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Together In Switzerland

All Things Swiss

Expat In Ticino: Things To Do To Feel Local

Zoe| Expat

As an expat in Ticino, Switzerland, here is our list of things you can do to help you fit into the Swiss culture and make the most of your experience. This is written based on our personal experience as Expats in Ticino since July 2022, where we have slowly fitted in as locals to this beautiful Swiss canton in the south.

Expat In Ticino: Our Tips!

Use social Media to Make Some Friends

Many cities like Ticino have active Facebook groups, Whatsapp groups and events where you can join and meet other locals. This of course is based on if you would be interested in making friends, which can be hard for some. But there are plenty of resources to try.

You can also meet people via other social media groups like Facebook and Instagram. If you start looking at the top hashtags for your canton and follow them, you’ll soon discover some friendly locals who share photos, tips and things to do. Many of them would happily share more as well as meet up if you reach out to them directly too!

In Ticino, theres are a few international Facebook groups (like Expat In Ticino) where they organize many events, such as:

  • Hiking days
  • Aperitief drinks
  • Dinners
  • Wellness events
  • Board game nights

We personally also love meeting locals, for a walk, explorations, hiking, photography related and more. You can reach out to us here or via our social medias!

Social media screenshot from togetherinswitzerland account

Be Open and Approachable

This one might be a little obvious, but we wanted to highlight it, as many who move abroad and become expats may also be a little shy in starting a new life with meeting new people. It’s always good to show genuine interest in getting to know the locals. Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations or accept invitations to social gatherings.

Try a local class

There are lots of classes that you can join in while living in Ticino, Switzerland. This is a great way to meet locals and expats while also learning something new.

For example, this could be a:

  • Cooking classes
  • Dancing classes
  • Language classes
  • Crafting and art classes
  • Fitness / gym classes
  • Photography classes

We can definitely recommend searching online and asking other locals for their class recommendations. It’s a great idea for those becoming an Expat In Ticino to feel at home.

We personally have also signed up for a local gym in Lugano and will be trying the group classes soon!

Expat In Ticino - gym classes!

We are expats in Ticino and we have a fully-loaded, high content Ticino Guide listing local things to see, do and explore with each season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. 

Click here

Respect Swiss customs and traditions

Familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions of the Swiss canton.

This could be such as greeting people with a handshake, respecting personal space, and removing your shoes when entering someone’s home.

For us in Ticino, as you may know, there is a strong and active Italian culture here, such as with the language and Italian traditions that are enjoyed with the locals. So join in!

Also with customs, it is good to be aware of noise regulations and other social norms in Ticino. Most homes and shared apartments have a rule of no loud music, parties or doing DIY after 10pm on weekdays and none of these on Sundays.

Understand Swiss etiquette

Swiss people value politeness, privacy, and orderliness. It is always good to use formal greetings when meeting someone for the very first time, like in many other countries. It is also good to avoid discussing personal topics like finances or politics unless the conversation naturally leads to it.

Another to add here is about time. It is very respectable and actually normal to be on time to appointments and meetings in Switzerland, even in Ticino. For example, you may already know about how the Swiss trains are on time and hardly ever late either.

As well as mixing with locals, it is also good to follow Swiss etiquette with dining and overall processes, such as keeping public spaces clean and follow recycling guidelines. In Ticino, we recycle items like cardboard and paper, plastic, glass and then also batteries and clothing. We also use the ecocentre recycling location for bigger, bulky items too.

Below you can see our kitties helping with our cardboard recycling!

Recycling cardboard in Ticino with our two cats

Volunteer Locally

If possible, you could also look into volunteering work in Ticino. It’s a great way to not only spend time helping a local organisation with their workload, but you get to meet locals and others who are also volunteering.

We have yet to do this, due to having full time work, so we cannot share any local volunteering opportunities. However we have done volunteering in the past when we lived in the Netherlands and its always been very valuable and rewarding for them and for yourself. A win-win!

Explore The Canton!

Even though you’re an expat to start with, you can also slowly become a local if you know that you’ll be staying longer. So with that, spend your free time exploring! Whether that’s visiting the local funicular with a hike, trying a new sport (like skiing!) or trying some local restaurants.

Our site is full of activities we have personally enjoyed, visited and explored. Feel free to click around our top links about Ticino or Switzerland!

A local mountain in Ticino, Switzerland with a river below

Some Of Our Top Posts For Ticino, Switzerland:

Stunning Local Waterfalls

Visit The Prettiest Village In Ticino

Enjoying Lugano In The Rain: Things To Do!

Hiking Locations In Ticino

Discover Gandria

Lugano 1 Day Walking Guide

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Ciao, I’m Zoe!

Zoe Together In Switzerland

I’m a native Brit-turned-Dutch expat living in Ticino, Switzerland with my boyfriend and kitty cat since 2022.

Our site highlights our most fun adventures and experiences while exploring local life in Switzerland.

Enjoy!

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Swiss Travels!

2022

  • Basel – April 2022
  • Zurich – April 2022
  • Chiasso – September 2022
  • Zermatt – November 2022
  • Zurich – December 2022

 

2023

  • Vaud – January 2023
  • Grisons – April 2023

—————

L’amore è un viaggio non una destinazione.

