TIPS FOR TIPPING IN SWITZERLAND

Ah, Switzerland—the land of breathtaking mountains, pristine lakes, and… tipping confusion? If you’re planning a trip here, you might be wondering about the tipping culture. Do you need to tip? How much is expected? And will your waiter chase you down if you forget? Let’s break it down so you can tip (or not) with confidence!

Is Tipping Required in Switzerland?

Good news: Tipping in Switzerland is not mandatory. Service charges are already included in prices at restaurants, hotels, and even taxis. This means that the price you see on the menu or bill is what you are expected to pay—no sneaky add-ons!

However, just because tipping isn’t expected doesn’t mean it isn’t appreciated. If you’ve received great service, a little extra is always welcome.

How Much Should You Tip?

While not obligatory, there are situations where a small gesture of appreciation is customary and appreciated! Think of it as a bonus for exceptional service, going above and beyond, or just making you feel extra special. If you do decide to tip, here’s a simple guide to keep things easy:

Restaurants & Cafés

• Round up the bill: If your meal costs CHF 47, rounding up to CHF 50 is a common practice.
• For exceptional service, you can leave 10-15% of the total bill, but this is entirely up to you.
• You can simply tell the server the rounded-up amount when paying (e.g., “CHF 50, please”). You can also leave the tip on the table or tell your server how much to charge when paying by card but rounding up is the more common practice.

Bars & Coffee Shops

• If you order a coffee or a drink at a bar, rounding up a few francs is polite but not required.
• No need to go overboard—your barista won’t side-eye you for skipping a tip!

Taxis & Rideshares

• Drivers don’t expect tips, but if they were particularly helpful or assisted with luggage, rounding up a few francs is a nice gesture.
• Simply tell the driver the rounded-up amount when paying.

Hotels

• Housekeeping services are included, so tips generally aren’t expected.
• If concierge go the extra mile for you, CHF 5-10 is a kind gesture.
• For bellhops who help with your luggage or a concierge who goes the extra mile, a small tip of CHF 2-5 per service is a nice gesture. Leaving a few francs per day for housekeeping for excellent service is also appreciated.
• Hand the tip directly to the person providing the service.

Tour Guides

• If your tour guide provided an exceptional experience, educated you, entertained you, and went above and beyond to make your day special, a tip is a fantastic way to show your appreciation.
• On group tours, a small tip (CHF 10-20 per person) is a thoughtful way to thank your guide.
• On a private tour? An average tip would be CHF 50-100 or 5-10% of the tour cost is generous but not obligatory—especially if your guide exceeded expectations and made your experience unforgettable.
• Cash is preferred. The amount is entirely up to you, depending on the length of the tour and the quality of the service. Consider 5-10% of the tour cost as a general rule of thumb. And don’t worry about too much about tipping in Swiss francs – all currencies are appreciated.

Fun Facts About Tipping in Switzerland

• Swiss locals rarely tip more than just rounding up—so don’t feel pressured to overdo it.
• Unlike in some countries, leaving change on the table isn’t common—tell your server directly if you’re rounding up.
• Although tipping much more relaxed than in places like the US, service staff wages are still relatively low compared to the country’s high cost of living and average income. Because of this, tips are always a welcome way to show appreciation for good service.

Final Thoughts: To Tip or Not to Tip?

The simple answer: You don’t have to tip in Switzerland, but a small gesture is always appreciated for great service. When in doubt, rounding up is your best bet!

Now that you’re prepared for stress-free tipping, why not explore Switzerland with an expert guide? Check out Loop Tours for private tours that take you beyond the usual tourist spots and learn more fun facts about Swiss money and culture from a local guide.

We’ll make sure you experience the best of Switzerland – and we promise to provide the kind of service that deserves a tip (if you’re feeling generous!).

Happy travels!