Globaleye Abu Dhabi office prepare this guide for expats that planning to relocate in Abu Dhabi.

1. Relocation Guide
Geneva
A Guide to Living and Working Overseas
www.globaleye.com

2.
Geneva Overview
Often referred to as Genève in French, the Swiss city of Geneva is the country's third‐biggest city and offers a definite
international flavour. The city enjoys a superb location next to Lake Geneva, which is known locally in Switzerland as Lac
Léman and is where you will find the breath‐taking Jet d'Eau fountain, which is actually the tallest fountain on the planet
and often sprays a gentle mist towards onlookers, although if the wind changes, be prepared to get soaked.
Geneva is the official home of the European Headquarters of the United Nations, along with more than 200 other
important international organisations. Overflowing with museums, Geneva is a true city of culture and features an
extensive calendar of events and an exciting nightlife, particularly around the banks of the River Rhône.
Climate
A number of natural factors greatly influence the temperate climate experienced in Geneva and these include the city's
closeness to mountain ranges and the vast Lake Geneva itself. In general, the weather experienced tends to be mild, with
particularly warm summers. Although Geneva does experience rain throughout the year, the nearby mountains protect the
city and the direct result is that this is one of Switzerland's driest locations.
Geography
Geneva is the capital of the Swiss Canton of Geneva located in the westernmost corner of Switzerland. The city is situated
along the banks of Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva, at the mouth of the Rhone River and is bordered by the Jura
Mountains to the west and the French Alps in the east. The city is easily reached within 2 hours by plane from most major
cities in Europe and is a hub of Europe’s highway network. High speed train connections to Paris and Milan as well as fast
trains to Spain and Germany provide additional access.
Cost of living
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
Milk (regular), 1 liter
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
Rice (1kg)
Eggs (12)
Local Cheese (1kg)
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
Bottle of Wine (Mid‐Range)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro)
1,859.40 Fr.
1,600.00 Fr.
3,900.00 Fr.
3,100.00 Fr.
1.45 Fr.
2.75 Fr.
2.60 Fr.
5.20 Fr.
20.00 Fr.
27.00 Fr.
1.10 Fr.
15.00 Fr.
1.55 Fr.
2.00 Fr.
7.60 Fr.

3. Time Zone
GMT/UTC +1
Telephone Codes
Switzerland international country code +41
Geneva area code 22
Emergency Contacts
Police: 117
Fire: 118
Ambulance: 144
Transport
Geneva is easily conquered on foot but there are a number of transportation options when you need it. Driving is not
recommended in the city due to the limited and expensive nature of parking.
Local Bus: The bus system covers virtually every square meter of the city and is highly efficient. Tickets can be bought at
the machines next to most stops or at newspaper stands. Prices vary according to the number of zones crossed and
duration of validity. Be aware that ticket machines take only coins and do not give change. Tickets are checked randomly
by roving controllers commonly known as the “Green Jackets.” See www.tpg.ch for routes and schedules.
Lake Boats: Part of the local TPG system includes ferry shuttles connecting the right and left banks of the city. The service
operates year round during daylight hours and is a cheap way to see the city from a new perspective. Departures every 10‐
30 minutes. SFr. 2.20 for adults. See www.swissboat.com/en/shuttles.php for routes and schedules.
Intercity Bus: The central bus station, Gare Routiere, located at Place Dorciere is the primary departure point for
destinations within and outside of Switzerland. See www.gare‐routiere.com for a full list of destinations and schedules.
Gare Routiere is also the meeting point for many guided excursions including city bus tours, day trips to nearby towns, and
round trip ski bus tours. www.keytours.ch is the primary tour operator in the city.
Bicycles: Free bicycles are available with deposit behind Gare Cornavin and at Quai du Mont‐Blanc near the Bains des
Paquis. The steep slopes of the Old Town and lack of bike paths in the city are a deterrent for most cyclists, but the paths
along the lake are excellent.
Train: The central train station, Gare Cornavin is a beehive of activity with rail links to the airport and just about anywhere
else you can think of. New arrivals should beware of pickpockets in and around the station. The suburban Eaux‐Vives train
station on the outskirts of the city is convenient for local residents traveling to France
Airport
Geneva International Airport, formerly known as Cointrin Airport and officially as Genève Aéroport, is an airport serving
Geneva, Switzerland.
Car Rental
Aloc‐cars
www.aloccars.ch
Rue de Lausanne 44
Geneva
+41 22 731 90 00

4. Avis Location de Voitures Genève
www.avis.ch
Rue de Lausanne 44
Geneva
+41 22 731 90 00
Avis Car Hire Geneva
www.avis.ch
Rue de Lyon 106
Geneva
+41 22 344 54 16
Location Geneve Aloc‐cars
www.aloccars.ch
Centre commercial de Balexert
Avenue Louis‐Casai, Genève‐Balexert
+41 22 796 44 28
Europcar
www.europcar.ch
Rue de Monthoux 2
Geneva
+41 848 884 444

5.
Contacts
Globaleye Geneva
Globaleye SARL
World Trade Center II
29 Route de Pre‐Bois
Case Postale 325
CH‐1215, Geneva
Switzerland
T: +41 22 799 4100
enquiry@globaleye.com
www.globaleye.ch
Head Office Dubai
P.O Box 24592
Villa 801, Al Thanya Street
Umm Sequim 3
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
T: +971 4 404 3700
F: +971 4 348 6362
Toll Free: 800 4558
enquiry@globaleye.com
www.globaleye.com