Hi Iam from India, will be moving 2 Basel in a shortwhile with my hus n 2 yr old kid.Just want general advice?

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Santero

Hi there. I lived in Basel for 5 years.

1. In Basel and any other bigger city/town in Switzerland you don't have to worry about medical care. Switzerlands Health System is one of the worlds leaders. In case of emergency just call :

Ambulance: 114
Police: 117

2. In Basel there's the International School. I'd suggest you ask there:

http://www.isbasel.ch/

3. Swiss Malls do have a very good supply. Just look for "Migros" or "Coop". In Downtown there are just little food-shops. The bigger Malls are at "Claraplatz", "Dreispitz" or "GÃ¼terstrasse".

4. No need to have a car in Basel everything is in walking distance and there is a tramway. Swiss public transport network (tramway, train, busses, etc.) is the best on the world (and mostly in time).

5. Yes there are several Asian & India Shops in Basel.
e.g. at the Bruderholz-Street 60 (no food) or next to the Main-Train-Station (AGGARWAL INDIAN FOOD, KÃ¼chengasse 9).

Citymap:
http://www.mybasel.ch/verkehr_regioplan_karte.cfm?X=611566&Y=267893&Jump=3&Zoom=1500&Type=regular

Have a nice stay!!

friendofambien

Hi,
I am from the U.S. and live in Basel. You should check out a Yahoo group called Expat Moms in Switzerland (the link is below). It's not just for moms, and there are families from India who live in Switzerland. I'll bet they could answer questions for you, too.
I agree - medical care is among the best in the world. That's probably something you needn't worry about at all.
2. There are plenty of English-language or bilingual day cares and schools, but they are private, i.e. you'd have to pay for them. But public (free) schooling doesn't begin until kids are 4 or 5 anyway, with two years of what they call kindergarten, before starting first grade. There is no public preschool for toddlers.
3. and 5. I have definitely seen Asian and Indian stores. Swiss supermarkets also carry a few items of Indian food (though it might not be very authentic!?)
I have seen one mall, and it was really lame! Most shopping is done in separate stores in the old center of town, which is very pretty.
4. You almost certainly won't need a car. If at times you'd like one for travelling or buying large items, you can rent one or join a car-sharing service called Mobility.
I find Basel a very nice place for families - we have a three-year-old and have found many English-speaking and bilingual families. It's very safe and the local traditions (such as Fasnacht and the Herbscht Mess) are fun - especially for kids.
Good luck!

Laurent B

1. Medical facilities are excellent, and you will have to have a compulsory health insurance, which is expensive by Indian Standards. Expect to pay chf 500 a month for the three of you for the basic service with a chf 250 deductible. You will need to have the insurance in place before they will register you at the town hall. If you are moving here to a new job, the HR dept. should take care of most of this.

2. Unless you go to a private school, the kids will be taught in German, and possibly French

3. Yes - no problem but again expect to pay more.

4. Excellent public transport, so no need to own a car

5. There are Asian restaurants but no malls.

Try and adapt to the Swiss way of life. It's very different from India and if you don't conform you will quickly find yourself ostracised. It will be hard to make friends amongst locals, but there is a vibrant inernational community with many English speaking clubs. have a look at www.fasc.ch

Enjoy your new life here.

Jadu N

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Sinead

ive been born&raised in basel,its a great place to live,loads to do,especially in de summertime.
1.no worries bout medical facilitis,theres always help available and very fast too.

2.languages at school are german and french.i didnt get english classes till de age of 12,but theres an international school,they speak english there.

4.no need for a car,the public transport is fantastic,u couldnt even get lost if u tried!!usually u wont have to wait more than 7minutes(!) for one,exept on weekends and evenings they come in 10 or 15 minute intervalls

3&5.youll find alot of indian shops in the city,especially in "small basel" (theres a "small" and a "big" basel divided by the river "rhein"

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