How to adapt to the culture in Geneva
For many people, their first impressions of Geneva are very similar: the city is clean, efficient and safe. And this is largely accurate thanks to the fact that Geneva is a small city, where residents can enjoy a pseudo village lifestyle while working in the city centre.
Languages in Geneva
Geneva is a very international city; there are about 190 different nationalities represented in the city. In fact, while French is the official language of the city, you can easily communicate in English - and you will certainly hear many other languages spoken on the street!
However, there are still some unwritten 'Swiss rules' that you should abide by.
Punctuality
Everything runs on time in Geneva, so you are expected to be on time, too, and that includes work and social events. If you need to cancel, do so with as much notice as possible.
Noise
In some apartments, there will be rules about noise, but you are generally expected to be quiet after 10 pm. If you plan to host a party, you should inform your neighbours - and should certainly consider inviting them to join!
Invitation
Speaking of events, it is considered polite to send invites well in advance - it is not unheard of to be invited to an event one month ahead of time!
If you are invited to an event, you should bring a bottle of wine, some chocolates or a small gift for the children to say thank you.
Rest days
Sunday is a day of rest: most shops are closed, except for the Migros supermarket at the Cornavin train station, and you are expected to keep noise to a minimum as much as possible.
Daily interaction
People rarely interact with strangers - unless it is to ask for a lighter - but it is polite to greet people that you meet in the lift, on a hiking trail, in the doctor's waiting room and give a quick 'bonjour' to the staff at the supermarket.
Smoking
Smoking is common in Geneva, but you will not find many cigarette butts on the floor - instead, people dispose of them in the designated area of the public trash cans.
Recycling
Recycling is a big deal in Geneva: you are expected to separate your glass, plastic, tins, batteries and compost from the trash - even Nespresso capsules are recycled. There are communal areas where you can put them in the correct bins dotted throughout the city in all residential areas and unusually no more than every couple of blocks.
Good to know:
One small cultural oddity in Geneva is in the apartment complexes: most flats have communal laundry rooms, and you will be given a time slot during which you are allowed to use the machines - or else, you'll get yourself into hot water. (Alternatively, there are several laundromats where you can go and clean your clothes for about CHF10 for a big load.)
