Bureaucracy, sky-high prices and prying neighbors: TV presenter Ivanna Onufriichuk names the disadvantages of living in Switzerland

Ideallizing European countries, it is worth recalling the proverb "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence." After all, even in one of the happiest countries in the world, Switzerland, life is not as beautiful as Ukrainians dream of when they leave to seek their happiness abroad. Ukrainian TV presenter Ivanna Onufriichuk moved to Switzerland after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion and told us that this country actually has many inconveniences and problems.

Ivanna wrote about generally accepted rules that cannot be broken, bread for 200 hryvnias, and expensive housing on her Instagram. Although this country is one of the best for a comfortable life, it still has its problems.

Bulglars

It turns out that despite being one of the safest countries in the world, Switzerland still has a lot of robbers.

"No matter what they say about Switzerland being the safest country in the world, you shouldn't relax. Here, as elsewhere, there are robbers of homes, cars, pockets right on the street..." the TV presenter writes.

Sky-high prices

This country has sky-high prices for food and housing. Even with a high minimum wage of 4000 francs (176 thousand hryvnias), it may not be enough.

"...there are high prices for absolutely everything. The good salary I mentioned in the previous video is shrinking after every trip to the store. For example, bread here costs from 2.5 (UAH 110) to 6 francs (UAH 260), and a liter of milk costs from 2 francs (UAH 90) and up," Ivanna told us about the pricing policy.

Official languages

Another problem in Switzerland is its official languages. The TV presenter said that English is not understood everywhere, so you need to learn the language of the region you live in. And this means either French, German, Italian, or Rhaetian.

Poor beauty service

The beauty industry in Switzerland is poorly developed, so Ivanna turns to Ukrainian women living abroad for manicures and other procedures.

"The beauty service is terrible. I've been looking for my nail technicians here forever. And yet, I go to Ukrainian women for almost all my procedures because our nail technicians are the best," the TV presenter said.

Expensive housing

It turns out that it is very difficult to find housing in Switzerland. Firstly, it is expensive, and secondly, the owners are very picky about tenants.

"Here, they assess your status, income, and potential before renting you a house. And in general, landlords are more willing to rent an apartment to those whom their friends or acquaintances recommend," Ivanna says.

Bureaucracy

Switzerland, like other European countries, has one constant problem that is always on the minds of Ukrainians: bureaucracy. Many issues are resolved by "letters through the post office, taking months." In Ukraine, the same problem is solved "in a few days or hours, or even with a phone call."

Restaurants are open for three hours

Interestingly, catering establishments also have their own exceptions. "Most of them are open from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00. On Sundays, most establishments and all shops are closed," Ivanna said.

Prying neighbors

When moving to Switzerland, you should be prepared for neighbors to keep an eye on your new fellow villagers. If you violate any generally accepted rule, they may call the police and not even show up.

"The Swiss are like policemen or Sherlock Holmes! Here, it's as if you are constantly under the supervision of your neighbors, who control whether you are breaking the generally accepted rules. For example, you don't put brightly colored flowerpots on the terrace. And if you break something, they can report you to the police. And instead of going next door and asking about something or expressing their opinions, neighbors communicate with each other through letters," Ivanna explained the rather strange mentality of citizens.

In particular, the Swiss are reserved in their communication, so it will be difficult for Ukrainians, who love to socialize, to make friends with the locals, the TV presenter noted.

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