Hello - I can hardly wait to get to Neuchatel to start my new job (civil engineering software development) in December, and I have a few questions for those that have proceeded before me.

I am in my 50's and will work in Neuchatel durning the week and every spare weekend and holiday I will work in Sallanches, France on the renovation of an old hotel/restaurant on a private lake. I have worked on this property for the last three summers and it is getting better each year! Unfortunately my French language skiils are pretty much limited to ordering concrete, steel, and lumber!

How do I get a suisse driving license - is it difficult?

How do I get a Neuchatel resident permit, I think I need one?

I need a great tiny apartment with lots of light and a view.

And I need transportation - preferrably a little utility truck/van such as a Ford Transit Connect.

I am looking forward to meeting you all at some of the events I have seen on this forum.

Thank you for your information in advance,
Regards,
BMX Girl, Lucy

http://www.expat-blog.com/en/guide/e...ransition.html

Seems to be a rather easy process in Neuchatel. Do the link.

BTW, I went to St. John's in Santa Fe for a couple of years. Great city, and great school.

You will need to get your permit first and I assume you've checked out whether you're eligible for one. You or your company should do this before you move here because as a US citizen getting a residence permit is not a given. I am assuming that your new employer is up to speed on what is required.
If you have all the documentation then getting the permit is relatively simple and your company will probably be able to help with this.
You need to register at the commune you will be living in so you will need an address for this. If you are living in temp accomodation or a hotel when you first arrive this will be acceptable but you may have to deregister from that commune and reregister in the new commune once you find a place to live.

You'll need your residence permit to be able to change your drivers licence but that is pretty straightforward.

For finding a flat then there are plenty of wessites to check out homegate, immoscout24, anibis etc (I think there's a sticky with this info somewhere)
Kristanez (on here) has a nice light 1 bed appartment up for rent from December 1st but you'd have to compromise on the view. Search for Neuchâtel and appartment and I'm sure it will come up.

It shouldn't be too difficult to find a suitable car/van when you get here either.

Oh and welcome to Neuchatel it's a lovely place to live. You might just get here in time for the Christmas party.

Sorry I haven't provided better links but it's not so easy to do on my phone,

Ahh so you are a St. John-ie - yes great school. I've lived in Santa Fe for 28 years - so it is time for a fresh start in Neuchatel.

Thanks for the drivers license info, glad it seems simple and I will not have to take the driving test.

Thank you for easing my stress level as I am a bit worried about arriving in Neuchatel without housing or vehicle pre-arranged!

And yes I did check with Kristanez about their flat - it is exactly what I want, but I am not sure about taking on a full year lease without seeing it in person and checking out the location. I was hoping for a more short-term situation until I get to know the city.

I would love to attend Christmas party - yahoo!