How Things Work in Switzerland

Service is included by law in all Swiss bills, so tipping is never expected — rounding up or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but purely optional.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland has one of the world's best integrated transport networks — trains, buses, boats, and cable cars all connect seamlessly, and the Swiss Travel Pass gives tourists unlimited travel.

Updated 2025-06

Swiss healthcare is world-class but among the most expensive on the planet — comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential as EU EHIC cards do not cover Switzerland.

Updated 2025-06

Quiet hours from 10pm to 7am and all day Sunday are strictly enforced — even running a washing machine or flushing a toilet repeatedly at night can draw complaints.

Updated 2025-06

Police: 117. Ambulance: 144. Fire: 118. REGA mountain air rescue: 1414. Universal EU emergency number 112 also works in Switzerland.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland has no strict dress requirements — smart casual works in cities, functional outdoor gear is the norm in Alpine areas, and swimwear is fine at lake beaches in summer.

Updated 2025-06

The legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, 18 for spirits; alcohol is widely available with no restrictions on public consumption or hours in most areas.

Updated 2025-06

There is essentially no bargaining culture in Switzerland — prices are fixed everywhere and attempting to haggle would be considered rude or strange.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland is very photography-friendly with spectacular scenery and no restrictions in public spaces, though the Swiss are privacy-conscious and street photography of individuals can make locals uncomfortable.

Updated 2025-06

Most shops are completely closed on Sundays — stricter than most of Europe — though restaurants, cafés, and shops inside major train stations remain open.

Updated 2025-06

Taxis in Switzerland are among the world's most expensive — use public transport whenever possible; Uber operates in major cities and is somewhat cheaper.

Updated 2025-06

Swiss tap water is exceptional quality and among the world's safest — drink freely from taps everywhere and skip bottled water entirely.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland uses CHF (Swiss francs), not euros — cards are widely accepted and contactless is standard, but carry some CHF cash for smaller vendors and rural areas.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland is not in the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply — buy a local SIM or eSIM for data; Swisscom has the best coverage including in mountain areas.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland uses the unique Type J three-pin recessed plug — bring a universal adapter as Swiss sockets accept Type C but not UK or US plugs.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland has an extremely low scam rate and no haggling culture — it is one of the world's most honest countries, though tourist areas carry premium prices.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland is one of the world's safest countries with very low crime — the primary safety concern for tourists is mountain and outdoor activity hazards, not crime.

Updated 2025-06

Punctuality is paramount in Switzerland — being five minutes late is considered genuinely rude — and Sunday quiet rules, recycling compliance, and greeting shopkeepers are all important cultural norms.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland has four official languages — German (63%), French (23%), Italian (8%), and Romansh — with English widely spoken in tourism and business across all regions.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland's lake beaches (Strandbäder) on Zürichsee, Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Constance are a major summer attraction — water is clean and safe, though mountain lakes can be glacially cold.

Updated 2025-06

You must purchase a motorway vignette sticker (CHF 40) to drive on Swiss highways — driving without one risks a heavy fine, and mountain roads require snow chains in winter.

Updated 2025-06

Swiss cuisine is outstanding — fondue, raclette, rösti, and world-class chocolate are must-tries — but restaurant prices are very high, so use lunch set menus and supermarket picnics to manage costs.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland's historic Protestant and Catholic churches welcome visitors — modest dress is appreciated and silence is expected inside, though enforcement is gentle.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland has four distinct seasons — ski season peaks December to March, hiking season peaks June to September, and Alpine weather changes rapidly so always carry layers.

Updated 2025-06

Switzerland is extremely expensive but manageable with smart planning — use lunch set menus, supermarket picnics, the Swiss Travel Pass, free lake swimming, and free hiking trails to dramatically cut costs.

Updated 2025-06