Customs and Etiquette in Switzerland
                                                Meeting and Greeting

• Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business or social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
• Handshakes are firm with eye contact.
• Allow the hosts to introduce you at parties.
• Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Swiss hosts or colleagues to use their first names. Academic and professional titles are used frequently.
• First names are reserved for very close friends and family.
• Poor posture is frowned upon. Do not stretch or slouch in public.
• Do not point your index finger to your head. This is an insult.
• Be punctual.
• Show great respect for elderly.
• Don’t litter (you will be scolded publicly).
• Don’t chew gum or clean your fingernails in public.
• Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets while talking with people.
• Never put your feet on a desk, chair or table.

Cultural History

With the reputation of calming tranquility and power status as a country, Switzerland is an ideal travel location no matter the season. Most come here however, for the winter atmosphere and skiing lodges nestled in the Alps. And let's not forget the decadent chocolate from master chocolatiers. Even though Switzerland is not apart of the EU, they offer 90 day travel visa free passes to countries that are. As a travel measure however, it is required that you carry your passport on you at all times to verify identity. 
 Widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, Switzerland’s geographic position doesn’t put it at risk of terror attacks and its high standard of living means crime is low. Risks come from its winter sports mostly, but safety on the slopes will prevent injury and fatality, which is why getting travel insurance is highly recommended.
Find an activity that fits you:

• Explore Bern and its 12th century architecture.
• Interlaken's skydiving and thrill seeking activities
• Visit Rhine Falls - Europe's larges waterfall
• Zurich and its many shops, restaurants, and mountain backdrops.

There is plenty to see in Switzerland! As a country with a fascinating mix of languages, Swiss individuals predominantly speak French, German and Italian. It is also one of few countries that in some parts still use Latin as a functional language! English is spoken in parts and in most ski resorts but this is by no means a guarantee. 
When traveling about, public transportation is the best and everyone swears by the train system. Most likely the stop you are going to is on route. But like any trip, it is up to you to make it your own. Find what appeals to you, and be open to new experiences.   

                              Customs and Etiquette in Croatia
                                                     Dining Etiquette

• In the German parts of Switzerland, beckon a waiter by saying Herr Ober, and a waitress by saying Fräulein. It is considered rude to wave your hand.
• Business luncheons are more common than business breakfasts.
• Business entertainment is almost always done in a restaurant.
• Spouses are generally included in business dinners.
• The host proposes the first toast. Don't drink until after the toast is proposed.
• Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal -- not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table.
• Cut potatoes, soft foods and salads with a fork, not a knife.
• Use eating utensils at all times, including to eat fruit.
• Break bread with your hands if possible. Do not use a knife.
• If salt and pepper are not on the table, don't ask for them.
• Don't smoke at the dinner table. Wait, watch and ask permission before smoking.
• Sample everything offered to you. Try to finish everything on your plate when dining in someone's home. It is impolite to leave food on your plate.
• When you are finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position.
• Leave a party no later than midnight.
• It is considered impolite to ask for a tour of your hosts' home. If your hosts want to give a tour of their home, they will offer.

Food and Dining

One aspect people like to keep in mind while traveling is food. What is there to eat? How 'authentic' are we talking? Well like most European countries, Switzerland has a cuisine crafted for that area. The food is based on region, though it is enjoyed by many locals all over. Some local favorites include, but are not limited too:

• Rösti - Who doesn’t love fried potatoes that are crisp and golden and delicious? One of Switzerland’s iconic national dishes, you can enjoy these beauties any time of day anywhere, alone or commonly eaten with salty bacon, fried egg, and melted raclette cheese.
• Switzerland Fondue - You can’t get more Swiss than dipping some bread in a ceramic fondue pot filled with melted cheese after a day in the mountains. Pair yours with white wine and end with a schnapps or warm tea for the ultimate winter meal.
• Raclette - Yes, it’s melted cheese again, but this time served with gschwellti (jacket potatoes), gherkins, onions, and pickled fruit! Do as the locals do and gather around wood-burning fires waiting for this delicious cheese to melt.
• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes - A recipe local to the German-speaking region of Zürich, this popular dish makes a hearty and belly-warming lunch. Made of Zurich-style diced veal, calves’ kidneys and sweetbreads sautéed in a gravy of onions, butter, white wine, cream, and mushrooms, this needs to be on your list of must-tries while in Switzerland.

And lets not forget the Chocolate! Good anytime of the day.