Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF)5. This is the only legal currency for most payments5. You can use banknotes, coins, and sight deposits at the Swiss National Bank6.
Updated 2026-10-26. Numbers carry a small link to their source. Fees and rules change, check the screen or the form before you pay.
Download on theApp StoreComing soonFree. No ads. Ever.Mid-market rate, refreshed in your browser. The booth and the ATM will give you less than this: the difference is their fee.
Updated 2026-10-26
Download on theApp StoreComing soonThe Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland5. Banknotes come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000 franc denominations7. The current banknote series, number 9, shows different aspects of Switzerland, not people's faces7.
Coins in circulation are 5 centimes, 10 centimes, 20 centimes, 50 centimes, 1 franc, 2 francs, and 5 francs8. You can pay with up to 100 coins for one payment6.
Debit cards are the most common payment method in Switzerland, even more than cash or mobile apps9. Most places accept cards. However, it is good to have some cash for small purchases or in places that only take cash. In 2025, 81% of Swiss residents were happy with how easy it was to get cash9.
Download on theApp StoreComing soonThe Swiss franc is the legal currency5. Some shops and restaurants in tourist areas may take euros, but they often give you change in Swiss francs10. The exchange rate they use for euros might not be good10. Most shops, restaurants, and public transport only take Swiss francs10. US dollars are generally not accepted.
ATMs are the best way for travellers to get Swiss francs11. You can find ATMs at all airports, large train stations, and in every town11. Major bank ATMs, like those from UBS, PostFinance, Raiffeisen, and cantonal banks, usually do not charge their own fee for foreign cards12. Some private ATMs, such as Euronet, might charge an extra fee12.
You can also exchange money at banks or exchange offices. Airport exchange offices often have worse rates than ATMs or city exchange offices.
You can get a VAT refund on purchases over CHF 300.00 if you live outside Switzerland14,15. The standard VAT rate is 8.1%13. You need to export the goods within 90 days of buying them16.
To get a refund, you must get a customs stamp on your Tax Free Form when you leave the country17. Show your purchases, invoice, and passport to customs17. Refunds are paid in cash or to a credit card through companies like Global Blue or Travelex18.
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF)5. It is the official legal tender5.
Some tourist places may accept euros, but they often give change in Swiss francs at a poor exchange rate10. It is better to use Swiss francs for most payments10.
Exchy helps you convert between Swiss francs and other currencies, and check ATM fees in Switzerland. Get Exchy on Google Play.
ATM fees for the country you land in, a booth check and a converter with no ads. Ever.
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