Switzerland travel money tips
Heading to Switzerland? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF, Fr).
Tipping
Service is always included. Round up to the nearest franc, or 5% for excellent service.
Cards vs cash
Cards everywhere, including mountain huts. Many restaurants in border towns also accept Euros (with poor change).
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
UBS, PostFinance, and Raiffeisen ATMs are fee-free for most foreign cards.
Heads-up
- Switzerland is expensive — a coffee can be CHF 5 and a basic meal CHF 25–35. Budget accordingly.
- Always pay in CHF, not EUR, even if asked — the conversion rate at the till is poor.
About the Swiss Franc (CHF)
The Swiss Franc (CHF, symbol Fr) is the official currency of Switzerland. Knowing the live CHF rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.