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Afternoon on the Lake in Zug, Switzerland

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Switzerland?

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We asked people in Switzerland if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be aware of local customs when visiting Switzerland. Public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing are generally seen as inappropriate, particularly among strangers. It is also important to be punctual when making arrangements with Swiss people. Showing up late may be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful. Additionally, it is considered rude to wear shoes inside the home, so it is best to take them off when entering someone's home. With regard to tipping, Swiss culture does not heavily emphasize tipping and is considered an optional gesture," said another expat in Switzerland.

"hmmmm... Swiss sometimes do not understand German jokes. I laugh but the Swiss don't," wrote a member who made the move to Zurich, Switzerland.

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Other Questions:

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Switzerland?

If you live in Switzerland, newcomers to Switzerland would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Switzerland, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Afternoon on the Lake in Zug, Switzerland

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