We are doing the Best of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 14 Days tour. I already have procured Euros for Germany, etc. Do we need Swiss Francs for Switzerland or have most of you been able to pay via credit card? I know most places accept cc just wondering if I need to get a little bit of cash too.
Thanks in advance.
When we were in Strasbourg a couple years ago for the Christmas Markets, we took a day trip to Basel (Switzerland.) We did not have any swiss franc as most of the markets we had been visiting took credit cards as well as euros. However, none of the Christmas Markets in Basel took credit cards. They only took swiss franc. So, I would say--depending on when you will be there and what you will be doing--you might need some swiss franc.
plenty of ATMS at the main areas you will be on tour at so just get some when you arrive.
We are in Switzerland now for 3 weeks. We’ve needed cash for laundry, a farmers market in Vevey and an honor shop in the Alps. We got cash from an ATM when we arrived.
I go to Switzerland every year, usually 2 or 3 times.
I still have the same Swiss notes and coins as a couple of years ago. I haven't used Swiss cash that long. I just checked.
In recent times I've mainly used cash for locker and towel deposits while swimming in various lakes - I've been rotating the same 22 CHF for several years!
I've also bought the odd bit of cheese at a market while they were packing up - they were happy to accept some change still but had packed up their main tills.
Absent such specific circumstances, you might want some cash for comfort but you probably won't need it.
We are leaving Switzerland now. My husband wanted to get rid of the Swiss Francs before we left so I bought a lot of chocolate! Yay me!!
I live in Switzerland and I haven't paid with cash in years. I don't pay with cash in Germany or Austria either. Just spend two weeks in France and the UK. Didn't touch cash a single time.
Nowadays in Switzerland many Christmas markets even are card only, no cash.
