My husband and I are booked on the RS Best of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland tour coming up in a couple of weeks. The Switzerland portion of the tour occurs between Germany and Austria. My question: What is the best way to obtain Swiss Francs? Is it an easy process once we get to Switzerland? Or should we buy Swiss Francs and have them available before we leave the U.S?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11877 posts
I forecast a blizzard of "use ATM's" responses
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2661 posts
Except they won't be called ATMs. Usually Bankomat or something like that.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Does it matter? They both look the same:)
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2661 posts
It might matter if you ask somebody, but really I was just pointing out what to look for.
Posted by
1221 posts
If you're in an area where they speak British, asking for the cashpoint also often works.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Definitely the first ATM you spot over the border. Buying before you arrive in Switzerland, or exchanging paper money will both cost more.
Same as getting Euros in Germany and Austria, find an ATM.
Some shops and restaurants near the border or in tourist areas will take Euros, notes only (no coins), change in Swiss Franks. You get an inferior exchange rate this way, so only do it if you haven't spotted an ATM, and ask first, not everywhere does this.
Posted by
Houston
3522 posts
Your tour guide will arrange a stop to get cash as soon as you cross the border. IF not, the guide will point out a good place once you reach your hotel.
Posted by
Napa Valley, Ca
61 posts
Just want to say...you are going to LOVE this tour!! We are still talking about it 8 years later and going back to Murren this month. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Lockport, IL
121 posts
There’s an ATM right outside the cable car station in Murren.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
I wouldn't worry about whether a cash machine is called an ATM or Bankomat. If you use the North American Version of Google Maps, search for "ATM near" and the place of interest and Google Maps will suggest ATM locations and the name of the institution supporting the ATM. The Swiss are well know for banking.
Now that said, we found our credit card (chip and signature) widely accepted in Switzerland including cafes and the Coop grocery market, and not just tourist shops. The only place that wouldn't accept our credit card was the cafe in Tirano the day we took the Berina Express. Actually I think the Swiss hot dog vendor also wanted cash.
Our Luzern hotel and our Klosters-Davos hotel gave us guest cards that included free local transit so I don't know if cash is required for local tranportation.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33821 posts
Don't be surprised at the high value banknotes dispensed by Swiss machines. CHF50 and CHF100 are accepted everywhere and not a surprise to shopkeepers or ticket sellers. Those usually are the only notes available at a machine. Don't worry if a 50 will be a problem - it won't.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Many thanks to one and all for your helpful responses!