appenzell, this region boasts a system of caves that was inhabited 40,000 years ago (Wildkirchli caves).
2. Wasserfallen: Between the Basel area and Solothurn’s Thal Nature Park lies the scenic Passwang range of hills.
2. Rochers-de-Naye: an Alpine garden, marmot colonies and beautiful hiking trails await.
2. Grosser Mythen: One of the two Mythen mountains in canton Schwyz has amazing views over the heart of Switzerland.
3. Gornergrat: The best views of the Matterhorn are from the summit of the Gornergrat at 3,089m.
3. Glacier 3000: The summit station designed by Mario Botta is a spectacular site. Even more impressive: the panorama of 24 snow-capped 4,000m giants.
3. Titlis: This 3,000m peak has a breathtaking panorama and several attractions.
Unmissable: Gornergratbahn - the highest-altitude open-air cog railway in Europe.
Unmissable: Glacier 3000 Peak Walk by Tissot – the world’s first suspension footbridge spanning between two summits.
Unmissable: The Titlis Glacier cave and the ‘Cliff Walk’, Europe’s highest suspension footbridge.
Find out more and plan your trip:
Find out more and plan your trip:
bit.ly/HelloDaytripsBasel
bit.ly/HelloDaytripsGeneva
Find out more and plan your trip:
bit.ly/HelloDaytripsZurich
Discover more lovely daytrips throughout Switzerland on MySwitzerland.com/mountain-daytrips Use this website in English to plan your perfect outing: MySwitzerland.com/expats For more travel infos and tips throughout Switzerland, please get in touch with: expats@switzerland.com or 0800 100 200. TRAVEL INSPIRATION
7
FE AT URED PAR TNER : TA X CONSULT ING
SWISS TAXES AT A GLANCE Basic taxation facts for international residents Provided by: Per Melberg, Managing Partner of Exactio Ltd.
Switzerland is known for its low taxes compared to other countries in Europe and the rest of the world. But the tax burden that is imposed on you depends on your place of residence. According to Swiss tax legislation, you are tax resident at the place where you intend to stay permanently, and which determines your center of your personal and professional interests. As a Swiss tax resident, you are subject to tax on your worldwide income and wealth (so-called unlimited tax liability). Whereas all taxable income and wealth must be declared, certain types of income or wealth are exempt from Swiss tax such as income and wealth from real estates located abroad. If you qualify as a Swiss tax non-resident based on domestic legislation or international tax conventions, you are only subject to Swiss sourced income or wealth (so-called limited tax liability).
Payroll tax withholding deduction If you are a foreign individual without C-permit status working for a Swiss
tax year (subject to cantonal exceptions) and extensions are generally granted, if requested on time.
Exactio:expert tax and social security support Exactio’s advisors have many years of experience serving expats, locals and cross-border employees in Switzerland, and understand the complex situations that clients from all over the world may face while living and working in Switzerland. employer, you are generally subject to payroll tax withholding also known as “Quellensteuer” (de) or “taxation à la source” (fr). The payroll tax withholding may be your final tax liability unless you are entitled to claim additional deductions such as pillar 3a funds contributions, alimony payments etc. In order to benefit from these deductions, you need to request a rectification of the payroll tax withholding which, in most cantons, needs to be submitted no later than end of March of the year following the tax year without the possibility for extension.
Tax filing deadlines In other cases, the payroll tax withholding is not your final tax liability and you are required to file an annual income and wealth tax return. The deadline to file the tax return is at the end of March of the year following the
Exactio connects with partner firms all over the world and can offer you the best of both Swiss and international expertise on all aspects related to tax and social security, since the international perspective often lies beyond the remit of purely local advisory firms.
GET CONNECTED WITH TAX EXPERTS:
Per Melberg is a Managing Partner of Exactio Ltd. The Exactio team is here to support you with professional tax and social security advisory services.
