Tipping in Switzerland: The Switzerland Tipping Guide

See recent posts by Kate H. Knapp

It is not always necessary to tip in Switzerland, but there are times when it is appreciated. This Switzerland tipping guide will help you navigate when and where you can leave a little extra for great service.

Tipping in Switzerland

Tipping in Switzerland is a little tricky, as a “service” charge is included in most bills and covers the cost of tip, and most servers make a fair pay that helps offset the need for tipping. There are, however, certain times and places that a tip can go a long way. The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

In many cases, rounding to the nearest franc is sufficient and appreciated. There are, however, certain cases that require a little more than rounding to the nearest franc. Read the Switzerland tipping guide to learn more.

Switzerland Tipping Guide

Cafe Server: If there is a tip jar by the cash register, it’s a nice gesture to leave a couple of coins. For table service, round up to the nearest 1CHF.

Restaurant Server: Although a service charge is typically included in the final bill, most Swiss people tip a little extra for good service. Consider tipping 8 to 10 percent depending on how fancy the restaurant is and how much you appreciated your server’s work. Servers sometimes don’t receive tips included on a credit card, so always try to tip in cash whenever possible.

Bartender: A small tip is always appreciated, especially if you order a lot of drinks or spend a lot of time at the bar. For smaller bills, round up to the nearest franc or two. For larger bills, round up to the nearest 5 or 10CHF.

Taxis: A tip may already be included in the cost of the ride. A good rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest franc or up to 5 percent of the final fare for exceptional service.

Airport Shuttle: It is not necessary to tip your driver, but feel free to give 1CHF per bag if they help with your luggage.

Doorman: Gratitude is always welcome when a doorman assists with luggage or hailing transportation. A simple thank you is appreciated, but feel free to offer 1CHF for good service, or up to 5CHF in a luxury hotel.

Bellhop: It is customary to tip 1CHF to 2CHF per bag, depending on size, but no more than 5CHF.

House Cleaning: Feel free to leave 1CHF to 2CHF per night for a spotless stay.

Concierge: If the concierge goes above and beyond with helping you book reservations, giving you directions, and providing insider recommendations, it’s considerate to tip 1CHF to 5CHF.

Stylist: The tip is already included in the cost, so there’s no need to leave anything extra unless service went above and beyond; in that case, feel free to leave up to 15 percent of the final bill.

Spa Service Provider: An extra fee for gratuity is typically included in the final bill, making it unnecessary to tip extra. Round to the nearest franc if service was exceptional.

What to Wear in Europe

For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Things you buy may earn us a commission.

Shop the look

More from SmarterTravel:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.