What is the currency in Switzerland? 

If you're dreaming of chocolate, box villages, snow, dusted mountains and fondue pots large enough to swim in, Switzerland is probably high on your travel list. But before you’re whisked away by the Alpine charm, there’s a rather important question every traveller needs answered: What is the currency in Switzerland? After all, even the cosiest ski lodge or sleekest Zurich café won’t let you pay with enthusiasm alone - trust me, I’ve tried. 

In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about Swiss money: what it's called, how it works, its surprisingly fascinating history, and the easiest ways to get your hands on it before you go. So grab your metaphorical hiking boots, we’re about to trek through the wonderful world of Swiss francs. 

Currency in Switzerland 

Let’s jump right in: the currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc, a sturdy, stable and rather handsome currency that’s been in use since the 19th century. You’ll also see it written as CHF, which is its international currency code, though locals often jot it down as Fr. or SFr. If you spot a price tag with CHF 12 or 12., , that’s your cue, it’s all franc talk. 

The Swiss franc isn’t just used in Switzerland; it’s also the official currency of neighbouring Liechtenstein. It’s famously strong and stable, thanks to Switzerland’s equally famous financial system and its reputation as one of the world’s most secure economies. In other words, if currencies were mountaintops, the Swiss franc would be the Matterhorn, solid, iconic and not going anywhere. 

So now that we’ve nailed what is the currency Switzerland uses, let’s get into what it actually looks like. 

Swiss franc denominations 

Swiss money is beautifully designed, seriously, these notes look like they belong in a modern art museum rather than in your back pocket. The colours are vibrant, tactile features help with accessibility, and each series tells a story about Swiss culture, innovation and natural beauty. 

Swiss franc banknote denominations 

Swiss franc banknotes come in the following denominations: 

• CHF 10 

• CHF 20 

• CHF 50 

• CHF 100 

• CHF 200 

• CHF 1,000 

Yes, you read that right: there’s a 1,000, franc note, and it’s not as rare as you might think. Switzerland likes its high, value cash, and that note gets plenty of use in daily banking, business transactions and times when someone really wants to impress at dinner. 

Swiss franc coin denominations 

Swiss franc coins are equally charming. With classic Alpine engravings and a satisfyingly weighty feel, they come in these denominations: 

• 5 centimes (0.05 CHF) 

• 10 centimes (0.10 CHF) 

• 20 centimes (0.20 CHF) 

• 50 centimes (0.50 CHF) 

• 1 franc 

• 2 francs 

• 5 francs 

Coins tend to get a lot of use in Switzerland, especially the 5, franc coin, which is a bit of a national treasure. If you enjoy collecting foreign currency, these are ones you’ll want to hold onto. 

The history of Switzerland’s currency 

Switzerland may be known for its neutrality, but when it comes to currency history, things get surprisingly dramatic. Before the Swiss franc became the national superstar it is today, the country had a whole patchwork of currencies, literally hundreds of them, thanks to its unique political makeup. 

Let’s unpack the story. 

Cantonal currencies (before 1850) 

Before Switzerland established a unified currency, each canton (region) issued its own money. Imagine travelling 20 minutes down the road and suddenly needing completely different coins, that was Switzerland in the early 19th century. From Bernese thalers to Zurich gulden and Lucerne francs, the system was as charmingly chaotic as a fondue spill. 

This state of monetary confusion lasted until 1850, when the Swiss government finally stepped in and said, “Enough is enough, let’s get organised.” 

The Swiss franc of 1850 

In 1850, the first official Swiss franc was born. It was modelled after the French franc and standardised across the entire country. For the first time, travellers and traders could move across Switzerland without needing a suitcase full of mismatched coins. 

This early version of the Swiss franc anchored the nation financially at a time when it was rapidly developing, and it proved to be a reliable and modern choice for its era. 

The modern Swiss franc (1907, present) 

In 1907, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) took over sole responsibility for issuing banknotes, transitioning Switzerland into its modern currency era. Coins continued to be minted by the Swiss Mint (Eidgenössische Münzstätte), but centralising note production was the key step in creating the stable monetary system the country is known for today. 

Switzerland chose to retain the franc even when its neighbours transitioned to the euro. The decision boiled down to economic stability, national identity, and the famously cautious Swiss approach: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. 

And thus, the current Swiss franc has remained in circulation ever since, strengthening Switzerland’s financial reputation worldwide. 

Currency exchange in Switzerland 

Now that you know your Swiss franc history and denominations, let’s talk about getting your hands on some before your trip, preferably without paying extra fees or exchanging in a panic at the airport. 

Where to buy Swiss francs 

You can purchase your Swiss francs online through Travelex for home delivery, meaning your travel money arrives straight to your door, ideal if you're juggling packing, planning and checking the weather forecast every ten minutes. 

In many locations, you can also Click & Collect from a Travelex store, picking up your francs at a time that suits you. And if you prefer card over cash, the Travelex Money Card allows you to load and spend Swiss francs securely abroad (where available), offering a hassle, free payment option without foreign transaction fees. 

In other words: whether it’s for hot chocolate breaks, train tickets or souvenir cowbells, you’ll be travel-money ready in no time. 

Which countries use the Swiss franc? 

The Swiss franc is the official currency of: 

• Switzerland 

• Liechtenstein 

It’s also accepted in some border towns in Italy, France and Germany, especially in areas that see a lot of Swiss visitors, but the exchange rate may not be in your favour. Euros are typically preferred there, so it’s best not to depend on your francs outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein unless you want to play a game of “guess the daily rate”. 

How much currency can I take to Switzerland? 

Here’s where Switzerland gets refreshingly straightforward. 

You can bring any amount of currency into Switzerland, there is no upper limit. Whether you’re carrying CHF, GBP, EUR or any combination, you won’t need to declare it unless you’re asked by customs for routine inspection. 

However, it's always wise to take a sensible mix of cash and card. Switzerland is extremely card, friendly, but cash is still handy for mountain huts, markets, rural transport and small cafés tucked away in Alpine nooks. 

How much cash can I take out of Switzerland? 

Just as with entering the country, there is no limit on how much cash you can take out of Switzerland. You’re free to depart with any amount of Swiss francs or other currency. However, if you're transporting a particularly large sum, customs officials may ask questions to ensure it’s legitimate, standard procedure, nothing to worry about. 

For most travellers, the biggest decision will actually be whether to spend those last francs on chocolate before heading to the airport (the correct answer is always yes). 

Final thoughts 

Whether you’re carving down snowy slopes, wandering the cobbled streets of Lucerne or hopping scenic trains across the Alps, understanding the currency in Switzerland is one of the first steps to a smooth and stress, free trip. And now you can confidently answer the all, important question: what is the currency Switzerland uses? It’s the Swiss franc, beautiful, stable and wonderfully dependable. 

Ready to buy some Swiss francs? 

You’ve read the guides, had the daydreams, planned the holiday and now you’re ready to buy some Swiss francs. 

Buy Swiss francs online and get free home delivery on orders over £500 or choose to click & collect from any of the hundreds of convenient locations around the UK, including most major airports. 

Get great rates and pay no commission when you buy online now.  

Travelex Money Card 

The Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, is the secure, easy way to spend abroad. You can load up to 22 currencies, including Swiss francs, and it’s not linked to your bank, so your account stays safe while you spend abroad.   

You lock in your exchange rate before you travel, so you don’t have to worry about fluctuations. And it’s accepted at millions of locations around the world, wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted. Get yours now.