I’m taking the Best of Europe tour, which spends two nights in “the magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley.” Since I’m planning to order small amounts of euros and pounds from my bank, I figured I might as well order some Swiss francs too (we’re only going to be there for a day and a half, so I don’t really want to hassle with finding an ATM). I was thinking of ordering maybe 25 francs, but I don’t know: is that too much, too little? I figure I’ll need money for a maximum of four meals, plus probably a couple of snacks or drinks, maybe a gondola ride up the mountain, not to mention a small souvenir. And chocolate.
I have no concept of what the Lauterbrunnen Valley is like, apart from “alpine.” Is it a small town-type place where credit cards aren’t generally accepted, or is it touristy enough that credit cards are practically de rigueur? Is it a pricey area (e.g., if you were buying a Big Mac, would it cost about the same as it does in the U.S. ($3.50ish), or would it be the equivalent of, say, $8.50)? Will 5 francs get me a bar of chocolate and a bottle of water, with change leftover; or will 5 francs get me just the bar of chocolate, and I’d better come up with another couple of francs if I want a bottle of water as well? Thanks for any insight!