Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe and, although it is surrounded by the eurozone, it keeps its own currency: the Swiss franc (CHF). To travel with peace of mind, it is best to set off with cash exchanged before departure and avoid nasty rate surprises once you are there.
The Swiss franc, a currency apart in the heart of the eurozone
Surrounded by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland has never adopted the euro and is not part of the European Union. Its official currency is the Swiss franc, whose international code is CHF and whose common abbreviation is "Fr." or "SFr." There you will find coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes as well as 1, 2 and 5 francs, and banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1000 francs. The 1000-franc note, rare elsewhere in Europe, remains in circulation: do not be surprised to see it mentioned.
The Swiss franc is renowned for its stability and its status as a safe-haven currency. Its rate against the euro changes every day according to the markets: to plan your budget with peace of mind, check the euro / Swiss franc rate of the day before you leave.
The euro is sometimes accepted… but to your disadvantage
In tourist areas (Geneva, Lausanne, Zermatt, some train stations and department stores), many shopkeepers accept the euro. It is convenient, but rarely worthwhile: the conversion rate applied at the till is set freely by the merchant and is almost always unfavourable. Worse still, your change is generally given back to you in Swiss francs, at a poor rate. Paying in euros for an item priced in francs often means losing a few percent without realising it.
The rule is simple: in Switzerland, you think and pay in Swiss francs. Having cash in the local currency lets you compare real prices, pay without extra cost and feel comfortable everywhere, including in small mountain shops or villages that only accept the CHF.
An expensive country: plan your budget ahead
Switzerland has a high cost of living: a meal, a coffee, transport or a hotel night cost noticeably more than in France. This reality makes controlling your exchange rate all the more important. A few percent lost on each transaction or each payment in euros can quickly add up on an already costly trip.
- Exchange before you leave: you know the rate in advance and you avoid airport and station bureaux, often the most expensive.
- Plan for cash for tips, markets, cable cars and rural shops.
- Watch out for card payments: refuse the "conversion to euros" offered by some terminals (DCC), which applies an inflated rate. Always pay in CHF.
Cards, ATMs and tipping on site
Bank cards are very widespread in Switzerland, including contactless and mobile payment. But ATM withdrawal fees (the machines are called "Bancomat") and your bank's commissions on foreign-currency payments can add up. For small everyday expenses, cash often remains the cheapest and simplest option.
As for tipping, Swiss culture is relaxed: service is included in the bill. It is customary to round up or leave a few francs for service you appreciated, with no obligation or expected percentage. So there is no need to set aside a large tipping budget, but having a few CHF coins is always handy.
How much cash to take and the customs rule
Adjust the amount to the length and style of your stay: a weekend in Geneva, a week of skiing in Verbier or a hike in the Grisons do not call for the same cash budget. Keep in mind a very real customs rule: when entering or leaving the European Union with €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in foreign currencies), a customs declaration is mandatory. As Switzerland is not in the EU and applies its own declaration thresholds, check with customs if you are carrying significant amounts.
Exchanging your euros for Swiss francs in Paris, commission-free
At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you exchange your euros for Swiss francs commission-free, with a clear over-the-counter rate announced before the transaction. We offer more than 53 currencies and an online booking service: you lock in your amount, then come and collect your francs in store. Our single branch is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, accessible by the Saint-Michel metro (line 4) and the RER B and C (Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame). We are open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., which is rare in Paris and very handy for preparing a last-minute departure.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in euros everywhere in Switzerland?
No. The euro is accepted in many tourist spots, but not everywhere, and always at a rate set by the merchant, often unfavourable. Your change is generally given back to you in Swiss francs. It is better to have CHF to pay the right price.
Is it better to exchange in France or in Switzerland?
Exchanging in France, before departure, lets you know the rate in advance and avoid airport and station bureaux known to be expensive. You arrive with cash ready to use, without stress and without nasty surprises.
Are Swiss francs easily exchanged back into euros on return?
Yes. Swiss franc banknotes are reconverted into euros without difficulty. However, remember to spend or exchange your coins before returning, as coins are generally not accepted for exchange.
Heading to Switzerland soon? Check the rate of the day, book your amount online and come and collect your Swiss francs commission-free at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel in Paris, 7 days a week.
