Liechtenstein (LI)
Liechtenstein is a tiny constitutional principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria — one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world — yet it punches far above its 39,000-person weight as one of the wealthiest nations on earth per capita.
Daily Life
Practical day-to-day information for living in Liechtenstein.
🛒 Supermarkets
Cooperative agricultural store — limited food selection but very cheap for basics, pet supplies, and household goods. Found in Schaan and other municipalities.
The dominant Swiss supermarket cooperative with branches in Liechtenstein. Wide product range, good quality-price ratio, own-brand products. The everyday shopping choice for most residents.
The other major Swiss cooperative supermarket, present in Liechtenstein. Slightly broader range than Migros in some categories. Coop and Migros together dominate Liechtenstein grocery retail.
Present in some Liechtenstein municipalities. Often serves as the local neighbourhood shop in smaller communities. Convenient but slightly higher prices than Migros/Coop.
Small Swiss cooperative village shop — found in smaller Liechtenstein municipalities like Schellenberg and Ruggell. Serves communities where larger supermarkets are absent.
Swiss premium department store with food hall. Higher-end products, imported goods, and specialty items. The go-to for international food products and premium groceries.
Opening Hours
Shops typically open Monday–Friday 09:00–18:30, Saturday 09:00–17:00. Some larger stores and shopping centres in Schaan have extended hours until 20:00 on weekdays. Sunday trading is restricted — most shops closed. Petrol stations open 24/7 and sell basic groceries.
Sunday Rules
Sunday trading is very restricted in Liechtenstein — only petrol stations, some bakeries, and a handful of tourist shops in Vaduz centre are open. This is a strongly observed tradition in this Catholic principality. Plan your weekly shopping for Saturday at the latest. Austrian Feldkirch (15 minutes away) and Swiss Buchs/Sargans have similar Sunday restrictions, though Feldkirch has a larger evening opening culture on weekdays.
Recycling
Liechtenstein operates a comprehensive recycling and waste separation system managed by individual municipalities. Residents separate: organic waste (Bioabfall), paper, cardboard, glass (by colour), aluminium, plastic (PET bottles separately), and residual waste. E-waste and batteries at designated collection points. The Swiss PET-Recycling return system applies. Bulky waste (Sperrgut) collection is scheduled — check with your Gemeinde for collection dates. Incorrect waste disposal is taken seriously and fines apply.
Dining Out
Dining out in Liechtenstein is expensive — comparable to Switzerland. A simple restaurant lunch (Mittagsmenu) costs CHF 18–28; dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant CHF 80–140 including wine. Traditional Liechtenstein restaurants serve Käsknöpfle, Rösti, Wurst, and alpine dishes. Vaduz centre has a handful of upscale restaurants popular with business travellers and high-net-worth individuals visiting the private banks. Eating out in nearby Feldkirch, Austria is significantly cheaper and a common habit for residents. Many workers eat lunch at their workplace canteen (Kantine).
Utilities & Internet
Electricity is provided by Liechtensteinische Kraftwerke (LKW) — a state-owned utility. Monthly electricity costs for a 2-bedroom apartment: CHF 80–150. Heating is typically gas or district heating (Fernwärme) — CHF 100–200/month in winter. Water and sewage are billed by the municipality. Internet: see below. Total monthly utilities for a typical apartment: CHF 300–500.
Cultural Tips for Expats
- → Liechtenstein is a genuinely bilingual daily life — standard German for official purposes and Alemannic dialect for everyday conversation. The local dialect is closer to Austrian Vorarlberg speech than to Standard German or Swiss German.
- → The Princely Family is part of everyday life in a way unique in Europe — the Prince may be seen at the National Day garden party, local events, or simply driving through Vaduz. Residents treat the family with respect and discretion.
- → Community associations (Vereine) are the social backbone of Liechtenstein — joining a local Verein (sports club, choir, fire brigade, cultural association) is strongly recommended for integration.
- → Cross-border shopping is a normal part of life — residents regularly shop in Feldkirch (Austria) for groceries, and in St Gallen (Switzerland) for larger purchases. The absence of border controls makes this seamless.
- → Noise regulations (Ruhezeiten) are strictly observed — no loud noise after 22:00, during Sunday afternoon, or during lunch hours (12:00–14:00 in some municipalities). Neighbours will report violations.
- → The absence of a university means young Liechtensteiners typically study in Austria (Innsbruck, Vienna, Graz) or Switzerland (St Gallen, Zurich). This creates a culture of international education and cross-border connections.
- → Liechtenstein has virtually no crime — it is ranked among the world's safest places to live. The national police force (Landespolizei) is small but professional.
Quiet Hours
Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) are strictly regulated in Liechtenstein and taken very seriously. Violations — especially by newcomers — can quickly create neighbour disputes.
All residential areas — no loud music, parties, power tools, or excessive noise.
No power tools, lawn mowers, drilling, or construction work. Social gatherings must be quiet. This is strictly observed.
Many residential areas observe a midday quiet period — avoid lawn mowing or construction noise during this time.
- •Running washing machines or dishwashers after 22:00 in apartments with shared walls — audible vibrations cause neighbour complaints.
- •DIY work or drilling on Sundays — strictly prohibited even for minor repairs.
- •Parties that extend past midnight — even a birthday gathering with music.
- •Parking with engine idling in residential streets — noise and emissions both complained about.
Neighbours may first speak to you directly, then complain to the Gemeinde (municipality), and ultimately to the Landespolizei. Repeated violations can affect your standing in the community and potentially your residence permit renewal assessment.
Postal Services
Liechtenstein uses the Swiss postal system (Swiss Post / Die Schweizerische Post) — it has no postal service of its own. Despite being an independent country, Liechtenstein post is fully integrated with Swiss Post. Liechtenstein has its own stamps (highly collectible worldwide) but uses Swiss postal rates and infrastructure.
Swiss Post parcel stations (Paketautomat / My Post 24) are available at selected locations. The Swiss Post app (Post-App) allows tracking and management of deliveries.
Registered letters (Einschreiben) and parcels requiring signature need recipient present with ID. Neighbours can accept deliveries on your behalf at your request.
Important official correspondence (legal notices, government letters) comes by registered post requiring signature. Ensure you are available or arrange collection at the nearest Post Office.
Swiss Post offers official mail forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag) for moves — essential when relocating within or from Liechtenstein.
- →Liechtenstein postage stamps are world-famous collectors' items — buy at least some as gifts or souvenirs.
- →Swiss Post rates apply — postage to EU is standard Swiss international rates.
- →For courier deliveries (DHL, FedEx, UPS): use your full address including municipality and postcode — Liechtenstein postcodes are in the 9490–9498 range.