Buy Swiss Francs Online

Your daily budget in Switzerland depends on your travel style and destination. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around CHF 50 to CHF 100 per day. For mid‑range travelers, the budget may range from CHF 100 to CHF 250 per day, while luxury travelers could spend over CHF 300 daily. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas offer more affordable options.

The Swiss Franc (CHF) comes in both coins and banknotes. Coins are available in 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, as well as 1, 2, and 5 francs. Banknotes come in CHF 10, CHF 20, CHF 50, CHF 100, CHF 200, and CHF 1,000 denominations. Carrying a mix of coins and notes makes it easier to pay for both small and larger transactions in Switzerland.

Yes, cash is widely accepted throughout Switzerland. It is common to pay for everything from street food to transportation in Swiss Francs (CHF). However, in larger cities and more touristy areas, credit and debit cards are often used in restaurants, shops, and hotels. It’s recommended to have a combination of both cash and a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for convenience during your trip.

When using a credit or debit card in Switzerland, you may incur foreign transaction fees that typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction. Additionally, some ATMs may charge a fee for withdrawals. To minimize costs, consider using a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card.

While Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland, some businesses in major tourist areas may accept Euros (EUR). However, it’s always best to pay in CHF for the best exchange rates and to avoid any unfavourable conversion fees. Using Swiss Francs will save you money on currency conversion and ensure smoother transactions.

Tipping is common in Switzerland and is generally expected in the service industry. In restaurants, tipping around 10% of the bill is standard. For taxis, rounding up the fare or tipping about 10% is appreciated. Hotel staff (housekeepers, bellhops) typically receive tips of CHF 2 to CHF 5. While not mandatory, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service.

The cost of a meal in Switzerland varies depending on the type of dining experience. A simple meal at a casual restaurant or street food vendor may cost between CHF 10 to CHF 25. For a mid‑range restaurant, expect to pay around CHF 25 to CHF 50 per person. Upscale restaurants or fine dining in places like Zurich can cost anywhere from CHF 60 to CHF 150 or more per person.

The amount of Swiss Francs (CHF) you should buy depends on your trip length, destination, and personal spending habits. It’s recommended to exchange enough CHF to cover initial expenses like transportation, meals, and small purchases. You can also use a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for added flexibility to add funds as required.

The best time to buy Swiss Francs is when the exchange rate is favourable. Track the CHF exchange rate in the months leading up to your trip and buy your Swiss Francs when the rate is optimal. Alternatively, you can use a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card to lock in a favourable rate before departure, helping you avoid fluctuating rates while traveling.

The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is not widely accepted outside these countries, but some border regions may accept CHF at a fluctuating exchange rate. It’s best to exchange your Swiss Francs for the local currency when traveling outside Switzerland to avoid poor exchange rates.

We’ll buy back any foreign currency purchased with our Buy Back scheme so you’re not out of pocket after your big adventures.

At Hays Travel you have several quick and easy methods to buy your currency. You can click & collect, call into branch, or choose home delivery.

You can also buy the Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card and load currency before your departure. ATMs are widely available in airports, hotels, and city centres.

Both cash and cards are commonly used in Switzerland, but cash is essential for small purchases, especially in rural areas or at street markets. Cards are widely accepted in urban areas, restaurants, and hotels. It’s best to carry a combination of cash for smaller expenses and a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for larger transactions.

Carrying cash in Switzerland is generally safe, but it’s important to exercise caution, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas. Use a money belt or a secure wallet to protect your Swiss Francs (CHF). Consider carrying a Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® Currency Card for larger purchases and to reduce the amount of cash you carry with you.