Swiss Cultural Habits that Took Me a Long Time to Get Used To

Living in Switzerland for many years, I often find myself reminiscing about the things that make it so unique and, sometimes, challenging to adapt to. This article delves into various cultural habits in Switzerland that really took me a while to get accustomed to, from dining etiquette to transaction methods and beyond. Whether you're a frequent visitor or a long-time resident, understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your experience in the beautiful Swiss landscape.

Dining Etiquette in Switzerland

My first encounter with the Swiss dining culture was a bit of a shock. When I visit, I can never get used to the incredibly long wait times, exorbitant prices, and limited hours of operation at restaurants. In Switzerland, the concept of multiple courses with detailed menu options is both a luxury and a challenge. The average bill for a family of 5, depending on the quality of the establishment, can be anywhere between 150 to 300 Swiss Francs, which totals a lot of binge-eating at home! It's striking how Swiss people tend to dine out less frequently, perhaps due to these factors, but every weekend affords a luxury visit for my family. It teaches a valuable lesson in appreciating what you have and savoring quality.

Cash Transactions in Switzerland

A recurring frustration for me is the strict adherence to cash transactions in many places. While I'm not anti-cash, it's incredibly annoying when options such as Selecta "parking meters" and automatic car washes only accept exact change, often requiring the perfect amount of smaller denominations. This becomes a significant issue when trying to pay with a note greater than the required amount, as options like weekdays' automatic car washes only accept specific denominations. The number of places that exclusively accept credit cards, such as Maestro / V-Pay or Postcard, also adds to the inconvenience. Interestingly, during the holiday season, it's not uncommon to see locals handing out or accepting 100 CHF bills, which speaks volumes about their comfort with cash transactions. However, it's important to note that elderly individuals, who might be carrying large amounts of cash, can become targets for theft, and these incidents are frequently reported in the press.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Habits

The Swiss have a unique way of communicating, both verbally and non-verbally, which sometimes takes time to understand. One notable habit is the 'Stare.' It's common for older individuals to stare at passersby or even at you, which might seem like an invasion of privacy. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, it often helps to return the stare intensely or even make a playful comment like "Tu veux ma photo?" if they continue. Another interesting aspect is the use of undirected remarks, a passive-aggressive habit among many older ladies who will loudly complain to the wall about people right in front of them, adding phrases like "Some people are so selfish!" or "I’ll have seen everything!" These behaviors can be quite perplexing but are more common in social settings. Additionally, certain phrases in the French-speaking regions, like 'ouais' (an affirmation that also involves drawing in air), and casual whistling as expressions of surprise or admiration, can add a layer of uniqueness to the Swiss linguistic landscape.

Inhaling Air and Privacy in Men's Restrooms

In Switzerland, there's a cultural inclination towards drawing air (inhaling) during casual conversations, especially among French speakers. They might use the phrase "ouais" while drawing air to express their agreement or admiration. While a small gesture, it's a cultural peculiarity that visitors often find intriguing. Another cultural quirks I've observed is the lack of privacy in men's restrooms, particularly at train stations. While many facilities provide privacy, some do not, which means urinals without any separation screen. This has led to a mixture of surprise and amusement when witnessing a shared public restroom.

Smoking Habits in Switzerland

Contrary to popular belief, smoking is quite common among the younger generations in Switzerland, with a notable increase among 15-24 year olds compared to the 90s. In Switzerland, 29% of the population smokes, compared to 19% in the UK and 17% in the US. This is particularly interesting given that in countries with higher levels of education, there tends to be a inverse relationship between education and smoking rates. For example, in the United States, 5% of those with a Master's degree smoke, whereas in Switzerland, the correlation is less pronounced. This has led to a perceived challenge of balancing public health concerns with cultural practices.

Soldiers and Public Transportation

Russian roulette with soldiers would be a popular game if not for the compulsory enrollment in the Swiss military and the perk of free public transportation for soldiers. This means you often see many men in itsy-bitsy camp outfits with rifles in their hands, traversing various parts of the country. This dual purpose of soldiers making use of public transportation is a unique aspect of Swiss military culture and lifestyle.

Understanding and appreciating these cultural habits can make your experience in Switzerland more enriching. While some might seem odd or inconvenient, they are integral to the Swiss way of life and form a part of the rich tapestry that makes the country unique.