Book an appointment with Exactio tax advisers Professional tax support for international residents +41 58 356 17 77 (regular rates)
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8
TAX CONSULTING
EVENTS April-July 2020 13 – 14 June
World Heritage Days 11 UNESCO sites in Switzerland
A weekend dedicated to the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage sites. A chance to discover some of the most stunning natural wonders of Switzerland and also some of its most prized cultural treasures.
bit.ly/HelloUNESCO2020 12 July
Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival Rigi Staffel, Lucerne A view of the iconic Matterhorn © Switzerland Tourism/Ivo Scholz
The events included in our magazine were not canceled at the time of publication, but please be aware that some of them might have canceled in the meantime. Use this time to explore and be inspired by possible destinations. Switzerland awaits, soon!
6 June
Please be aware that some of the events might not take place due to the coronavirus situation.
SOLA Basel Basel
The SOLA relay race, covering a total of 80 kilometres is divided into 10 stages of 4.5 to 12 kilometres each. Start and finish area is located at ‘Park im Grünen’ in Münchenstein.
bit.ly/HelloSOLA2020
Schwingen, Jass and Hornussen are just a few new notions you discover as you dig deeper into Swiss culture. The first one, traditional wrestling, is a lot of fun. Swiss wrestlers and alpine farmers hold a traditional festival on the Rigi. The gorgeous scenery and traditional side programme add an extra dimension to the celebrations.
bit.ly/HelloRigiWrestling2020
RECOMMENDED
LIFEST YLE
13
The Ultimate Summer Music Festival Guide June-August 2020
17 – 21 June
Caribana Lakeside Festival Nyon
Kick off festival season in style by the Lake Leman, while listening to The Offspring, Rudimental or 5 SOS among many others.
bit.ly/HelloCaribana2020
From classical music to heavy metal, from electronic to jazz, from hip hop to country music, whatever your fancy, be inspired by our handpicked events.
18 – 20 June
11 – 13 June
Rock legends like Foreigner and Nena are on the line up. Feeling nostalgic?
Greenfield Festival Interlaken
Switzerland’s biggest rock festival has quite an impressive line-up this year. Have a smashing good time with Volbeat as headliners, but also Nightwish, Incubus or Killswitch Engage. Our tips: Babymetal & Jinjer. Enjoy!
B-Sides Festival Lucerne
Alternative music central. Let your inner hipster out and chillax.
bit.ly/HelloB-sides2020
26 – 28 June
18 – 20 June
Interlaken
Hinwil
Yeehaw! For 3 days feel the Wild West in Interlaken, with line dancers, country music and, of course, trucks. This will be a riot!
Rock the Ring
bit.ly/HelloRockthering2020 25 – 28 June
Burning Mountain Zernez, Graubünden
bit.ly/HelloGreenfield2020
Plunge into a friendly atmosphere at this festival of love, peace and art, surrounded by Swiss mountains.
11 – 14 June
bit.ly/HelloBurningMountain2020
Neuchâtel
25 – 28 June
The National headlines the festival this year. Enjoy their amazing music by the beautiful Lake Neuchâtel.
St. Gallen
Festi‘neuch
bit.ly/HelloFestiNeuch2020 12 – 13 June
Blues n‘ Jazz Rapperswil-Jona
A blues and jazz lovers’ favorite, the festival celebrates its 22nd year in 2020.
bit.ly/HelloBluesnjazz2020 12 – 13 June
Stars of Sounds Aarberg, Bern
A small, but lovely festival with top acts. The fantastic Rea Garvey (Reamonn) is headlining this year. Check out as well the sister Stars of Sounds festival in Murten.
bit.ly/HelloStarsAarberg2020
Open Air St.Gallen
Trucker & Country Festival
bit.ly/HelloTruckerfestival2020 26 June – 10 July
St. Gallen Opera Festival St. Gallen
Also known as the St. Gallen Cultural Festival, this festival has everything to melt the hearts of opera and ballet buffs. The stunning St. Gallen Abbey (a UNESCO World Heritage site) hosts some of the open-air performances.
bit.ly/HelloStGallen2020 2 – 4 July
Stars of Sounds
With Twenty One Pilots and the German sensation AnnenMay Kantereit as the headliners, make sure you get your tickets early. Plus Deichkind, Mando Diao and The Lumineers!
