importing vs. buying
If you need a car you have several options: You can import your car, buy a new or used one, rent, lease, or car-pool.
Importing
The CERN Installation Service site contains information on importing a car into France and Switzerland. If importing from outside Europe, you should consider whether the potential repairs of your car will be worth it. Imported vehicles must pass local inspection, and changing the odometer from miles to kilometers alone can be very expensive.
The CERN Installation Service site contains information on importing a car into France and Switzerland. If importing from outside Europe, you should consider whether the potential repairs of your car will be worth it. Imported vehicles must pass local inspection, and changing the odometer from miles to kilometers alone can be very expensive.
Buying
Buying a car cross-border is not a good option – you may have to pay the tax twice, and changing plates is a hassle. So if you live in or are moving to France, we advise that you buy a used car with French plates.
See Vehicle Registration & Green Plates before deciding.
New car - general advice
If you decide to buy a new car here, it's advisable to check under which conditions you will be able to export/ship it back to your country of origin or the place you may go next. Of course you can always sell it before you leave. As an international civil servant employed at CERN, you may be entitled to buy a new car tax-free and sell it in your home country.
Used car (occasion)
If staying for a shorter period of time, it may be a good idea to get a used car.
If you live in France, have a look into ParuVendu or TopAnnonces.
If you live in Switzerland you will find classified ads in newspapers and online:
Buying a car cross-border is not a good option – you may have to pay the tax twice, and changing plates is a hassle. So if you live in or are moving to France, we advise that you buy a used car with French plates.
See Vehicle Registration & Green Plates before deciding.
New car - general advice
If you decide to buy a new car here, it's advisable to check under which conditions you will be able to export/ship it back to your country of origin or the place you may go next. Of course you can always sell it before you leave. As an international civil servant employed at CERN, you may be entitled to buy a new car tax-free and sell it in your home country.
Used car (occasion)
If staying for a shorter period of time, it may be a good idea to get a used car.
- Cars are listed on bulletin boards outside each CERN cafeteria, and there are many used car lots in the area due to the high rate of turnover. It's quite possible to find a reasonable car from a CERN employee.
If you live in France, have a look into ParuVendu or TopAnnonces.
If you live in Switzerland you will find classified ads in newspapers and online:
- CERN Market (NICE account required)
- Craig's List Switzerland
- Geneva Welcome Center
- GHI - classified ad newspaper in Geneva comes out each Wednesday afternoon
- glocals - social club
- Petites Annonces
- World Radio Switzerland
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