I am going on the 14 day Best of Europe RS tour. During that tour we will be in the Swiss Alps and they only take Swiss Francs and not Euros. If anyone has been on this tour, how much Swiss Francs do you think approximately I will need for the two night stay. One night we will be on our own for dinner, plus any outside activities we would go on that is not included in the tour. I know you can get cash from an ATM or a bank but there is not much time and would think having some Swiss Francs may be helpful. I don't want to bring too much as I don't plan on going back. Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
We don't recommend bringing Swiss Francs from home. Your guide will make sure that everyone has access to an ATM, either at a rest stop on the way into Switzerland, or closer to your hotel, if he knows that's a good option. He or she will also help you estimate costs. If you're buying lift tickets on your own, you could use a credit card, but if enough group members make an optional excursion together, such as the lift to Schilthorn, the guide can collect cash from the group to buy a discounted group rate.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
We don't recommend bringing Swiss Francs from home. Your guide will make sure that everyone has access to an ATM, either at a rest stop on the way into Switzerland, or closer to your hotel, if he knows that's a good option. He or she will also help you estimate costs. If you're buying lift tickets on your own, you could use a credit card, but if enough group members make an optional excursion together, such as the lift to Schilthorn, the guide can collect cash from the group to buy a discounted group rate.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
Ann, for your reference, current rate says that 1 swiss franc = 1.12 usd. In other words, 10 bucks is 8.94 francs. As Laura points out, you can easily get some cash when you are there. It will cost you to exchange for francs at home.
Posted by
Illinois, USA
127 posts
Ann, I too will be visiting the Swiss Alps on a Rick Steves tours later this summer. My question would be to use credit or cash for lift tickets.
@Laura, Can we use credit cards for lift tickets or is it best to get cash at the ATM once in Switzerland.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Ann I took the same tour.. but it was the Family Verison.. and we didn't have any problem getting access to an ATM. I would not bring some from home.. that sounds like a bit of hassle and what if you lost it before you got there even?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32345 posts
ann,
It's somewhat difficult to predict the amount of Swiss Francs you'll need, as it will depend to some extent on whether you're travelling as a couple, your dining habits and what type of excursions you want to take on your free day. If dealing with hotels and larger establishments, you'll be able to use credit cards for some transactions. One point to mention regarding credit cards is to watch for merchants trying to use Dynamic Currency Conversion, as that will cost you more. One of the places I've encountered that is the Berner Oberland.
If you're able to handle most transactions by credit card, CHF 60 should be enough just for incidentals and a meal, but again that will vary depending on what you plan to do in that area. CHF 60 will cost you about US$ 67.
Have a great time on the tour!