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cash for 2 weeks in Switzerland?

Couple will be in Switzerland almost 2 weeks in September 2024 .
Itinerary: Geneva>Zermatt>Grindelwald>Bern>Luzern>Geneva
wondering how may Swiss francs I would need for this trip. I heard public toilets require cash.

Posted by
3021 posts

Most of the public toilets in Switzerland now take credit card.

Although most places in Switzerland take credit card, I like to have 100 CHF just in case. I was at a shop once in Lauterbrunnen and their credit card machine was down, so I had to pay with cash. I bought ice cream in Murren this past June and it was cash only. I like to leave 5 CHF for housekeeping when I get my room cleaned every few days. This is not necessary or expected, but I do it anyway. It’s often easier to tip using cash, but you can have the server round up your bill to X amount when paying with card.

Posted by
1895 posts

Just replied to another question about getting cash. I bank at Wells Fargo and minimum for exchange is $200 US. I ended up with $170 SF. I hate using ATM's in Europe now as the fees are out of hand...Wells charges here and the local bank in Europe as well. Last time I got $50 Euro, ended up with $10 in fees.

I am also traveling for 2 weeks coming up here soon, I will plan to use all the $170...even if that last of that is in the airport buying more chocolate.

Posted by
180 posts

FWIW, I usually use a fair amt of cash CHF in Switzerland, though I do stay in tiny towns typically. Cash has never been refused, especially at small out of the way cafes.

Posted by
2509 posts

Last summer we spent 5 nights in Wengen. I took out 100CHF for myself, husband & 2 teens. At the end of our stay, my sister & her husband realized they never took out any cash at all. Never needed any.

Posted by
277 posts

Second the no cash really needed. I paid almost every expense using Google Wallet on my phone. I withdrew 300 CHF at Geneva, but had to make an opportunity to get rid of the cash. Also never got my credit card out of its hidey spot. Yes I did break down a 20 CHF at the hotel for restrooms and occasional small items. If I was to repeat I would get 100 CHF in 20's (because I have always had some cash) for small purchases although I saw electronic charges used for nearly everything.