Moving
There are a plethora of resources for moving to CERN, but sometimes so much that it is difficult to find what information is applicable for one's particular situation. I am attempting to keep this as an index of helpful web pages, as well as random information that helped us.
Index of Helpful Links
Alexia's Relocation Web Page Alexia is the official relocation coordinator for US ATLAS. She is amazingly helpful!
US LHC Users Relocation Web Page They, not surprisingly, draw from Alexia's page
Google Translate This is kind of a joke...except that it's highly useful translating emails, writing emails in French, etc!
Furnishings
If you're willing to take a little more time to furnish your room or flat, there are myriad options for used furnishings in the area:
- glocals.com Classifieds section
- WRS Classifieds
- CERN market
- Thrift shops ("brocantes") in the Geneva area
- Facebook groups ("For sale, free or wanted in Vaud/Geneva" seems most active)
Choosing Side of Border
As of 2013, you have to choose which country to live in before you apply for your visa (before you get here). These are the main pros and cons that influenced our choice of where to live (spoiler alert: Swiss side! but we also house sat this summer on the French side):
France
Pros: Seems cheaper (we're not sure it actually is, but it feels that way since the Euro is worth more so the numbers are lower in the grocery store. In apartment searches it looks almost equal these days), easier to get a bank account, definitely cheaper wine. More rural, which is a pro or a con depending on what you like. Demand for apartments we've heard is lower and the rental agencies ("regies") less demanding so might be easier to get a place there (we don't have experience to back that up)Cons: Have to deal with two currencies more often (still have to either way, but much more if you live in France), most people get Swiss SIM cards for your phone, but they won't work or you'll get roaming fees if you're very far into France; the bus is more expensive and sometimes circuitous; things don't seem to get fixed as quickly if they get derailed (such as internet service)
Switzerland
Pros: Better and cheaper transport system (chances are you'd live in Zone 10, which is almost half the cost of a bus pass that goes into France; and the tram line is quite efficient), SIM card almost always works and isn't roaming, mostly only have to use one currency, more efficient infrastructure, and downloading TV/video files is actually legal (of course, whether you should is still another debate)
Cons: Can't get a bank account until you have a permanent address (thanks US government and tax evaders), complicated apartment application process (regies require that your salary be at least 3x the rent), generally more regulated (for example, have to pay an annual tax if you have a TV!)