Can you play good Rugby (for example)? You'd be surprised how many people will jump to help if you've got a talent that they want...

I know someone who came here with no money, worked hard, and is pretty damn wealthy now. It's all about desire. If you are willing to do whatever it takes to survive here, you certainly can. You may not be comfortable, but I don't see anyone here starving or freezing to death.

The local authorities do not have a choice but to honor your Swiss citizenship. I'm sure you can get some assistance.

Hashbrown has some good examples of what you can do when you get here.

I do appreciate all the comments, and not just the informative, well-intentioned, and factual replies, but also the "judgemental" (yet provocative and honest) psychological reactions.

I especially appreciate the alternative solutions being proposed by some members of the community: farms, military, etc.

I do want to say that while I've arguably taken (at least part) of my life lightly, I have not taken this decision lightly. All that I mean to say with this is that I know the relevant Swiss law, and it isn't really a question of whether I would receive assistance or not.

Informed commentary about specific logistical hurdles are much appreciated, but baseless speculation about whether or not i'm entitled to public assistance, per se, isn't particularly helpful (though the associated scorn and cynicism _is_ helpful insofar as it gives me some insight into how I might be perceived).

Realistically your best option is to go straight into the military, at least you'll be fed & sheltered, and learn the language quickly.

I would consider trying New Zealand.....Go for 6 months, enjoy the sun, nice weather and the lifestyle. Try and earn some money then try and come here when you have yourself sorted and the weather is nice. This can be a pretty depressing, low place in winter when you have nothing going for you.

I didn't get a NZ passport before leaving (only ever had a Swiss passport). I've never been back there. I don't even have a kiwi birth certificate. Additionally, no family and few friends remain there who could act as my agent to help me get a copy of my birth certificate assuming the consulate can't (this may be beyond the scope of the consular duties). I also have no desire to live in NZ.

In case of an emergency, you can find a bed to sleep in at a Zero Star hotel for about 10 bucks. It's a military bunker converted into sleeping space. I think they provided hot water bottles for heating.

Google Null Stern Hotel in Sevelen.

It's going to be cold here, so you'll need thick clothing.

Commercial break:

Going to be tough to reach Sevelen from either of the major airports in CH, with only CHF150 at hand.

The guy died Phos, maybe not really encouraging

The producers should sue Sarah Palin.

You can get a work holiday visa and stay there for a year while you suss out your citizenship.

As suggested earlier by Swiss Cheddar, try joining couchsurfing.org to get your foot in the door and have a place to stay. But remember, this is a site for people interested in travelling and meeting and staying with locals. It is to enhance a travellers experience of a town or place. It should not be used as a way to just "doss down" somewhere for free. The idea is also to give something back; so if you use the site to your advantage, be sure to return the favour once you get settled. What comes around......

Good Luck,
Chris

I can't help but think that the OP has got himself in some trouble in the US and may not have a choice in leaving.

I cannot fathom another reason why an educated person would put themselves in this kind of insane (and possibly deadly) position.

Good luck sir; you're certainly going to need it.

I think everybody, or at least every male, should do something like this at least once in their life. The things you can learn about the world and yourself are things that can't be taught in school. This is great training.

An another example of natural selection at play

Please note that the zero star hotel closed earlier this year, so it's no longer an option.

For 150chf you might get a few nights stay in a youth hostel though.

There are a lot of old farts here pontificating, but if this is what your heart wants then do it. I speak from experience.

Some 15 years ago I was jobless in the UK with sizeable overdraft, the job market was really lousy and I wanted to return to Switzerland. Granted, I spoke the lingo and had family locally. But, the help that I got allowed me to return to Switzerland and find a good job. I have been contributing to Swiss taxes and social security for long enough to have paid back the help I got. I was grateful, and still am, for the assistance I got. I was also proud to be a national of a country that thinks its citizens are important enough to help return home.

Definitely GO for it. I came in Switzerland with 150 EURO and borrowed money for my flight, had a job already but it turned out very bad at that place so I had to leave after a couple of weeks. Was not even able to earn back the money i owned. And compared to you, I was coming from Romania, not such an easy situation for me, and without a swiss passport... just with a dream like yours and lots of ghosts to leave behind and start over. One year later I am perfectly good and fit in the system.

I recommend Zurich, is very friendly for expats and as far as I know the authorities they will help, especially somebody like you. You just have to go and ask what you have to do step by step, be respectful and honest. You have to make them sure that you want to be a model citizen.

Contact me in private and Ill give you my personal contacts, you need a friend here. I will help if I can.

I was in about the same situation as you just one year ago ... wish you the best! Good luck and take care.

Try to come with some more money...make it 1k at list... Its a challenge... i know, to manage just with less money but i assure you it is hard and very frustrating...

Maybe his 150 CHF will qualify him to join you on this trip

..nah, we don't want him. Thanks!