From WhatsApp to Telegram: How to join our community

3 min read · By Españoles en Suiza · Updated: 12.06.2026

Our community is moving to Telegram to provide a spam-free space organised by topic. Follow these simple steps to join using the official link.

Introduction

To improve communication, security and organisation within our community of Spaniards in Switzerland, we have decided to take an important step: moving our WhatsApp groups to Telegram.

This decision is in response to the group’s growth and the need for more robust tools that prevent spam, allow for efficient moderation and organise discussions into themed channels.

Why the change? Telegram allows us to organise the community by specific topics (employment, housing, travel, administrative procedures, etc.) in one place, without overwhelming members with hundreds of irrelevant messages. Furthermore, the platform does not reveal your phone number to other members, protecting your privacy.

What is Telegram and how much does it cost?

Telegram is a free instant messaging app, very similar to WhatsApp. It allows you to send messages, photos and videos, and join large communities. The basic version is completely free and more than sufficient for actively participating in our group. You can use it on your mobile, computer or tablet.

Topics and channels available in the community

In our new Telegram space, you’ll find sub-groups dedicated to each of the topics that most interest those living in or planning to move to Switzerland:

  • General: Welcome, important notices and bot verification.
  • Carpooling: To organise car journeys and carpooling between cities.
  • Flat/room shares: Offers, requests and accommodation searches across Switzerland.
  • Jobs in Switzerland: Job vacancies and practical advice on the job market.
  • Study and qualification recognition: University degrees, qualification recognition, studies and training.
  • AI Assistant: A space to ask our artificial intelligence bot questions about life in Switzerland.
  • Administrative procedures in Switzerland: Residence permits, family reunification and official paperwork.
  • Bank accounts: Swiss banks, neobanks and requirements for opening accounts.
  • Insurance in Switzerland: Queries regarding compulsory health insurance (LAMal), home insurance and accident insurance.
  • Vehicles in Switzerland: Car paperwork, registration and road insurance.
  • Events and Festivals: Get-togethers, cultural events and leisure activities.
  • Hiking & Trail running: Hiking trails and group outings in the Swiss countryside.
  • Publications & Businesses: Business promotion, professional services and shops.
  • Making friends in Switzerland: Connecting with other Spaniards, informal meet-ups and language exchange.
  • Second-hand: Buying and selling items, furniture and clothing amongst community members.

The Verification Bot: Safety first

To keep the community free of spam, fake profiles and advertising bots, we have implemented the Spaniards in Switzerland Bot. It works very simply but is extremely effective:

  • When you join the Telegram group for the first time, the bot will send you a public welcome message in the main channel.
  • It will ask you a **very simple maths question** (for example, “What is 9 + 2?”) with several answer options.
  • Important: You have a limit of **5 minutes** to select the correct answer. If you do not respond within that time, you will be automatically removed for security reasons. Don’t worry: if you’re running late or make a mistake, you can simply click the invitation link again and try again without any issues.

Step-by-step guide: 6 steps to join

Joining our community is quick, free and will take just a couple of minutes:

  1. Download Telegram: Download the app to your mobile from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). You can also visit telegram.org/apps for other devices.
  2. Create your account: Open the app, enter your mobile number, enter the verification code you’ll receive via SMS, and choose your username.
  3. Open the invitation link: Click on the official community link: https://t.me/EspanolesEnSuizaOficial. (Click)
  4. Tap "Join": Read the description and tap the blue **"Join Group"** button at the bottom of the screen.
  5. Reply to the verification bot: Read the welcome message, solve the maths problem and click the button with the correct answer before the 5 minutes are up.
  6. You’re in!: Once you’ve passed the bot, you’ll have access to all the themed channels. We invite you to read the rules in the General channel, introduce yourself to the group and join in on the topics that interest you most.
Privacy tip: When you sign up to Telegram, we recommend going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number and setting who can see your number to "Nobody" or "My contacts". This way, you can interact with the whole community 100% anonymously and securely.

We look forward to seeing you at our new home on Telegram so we can continue to help one another in Switzerland!