How to Exchange Currency in Switzerland
Smaller establishments located in the villages only accept cash, and at some train stations there is a small fee (usually CHF 1) to use the public toilets,making it essential that you have a little on hand as you travel. While it can be better value to buy the currency before you go (see our section on that below), you can also get currency once you arrive in the country.
The most popular ways to exchange currency include ATMs, currency exchange desks and traveller cheques.
ATMs in Switzerland
As global financial capital, Switzerland has a a bank on more or less every corner in the cities – with an ATM. In more rural areas, there will be fewer ATMs to choose from. If you’re looking for a specific ATM, try these tools:
While ATMs often offer the best exchange rates, it would be best to complete your transaction in your home currency instead of CHF. Travellers will need to be wary of the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) scam, which banks use to confuse tourists into agreeing to pay a poor exchange rate by converting their purchase price (plus a markup for the exchange) into their home currency. It is important to ensure you’re charged in CHF instead, which means you’re allowing your home bank to do the conversion instead, which will more likely be a fairer exchange rate.
Many ATMs in Switzerland, and especially in the border areas dispense euros as well as Swiss francs. However, note that Swiss francs (currency code CHF), are the legal currency even though euros are frequently accepted in tourist areas. If vendors charge you in EUR, you might possibly pay more as vendors may not offer you the best exchange rate.
Switzerland Currency Exchange Outlets
There are various ways to change your AUD into CHF in Switzerland. Changing your money to Swiss Franc prior to your trip would be ideal but you can also exchange foreign currency at any of the Swiss banks (they exchange bank notes only, not coins), currency exchange desks at the major airports, railway stations and some hotels but look out for service fees.
Travellers Cheques
Most merchants in Switzerland won’t accept traveller cheques, and they will give you poor exchange rates, so you’re generally better off avoiding them altogether.
It’s better to stick with ATM withdrawals and currency exchanges if you’re looking for convenience and better value.
