When to shake hands in Switzerland

When to shake hands in Switzerland

Shaking hands in Switzerland is common: children learn it at school and it seems to be a regular feature of everyday life. But when is holding out your hand too much and when would it be a faux pas not to? What are the alternatives when you can't shake hands, for example during the Coronavirus outbreak? We'll run you through the hand-shaking dos and don'ts of Swiss culture!

Notes on this episode of Swiss and Chips: your British Guide to Switzerland

  • What to do if you don’t know whether to shake hands or not?
  • Hand shake or kiss on the cheek?
  • When shaking hands is a must
  • An optional hand-shaking moment
  • When to avoid shaking hands
  • 'Der Schweizer Knigge', a well-known guide to Swiss etiquette (book in German)

Need another helping of Swiss and Chips? Here's where else you can find our podcast!