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Let's start the Weeeeeekend ♡ We have no plans Let's start the Weeeeeekend ♡ 
We have no plans yet, but a boat ride is always a lovely idea ☀️
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.#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #lakelugano #montesansalvatore #summerinlugano #summervibesonly #sᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ2023
All aboard! Exploring the world, one train ride at All aboard! Exploring the world, one train ride at a time... 🚂
We notice how much more touristic Lugano is becoming in the last few weeks, with the local tourist trains looking packed every time we see it!! 😬
We've not been on it ourselves, but it does seem like an easy, fun way to see the city while visiting for a day or weekend 🇨🇭
Have you been on it while visiting? ✌️
📍 Lugano, Switzerland 
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.#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #lakelugano  #summerinlugano #summervibesonly #summer2023☀️
Our month of May in 18 shots ❤️ We did so mu Our month of May in 18 shots ❤️ 
We did so much in May that I don't know how we did it 😅
To sum it up we...
- picked up our new car 🚗
- stayed in a wooden tiny home 
- visited 2 car shows (one in 🇩🇪 and one in 🇮🇹)
- explored Viamala gorge 🌿
- drove 3 scenic Switzerland passes
- saw a huge rainbow 🌈
- dipped our toes in the lake
- explored new Ticino locations (Sonogno!) 🏠
- drank too many Aperol spritz to remember 🍹
- visited 3 waterfalls 💦
So grateful for living in Switzerland ❤️🇨🇭
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.#ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #swissexplorers #switzerlandcolors #switzerlandtourism #myswitzerland🇨🇭 #switzerlandmylove #visitswitzerland
Last night was quite a storm! 🌹 We're not used Last night was quite a storm! 🌹
We're not used to every day being more than 20°c with storms in the evenings! ⚡
A good sign that hot summer days are coming! 
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.#ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #rosesofinstagram #raininswitzerland #roseslover
A few moments of zen 🙏 . . . . . . . . . .#luga A few moments of zen 🙏
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.#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #lakelugano #montesansalvatore #summerinlugano #summervibesonly #summer2023☀️ #luganobeach
Varenna 🇮🇹 A pretty little pitstop on Lake C Varenna 🇮🇹 A pretty little pitstop on Lake Como! 
We stopped here for a walk and lunch one day, which was already touristic for May, but still lovely. 
Restaurant tip: Albergo del Sole Ristorante Pizzeria 🍕
We went by car to Monza first for a car event. Then we drove back via Varenna and took the boat. It was very convenient back to Menaggio and then a 40minute drive back to Lugano. 🚘
We'll definitely return one day as you can visit the botanical gardens at Villa Monastero 🦋🌿
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#lakecomoitaly🇮🇹 #varennaitaly #varennalakecomo #lakecomolife #lakecomophotographer #lakecomoholidays #italia_super_pics #comolaketoday #togetherinswitzerland #varennaturismo #roadtripcouple #italyroadtrip #lakecomotravel
Today went like sunny > cloudy > sunny > extra sun Today went like sunny > cloudy > sunny > extra sunny > rainy > rainbow > sunset 🌈☀️
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.#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #lakelugano #montebre #hikinginswitzerland
Let's start the Weeeeeekend ♡ We have no plans Let's start the Weeeeeekend ♡ 
We have no plans yet, but a boat ride is always a lovely idea ☀️
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..
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.#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #lakelugano #montesansalvatore #summerinlugano #summervibesonly #sᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ2023
Our month of May in 18 shots ❤️ We did so mu Our month of May in 18 shots ❤️ 
We did so much in May that I don't know how we did it 😅
To sum it up we...
- picked up our new car 🚗
- stayed in a wooden tiny home 
- visited 2 car shows (one in 🇩🇪 and one in 🇮🇹)
- explored Viamala gorge 🌿
- drove 3 scenic Switzerland passes
- saw a huge rainbow 🌈
- dipped our toes in the lake
- explored new Ticino locations (Sonogno!) 🏠
- drank too many Aperol spritz to remember 🍹
- visited 3 waterfalls 💦
So grateful for living in Switzerland ❤️🇨🇭
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.#ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #swissexplorers #switzerlandcolors #switzerlandtourism #myswitzerland🇨🇭 #switzerlandmylove #visitswitzerland
Rainy azalea flowers at Parco Ciani 🌸 📍 Lug Rainy azalea flowers at Parco Ciani 🌸
📍 Lugano, Switzerland 
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #azaleas #azaleasinbloom #parcociani #parcocianilugano
Varenna 🇮🇹 A pretty little pitstop on Lake C Varenna 🇮🇹 A pretty little pitstop on Lake Como! 
We stopped here for a walk and lunch one day, which was already touristic for May, but still lovely. 
Restaurant tip: Albergo del Sole Ristorante Pizzeria 🍕
We went by car to Monza first for a car event. Then we drove back via Varenna and took the boat. It was very convenient back to Menaggio and then a 40minute drive back to Lugano. 🚘
We'll definitely return one day as you can visit the botanical gardens at Villa Monastero 🦋🌿
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#lakecomoitaly🇮🇹 #varennaitaly #varennalakecomo #lakecomolife #lakecomophotographer #lakecomoholidays #italia_super_pics #comolaketoday #togetherinswitzerland #varennaturismo #roadtripcouple #italyroadtrip #lakecomotravel
Walk with me in the rain 🌧️ . . . . . . . . . Walk with me in the rain 🌧️
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin #rainymood☔️
Happy Sunday! 🌸 . . . . . .. .. . . #luganoswit Happy Sunday! 🌸
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin
Buongiorno Lugano 🇨🇭! We're excited to wor Buongiorno Lugano 🇨🇭! 
We're excited to work less this week, with a long weekend ahead for a road trip! 🚘
I'll also be editing lots of our recent photos and videos, writing new blogposts and at one point probably eating pizza! 
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#luganoswitzerland #luganolake #luganoregion #luganomycity  #luganoregion #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #ticino  #luganophotographer #luganoturismo #ticinoswitzerland #cantonticino #visitswitzerland #ticinoturismo #ticinomoments #togetherinswitzerland #tessin

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