Nestled between so many larger neighbors, Switzerland is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Switzerland is renowned for stunning vistas, indulgent chocolate, and its unshakeable neutrality. Lesser known are the customs and habits of the more reserved and polite Swiss people.
With its many unspoken social rules, expats moving to Switzerland should be prepared to make some innocent faux pas as they adjust to life in Switzerland. Switzerland is truly a melting pot of various cultures, with four official languages. Religious freedom is a constitutionally guaranteed right and most Swiss people practice Christianity. Social etiquette in Switzerland places a high premium on being tolerant and neutral in all aspects of society.
Swiss people tend to frown upon excessive spending or flashy items, so it can be hard to distinguish which, if any, of your neighbors is a millionaire. That said, Switzerland is home to many immigrants and there is some room for improvement on the part of the Swiss government.
Non-European immigrants, in particular, face significant challenges when it comes to becoming citizens and seeking protection from discrimination. Like much of western Europe, Switzerland claims to value gender equality. In practice, though, things are a little more complicated. While Switzerland is at or near gender parity within health and education, women still earn less than men in both the public and private sectors. Although things are changing, men still heavily dominate fields such as banking, finance, and information technology.
In fact, because affordable child-care is hard to find, many families find it more economical for one parent, usually the mother, to stay at home with the kids. Expat women can expect to be treated respectfully and fairly. Depending on their field of work, however, they may have to contend with a mostly male work environment. Swiss people love their niceties and you should respect that. The Swiss consider this polite. Unsurprisingly, social etiquette in Switzerland expects punctuality, even at parties.
