The Golden Rules
The Truth: Service is legally included in the price. Staff are paid a living wage. Tipping is a gesture of "Thank You," not a salary subsidy.
The Method: Ignore percentages (15%, 20%). The Swiss method is "Rounding Up" (Aufrunden) to the nearest franc or 5-franc note.
Nothing screams "Tourist" louder than pulling out a calculator at a Zurich café to calculate exactly 15%. Local confidence comes from knowing that simplicity is key.
The Core Concept: "Rounding Up" vs. "The Percentage"
In the US, tipping is mathematical. In Switzerland, it is intuitive.
- The Math: If a coffee is CHF 4.60, you pay CHF 5.00. You don't calculate 10%. You just close the gap.
- The Dinner: If a meal is CHF 92.00, you pay CHF 100.00.
- The Exception: In Fine Dining (Michelin/Gault Millau) or for truly exceptional service, a tip of 5-10% is customary and appreciated.
The Scenario Matrix
Use this cheat sheet to navigate daily life without awkwardness.
| Scenario | The Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Café / Bar | Round to nearest Franc | 4.60 → 5.00 |
| Casual Dining | Round up (approx 5-8%) | 46.50 → 50.00 |
| Fine Dining | 5-10% (if satisfied) | 285.00 → 300 - 310 |
| Taxi / Uber | Round to nearest 5 or 10 | 23.00 → 25.00 |
| Hairdresser | Cash in hand preferred | CHF 5 - 10 note |
| Hotel Porter | Per bag | CHF 2 - 5 per bag |
The "Payment Terminal" Anxiety
Modern payment terminals often create an awkward moment. The waiter brings the machine. Do you tip on the card? How do you say it?
The Protocol
Option A: Control the Input (Best for confidence)
Tell them the total before they type it. If the bill is 55.00:
"Make it 60, please." / "Machen Sie 60, bitte."
Option B: The Cash Overlay (Loved by staff)
If they type 55.00, simply pay it. Then leave a CHF 5 coin on the table. Cash is King for hospitality staff as it goes instantly into their pocket, bypassing administrative delays.
Cultural Nuance
Why is it like this? Because professionalism is valued over servitude. In Switzerland, a waiter is a professional career, not a gig.
Language Tip:
- German: "Stimmt so." (It matches/It is correct). Use this when handing over cash to say "Keep the change."
- French: "Gardez la monnaie." (Keep the change).
- Italian: "Va bene così."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I tip on a credit card?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. However, cash is often preferred by staff as card tips are sometimes distributed monthly or taxed differently.
Is service charge included?
Yes. By federal law, all displayed prices in Switzerland (restaurants, taxis, hairdressers) must include the service charge and VAT. You are never required to add more.