Currency and Money

Swiss Francs Unpacked

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF) as its official currency. The country is not part of the European Union. Euros are not legal tender. Most prices in shops, restaurants, and public transport are shown in CHF. Some places, especially near borders or in tourist areas, display prices in both CHF and euros. Euro payments are accepted in many large stores, hotels, and train stations. Change is always given in Swiss francs. Small shops, kiosks, and rural businesses usually accept only CHF.

Swiss franc coins:

• 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes (Rappen)
• 1, 2, 5 francs

Swiss franc banknotes:

• 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1,000 francs

CHF notes feature Swiss cultural figures and security elements. The symbol for the franc is Fr. or CHF. ATMs dispense CHF only. Currency exchange is available at banks, SBB railway stations, and airports. Always check if prices are in CHF or euros before paying. Card payments are widely accepted, but cash is still common for small purchases.

Paying Like a Local

Cash is widely used in Switzerland. Many Swiss pay for coffee, bread, or market goods with coins or small notes.

• Swiss francs (CHF) are accepted everywhere.
• Euros are sometimes accepted in cities, but change is always given in CHF.
• Small shops, bakeries, and rural kiosks often prefer cash. Some do not take cards.
• ATMs are common in towns, stations, and airports. Withdrawals are in CHF.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and American Express work in most shops, hotels, and restaurants.
• Some small businesses may accept only Swiss-issued cards.
• Always check for card logos at entrances or ask before paying.
• Minimum purchase amounts for card use are common (often CHF 10–20).

Contactless and mobile payments are popular.

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted in most urban areas.
• Twint is the leading Swiss mobile payment app; some places accept only Twint for cashless payments.

Cash is still needed:

• Public toilets (CHF 1–2 coins), mountain huts, village markets, and rural buses often require cash.

Changing Money Made Easy

Swiss francs (CHF) are the only legal tender in Switzerland. Currency exchange is straightforward.

• Banks offer currency exchange during business hours (typically 9:00–17:00, weekdays).
• SBB railway stations have about 115 SBB Travel Centres. These are open daily, often from early morning until late evening. Zurich and Geneva airports have SBB counters.
• Exchange offices are found in city centres, airports, and major train stations. They display rates clearly.
• Major hotels may exchange small amounts, but rates are less favourable.
• ATMs (Bancomat) are widespread, including in rural areas. Most accept foreign cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus). Withdrawals in CHF only.
• ATM fees vary by your home bank. Swiss ATMs rarely charge extra, but your card issuer may.
• Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels for the best rates. SBB Travel Centres and city banks usually offer better value.
• Exchanging large sums in advance is unnecessary. ATMs and exchange offices are widely available.
• Always check the final amount and fees before confirming any exchange.

Tax-Free Shopping Secrets

Foreign visitors can claim a VAT refund in Switzerland. The minimum purchase is CHF 300 per store, per day. Goods must leave Switzerland within 30 days of purchase.

• Ask the shop for a tax-free form at checkout. Shops must be registered for tax-free shopping.
• Show your passport when requesting the paperwork.
• At the border or airport, present the goods, receipts, and completed forms to Swiss customs.
• Customs will stamp your documents if all conditions are met.
• Refunds are processed at refund counters in airports or border crossings. Some services offer cash refunds; others use credit card transfers.
• The Federal Tax Administration (FTA) oversees the process.

Keep all receipts and forms until you receive your refund. Only non-residents are eligible for Swiss VAT refunds.

Money-Smart Travel Tips

Withdraw cash at SBB railway stations, airports, and major banks. SBB Travel Centres are open daily, including Sundays.

• ATMs (Bancomat) are common in cities and towns. Most charge CHF 2–5 per withdrawal for foreign cards.
• Avoid airport exchange counters for the best rates. Use banks or SBB offices instead.
• Many shops and restaurants accept cards, but small kiosks, markets, and public toilets may require coins.
• Carry CHF 5, 10, and 20 notes, plus coins for trams, buses, and restrooms (CHF 1–2 typical fee).
• On Sundays, most banks and shops close. SBB stations and airport services remain open for currency exchange.
• Euros are accepted in some places, but change is always given in francs. Rates are less favorable than official exchange.
• Store cash and cards separately. Use hotel safes for large amounts.
• Contactless payment (Twint, Apple Pay) is accepted in many urban areas, but not universal in rural regions.
• Always check card fees with your bank before travel. Some Swiss ATMs offer multi-language instructions.