The land of stunning mountains, delicious chocolates, Emmental cheese and impeccable timing is a top destination for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Luxury comes at a price, so stock up on the francs before you arrive!
A bar of authentic Swiss chocolate
2.5 CHF 
A cup of fresh coffee
4.7 CHF
A cheese fondue for two in a restaurant
32 CHF
A day-pass for all zones on the Zurich metro
33.6 CHF
A day tour around the beautiful Mount Titlis
156 CHF
Due to not being a member of the European Union, the Swiss have held tightly onto their francs. Whilst there are four official languages in Switzerland (German, French, Italian and Romansh) only Latin is used for the inscriptions on the coins.
You will find a 15% service charge added to your bill in hotels, bars and restaurants – this is a legal requirement. Other than that, tipping is not expected, but if you have found the service really exceptional you can always round the bill up!
There are 100 cents in a franc, while the most commonly used banknotes are for 10 (yellow), 20 (red), 50 (green), 100 (blue) and 1,000 (purple) francs. All four languages are used on each note.
In Switzerland, the majority of payments are made in cash, even for large amounts, so make sure you have plenty of each note to settle bills of all sizes. Not all establishments will accept a credit card.
Free next-day home delivery on orders over 500 GBP
Another great option for spending in Swiss franc is our Travelex Money Card.
Getting the best rates for Swiss Franc dollars can be tricky. Fluctuations in the Swiss Franc are often linked to its safe-haven status in uncertain times. Monitor our rate tracker as you prepare for the serene Swiss environment.
You can purchase your Swiss franc from us via credit or debit card. No handling fees are charged on your credit card when you buy Swiss francs from us. It's advisable to check with your card provider for any additional fees.
The Swiss franc is used in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Yes! We can buy back your unused Swiss franc notes at any one of our UK retail stores at the original transaction exchange rate up to a maximum value of £250, for just a fee of £4.99. Learn more about our Buy Back Promise. T&Cs apply.
Card use in Switzerland is common, but using your card for CHF transactions might come with additional bank fees. See how the Travelex Money Card can help you spend abroad.
Cash is still frequently used in Switzerland. We recommend carrying Swiss francs as cash for small spends alongside the Travelex Money Card for larger expenses.
A budget
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