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Are you standing in a restaurant or sitting in a taxi, for example, and wondering how much you should tip? You're not alone!
Although the Tipping officially abolished in Switzerland in 1974 by a collective labour agreement In Switzerland, tipping is still customary, depending on the location. Where not and if so, how much? You can find out this and much more in this comprehensive guide to tipping throughout Switzerland.
In Switzerland, tipping is a voluntary gesture appreciation for good service. There are no strict rules, but there are some general guidelines that can help you:
| Service | Recommended tip | Special features | Typical invoice amount + tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | 5-10% | Round up to the next full franc | CHF 50 + CHF 2.50-5 |
| Bar | 5-10% | Tip the bartender directly | CHF 20 + CHF 1-2 |
| Hotel (room service) | CHF 2-5 per day | Tip when checking out | CHF 100/night + CHF 2-5 |
| Taxi | Round up next franc | Give more, especially at night or in bad weather | CHF 25 journey + CHF 1-2 |
| Hairdresser | 5-10% | Directly after the service | CHF 80 Haircut + CHF 4-8 |
| LeShop / Coop at Home | CHF 2-5 | Tip the supplier directly | CHF 100 Delivery + CHF 2-5 |
Historically, tipping was not always as common in Switzerland as it is today. It used to be considered impolite not to tip.
A collective labour agreement was then introduced in the hospitality industry in 1974, ensuring that Tips are not a necessary wage component is more.
Today is and remains Tipping an appreciated gesture. Particularly in sectors with low Median wages such as the catering and service sectors.
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Tipping for card payments deserves its own section in this article on tipping throughout Switzerland. This is because card payments are becoming more and more common and you have probably already come across the following:
For example, you get a coffee to go at the counter in a café and want to pay the amount conveniently digitally. The card reader now asks you whether you want to tip 5%, 10% or 20%?
Two exciting things have happened here, which unfortunately most people fall for!
The NZZ written in great detail if you are interested. What is even more exciting, however, is why the card reader manufacturers programme it this way.
Payment service providers earn money from card payments and Visa or Mastercard, for example, always include a portion.
When you tip 10%, you are supporting the staff in your favourite café, but also the international financial groups.
If you tip a particularly friendly waitress or want to support the creative barista in the café, it is not always clear whether these people will receive the tip.
There are different regulations depending on the company. In restaurants the tip is often evenly distributed among the staffso that the kitchen staff also get a share.
In some restaurants, as well as in many places where the tip is given directly to a person, that person is allowed to keep it.
If you are unsure, it is absolutely It is okay to ask if a person can keep the tip.
Sometimes the service does not meet your expectations. In such cases, it is perfectly okay not to tip. After all, tipping is not compulsory in Switzerland.
Here are some tips on how to handle this politely:
"Intelligent people learn from the mistakes of others".
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Tipping is customary throughout Switzerland, but international customs are sometimes quite different. For example:
| Country | Recommended tip | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Tip Denmark | 10% | Service is often included in the bill; additional tipping is not customary |
| Tipping Germany | 5-10% | Usually round up to the nearest euro; tip the waiter directly |
| Tipping France | 5-10% | Service is often included in the bill ("service compris"); additional tips are welcome |
| Tipping Greece | 5-10% | Common in tourist areas; often left on the table |
| Tipping Italy | 5-10% | Sometimes a service charge is included; a small tip is expected |
| Tipping Norway | 10% | Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated; often included in the bill |
| Tipping Austria | 5-10% | Similar to Germany, often round up; tip directly |
| Tipping Portugal | 5-10% | Often common in bars and restaurants; service charges may be included |
| Tip Sweden | 5-10% | Tipping is not obligatory, but welcome; often simply round up |
| Tip Spain | 5-10% | Often round up, especially in tourist areas; often no tip in bars |
| Tipping Thailand | 10-15% | Especially common in tourist areas; often small tips from street vendors |
| Tipping in Switzerland | 5-10% | Round up to the next full franc |
| Tip USA | 15-20% | Tipping is almost always obligatory; in many cases in addition to a service charge |
Did you know that? In principle, tips must be taxed throughout Switzerland.
Tips are taxable income because they have actually been abolished, as you learnt at the beginning.
If an employer pays tips, they must be listed on the salary statement.
If this is not the case, employees must keep a record of this themselves and declare it in their private tax return.
The federal government clearly regards tips as taxable income. The Cantons see it a little more loosely, and speak only of a Tax liability if tips make up "a substantial part of the salary". In practice, according to caterers, this is often 10%. With an annual salary of CHF 40,000, tips of less than CHF 4,000 per year do not have to be declared.
Example: If you tip a waiter CHF 10 in cash, the waiter must theoretically record and pay tax on this himself. With card payments, the tip is often recorded directly and added to the salary, which is less flexible. Therefore, paying tips in cash can be easier and more direct for service staff.
Officially, tipping has been banned in the hospitality industry since 1974, but in practice it remains an important part of many service employees' income. Undeclared tips can be expensive, as they are also subject to AHV contributions and can lead to problems if they are not declared.
"Intelligent people learn from the mistakes of others".
We have compiled our top selection for you from all our tests and experience reports:
Tipping is an important gesture of appreciation in Switzerland, even though tipping has been officially abolished throughout the country. The amount of the tip varies depending on the industry and your personal satisfaction with the service. In the catering industry, 5-10% of the invoice amount is customary, while in hotels or for personal services such as hairdressing, you can also give smaller fixed amounts.
Remember that tipping is taxable in Switzerland and that paying in cash is often easier for service staff to handle. Ultimately, it is up to you whether and how much you tip - as a sign of appreciation for good service.
Do you have any other questions, tips or your own experiences with tipping in Switzerland? Share them with us in the comments and help other readers make the best tipping decisions!
No, tipping is voluntary in Switzerland and should be seen as recognition for good service.
Usually 5-10% of the invoice amount is appropriate.
You are not obliged to tip if you were not satisfied with the service.
You can enter the desired tip amount directly at the card terminal or tell the staff the desired total amount.
Yes, tipping was officially abolished in 1974, but in practice it is still customary and appreciated.
Yes, tips must be taxed in Switzerland. It should appear on the salary statement or be declared by the employees themselves in the tax return.
Cash payments can be easier and more direct for service staff, as card payments often incur charges and the tip is recorded directly.
For room service and porterage, CHF 2-5 per day or service is reasonable.
At the hairdresser, 5-10% of the invoice amount is usual, especially if you are very satisfied with the service.
Card payments often include pre-set tipping options (e.g. 5%, 10%, 20%) which can psychologically influence how much you tip. It's important to be prepared and choose the option that suits you best.
Tipping habits vary greatly from country to country. In the USA, 15-20% is common, while in Japan tipping is often considered rude. It is important to be aware of local customs when travelling abroad.
2 responses
Must the phrase "Service included" (like VAT included) be noted on the menu?
There will probably not be a "must", but perhaps it would be fair ...?