Swiss Francs or Euros? Forums

Mainplus

Hi all

We are heading off across Europe in a couple of weeks time and will be staying in Switzerland for a while. The question is, do we need Swiss Francs or are Euros accepted everywhere in Switzerland?

If we do need Swiss Francs should we get them before we arrive in Switzerland (perhaps in Luxembourg?) or as soon as we arrive?

Can anyone recommend a good place to get them from, either on our way, or actually when we get to Switzerland, for a good rate of exchange?

We already have Euros that we purchased last year at a good rate, so if we do need to buy Swiss Francs we will use our Euros to buy them with.

Dave

Alfa_Scud

We're off there in the summer too. I stand to be corrected but I thought Swiss currency was still Francs.
I know the deposit I've paid for Camping Jungfrau has been processed in CHF through the card anyway - hope this helps a bit

bognormike · Moderator

You might find that Euros are accepted in some places like Basel or Geneva, but the mighty SF will reign elsewhere. If you don't need them immediately, get into the country first & use a debit card (Preferably Nationwide) to get cash from a bank machine. Much better rates than bureaux. Wink

SaddleTramp

Have done Switzerland a couple of times and generally use Euros in all places I have been to so far, when needing change you get it back in Swiss franc equivalent

Patchworkqueen

Hi We spent 4 weeks in Switzerland last year and used Swiss Francs. Some shops will accept Euros but I am not sure what they use as the exchange rate.
I will be going to Switzerland again this year and will be using Swiss Francs.
I found the best place to get them was from an ATM, in Switzerland, using my Nationwide Flex account card. This gives a better exchange rate than the tourist rate.
I only take enough money with me for my immediate needs whether in Euroland or Switzerland and use ATMs. ATMs are found at most large supermarkets as well as at banks in Switzerland.
Hope this helps
Chris

Boff

Hi,

at least in most hotels, restaurants, at many petrol stations, and (probably) also in the more posh boutiques Euros will be accepted. However, usually at quite lousy exchange rates.

Ordinary shops and supermarkets will probably only accept Swiss Francs, except maybe in areas close to the borders.

So best is to get some Swiss cash "from the wall", once you are there.

Best Regards,
Gerhard

bobandjane

They put the price in both. So if you get a better exchange rate for Swiss Francs I would get some as the Euro is poor at the moment.

Get your diesel in Luxembourg

Good Luck Bob.

blob1

Mainplus

Thanks everyone. The replies are really helpful.

With regards to using ATMs though. If you use a debit card in a foreign ATM doesn't it act as a Credit card?

I have a Nationwide Credit card but not a debit card. Will it not essentially cost me exactly the same?

If not I better get my skates on to sort something out.

Cheers

Dave

Mainplus

Thanks Bob

We had already decided that we would be "topping up" with fuel before leaving Luxembourg after seeing the fuel comparison table in March's MMM. Smile

Dave

bognormike · Moderator

If you use a credit card for drawing cash you will be charged the cash advance fee - very expensive! If your debit card has the cirrus / maestro sign, you should have no problem. Look for the sign on the machines.