Don't forget to buy Swiss francs before travelling to Switzerland
Are you planning a trip to Switzerland? The first step is to consider obtaining the local currency, the Swiss franc (CHF).
Switzerland is a highly developed country where bank cards are widely accepted as a method of payment. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry some cash during your stay.
It is also recommended to plan a travel budget, as this will give you an idea of how many euros you will need to exchange into Swiss francs. Buy your currency online at a competitive rate with ChangeGroup before you travel.
Practical tips for planning your budget
The average tourist budget in Switzerland is approximately CHF 338 per day.
- Youth hostel accommodation: around CHF 86 per night.
- 3-star hotel accommodation: around CHF 146 per night.
In Switzerland, tipping is not compulsory. If you wish to leave a tip, you can round the bill up to the nearest franc or two francs. If the service has been exceptional, it is also common to leave around 10% of the bill.
If you would like to enjoy one or two restaurant meals during your stay, a meal will typically cost between CHF 14 and CHF 39.
Among the country's most popular national and regional specialities are:
- Älplermagronen
- Rösti
- Birchermüesli
- Appenzell gingerbread
- Other traditional Swiss specialities
CHF 86–146
Average cost of one night's accommodation in Switzerland
CHF 14–39
Average daily food budget per person
Useful information
Typical prices in Switzerland
CHF 2–5.50
Metro or bus ticket
CHF 2–6
Cup of coffee
CHF 0–10
Admission to the Swiss National Museum in Zurich
CHF 6
Rösti (traditional Swiss dish)
CHF 8
Short taxi journey in Geneva or Zurich
CHF 10–15
Admission to the Museum of Art and History
Suggestions for your stay in Switzerland
Make sure to visit:
- Verbier: An elegant winter sports resort located in the canton of Valais, offering access to the 4 Vallées ski area, with more than 80 ski lifts and over 400 kilometres of pistes.
- Glacier Express: The famous panoramic train linking St. Moritz and Zermatt, passing through Chur, Andermatt and Brig, and offering some of the most spectacular scenery in Switzerland.
- Must-see natural landscapes:
- Lake Brienz
- Bernese Oberland
- Jungfraujoch
- Lake Lucerne (Lake of the Four Cantons)
- Lausanne
- Bern
- Lugano
- Geneva
You will also find charming villages, impressive waterfalls and beautiful lakes throughout the country.
- Lucerne: A particularly attractive city, renowned both for its cultural heritage and its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs.
Facts about the Swiss franc (CHF)
Swiss franc denominations
Banknotes:
- CHF 10
- CHF 20
- CHF 50
- CHF 100
- CHF 200
- CHF 1,000
Coins:
- 5 centimes
- 10 centimes
- 20 centimes
- 50 centimes
- CHF 1
- CHF 2
The modern Swiss franc was introduced in 1850.
The abbreviation CHF comes from Switzerland's Latin name, Confoederatio Helvetica, while the letter F stands for the word “franc”.
Switzerland is currently the only European country that uses the franc as its national currency, whereas other countries that once used a franc-based currency, such as France, Belgium and Luxembourg, later adopted the euro.
Why buy Swiss francs from Prosegur Change?
Exchanging your currency with Prosegur Change and ChangeGroup offers many advantages:
- More than 30 years of experience in financial services.
- A dedicated customer service team.
- Competitive exchange rates.
- An extensive network of bureaux de change located in major cities across Spain.
In addition, it is recommended to exchange euros into CHF online to benefit from better exchange rates and 0% commission.
If you are unsure how much travel money to take with you, you can purchase our buy-back guarantee for just €6.95.
For up to 50 days after purchase, we will buy back up to 50% of your remaining Swiss francs at the original purchase rate at any of our branches.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Select currency
Choose your currency and the amount you need. Stock guaranteed on 65 currencies!
2. Select location & date
Choose from 23 branches for a free pick up. No need to prepay your order online
3. Collect & pay
Pay by card or in cash directly at the branch upon pick-up. You're now all set for your trip!