Currency & Exchange Rates

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Understanding Swiss Currency and Money Matters

Switzerland has its own currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is distinct from the Euro used by many of its neighboring countries. This guide will help you understand currency matters for your Swiss trip, from exchange rates and payment methods to budgeting tips that will help you make the most of your Swiss Travel Pass.

Currency Quick Facts

Swiss Franc (CHF)

The official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein

International code: CHF

Symbol: Fr. or SFr.

Colloquially called "Franken" in German, "Franc" in French and Italian

Denominations

Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes (Rappen/centimes/centesimi); 1, 2, 5 francs

Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1000 francs

The 1000 franc note (worth approximately USD 1,100) is one of the highest-value banknotes in the world

Stability

The Swiss Franc is considered one of the world's most stable currencies

Often serves as a "safe haven" currency during global economic uncertainty

Historically maintains its value better than many other currencies

Currency Converter

Convert between Swiss Francs and other major currencies:

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Note: Rates shown are approximate. For current rates, please use an online converter or check with your bank.

Exchange rates last updated: April 8, 2025

Currency Exchange Options

Before You Travel

Your Home Bank: Many banks offer foreign currency exchange services. While convenient, rates may not be the most favorable, and advance notice may be required for Swiss Francs.

Currency Exchange Services: Companies like Travelex often offer better rates than banks, especially if ordered online in advance.

Recommendation: Exchange enough for your first day or two in Switzerland (transportation from the airport, meals, etc.) — around 100-200 CHF per person.

At Swiss Airports

Exchange Counters: Available at all major Swiss airports (Zurich, Geneva, Basel). Convenient but typically offer less favorable rates.

ATMs: Available throughout Swiss airports and generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters.

Recommendation: If you haven't exchanged money before arrival, using an ATM at the airport is usually more economical than exchange counters.

In Switzerland

ATMs (Bancomat/Postomat): Widely available throughout Switzerland and typically offer the best exchange rates. Most accept international debit and credit cards.

Banks: All major Swiss banks offer currency exchange services, but may charge non-customer fees.

Exchange Offices: Found in major cities and tourist areas. Rates vary significantly; compare rates before exchanging.

SBB Railway Stations: Many larger train stations have exchange offices, offering convenient service but not always the best rates.

Recommendation: ATMs generally provide the best combination of convenience and favorable rates.

Payment Methods in Switzerland

Cash

Acceptance: Universally accepted throughout Switzerland.

When to use: Small purchases, mountain huts, farmers' markets, rural areas, some small restaurants.

Tips:

  • Carry some cash for small purchases and remote locations
  • Large bills (200 or 1000 CHF) might not be accepted in small establishments
  • Switzerland is safe, but normal precautions with cash apply

Credit & Debit Cards

Acceptance: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and most tourist attractions.

Popular cards: Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. American Express and Discover have more limited acceptance.

Tips:

  • Inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent cards being blocked
  • Check foreign transaction fees with your card issuer before traveling
  • When paying by card and given the option, always choose to pay in Swiss Francs (CHF) rather than your home currency to avoid poor exchange rates
  • Chip-and-PIN technology is standard in Switzerland

Mobile Payments

Acceptance: Growing rapidly in Switzerland, especially in urban areas and larger establishments.

Available systems: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, TWINT (Swiss mobile payment app)

Tips:

  • Set up your preferred mobile payment system before traveling
  • TWINT is the most popular Swiss mobile payment app, but requires a Swiss bank account
  • NFC (contactless) payment is widely available

Euro Acceptance

Acceptance: Euros are accepted in some tourist areas and border regions, but not universally.

Exchange rate: When paying in Euros, you'll typically receive change in Swiss Francs at a less favorable exchange rate.

Recommendation: Use Swiss Francs for all transactions unless in a border area or at major international transport hubs.

Using ATMs in Switzerland

ATMs (known as "Bancomat" in German-speaking regions and "Postomat" for those operated by Swiss Post) are the most convenient and cost-effective way to obtain Swiss Francs during your trip.

Tips for Using Swiss ATMs:

  • Availability: ATMs are abundant in cities, towns, and even small villages. They can be found at banks, shopping centers, train stations, and many retail locations.
  • Bank Networks: Major Swiss banks include UBS, Credit Suisse, Raiffeisen, and PostFinance (Swiss Post). All offer ATMs that accept international cards.
  • Languages: ATMs typically offer multiple language options, including English, German, French, Italian, and sometimes Spanish.
  • Withdrawal Limits: Daily limits are typically 1000-2000 CHF, but your home bank may impose lower limits.
  • Fees: Swiss banks generally don't charge ATM fees to foreign cards, but your home bank might charge foreign ATM usage fees.
  • Dynamic Currency Conversion: Always choose to be charged in Swiss Francs (CHF) rather than your home currency when prompted. This avoids costly conversion rates.

