Swiss Tipping Habits Vary by Region, Italian-Speaking Areas Less Generous
Tipping practices in Switzerland vary by region, with Italian-speaking areas seeing less generosity than the national average. A recent study by Bank Cler and the ZHAW School of Management and Law reveals insights into Swiss dining etiquette.
Over 60% of guests in Switzerland typically leave a tip in restaurants, with the majority finding a 50/50 split between service and kitchen staff appropriate. However, in Italian-speaking regions, only 29% of diners usually or always tip.
Nine out of ten guests prefer their tips go directly to the server who served them. Yet, one in five restaurants divides tips evenly across all functions. Around half of establishments ensure service staff receive 80% or more of the tips. More than half of Swiss restaurants use a specific rate to divide tips between service and kitchen staff.
Tipping habits in Switzerland show regional variations, with the Italian-speaking part tipping less frequently. Most guests want to reward their server directly, and a majority of employees find their tip distribution fair. The specific tipping rates and regional breakdowns remain unclear, as the study's findings on the highest tipping region are unavailable.
