Tipping in Switzerland: 2025 Guide

Every country has its own tipping etiquette, making it a bit confusing. This guide to tipping in Switzerland will answer common questions: how much to tip, where to tip, and tipping examples.

While traveling to Switzerland, I forgot to research tipping beforehand.

We just finished an unforgettable fondue dinner overlooking the peaceful lake in Zurich. The bill arrived, and then I wondered how much I should tip. Is it customary to tip at all?

Is Tipping Expected in Switzerland?

You’re not expected to tip in Switzerland, but it’s a kind gesture that shows appreciation for good service.

This guide highlights the importance of understanding Swiss tipping etiquette to avoid over-tipping or coming across as impolite.

Tip: The Swiss use franc (CHF) for their currency, so understanding the conversion to your local currency will help with confidence when tipping.

Tipping Culture Overview

• Unlike in the U.S. or other countries where tipping is customary to supplement wages, Swiss workers are well-compensated.
• Tipping is considered a gesture of appreciation rather than an expectation.
• Service charges (around 15%) are legally required and already included in bills for restaurants, hotels, and other services.

When Is It Appropriate to Tip?

• When you feel the service was excellent or above average.
• Situations where rounding up or leaving small amounts is common.

Where to Tip and How Much

1. Restaurants

Service charges are included in the bill, but it’s common to round up to the next franc.

Example Scenarios:

• If your bill is CHF 47, leaving CHF 50 is considered generous.
• For upscale restaurants or a truly exceptional meal, tipping 5–10% is thoughtful but not mandatory.

Key Tip: Always leave tips in cash rather than adding them to a credit card payment, as it ensures the staff receive the amount directly.

2. Hotels

• Concierge:
  • Leave CHF 5–10 if they arrange special services (e.g., booking a difficult-to-get restaurant reservation).
• Housekeeping:
  • A tip of CHF 1–2 per day is appreciated for a clean, well-stocked room.
  • Tip at the end of your stay in an envelope or with a note.
• Room Service:
  • Tipping isn’t necessary since a service charge is often added, but rounding up by CHF 1–2 is polite.
• Spa Services:
  • For massages or treatments, consider leaving 5–10% of the service cost if you were delighted.

3. Taxis and Rideshares

• Drivers do not expect tips but appreciate small gestures. Rounding up to the nearest franc or leaving a small amount (e.g., CHF 1–2) for excellent service is customary.

Example: A CHF 38 ride could be rounded up to CHF 40.

4. Tour Guides

• Group Tours:
  • CHF 5–10 per person for an engaging and knowledgeable guide.
• Private Tours
  • CHF 20–50 for a full-day tour, depending on the guide’s expertise and service quality.

My Favorite Tour Sites:

5. Bars and Coffee Shops

• Rounding up by a small amount (e.g., CHF 4.50 to CHF 5) is sufficient.
• For table service at bars, you might leave CHF 1–2 per drink if you had a great experience.

Tipping in Switzerland: Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do

• Follow local customs—small amounts are the norm.
• Tip modestly and thoughtfully; small amounts go a long way.
• Tip in cash whenever possible—it’s easier for staff to keep.
• Be polite and say “merci” or “danke” as a gesture of gratitude.

🛑 Don’t

• Feel pressured to tip large amounts.
• Overdo it—Swiss locals typically tip modestly.
• Forget that the service is already included in most bills.

Examples of Tipping Scenarios

As a visual learner myself, I wanted to create a one-stop shop list of examples for tipping in Switzerland:

⭐ A Cozy Dinner at a Local Bistro

• Bill: CHF 65
• Tip: Round up to CHF 70 for excellent service.

⭐ Guided Hike in the Swiss Alps

• Tour Cost: CHF 120
• Tip: CHF 10–20 if the guide shares fascinating insights or goes the extra mile.

⭐ Quick Coffee Stop at a Zurich Café

• Bill: CHF 4.80
• Tip: Round up to CHF 5 for friendly service.

⭐ Taxi from Geneva Airport to the City

• Fare: CHF 45
• Tip: Round up to CHF 50 or add CHF 2 for excellent service.

Tipping in Switzerland: FAQs

🇨🇭 Is it rude not to tip in Switzerland?

Not tipping isn’t considered rude since service is included, but leaving something small is polite.

🇨🇭 Can I tip with a credit card?

Some establishments allow you to tip via card, but carrying small denominations of Swiss francs is recommended.

🇨🇭 Are there situations where tipping is not necessary?

At self-service establishments or casual eateries, tipping is not expected.

Conclusion

In Switzerland, tipping is all about subtlety and appreciation. A small, thoughtful tip can go a long way to thank someone for their service without breaking the bank.

Still a little nervous about when the bill arrives? Save this post so you can pull out your phone quickly for a reference. Enjoy Switzerland and all it has to offer! 😊

Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels