Expert Info
on 25 Aug 2011
I keep reading things telling me that i'll have to recycle in Zurich, and that if not, I'll end up paying a lot for trash bags. Can anyone explain this, and explain how recycling i Zurich works. Here in South Africa you have to take your recycling to special points around the city, if you want it collected you have to pay a private service.
You can bring your aluminum and glass to big blue bins in your neighbourhood. Curbside pick-up is provided for cardboard, paper and textiles. You'll need to find out your recycling and waste disposal schedule - to do so you can go to this web site - http://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/ted/de/index/entsorgung_recycling/abfall/persoenlicher_entsorgungskalender.html, or you can ask a neighbour.
The number one thing to prepare for when relocating to Zurich is the completely ridiculously high uber astronomical cost of living. If you've been in the UK the last 6 years at least you won't have to deal with the bad habit of converting everything back to South African Rand in your head - BAD IDEA.
All I can say is try and calculate a comprehensive budget for yourself beforehand and make sure the contract you negotiated not only covers all anticipated costs, but has plenty of leeway to pay lots of unforseen costs - you'll have tons. Also, start searching for accommodation now, and be prepared for the fact that rentals are not awarded on a first come first serve basis. Rather estate agents will select the most qualified applicant. Thus, it would be in your best interest to collect recommendations from former estate agents/landlords in the UK, to provide old payslips, and basically as much information as possible with your application.
Otherwise, there's definitely some nuances you'll need to adapt to, but there's a reason Zurich was rated one of the best cities in the world to live in.
For more information you should definitely have a look at the Expat Arrivals Guide to Zurich.