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Need for Swiss francs in Murren

Now is when I start overthinking EVERYTHING. Do you think there will be any need to acquire Swiss francs if we are taking the train from Milan and heading directly to Murren? Three nights in Murren, then train to Paris. Obviously, I can just hit an ATM there if needed, but for some reason... I need to know now???

Posted by
2633 posts

When I was in Switzerland in 2021 and 2022, I needed coins for some of the pay toilets. But, last summer they were starting to transition the coin only operated machines to credit card machines. I also like to leave some francs for the housekeeping staff. And when I made a purchase at a souvenir shop in Lauterbrunnen, their credit card machine was not working so I had to pay cash. Other than those things, credit card is fine.

I like to have cash on hand just in case. So, even though I might not need it, I’m still going to get some. It just makes me feel better. One less thing to worry about. 😊

Posted by
32519 posts

now granted, when I visited Switzerland at the end of June 2022 we weren't really doing touristy things - I was there for a joint birthday party of a friend and my wife, so although we were in hotels and having to get meals we were more temporary locals for the week.

Nevertheless I noticed that I just had CHF 11 in coin and no notes so I got out a single CHF 100 note from the machine. I used about CHF 5 in coin, because I could, and paid for a CHF 20 watch battery replacement in cash to break the note - they asked if I could use card and I asked to pay in cash - they generously accepted. I still have CHF 80 I got in change and a little over CHF 6 in coin. It would have been trivial for me to do the entire week without any cash.

But maybe my case is exceptional. I don't know.

I certainly wouldn't get much.

We were in the Aargau, Baden, Zürich, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Zug, Luzern and Meiringen.

I hope that helps.

Posted by
32519 posts

oh yes, regarding the pay toilet note above - in every case I was given a choice between using a coin or tapping my card to open the gate and receive the voucher. I always used my card tap and it always worked first time.