Swiss Do's and Don'ts

The best way to get to know a culture is by living it. These few tips are only meant to prevent you form any unconfortable experiences. 

• Do allow others to exit the train before boarding. 

• Do always buy a ticket for your train-ride. There are many controls and you will be charged up to CHF 120 and might get in trouble with the police if you don't have a valid ticket.

• Do turn up on time to any meetings, both business and social. This virtue is regarded as very important by many Swiss residents. 

• Don't make to much noise in public especially in trains. 

• Don't litter, recycle as often as you can. The school, train stations and many other public places provide separate bins.

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General tips​

• Greetings - People in Switzerland greet with three kisses on the cheek (and not two like in France) in a friendly or familiar environment. But when you meet someone for the first time - no matter the gender - it is common to shake hands. Swiss people are not really tactile. But overall the relationship between men and women are more or less the same that in France. 

• Tips in restaurants and bars are not necessary as service is already included in the price, but if it worth, a tip is recommended (5-10%). 

• Shopping - Most of the shops and supermarkets are closed after 6-7pm and on Sundays. List of grocery stores: Coop ($$$), Migros ($$), Denner ($), Aldi ($), Lidl ($)

• Drinking water flows from most public fountains. The drinking water that comes out of Swiss taps is a spurs as bottled mineral water. thanks to excellent water purification technologies, you can bathe in any of Switzerland's lakes and river without fear of pollution. 

• Punctuality - You would need to be punctual in your daily life to be integrated. This is even a requirement if you want to live and work in Switzerland.