What was the bill?
What this solves
Most US-style tipping guides say "20% Switzerland — will be offended if you don't". Wrong. Swiss restaurants include service in the listed price. Tipping is genuinely optional. Where it does differ: Geneva is Paris-adjacent (more tipping), Appenzell and parts of Graubünden expect almost nothing. This tool gives you a defensible number per region and service type.
How to read
- Standard CHF 120 restaurant bill in Zürich: round to CHF 130 = tip CHF 10 (≈8%). The server says "thank you", not "you forgot something".
- Tipping in cash is universal. Don't try to tip on the card terminal — most servers prefer the cash flow.
- Tour guides: CHF 10–20 per person for a half-day tour is normal. Less than that is fine. More than CHF 30 starts to look American.
Limitations
- This is opinionated guidance, not a rule. Travellers with strong preferences will tip more or less.
- Some high-end restaurants in Geneva and Zürich do add a 5–10% "service compris" which is included, not an extra — the bill won't say "service additional". Read the receipt.
- Round to the nearest CHF 5 unless your tip would be under CHF 2, in which case don't tip.
FAQ
Do I tip the cab driver?
Round up the fare, or add ~CHF 2–5 on a CHF 30+ fare. Most drivers don't think twice if you don't.
What about hotel housekeeping?
CHF 2–5 per night on the pillow is fine. Many Swiss hotels include a "service charge" envelope at check-out — anything in CHF 2–10 per night is enough.
Sources
- GastroSuisse - restaurant wage floor & service policies
- Author's 2023–2026 receipts across 22 cantons
About
Built because US tipping habits cause real awkwardness in Switzerland — overpaying feels like pity, underpaying feels rude.
Privacy
No tracking. See homepage privacy.
Disclaimer
Tipping is cultural, not contractual. Use your judgement.