Money & Currency

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) — not the Euro! The exchange rate has been close to parity for years: 1 CHF ≈ 1.00–1.10 € (fluctuates). For travelers from the Eurozone, prices are almost convertible 1:1, which makes budgeting easier — and swallowing the high Swiss prices.

Payment

• Credit Card: Visa and Mastercard are almost universally accepted — hotels, restaurants, mountain railways, supermarkets, even many market stalls. Contactless payment (NFC) is standard.
• Debit Card: Maestro/V-Pay works in most shops. German Girocards (girocard) often only with Maestro function.
• Cash: Less necessary than in Germany/Austria — Switzerland is more cashless. Still: small mountain huts, alpine cheese dairies, and weekly markets only accept cash. 100 CHF in cash as a reserve is sufficient.
• Euro: Many tourist spots accept Euros (especially near the border), but give change in CHF — at a poor rate. Always pay in CHF!

ATMs

Bancomats (ATMs) are widely available. Note: Always choose "Withdrawal in CHF" at the ATM, never "Immediate conversion to EUR" (DCC) — the latter has a hidden surcharge of 3–5%. Fees: Depending on your home bank, 0–5 € per withdrawal. DKB and Consorsbank (DE) offer free foreign withdrawals.

Tips

In Switzerland, service is included in the price (legally required since 1974). Tipping is voluntary but customary: 5–10% in restaurants, rounded up for taxis, 1–2 CHF in cafés. Waiters are well-paid in Switzerland — tips are appreciated but not expected.