tipping in Switzerland...like in restaurants, etc.
Looking for advice on the tipping procedures for restaurants, etc. over there. Getting closer till we leave. Thanks for advice.
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Looking for advice on the tipping procedures for restaurants, etc. over there. Getting closer till we leave. Thanks for advice.
Comments
There are many websites that discuss tipping. For restaurants, we generally tipped about 10% cash, in Swiss francs, and paid the bill with credit card.
Tipping is not expected in Switzerland. Some restaurants add a service fee to the bill. If you believe you had good service, a 10% gratuity is appropriate but is completely discretionary. Do what you feel comfortable with.
what currency did you use to tip your Tauck guides for a trip contained within Switzerland?
Tauck recommends you tip the tour directors in USD. Same for coach drivers. There is no need to extend a gratuity to the local guides unless you wish to.
USD.
I didn't convert any cash to CHF, but if I did, and had any left over, I'd use that first to get rid of it, then the balance in USD.
I always tip in Swiss Francs when in Switzerland. It's different from South American countries, where US dollars are generally preferred.
Like most of Europe, in Switzerland tipping is neither required nor expected. If you dine on your own in a restaurant you can either not tip or just round up to the nearest franc. You might also review the bill and check whether it has already been added. Our TD was not Swiss but she was European so we tipped her in Euros. The coach driver got swiss francs. Tauck takes care of tipping the local guides, hotel porters and the driver to/from the airport. What little swiss francs I had left I spent at the airport gift shop and thru some into a charity donation bin. ATMs/Banks are everywhere - it is after all Switzerland where banking it a big deal.
Years ago, wherever we travelled, we could always get local currency from ATMs without paying a steep markup. I don't think that's the case anymore.
Both of my credit union debit cards only charge 1% foreign transaction fee. You have to check your bank or credit card fees. You do need to find an ATM which is part of the same network like Cirrus or Plus ( its on the back of your card). Avoid none bank ATMs like Euronet, Cardpoint, Travelex. They do have high fees. The ATMs at airports use those alot. I like to find an ATM thats on bank property especially those with a secure glass cubicle.
You are right.
In recent years, my Citibank has exited retail banking in most European markets, including Italy and France. As such the network situation has changed. More attention is needed when choosing the 'right' local bank ATMs. My citigold private bankcard
reimburses third-party ATM fees globally and charges no foreign transaction fees.