Murten, Fribourg
bit.ly/HelloOpenairSG2020
bit.ly/HelloStarsMurten2020
25 June – 4 July
3 – 5 July
Ascona
Zurich
From traditional Jazz to blues, Ascona becomes a music oasis. Cool cats everywhere, welcome!
Every year, Zürich is gripped by the Caliente fever. Check your salsa dancing skills on the Pista de Baile.
bit.ly/HelloJazzAscona2020
bit.ly/HelloCaliente2020
Jazz Ascona
The sister of the Aarberg festival has a beautiful setting and a great line-up usually. Last year’s headliners were the legendary German rappers, Die Fantastischen Vier.
Tropical Caliente Festival
Please be aware that some of the events might not take place due to the coronavirus situation.
4 – 12 July
15 – 18 July
Davos
Bern
The sound of New Orleans jazz in the Swiss mountains.
Chill on top of Bern, on the lovely Gurten mountain. Listen to The Chemical Brothers, Vampire Weekend and Roisin Murphy among many other cool acts.
Davos Sounds Good
bit.ly/HelloJazzDavos2020 9 – 11 July
Openair Frauenfeld Frauenfeld
Simply the biggest hip-hop festival in Europe. Kendrick Lamar headlines.
July-August 2020
bit.ly/HelloOpenairFrauenfeld2020
3 – 18 July
9 – 19 July
Montreux Jazz Festival
Moon and Stars
Montreux
Locarno
It is still called a jazz festival, but it is more of a cultural phenomenon, featuring a multitude of musical styles and scores of different artists. Check out the free concerts at the spectacularly illuminated Parc Vernex or join the party boats on the lake.
Listening to great music in an utterly romantic setting, among the famous Ticino palm trees. This festival is also called the “Montreux south of the Alps”. Gwen Stefani, Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Richie will be there.
bit.ly/HelloMontreuxJazz2020
bit.ly/HelloMoonandstars2020
Gurten Festival
bit.ly/HelloGurtenFest2020 17 – 25 July
Blue Balls Festival Lucerne
An absolute gem of festival, last year it featured Katie Melua and Charlotte Gainsbourg, among many others.
bit.ly/HelloBlueballsLucerne2020 17 July – 2 August
Verbier Music Festival Verbier
Exquisite music in a majestic alpine setting. This prestigious classical music festival celebrates 27 years.
bit.ly/HelloVerbier2020
EXCLUSIVE RELOCATION HELPLINE DEALS
Fast track connection service even before you arrive in Switzerland Hello Switzerland is a licensed Swisscom reseller. We will connect you to Swisscom quickly and easily. Simply contact the Swiss Relocation Helpline and we will handle all the admin for you for no extra charge. What’s more, when you combine inOne mobile Go and inOne mobile Premium with inOne home (TV, internet and telephony) you benefit from CHF 20 discount per month, which means you save CHF 240 per year.
inOne mobile Premium
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Win a VIP Home Finding package service by signing up to our new website! We’re about to change the way people relocate to and from Switzerland. And you can be part of this exciting change. Sign up on our new website or spread the word. Once you sign up, you have a chance to win a VIP Home-Finding Service by Packimpex. This means you can sit back and relax while Packimpex house-hunters will do everything required to find and secure you a home. Sign up now and check it out!
bit.ly/NewHelloSwitzerland
DEALS & OFFERS
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18
Free language test
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TCS membership at 30% off TCS membership gives you access to numerous advantages such as: 24-hour breakdown coverage, whenever or wherever you need it, help, protection and advice, as well as significant mobility and leisure discounts. Thanks to our exclusive deal, all Hello Switzerland readers can now take advantage of the chance to get TCS membership at 30% off!
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Free delivery of your chosen car, anywhere in Switzerland
Banking services free for two years
Carvolution means all the benefits of owning a car, without the hassle. With a subscription car you enjoy the same advantages as with your own car. Everything besides gas is included.
Bonviva Banking Packages from Credit Suisse give you an immediate advantage. You receive all major banking services from a single source — at an attractive fixed price.
Choose your favorite car, subscribe and have it delivered anywhere in Switzerland for free, thanks to our special deal.
