Hans had recently relocated from Copenhagen to Basel for work. As a graphic designer, the visual world was his canvas. However, just two weeks into his new job, he noticed a crack in his glasses. He thought, Oh, I’ll just pop into an optician and get it fixed. But there was a catch.

Last year, during a vacation, Hans chipped a tooth. Despite Basel being a cosmopolitan hub, finding an English-speaking dentist was a task he hadn’t anticipated. Recalling those moments of miscommunication and multiple missteps, he dreaded going through a similar maze to find an optician in Basel who could converse in English.

An optician isn’t just someone who sells or fixes glasses. They are vital in ensuring our connection to the world stays clear, helping us choose the right lenses or frames. For Hans, the right pair wasn’t just a tool of the trade; it was a part of his identity.

It seemed the universe was playing a game with Hans. The city that dazzled him with its architecture, and where every street had a story to tell, was the same city where finding English-speaking service professionals was turning into an epic quest.

Would you believe it if you were told that this is a common narrative for many expats in Basel? While it’s a city that offers an incredible mix of the traditional and contemporary, there’s this ever-so-slight hiccup for non-German speakers. Services as basic as getting a pair of glasses fixed can become an adventure.

Understanding this, we at Expaty took it upon ourselves to ensure that language doesn’t stand between you and clear vision. We realized that when you’re in a new city, even the simplest tasks, like visiting an optician, can be daunting if you don’t speak the local language fluently.

That’s why Expaty is here, acting as a bridge. We have diligently listed English-speaking opticians in Basel, so you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase like Hans did. These professionals are well-versed in their field and recognize the diverse linguistic needs of Basel’s international community.

Hans’s story does have a happy ending, though. He stumbled upon our platform, and within minutes, he located an English-speaking optician in Basel, close to his workplace. The relief of having one’s needs understood and addressed without language barriers is immense.

For those of you who are new in town, or even if you’ve been in Basel for a while but still find the language barrier challenging, remember that Expaty has got your back. You don’t need to feel lost or overwhelmed. With us, you’re always one step closer to finding the services you need, sans the language hurdle.

Our goal at Expaty is simple. We want your stay in Basel, be it short or long, to be as smooth as possible. We believe that clarity, both in vision and communication, is key to experiencing a place in its true essence. And we’re here to ensure you get just that.