Setting up utilities and services

Moving to Geneva means getting connected, from your phone and internet to electricity, gas, and postal services. This guide gives an overview of what you need to know to settle in smoothly.

Phone, Internet, TV connection

There are several telecommunication service providers in Switzerland, including Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt. Setup time frames vary depending on your provider, but they often require several days, so it is advisable to apply for telecommunications services as soon as possible before moving in to your new home. With some providers it is possible to subscribe online in advance. 

Radio and TV annual fee

This fee is mandatory in Switzerland. Serafe AG is commissioned by the Swiss government to collect this fee from all households. You should register receiving devices within 14 days of arrival. You will be invoiced once a year. Exemption from the fee: staff members who have a B or C type legitimation card are exempt this the fee.

Good to know: holders of certain types of legitimation cards are exempt from this fee. More information can be found on Serafe’s website.

Electricity and gas connection

SIG (Services Industriels de Genève) is a public institution governed by the Geneva Constitution and is the main gas and electricity provider in Geneva. All formalities for the connection can be done online: sig-ge.ch.

Post offices in Switzerland

Swiss Post (French: La Poste Suisse) is the national postal service of Switzerland. Its services include the delivery of letters and parcels, PostFinance (an independent unit of Swiss Post in financial services) and PostBus Switzerland (a bus transport service operated by Swiss Post).  

To check the locations and opening hours of post offices in Switzerland, you can refer to: post.ch.