As a Hello Switzerland customer you will get the Bonviva Silver Package for free for two years, worth CHF 360.
Claim code from Swiss Relocation Helpline
Book via our Swiss Relocation Helpline
Get delicious recipes with healthy ingredients delivered to your door. Take advantage of this Hello Switzerland exclusive deal: order the Hello Fresh box during 3 weeks’ time and get CHF 70 off your entire order. The discount will apply for each week as follows: CHF 40 during the first week, CHF 20 during the second and CHF 10 during the third week.
The perfect weekend getaway in the Swiss capital The Bellevue Palace is the official guesthouse of the Swiss Confederation and it is located in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage and capital city, Bern. Exclusive offer valid for April, July, August, October-December 2020: •CHF 290 per single standard room, per night incl. breakfast (instead of CHF 451) •CHF 340 per double standard room, per night incl. breakfast (instead of CHF 620) Offer upon availability
bit.ly/HSHelloFreshDeal
Experience a world of blue and white all in one day on the Gotthard Bernina Circular Tour. Explore some of Switzerland’s most scenic train rides from Zürich – Lugano – Tirano – Chur. On the Bernina Express from Tirano to Chur or vice versa you can enjoy one glass of regional sparkling wine per person with this special deal and a valid circular tour ticket. bit.ly/HelloGotthardBernina
AVAILA B ONCE TR LE AVEL RESTRI CTIONS ARE LIFT ED
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Great ideas. Simply cooked.
Free glass of sparkling wine aboard Gotthard Bernina Circular Tour
bit.ly/HelloBellevueExclusive
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Free advice from locals
Call: +41 58 356 17 77 (regular rates) Mail: helpline@helloswitzerland.ch
FE AT URED PAR TNER : MOBIL I T Y
YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE CAR SUBSCRIPTION
Better than owning a car Say hello to the new way of owning a car. Carvolution’s car subscription makes owning a car as easy and convenient as ordering a pair of sneakers from your favorite online shop.
Carefree
Thanks to an easy and fully digital booking process, with no down payment and no long-term commitment, Carvolution is ideal for international people living in Switzerland.
Your car subscription frees you from any effort involving the car. Whether tire change, registration or service, Carvolution takes care of everything for you.
Better than owning a car
Free to choose how long
With a subscription car you enjoy the same advantages as with your own car. Compared to car sharing and car rental, the car is completely yours during the whole subscription period and you don’t have to share it with anyone. What’s more, your family members and friends are also allowed to drive it.
You decide how long you want to keep the car, be it a couple of months, a year or longer than that. The longer the period, the lower the prices.
All-inclusive
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Apart from fuel, the monthly subscription price includes everything: Registration, taxes, insurance, road tax sticker, tire change, services and maintenance.
At the end of your chosen period, you can return or change your car subscription at any time with 30 days’ notice. The cars available are diverse, ranging from small to family cars and even vans. Subscription costs are also different based on which type of driver you are. Occasional drivers
(driving less than 850km per month) pay less.
Simple and fully online In a few simple steps your car is booked and will be delivered to your door shortly after - registered and ready to drive.
GET CONNECTED WITH SPECIALIST ADVISERS:
Lea Miggiano, owner of Carvolution, and her team are here to assist you in finding the most convenient car subscription for your mobility needs.
Get your all-inclusive Carvolution subscription Enjoy free delivery, anywhere in Switzerland +41 58 356 17 77 (regular rates)
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helpline@helloswitzerland.ch bit.ly/HelloCarvolutionSubscription
20
TRAVEL YINSPIRATION MOBILIT
Hello Switzerland exclusive deal:
Free Delivery instead of CHF 180 delivery fee
Free delivery of your chosen vehicle, anywhere in Switzerland Subscribe to your chosen Carvolution vehicle and have it delivered anywhere you want, be it at home, at your office or at the airport, free of charge, instead of the regular CHF 180 delivery fee. TRAVEL INSPIRATION
21
FE AT URED PAR TNER : B A NKING SER V ICES
PENSIONS CONTRIBUTIONS How much do employers, employees, and self-employed people pay?