Cost of Living & Typical Expenses

Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, which is reflected in prices for travelers. Here are some typical costs to help you budget for your trip (approximate prices in CHF):

Food & Dining

  • Coffee: 4-6 CHF
  • Fast food meal: 15-20 CHF
  • Mid-range restaurant lunch: 25-35 CHF
  • Mid-range restaurant dinner: 30-50 CHF per person (without alcohol)
  • High-end restaurant meal: 80-150+ CHF per person
  • Beer (0.5L): 6-9 CHF
  • Glass of wine: 6-12 CHF
  • Bottle of water (restaurant): 4-7 CHF
  • Bottle of water (supermarket): 1-3 CHF
  • Groceries for self-catering (per day): 15-30 CHF per person

Transportation (without Swiss Travel Pass)

  • One-way train ticket (e.g., Zurich to Bern): 50-90 CHF
  • One-way train ticket (e.g., Zurich to Lucerne): 25-45 CHF
  • Local public transport day pass (major city): 8-15 CHF
  • Taxi start fare: 6-8 CHF
  • Taxi (per km): 3-4 CHF
  • Mountain cable car/cogwheel train (round trip): 50-120 CHF

Accommodation (per night)

  • Hostel (dormitory): 40-80 CHF
  • Budget hotel: 100-180 CHF
  • Mid-range hotel: 180-350 CHF
  • Luxury hotel: 350-1000+ CHF

Activities & Attractions

  • Museum entrance fee: 10-25 CHF (many free with Swiss Travel Pass)
  • Scenic train journeys (e.g., Glacier Express): 150-300 CHF (reservation fees still apply with Swiss Travel Pass)
  • Mountain excursion (e.g., Jungfraujoch): 150-250 CHF (discounted with Swiss Travel Pass)
  • Lake cruise: 30-70 CHF (free with Swiss Travel Pass)

Other Expenses

  • SIM card with data (for 1 week): 20-40 CHF
  • Laundry (at laundromat): 5-10 CHF per load
  • Toilets in public places: 1-2 CHF (many are free, especially in restaurants, shopping centers, and train stations)
  • Souvenirs: Swiss chocolate (10-20 CHF), Swiss Army knife (30-100+ CHF), Swiss watch (100-10,000+ CHF)

Money-Saving Tips

While Switzerland is expensive, there are ways to manage costs without compromising your experience:

Maximize Your Swiss Travel Pass

  • Plan travel-intensive days to make the most of unlimited transportation
  • Visit the free museums included with your pass
  • Take advantage of discounted mountain excursions
  • Use the included boat trips on Swiss lakes

Food & Dining

  • Shop at supermarkets (Migros, Coop, Denner, Aldi, Lidl) for picnic supplies and snacks
  • Try the affordable self-service restaurants in department stores (Migros, Coop, Manor)
  • Take advantage of lunch menus ("Tagesteller" or "plat du jour"), which are significantly cheaper than dinner
  • Drink tap water (it's excellent in Switzerland) rather than bottled water in restaurants
  • Consider accommodations with kitchen facilities for self-catering

Accommodation

  • Stay in smaller towns rather than major cities
  • Consider Swiss hostels, which are of high quality compared to many other countries
  • Book accommodations with free breakfast
  • Check if your accommodation offers free local transport cards (many do)

Activities

  • Focus on hiking and outdoor activities, which are free
  • Look for free city walking tours
  • Check local tourist offices for free or discounted events
  • If visiting multiple mountains, prioritize those with the best Swiss Travel Pass benefits

Tipping Customs in Switzerland

Unlike many other countries, tipping is not a significant part of Swiss culture because service charges are included by law in all prices:

Restaurants

Service is already included in the bill. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. Common practice is to round up the bill or add 5-10% for exceptional service.

Example: For a bill of 92 CHF, you might leave 100 CHF.

Credit card tipping: If paying by card, tell the server the total amount you want to pay (including tip) before they process your card.

Taxis

As with restaurants, service is included. It's common to round up to the nearest franc or add up to 5% for good service.

Example: For a fare of 23.50 CHF, you might pay 25 CHF.

Hotels

  • Porters: 1-2 CHF per bag is appreciated
  • Housekeeping: 2-5 CHF per day for longer stays
  • Room service: No additional tip necessary
  • Concierge: 5-20 CHF for special services (dinner reservations, tickets, etc.)

Tour Guides

For half-day or full-day tours, 5-10% of the tour price is appreciated for good service.

VAT Tax Refund Information

Switzerland has a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 8.1% on most goods. As a visitor from outside Switzerland, you may be eligible to claim a refund on purchases:

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be a resident of a country outside Switzerland and the European Union
  • Your purchase must be for personal use and exported in unused condition
  • The minimum purchase amount is typically CHF 300 at a single store on the same day
  • You must export the goods within 30 days of purchase

How to Claim Your Refund:

  1. At the store: Ask for a Tax-Free Form (typically the "Global Blue" or "Premier Tax Free" form)
  2. Before leaving Switzerland: At your departure point (airport or land border), present:
    • The completed Tax-Free Form
    • Your receipt
    • Your passport
    • The purchased goods (accessible for inspection)
  3. Get your form stamped: Find the Customs desk before check-in (for airports) or at the border crossing
  4. Claim your refund: Either at the refund counter in the airport/border or by mailing the stamped form to the address provided

Note: The refund typically ranges from 6.5-7.5% of the purchase price (not the full 8.1% VAT, as the refund company takes a commission).

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