ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES
MOVING TO GENEVA SWITZERLAND Things you need to know
Map of Geneva Switzerland
What you need to know
ABOUT GENEVA Geneva lies at the southern tip of expansive Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc. Geneva is also home to the headquarters of Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross, it’s a global hub for diplomacy and banking.
CURRENCY The official currency is the Swiss Franc.
TIME ZONE The time zone is (GMT+2) .
CLIMATE Geneva has a temperate climate with four season namely Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn. The city is located at 400 metres (1,300 feet) above sea level. The average temperature of January is 1 °C (34 °F), that of July is 19.5 °C (67 °F).
What you need to know (cont'd)
AIR TRAVEL Air travel provided on first passage for employee and family members under the age of 18 and spouse (common law included).
PERSONAL EFFECTS Shipment of personal effects of employee and dependents up to a max. of a 20ft container plus a vehicle.
SETTLEMENT GRANT Settlement grant of one month will be paid upon arrival.
HOUSING Housing for the first month at the expense of the Commission is available, however, should the employee decide to take this option, the employee forfeits that month’s housing allowance.
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE Warm clothing Allowance is received and included in the first month’s pay . This allowance is given upon each renewal of a contract with the Commission.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD There is a mandatory probation period of 3 months for all employees.
TRANSPORTATION Transportation will be provided from the airport upon first arrival into Geneva.
What you need to know (cont'd)
WORK PERMIT All non-nationals are required to obtain permission to work in Geneva.
DRIVERS LICENSE Everyone requires a valid Geneva Drivers Licence or an International Drivers license to drive in Geneva.
ORIENTATION During your first few days you will be required to attend an orientation session.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS For seamless transitioning, there are a few important items/documents one should have prior to leaving: At least 5 passport size photographs Birth Certificates Marriage Certificate Referral from home bank Referral from schools Driving record from vehicle insurance (this will assist in obtaining a Geneva driver's license)
Public Holidays 2018
NEW YEAR'S DAY
1 January
GOOD FRIDAY
30 March
EASTER MONDAY
2 April
ASCENSION DAY
10 May
WHIT MONDAY
21 May
NATIONAL HOLIDAY
1 August
JEÛNE GENEVOIS
6 September
CHRISTMAS DAY
25 December
RESTORATION DAY
31 December
Supermarkets & Pharmacies
SUPERMARKETS - Located throughout the city COOP MIGROS LIDL
PHARMACIES - Located throughout the city VAREMBÉ PHARMACY POPULAR PHARMACY
Banking & Housing
There are a number of banks with branches located throughout the City. Normal operating house are Monday to Friday; 08:30-16:30 BCG - BANK CANTONALE DE GENÈVE UBS - UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND
The Office can assist in finding suitable housing for colleagues.
Taxi & Public Transport Services
Geneva Public Transport network is called UNIRESO. It is an interconnected system of trams, buses (TPG) and mouettes (yellow transport boats) and trains (CFF). All transport options within the system use the same tickets. The transportation system in Geneva is dependable and is the most affordable means of travelling within city limits. Important stations to note:
GARE CORNAVIN TRAIN STATION GARE REUTIERE BUS STATION GENEVA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TAXI AND RIDE SHARING SERVICE UBER ARE BOTH AVAILABLE.
Prayers & Worship
There are numerous churches of varying denominations all over Geneva: ROMAN CATHOLIC GREEK ORTHODOX ANGLICAN BAPTIST PROTESTANT
Things to do for FUN
ATTRACTIONS: LAKE GENEVA JET D’EAU (WATER JET) TEMPLE DE SAINT PIERRE JARDIN ANGLAIS ( ENGLISH GARDEN) AND PARC DE LA GRANGE JARDIN BOTANIQUE (BOTANICAL GARDENS) PLACE DU BOURG-DE-FOUR PALAIS DES NATIONS MUSÉE D’ART ET D’HISTOIRE (ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM) MONUMENT DE LA REFORMATION AND PARK DES BASTIONS PATEK PHILIPPE MUSEUM ARIANA MUSEUM QUAI DU MONT-BLANC
Living in Geneva
SWISS WAY OF LIFE CLEANLINESS AND RESPECT FOR PUBLIC AREAS AND EQUIPMENT: The Canton and the Geneva communes encourage residents to take care of  and respect public areas. The political authorities recall that waste should be thrown in dustbins. Small plastic bags are even provided (especially in the parks) to collect and throw away dog excrements.
THE GENEVA GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Consuming in accordance with the principals of sustainable development does not mean abstaining from or opposing all forms of consumption. Above all, sustainable living is about consuming better, by reducing the use of energy and natural resources such as water, wood and other raw materials.
TIPPING: Prices in hotels, restaurnts, taxi fares etc. are calculated to include tases and service. Therefore, a tip is not obligatory, but justified for good service
PUNCTUALITY: Beyond the streotypes (the famus Swiss punctuality) , it is critical to arrive on time for any meeting or interview. If it is not possible to attend an appointment, like a doctor’s visit for example, it is advisable to cancel at least 24 hours in advance, if possible. Otherwise, you will have to pay the consultation fee even if you were not represented.
Medical Services
FIRE BRIGADES AND AMBULANCE – 911 FEDERAL POLICE – 911 MEDICAL EMERGENCY – 911
There are a number of medical service centers throughout Geneva:
SURGICAL MEDICAL CENTER VERMONT- GRAND- PRÉ Open 24 hours
022 734 5150
Contact the HR Unit: Zena Jules: (758) 455 6322 Eurisca Chandler: (758) 555 6323 Gale Jean Baptiste: (758) 455 6362