Provided by: Credit Suisse
For employees, the employer pays half of the OASI/AHV/AVS contributions. Self-employed people have to dig deeper into their pockets, since they have to pay the full contributions themselves. How high are the different salary deductions? Overview of AHV contributions employers and employees
For the amount of the salary above CHF 148,200, the employee’s and employer’s shares are 5.775% each.
Total contributions for people with an annual salary of up to CHF 148,200:
The employer deducts the percentage from the employee’s salary and transfers it together with its own half directly to the relevant compensation office or the unemployment insurance.
Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance (AHV/AVS)
8.70%
Federal Disability Insurance (IV/AI)
1.40%
Income Replacement (EO/APG)
0.45%
Unemployment insurance (ALV/AC)*
2.20%
Total
12.75%
*From an annual salary of over CHF 148,200, the unemployment insurance rate for the amount of the salary above CHF 148,200 is only 1.00% instead of 2.20%.
Who pays how much? Employers and employees each pay half of the contributions. Up to an income of CHF 148,200, they each pay 6.375%.
Self-employed people Total contributions for people with an annual salary of over CHF 56,900: Old Age and Survivors’ Insurance (AHV/AVS)
8.10%
Federal Disability Insurance (IV/AI)
1.40%
Income Replacement (EO/APG)
0.45%
Total
9.95%
Self-employed people have to pay the full contributions themselves. They also cannot take out unemployment insurance (ALV/AC).
Book an appointment with a Credit Suisse financial advisor Take control of your pension planning +41 58 356 17 77 (regular rates)
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helpline@helloswitzerland.ch bit.ly/HelloCreditSuisse
Legal Notice: The reader acknowledges that the information provided in this publication is only intended for distribution and use by persons who are residents of Switzerland. In particular, it is not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by or for the offer or solicitation of any products or services directed to any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability, use, offer or solicitation would be contrary to applicable law or regulation or which would subject Credit Suisse to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction. Credit Suisse will not treat readers of this publication as its clients by virtue of them accessing it. Readers of this publication should seek the advice of their independent financial advisor prior to taking any investment decision on the basis of any information contained herein and no information herein constitutes general or specific investment, legal, tax or accounting advice of any kind, it is solely for marketing purposes. Copyright © Credit Suisse AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
22
FINANCIAL ADVICE
FINANCIAL ADVICE
ENGELBERG ALPINE CHEESE TRAIL For cheese and mountain lovers everywhere Provided by: Engelberg - Titlis • Photo credits: © Engelberg - Titlis
Breathe in the fresh mountain air, the smell of alpine flowers and cattle, you are in Heidi heaven. This new Alpine Cheese Trail (AlpkäseTrail) takes you to eight Alpine dairies in Engelberg, where you will try a range of unique Alpine cheeses. Only cheese made from the milk of cows, sheep or goats that graze on Alpine meadows can be called “Alpkäse”. The cheese also has to be produced at an Alpine summer farm, usually following traditional, old-school methods.
Why this is an amazing experience?
Switzerland, with views that will soothe and cleanse your urban soul. Just seeing the mountain-roaming, grass -fed cows and sheep – what a sight!
The nature: Engelberg is one of the most beautiful regions in
The cheese: you will taste hard cheeses, soft-cheeses, semi-hard, extra-hard. Cheese for grating, for crumbling, for shaving, with mild, sharp or spicy flavor. Cheese lovers, you’re welcome!
The Swissness: There’s nothing more Swiss than this. Tasting mountain cheese up in the Swiss Alps – it’s the ultimate Swiss dream.
Find out more and plan your trip in this beautiful region:
www.engelberg.ch/cheesetrail 24
TRAVEL INSPIRATION EDUCATION
Some practicalities The tour is 40km long and takes you to 8 Alpine farms: Gerschnialp, Hüttismatt, Untertrübsee, Surenen, Stäfeli, Langenboden, Blackenalp and Steinäbnet. You can either do the entire tour or parts of it as day trips. Numerous accommodation and restaurant options will be along the way.
