Additional TV need-to-knows

Most apartment buildings have basic cable TV included in their rates. This will provide a standard range of around 30 non-HD channels, in various languages.

Most tenants decide to connect an additional TV package from another provider, to receive a better selection of channels and higher quality screen resolution.

If you choose a digital TV provider such as Swisscom, ask your landlord to block the cable connection. Otherwise, you will be charged around CHF 40 per month for this connection in your ancillary building costs, even if you don’t use it. Note that this hidden cost can make cable TV options such as UPC look cheaper compared to digital TV providers, because it’s charged separately.

If you want to install a satellite dish, you need permission from the renting agency or landlord and you must cover installation and removal costs yourself.