Tipping in Switzerland: The Switzerland Tipping Guide

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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.

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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.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tipping: The Ultimate Guide to Tipping for Travelers
• Does the Hotel Maid Look Through Your Stuff?
• Hotel Tipping—Do You or Don’t You?

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