Swiss francs, euros, credit card, cash or TWINT: how best to pay in Switzerland, where euros are accepted and why it rarely pays off, which traps lurk in currency conversion – and how to pay for your transfer from Zurich Airport.
Switzerland lies in the middle of Europe but has its own currency: the Swiss franc. Many visitors therefore wonder before their trip whether they need to change money into francs, whether euros are accepted and whether their credit card works everywhere.
This guide answers the most common questions about paying in Switzerland – practically and honestly, with tips on avoiding unnecessary fees.
The short answer
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF). Euros are accepted in many places, especially at railway stations, larger shops, hotels and in tourist resorts, but not everywhere – and you usually get your change in francs, at a rate that is rarely favourable.
The simplest solution for most travellers is a card: credit and debit cards and contactless payment by phone work almost everywhere. A little cash in francs is still handy for small amounts and remote places.
| Payment method | Acceptance | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Credit and debit card | almost everywhere, also contactless | Always choose to pay in CHF |
| Apple Pay, Google Pay | widespread | Handy for small amounts |
| Cash in CHF | everywhere | Small amounts for mountain huts and markets |
| Cash in euros | often, but not everywhere | Change given in CHF, rate usually unfavourable |
| TWINT | very common among locals | Availability for visitors depends on the bank |
Euros in Switzerland: when it works and why it rarely pays off
Many shops, station ticket counters, hotels and restaurants in tourist areas accept euros, especially near the borders such as in Basel, Geneva or Ticino. The exchange rate, however, is set by the business and usually includes a mark-up. You also get your change in francs, so you end up with francs in your pocket anyway.
For a coffee or as a fallback that is fine. For larger amounts paying by card is almost always cheaper.
The biggest trap: paying in your home currency
At many card terminals and ATMs you are asked whether you want to pay in francs or in your home currency, such as euros or dollars. Always choose francs. With conversion by the terminal, known as dynamic currency conversion, the rate is often considerably worse than your own bank's.
The same applies at ATMs: decline the offered conversion and let your bank do the conversion. Check before your trip how much your bank charges for payments abroad.
Cash: how much and where
You need less cash in Switzerland than you used to, but not none at all. It is handy for small mountain restaurants, farm shops, markets, tips and sometimes public toilets. A small amount in francs is enough for most trips.
You will find ATMs at the airport, at railway stations and in every larger town. There are bureaux de change at the airport and at major stations; compare rates before changing larger amounts.
Calculate the fixed price for your ride
Per vehicle, incl. VATEnter a destination – the fixed price appears instantly.
Tipping: how much is usual?
In Switzerland service is included in the price in restaurants, hotels and taxis. A tip is a friendly gesture but not an obligation; many people round up or give a few per cent for good service. Everything else is in Do you tip taxi drivers in Switzerland?.
Prices in Switzerland: what to expect
Switzerland is one of the more expensive countries to travel in. Restaurants, hotels and mountain railways cost considerably more than in many neighbouring countries, while supermarkets and bakeries offer cheaper alternatives for lunch and snacks. If you travel a lot by train and mountain railway, a suitable pass saves money – more in Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?.
Good to know: in Switzerland prices are always displayed including VAT. What is on the label is what you pay.
How to pay for your transfer
Our prices are fixed prices in Swiss francs and are shown before booking, including VAT. You can pay in two ways: online when booking by card, TWINT, Apple Pay or Google Pay, or in the vehicle by card, cash or TWINT.
If you are coming from the eurozone or from overseas, the easiest option is to pay online or by card in the vehicle; your card company then handles the conversion, and you need no cash after landing. For companies an invoice with VAT shown is available on request, see Corporate transfers in Zurich.
Frequently asked questions about paying in Switzerland
Can you pay in euros in Switzerland?
In many places yes, but not everywhere. You usually get your change in francs, and the rate is often unfavourable. Paying by card is generally cheaper.
Do I need cash in Switzerland?
Not much. A small amount in francs is handy for mountain huts, markets and tips; otherwise cards work almost everywhere.
Should I pay in euros or francs at the terminal?
Always in francs. Conversion at the terminal is usually more expensive than your bank's.
Can I pay for the transfer by credit card?
Yes, online when booking or in the vehicle. TWINT, Apple Pay, Google Pay and cash are also possible.
Are prices in Switzerland inclusive of VAT?
Yes, displayed prices include VAT. Our fixed price also includes VAT.
Book a transfer now – fixed price in CHF, pay online or in the vehicle.
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