Engelberg
Always by your side
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EXCELLENCE CLASS
The most sought-after seats in Switzerland the platform. Here they are greeted at the welcome desk in front of the Glacier Express by the concierge, who takes care of check-in and all their luggage. Whether champagne and salmon soufflÊ or exciting anecdotes and information about the wonderful landscape passing by the panoramic window, an experienced crew ensures the well-being of guests throughout the entire journey. Guests will also find comprehensive information about the route, the country and its people on their individual tablet – keeping them well entertained.
To the bar for an aperitif
A panoramic trip through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express is now even more spectacular. The new Excellence Class sets standards that are as high as the mountain peaks along the legendary route. One for the bucket list.
Window seat guaranteed A rail journey through the Swiss Alps has never been so luxurious. Passengers in the new Excellence Class enjoy the highest level of comfort, the best views and culinary highlights. While soaking up the superb panoramic view from a guaranteed window seat, passengers travel across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels on an eight-hour journey between St. Moritz and Zermatt.
Concierge on board The pleasure of traveling Excellence Class starts as soon as guests step onto
Book your ticket at glacierexpress.ch/excellence-class and enjoy a spectacular journey. 28
LIVING IN ST YLE
Along the way, the crew will serve a refined, regional five-course meal including accompanying wines. Amusebouche and champagne tastes twice as good looking out towards the Piz Bernina. For a welcoming drink or an aperitif, we recommend the exclusive and wellstocked Glacier Bar, which offers the best view. Later in the day, an afternoon tea with delicious friandises is served. The journey in Excellence Class is not only a feast for the senses but also one of the most exclusive tourist highlights in Switzerland.
TAX CONSULTING
29
FEATURED PARTNER: INSURANCE
LEGAL PROTECTION INSURANCE Keep your cool in a dispute. With Helvetia’s legal protection insurance, you can defend your interests in any situation – without having to think about costs. or an Internet user. Court cases can easily become an expensive business – especially when they go through multiple appeal courts. It’s not just a matter of lawyer’s fees – court costs and other charges can also add up to fourfigure sums.
As well as personal legal protection insurance, motor legal protection is also highly recommended. You will enjoy its benefits not only as a motorist, but also as a cyclist and a public transport passenger.
What is covered?
What is legal protection insurance and why is it useful? You might not want to think about it, but legal disputes occur more often than you can imagine. Maybe your stuff got damaged during your move to Switzerland and you want to claim compensation. Or you got into a dispute with your landlord or with your neighbour. Legal protection insurance covers legal disputes that can affect you in daily life, for example as a pedestrian, a cyclist, a passenger, a party to a contract, a consumer of goods or services, a patient
If you have insurance cover you can assert your claims regardless of any costs. Basic legal protection insurance covers the following: • Consultation of a lawyer of your choice • Non-contractual damages • Criminal and administrative proceedings • Disputes with insurance companies, health insurers and pension funds • Contractual disputes • Legal disputes relating to Internet crime such as cyber-bullying, blackmail or credit card misuse • Legal disputes arising from infringement of copyright, name and trademark rights It’s important to take out such insurance as quickly as possible, since cases are only taken on after the policy has been concluded. Family insurance also covers relatives living in the same household.
GET CONNECTED WITH SPECIALIZED INSURANCE ADVISERS FOR EXPATS:
ADRIANO SIGNORELLO Adriano Signorello is a senior insurance adviser at the Helvetia general agency in Basel. He is part of a broad network of Helvetia advisors who specialize in the specific needs of newcomers to Switzerland. Contact Hello Switzerland and receive direct access to insurance advisers in your region. Over more than 160 years, Helvetia has grown to be one of Switzerland’s leading insurance companies and offers a wide range of services and solutions in the areas of insurance and pensions.
When combined with other insurance products such as household contents or private liability insurance, you can benefit from premium discounts.
Direct access to specialized insurance advisers Expert consultancy for international residents in Switzerland +41 58 356 17 77 (regular rates)
@
helpline@helloswitzerland.ch helloswitzerland.ch/ book-appointment-insurance
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FINANCIAL ADVICE