Is tipping customary in Switzerland? Tipping in Switzerland is not mandatory—in fact, service charges are typically included in your bill. However, rounding up or leaving 5–10% (or a few CHF) for exceptional service is a thoughtful gesture that’s widely appreciated. Whether you’re dining in Zurich, taking a taxi in Geneva, or staying in a Zurich hotel in 2025, this guide explains tipping etiquette across sectors. Let’s navigate tipping culture in Switzerland together.
Tipping Culture in Switzerland
In Switzerland, tipping is voluntary because service charges are generally included—this applies to restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis. That said, tipping remains a gracious way to acknowledge excellent service without obligation.
A Redditor sums it up well:
“You don’t need to tip, … just round the bill up by a small margin of 5 to 10% … staff always seem happy to receive a tip.”
Reddit
Tipping in Switzerland: Sector-by-Sector Guidelines
Restaurants & Bars
- Standard practice: Round up to the nearest franc or CHF 5–10% for great service.
- For bills over CHF 150, you can tip a lower percentage—but still round up to a neat figure.
- Card terminals may default to 5%, 10%, or 20% tips—be mindful and override if necessary.
- In bars or cafés, rounding up a couple of francs suffices unless it’s an upscale cocktail bar.
Hotels (Room Service, Housekeeping, Bellhop, Concierge, Valet)
- Porters/bellhops: CHF 1–5 per bag or service.
- Housekeeping: CHF 2–5 per day; spot tipping (e.g., envelope, bedside) works best.
- Concierge: CHF 10–15 for exceptional assistance; lower for routine services.
- Valets: CHF 5–10 each time.
Taxis & Transport
- Short rides: Round up to nearest franc.
- Longer or heavy-luggage rides: ~10% extra, or CHF 1–2 for rounding.
Tour Guides & Spas
- Guides: Around 10% of the tour cost or rounding up, especially for engaging private or small-group tours.
- Spa therapists: 10-15% or round up for great service.
Other Service Providers (hairdressers, deliveries, moving)
- Hairdressers: 5–15%, or round up with an extra CHF 2–3.
- Couriers/deliveries: CHF 1–5 depending on order size and effort.
- Movers: CHF 5–10 per half-day per person is thoughtful.
City-Specific Etiquette: Geneva, Zurich & Beyond
While tipping norms are generally consistent across Switzerland, tipping culture in cities like Geneva and Zurich tends to lean slightly more generous—especially in tourist-heavy or upscale establishments. Geneva may see rounding up or 5–10% tips more often in fine dining. Zurich, with its higher prices, also sees similar rounding or modest tipping practices.
Quick Reference Table: Tipping Rates Across Services (CHF / % of bill)
| Service | Typical Tipping Practice | Estimated Tipping Range |
| Restaurants/Cafés | Round up or 5–10% if warranted | CHF 1–10 or ≈5–10% |
| Bars/Cocktail Bars | Round up; tip ~10% for crafted cocktails | CHF 1–5 or ~10% |
| Hotels (Porter/Bellhop) | CHF 1–5 per bag/service | CHF 1–5 |
| Housekeeping | CHF 2–5 per day/service | CHF 2–5/day |
| Concierge (Exceptional) | CHF 10–15 | CHF 10–15 |
| Valet Parking | CHF 5–10 per use | CHF 5–10 |
| Taxi (Short ride) | Round up | CHF 1–2 |
| Taxi (Long ride/luggage) | Approx. 10% | CHF 5–10+ |
| Tour Guides | ~10% of tour cost or rounding | 10% |
| Spa Services | 10–15% / round up | 10–15% |
| Hairdressers | 5–15% or round up + CHF 2–3 | 5–15% |
| Delivery/Courier | CHF 1–5 depending on size/time | CHF 1–5 |
| Movers (per half-day) | CHF 5–10 per person | CHF 5–10 |
What Competitors Miss: Pain Points & Insights
- Card-terminal default tips: Many travelers overlook that Swiss card readers offer suggested percentages—this nudge can mislead into tipping more than intended.
- Tax implications: Tips should be taxed and are income for workers; cash tips can be more direct and fairer to staff.
- Offensive low tips: Especially with large bills, a small rounding (e.g., CHF 0.50 on a CHF 450 bill) may be seen as stingy—better to opt for thoughtful rounding.
- Regional variation: Travelers should note that tipping etiquette can slightly differ between cities like Zurich vs. Geneva—most guides treat Switzerland as monolithic.
- Cultural sensitivity: U.S. travelers often overtip by default—this can create unintended pressure or undermine local wage standards.
FAQ
Q: Is tipping customary in Switzerland?
A: No, it’s not mandatory—service charges are included—but rounding up or modest tipping (especially for excellent service) is appreciated.
Q: What is tipping culture in Switzerland for restaurants?
A: Typically, people round up the bill or leave ~5–10% for good service.
Q: What about tipping in Switzerland restaurants by card?
A: Card machines often prompt 5%, 10%, or 20%—feel free to override and leave the amount you prefer.
Q: Tipping in Switzerland taxi—what’s expected?
A: Round up the fare for short rides; for longer trips or luggage assistance, approx. 10%.
Q: Tipping in Switzerland 2025—any changes?
A: No major shifts—cultural norms remain: tipping remains optional but courteous when deserved.
Q: Is tipping expected in Switzerland hotels?
A: Not expected, but CHF 2–5 for housekeeping, CHF 1–5 per bag for porters, CHF 10–15 for exceptional concierge service is a nice gesture.
Q: What’s tipping etiquette in Switzerland for tour guides?
A: Around 10% of the tour cost, or rounding up, especially for personalized or walking tours.
Q: Is there tipping in Switzerland bars?
A: Generally not required. Round up on simple drinks; up to 10% for specialty cocktails.
Q: Tipping in Zurich or Geneva—any difference?
A: Slightly more rounding or tipping is common in these bigger, international cities—but practices are similar to the rest of Switzerland.
Travel Lighter with Radical Storage
Exploring Swiss cities—from Zurich’s sleek streets to Geneva’s cosmopolitan core—means juggling luggage alongside mindful tipping. That’s where Radical Storage steps in. With secure, international luggage storage at convenient locations near train stations, points of interest, and transport hubs, you can roam tip etiquette-free until you need your bags. Just drop off, enjoy your day hands-free, and breeze through tipping courtesy as pleasantly as your service — whether a CHF 2 tip for a bellhop or rounding up a taxi fare. Radical Storage makes travel smoother, lighter, and more respectful of your peace of mind.
