How important is it to obtain Swiss Francs before arriving in Switzerland?

3/30/2012 8:33:20 AM

ATM’s in Switzerland are really really widespread. You won’t have any problems to find one. Each village has at least one or two, even in very remote areas. In cities you don’t have to walk more than a few hundred meters to find one.

Additionally, it is possible to pay with your credit, maestro, visa or almost every other card almost in every store. Even if you only buy small items for 1 franks or so, it is most often possible to buy with a card. In restaurants this is a little bit different. There the minimum value is around 20 franks most time.

In every major city, in every tourist village and in really every big store you can also pay with Euro in cash. However this is not recommended because the exchange rate then is very bad. But in a case of emergency this can be an option. However, be aware that you’re exchange money will be in Swiss franks.

You can also change Euros to Swiss Franks in every Post office. But be aware, post office also keep a huge fee when exchanging money.

So in general the best option is either to buy with card or just withdraw cash from an ATM.

3/30/2012 6:07:17 AM

I usually stop at the first ATM in a new country and draw some money. Which is never a problem (at least in Europe), when you arrive at airports or train stations.

Only if I know I will need cash, before there’s a chance to find an ATM (e.g. road toll, when entering the country by car) I change some money in advance.

3/30/2012 1:11:26 AM

From Wikitravel:

Switzerland is not part of the European Union and the currency is the
Swiss franc (or Franken or franco, depending in which language area
you are), divided into 100 centimes, Rappen or centesimi. However,
many places – such as supermarkets, restaurants, sightseeings’ box
offices, hotels and the railways or ticket machines – accept Euro and
will give you change in Swiss Francs or in Euro if they have it in
cash. A check or a price-label contain prices both in francs and in
Euro. Usually in such cases the exchange-rate comply with official
exchange-rate, but if it differs you will be notified in advance.
Changing some money to Swiss Francs (CHF) is essential. Money can be exchanged at all train stations and most banks throughout the
country.

Switzerland is more cash-oriented than most other European countries. It is not unusual to see bills being paid by cash, even
Fr 200 and Fr 1000 notes. Some establishments (but fewer than before)
do not accept credit cards so check first. When doing credit card
payments, carefully review the information printed on the receipt
(details on this can be found in the “Stay Safe” section below). All
ATMs accept foreign cards, getting cash should not be a problem.

As they mention, there are ATMs everywhere, which is what I did when I went – I simply drew cash on arrival. I do this in all my travels – it’s convenient, and only ‘failed’ in Buenos Aires where one of the airport ATMs was down, and in Uzbekistan (Khiva) where only one bank in town could let you draw money from my card type, and there were no ATMs.

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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