When I was an au pair in Spain, my host mother read a book on Swiss etiquette (the family was about to relocate to Zurich), which made her nervous about the move. She had read about a bunch of annoying rules, like that it’s forbidden to flush the toilet after 10 pm and that if you do, your neighbors will inevitably report you to the authorities and you’ll get a hefty fine.
It wasn’t the first or last time I heard this false rumor. The world seems to think that Switzerland is an unbearable robot country where you’re socially ostracized if you so much as breathe too loudly. Which I think is quite funny.
And yet, as with all clichés, there’s a little truth to it. It’s no coincidence that everything in Switzerland runs like a Swiss watch, meaning smoothly and reliably, from administration to public transportation. This is only possible if society as a whole follows a few – sensible – rules. So if you don’t want to stand out like a hot pink tap-dancing poodle, you should take the following to heart:
Punctuality
The stereotype of the Swiss as being punctual to a fault is true for most (because, like everywhere else, it’s a nation of individuals); even the national train company will apologize for delays of just five minutes. So do the polite thing and be on time for all your appointments.
Discretion
This should go without saying, but we’ll do it anyway: Do not shout or be overly loud in public places and on public transportation.
Understatement
Don’t bore the locals with your many impressive life accomplishments. You’re allowed to talk about them, of course, but in a modest, polite, and discreet way. The Swiss way, so to speak.
Swiss German
It’s not at all necessary to learn this lawless language (there is no official orthography or grammar, and each region has its own dialect, which in some cases is almost a completely different tongue) for your trip. People generally speak English well enough and won’t take offense if you order a coffee instead of a ‘kafi’.
Dresscode
You know what? Dress however you want. If you want to blend in, boring functional wear is the way to go, but if you can bring a little color and originality to the local fashion landscape, honestly, well done.
Greetings
When two women, or a man and a woman, meet in a non-business context, they usually greet each other with three kisses on the cheek, starting with the right. Once you’re friends, one kiss or even a hug will do.
Money
In some cultures it might be normal to ask someone their salary or how much they pay for rent (and in my opinion it should be normal), but in Switzerland we have a strange relationship with money and this information is considered very personal.
Tipping
Tipping is optional, and if the service is good, we probably average 10%, but for convenience most people just round up. Your coke cost CHF 5.50? Make that 6. Lunch comes to a total of CHF 38? 40 is fine. If the number is already even, like CHF 100 for dinner, just add a tenner.
Avoid tourist spots
If you really want to fit in with the locals, you need to go where they go and stay away from the tourist traps. Need help finding those local insider spots? We got you! With our personalized Zurich guide, we’ll show you the places the locals love, including the hottest restaurants of the moment, up-and-coming artists, the best flea and farmers markets, small fashion labels, underground nightclubs, or anything else you want.
