🇨🇭 Switzerland · CHF
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro, even though it's surrounded by eurozone countries, so don't assume euros are the default. It's one of the most expensive countries in the world, and while cards are accepted almost everywhere, having some francs on hand is still useful.
The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF), divided into 100 rappen (centimes), and is distinct from the euro. Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1000 francs, with coins from 5 centimes up to 5 francs. Some places near the border accept euros, but they give change in francs and often at an unfavorable rate.
Switzerland is very card-friendly, with contactless accepted in shops, restaurants, trains and even many vending machines. Cash is still handy for small purchases, mountain huts, some markets, and tipping by rounding up. Most travelers can rely mainly on cards while keeping a modest amount of francs for incidentals.
Paying in Swiss francs by card usually gives a competitive rate, and city exchange offices and banks offer reasonable cash rates. If you're offered the choice to pay in your home currency, always choose francs to avoid a poor conversion markup. Avoid exchanging at hotels, where the spread is widest.
Airport and main-station exchange counters are convenient but charge tourist-level margins. Change only a small amount if you need immediate cash, and use a bank ATM for better value. Given how card-friendly Switzerland is, many visitors skip exchanging cash altogether.
ATMs are widely available, reliable and secure, and dispense Swiss francs. As always, decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in francs rather than your home currency. Be mindful of your home bank's foreign-transaction and withdrawal fees, and withdraw enough to avoid repeated charges.
Service is included by law in Swiss prices, so tipping is not obligatory. It's customary simply to round up the bill or add a small amount (a few francs) for good service in restaurants, taxis and bars. There's no expectation of a percentage-based tip.
The main pitfall is paying in euros near borders or letting a terminal charge you in your home currency, both of which cost you via poor conversion, so always pay in francs. Switzerland is very expensive overall, so budget accordingly for food, drinks and transport. Outright scams are rare, but watch for overpriced tourist-zone exchange counters.
You can get by with modest cash since cards work almost everywhere, but keep some francs for mountain huts, small vendors and rounding up tips. Withdraw francs from an ATM as needed rather than exchanging large sums in advance. Remember Switzerland's high prices when estimating your daily cash needs.
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