Switzerland, known for its scenic beauty, precision, and high quality of life, is also a country with a deeply ingrained culture of order, politeness, and discretion. For Indians visiting, working, or settling in Switzerland, adapting to the local lifestyle can be both enriching and challenging. While Indian culture is expressive, communal, and colorful, Swiss culture tends to be more reserved, private, and structured. Whether you're here for business, education, tourism, or a long-term stay, understanding and respecting these nuances will help build better relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure a smoother transition.
Social and Cultural
Dos
Be Punctual: Always arrive on time for appointments, events, or social visits. Swiss culture is highly time-conscious.
Greet Formally: Use a handshake with direct eye contact. In informal circles, Swiss may greet with three cheek kisses (left-right-left), but let them initiate.
Use Polite Language: Address people with titles (Mr./Ms.) and formal greetings like “Grüezi” (German), “Bonjour” (French), or “Buongiorno” (Italian).
Respect Personal Space: Stand at arm’s length and avoid touching unless invited. Maintain a low speaking volume.
Dress Neatly: Prefer smart-casual or modest formal clothing. Cleanliness and grooming are highly valued.
Cleanliness and Order: Dispose of waste correctly and follow recycling rules. Keep public spaces tidy.
Respect Rules: Queue patiently, obey traffic signals, and keep quiet in residential areas—especially after 10 PM.
Don’ts
Avoid Loudness: Don’t talk loudly in public places like trains or cafés.
Don’t Invade Privacy: Avoid asking personal questions (salary, marriage, religion).
Avoid Uninvited Physical Contact: Hugs and touches are not common among acquaintances.
Don’t Haggle: Prices are fixed in most stores—bargaining is inappropriate.
Avoid Public Arguments: Public disagreements or emotional outbursts are viewed negatively.
Avoid Criticizing Local Ways: Don’t mock Swiss food, culture, or laws, even casually.
Professional Etiquette
Dos
Be Formal: Use titles and surnames in business settings unless invited otherwise.
Communicate Clearly: Be concise and polite—stick to facts and avoid excessive small talk.
Follow Structure: Swiss workplaces are orderly and hierarchical. Respect meeting agendas and responsibilities.
Be Reliable: Deliver on promises, meet deadlines, and value punctuality as a form of trust.
Don’ts
Don’t Interrupt: Let others finish speaking in meetings; silence is often thoughtful, not awkward.
Avoid Flashiness: Dressing or behaving too casually in professional settings may seem disrespectful.
Dining Etiquette
Dos
Wait for the Host: Don't begin eating until the host starts or says “En Guete!” (Enjoy your meal).
Use Cutlery Properly: Follow the Continental style (fork left, knife right). Rest utensils together when finished.
Bring a Gift: When invited to someone’s home, bring flowers (not red roses or chrysanthemums), wine, or chocolates.
Don’ts
Don’t Eat with Hands: Unless you're in a casual Indian setting, always use cutlery.
Avoid Strong-Smelling Food in Public: It can be seen as inconsiderate in confined spaces.
Public Transport and Behavior
Dos
Validate Tickets: Always buy and validate your transport ticket—spot checks are frequent.
Use Low Voices: Maintain silence or speak softly on trains, buses, and trams.
Respect Pedestrian Rules: Cross only at designated crossings; vehicles will stop for you.
Be Clean and Courteous: Dispose of garbage properly and offer seats to those in need.
Don’ts
No Eating Without Checking: Eating on public transport may be discouraged check signs.
Don’t Use Speakerphones or Loud Music: Always use headphones at low volume.
Integration and Living Tips
Dos
Learn Local Language Basics: Whether German, French, or Italian locals appreciate your effort.
Join Local Clubs: Community groups (Vereins) help in making Swiss and international friends.
Celebrate Indian Culture Respectfully: Enjoy festivals, wear traditional clothes, but respect noise rules and public space decorum.
Don’ts
Don’t Assume English is Enough: While widely spoken, especially in cities, locals prefer their regional languages.
Avoid Isolating in Indian Circles Only: Engage with the broader community for richer experiences.
Quick Reference Table
Switzerland offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, civic structure, and cultural richness. For Indians, embracing Swiss customs doesn’t mean letting go of one’s identity, it means respectfully merging the best of both worlds. By understanding what is valued in Swiss society punctuality, privacy, respect for rules, and thoughtful interactions you not only avoid faux pas but also build meaningful relationships and enrich your stay.This guide is designed to help Indians navigate the Swiss way of life socially, professionally, and in public spaces by outlining essential dos and don’ts that reflect Swiss values and norms.
