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Switzerland Switzerland Currency Guide

The currency of Switzerland and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Swiss Franc

CHF

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Switzerland before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Switzerland

Bern

Bern is Switzerland's de facto capital, the federal city, and the fifth largest by population. Its compact size makes for a calm, pleasant stroll around town.

Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland's second-largest city, sits where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva and hosts the United Nations Office at Geneva along with many other international organizations. You can trace the footsteps of reformer John Calvin while soaking in the atmosphere of this international city.

Basel

It is a city in northwestern Switzerland, renowned as an art destination for its many art galleries and design museums clustered throughout. Crossing the bridge where the borders of three countries meet adds to the fun.

Lausanne

It is the capital of the canton of Vaud on Lake Geneva, in French-speaking Switzerland, and preserves a rich history dating back to Roman times. As a cultural hub known for hosting international conferences, the city exudes the charm of a world-class tourist destination at every turn.

Lugano

It is a city in the canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, with a metropolitan population of over 150,000. Ranked as Switzerland's ninth-largest city, it's a pleasant place to explore at a relaxed pace.