Removals to Switzerland: Customs and Etiquette in Switzerland

Removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland is efficient and hassle free with Hamiltons at the helm. UK based Hamiltons have 20 years’ experience in international removals, including removals to Switzerland, and we are regularly praised for our first class service. 

Our removals to Switzerland is tailored to your individual requirements and our team of experts will make sure everything runs smoothly. We provide removals and shipping to Switzerland and most other European and world wide destinations at very competitive prices; just contact us for a free quotation.

To find out how we can offer you high standards of excellence for domestic or commercial removals to Switzerland, contact us now. We also provide road transport removals and shipping to most European and global destinations in full or part load 20 ft or 40 ft containers.

Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.

If you do require removals to Switzerland, you will want to find out more about the country’s customs and etiquette to help you settle and adjust to your new life-style abroad. Here are some top tips.

Swiss Etiquette for Expats

Settling In

One of the first steps to moving to a new country is learning the language of the canton you are moving to. Although English is widely spoken and many Swiss are fluent in the language, they will always appreciate it if you make some attempt at their mother tongue, even if they answer back to you in English. If you are not confident in the language, at least learn basic phrases such as greetings, please and thank you.

When you are introduced to someone in the French or German speaking part it would be usual to kiss each other on the cheek (three kisses left - right - left). In business, a handshake would suffice. You should give good eye contact during the handshake.

Make sure you give your business card out to everyone present in a business meeting and to the receptionist at the desk beforehand.  

Work and Business

Be punctual both in and out of work, as being late is looked down upon. Be on time for all your appointments and start work promptly at 7 am. If it is likely you will be late for any reason, ring ahead first and explain.

Always use surnames and titles when you are addressing people and not first names unless you are asked to do this. First name terms are usually only used among close friends and family.

It is important to maintain a clean and tidy appearance at all times, especially in the workplace.  A suit and tie is fine for men and either a suit or a dress would be acceptable attire for women.

Always maintain good posture when you are talking to people in any business or social situation. It is also advisable to avoid putting your hands in your pockets when you are having a conversation.

You should never call a business client at home unless it is really vital.

Daily Life – Home

The Swiss are very reserved and tend to keep themselves to themselves, so they are unlikely to invite you over to diner straight away. Sometimes, expats find it difficult to integrate as a result and stick to their own communities; however, if you do learn the language, it is far easier to make new friends.

If you are invited to someone’s home, leave before midnight and send your host a gift, either before the party or the next day, along with a thank you note. A gift of flowers is fine to give for this.

There are other top tips on daily home life. Wherever you live in Switzerland, the Swiss are respectful of each other and it is not acceptable to make noise after 10 pm.

And, in regards to parking, even if it is just for a short time, do not park in other people’s parking spaces, as the police are likely to be called out.

Daily Life – Public

If eating out at a restaurant, don’t put your hands on your lap, but on the table; although, don’t put your elbows on the table.

If you walk across a road at a red light, you can expect an instant fine. There is an organised system of traffic rules and regulations including that drivers should stop at pedestrian crossings to let walkers cross. 

Just as in Britain, littering it is frowned upon in Switzerland and you should put your litter in the appropriately labelled bin for recycling. Sometimes there are set times to do this and the reason is to avoid noise.

For this reason, don’t speak loudly in public, as this is not considered acceptable.

The Swiss law makes it a civic duty to help someone in need. Do be aware that if you refuse to help someone in an emergency situation, there is a law against this and you can be punished for it. Also, make sure that you are always courteous and respectful to the elderly.

If you require removals to Switzerland and shipping to Switzerland from the UK or any other country, contact the experts at Hamiltons via email or telephone and we will be happy to help.

Removals to Switzerland – click here to read more about our removals to Switzerland service.