Is it easy enough to wait to change dollars into CHF once we arrive in Switzerland at the airport or at the train station? If so--- where and or how is the best way to do so.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8423 posts
katreinmuth2. It would be helpful to read the info under Travel Tips, Money, on this page on the menu to the left. The bottom line is the same wherever you go. The best way to get foreign currency is not to "exchange" dollars, but ]to use your ATM/Debit Card over there. ATMs (bankomats) are just as prevalent as they are here in the US. It doesnt hurt to have some CHF in hand when you get there, from your bank, AAA, or an airport exchange, but you will be paying a premium to get them, so the bulk of currency should come from ATMs. However, your credit cards will work for many if not most purchases, so you might not need as much cash as you think. As normal, you may need to notify your bank about your travel plans and card usage.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13906 posts
The best way is to use your debit card at an ATM to withdraw CHF from your bank account. You'll get a better exchange rate than if you try to bring cash.
Posted by
New York, NY
3993 posts
What Pam wrote.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Here's the direct link to Rick's page on money. Read all the links on that page, and you'll be an expert: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Stay clear of money changers and don’t even think about travelers Cheques. ATM is the only way to go.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1075 posts
Switzerland is very credit card friendly—you may not need near as much cash as you think.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Changing physical money (pieces of paper) is the most expensive way to do it, either in your home country or your destination country. Either way it requires the foreign currency to be counted, bagged and securely transported, plus staff wages and shop rent.
Result - it costs.
The best way to get Swiss Franks in Switzerland is the same way the Swiss do, and the same way you get cash at home, put your bank debit card (not credit card) into an ATM.
Make sure you have told your bank first, so they don't block the transaction as suspicious.
If you are already here and don't have a bank card, yes you can exchange dollars (Canadian, Australian or any other sort) at Change Offices in big-city stations. If you tell us where you are, we could tell you the nearest.