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Tipping in Switzerland is a polite gesture, but not a requirement. Since 1974, service charges have been legally included in listed prices. That means you’re not obliged to pay more than the amount on the bill – and no one will judge you if you stick to that.
In short: tipping in Switzerland exists, but it’s low-key. Most locals tip modestly when the service is friendly or particularly attentive. It’s more a sign of appreciation than a social expectation.
Table of Contents
- How much should you tip in Swiss restaurants and cafés?
- Should you tip taxi or Uber drivers in Switzerland?
- What about tipping at Swiss hair salons, beauty studios and spas?
- How much do you tip tour guides, hotel staff and others in Switzerland?
- When is tipping not expected in Switzerland?
- Tipping in Switzerland: at-a-glance guide
- Conclusion: to tip or not to tip?
How much should you tip in Swiss restaurants and cafés?
Rounding up the bill or tipping around 5 to 10% is plenty if the service was good.
In restaurants, Switzerland’s tipping culture is pleasantly relaxed. If your bill is 46 francs, many people will simply say, “Make it 50” – and that’s that. No calculator needed. Tipping isn’t about percentages, but small gestures. A few francs, rounded amounts.
Typical examples:
Coffee costs 4.50 francs? Give 5 francs – perfect.
Dinner for two comes to 88 francs? 90 or 95, depending on your satisfaction.
Big bill of 180 francs? 200 francs if the service was truly excellent.
Note: Tiny amounts like 20 centimes can come across as rude. Better to give nothing than that.
Paying by card: Many payment terminals show a tipping option by default. You can use it or leave a cash tip – both are common.
Should you tip taxi or Uber drivers in Switzerland?
It’s not required, but rounding up is a kind gesture. For longer rides, 5 to 10% is fair for good service.
You’re under no obligation to tip – not in a taxi and not in an Uber. But rounding up is a polite way to say thanks, especially if your driver helped with luggage or picked a good route.
Typical examples:
Short ride for 18 francs? Give 20.
Airport transfer costing 50 francs? 55 is generous.
Uber ride? Tip 2 to 3 francs in cash if you were really happy – or use the app.
Uber drivers don’t expect tips, but they’ll appreciate a few extra francs if they were punctual, friendly and helpful.
What about tipping at Swiss hair salons, beauty studios and spas?
Same rule: tipping is optional – 5 to 10% is typical for satisfied customers.
At a hair salon or beauty studio, tipping is not expected. But if you’re happy, adding 5 francs to an 80-franc haircut is a nice gesture. Or simply round up.
Typical examples:
Pay 85 francs on an 80-franc bill? That’s friendly.
Quick haircut for 30 francs? 33 francs is a thoughtful extra.
At spas or for massages (often pricey), tipping around 10% is common – especially if you leave feeling like a new person. Don’t hesitate to say thank you directly or hand the tip to the person who treated you. If there’s a tip line on the receipt, you can use that too.
How much do you tip tour guides, hotel staff and others in Switzerland?
For great tours or genuine service: 5 to 10%, or a set amount as a thank-you.
For tour guides – especially on free walking tours – tips are often their only income. If the tour was good, 10 to 20 francs is fair and appreciated.
Other common tips:
Porter: 1 to 2 francs per piece of luggage.
Housekeeping: 1 to 2 francs per night for longer stays or top-tier service.
Concierge: only for exceptional help, like tracking down lost luggage. Then 10 to 20 francs is appropriate.
Valet parking: 5 to 10 francs per service, especially at upscale hotels or restaurants.
When is tipping not expected in Switzerland?
In everyday situations, tipping is not expected – a sincere “merci” is enough.
In many aspects of daily life in Switzerland, tipping simply doesn’t apply. That’s a relief, especially for expats used to cultures with tipping pressure.
No tip expected in these places:
Retail: Migros, Coop, pharmacy – never.
Self-service: takeaways, coffee stands – optional. Maybe drop a coin in the jar, but no pressure.
Public services: post office, SBB, local authorities – no tipping.
Professionals: doctors, lawyers, tax advisers – tipping isn’t part of the culture.
Public transport and delivery services: no tipping on the bus or tram. For bike couriers or heavy furniture deliveries? Maybe a small tip or drink – but no obligation.
A simple “Thank you very much” or a kind word often means just as much as a tip.
Tipping in Switzerland: at-a-glance guide
Important note: These tipping amounts are for general guidance only. They reflect typical habits and local experience, but are not legally binding or universally applicable. The choice of whether or how much to tip is entirely yours. Alpian accepts no responsibility for any consequences arising from following or not following this guidance.
Conclusion: to tip or not to tip?
Tipping in Switzerland isn’t a must. But a little extra is appreciated and makes a good impression.
If you’re new to Switzerland, tipping customs may be a bit confusing at first. Don’t worry: there are no hidden expectations or awkward moments. A good rule of thumb: if someone provides friendly service, feel free to tip – but you’re not obliged to.
And if in doubt? Ask your colleagues or simply do as the locals do: round up, say a kind thank you, and enjoy your life in Switzerland.
Why this matters for expats – and how Alpian can help
Tipping is just one of many small cultural differences that shape expat life in Switzerland. At Alpian, we understand this reality because we’re built for people like you. With an account that works in multiple currencies. With a support team that speaks your language. And with fair conditions and no hidden fees.
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