Does a Visa issued debit card work in Switzerland?
A traveler named Gosh is planning a 10-day trip to Switzerland in early May. They need advice on using their Visa debit card, wondering if it will work and if there are any ATM fees. Gosh is looking for clarity as their trip gets closer.
- Check with your bank to ensure your Visa debit card will work in Switzerland, as many places accept it.
- ATMs in Switzerland may not charge additional fees, but it's best to confirm with your home bank about any transaction fees.
- Debit cards with a Maestro logo are widely accepted, but Visa and MasterCard debit cards should work too.
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Gosh the thread was closed. I just haven’t had time to get back to it. I have a quick question today. Debit cards in Switzerland. Our debit card is a Visa issued by our local bank, is that okay? We have always used it but I read something that caused concern. Also, is there a percentage rate charged by the ATM at a Swiss bank to use your debit card? My first thread was simply – 10 day itinerary first of May 2017-next step, hoping to pick that up here. Thank you.
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Welcome back Travelplannr,
I don’t know that specific card, you can best ask Visa directly to be sure. Debit cards with a Maestro logo work fine, that’s what I use myself. I don’t think the costs of an ATM withdrawal depend on the Swiss bank, but on your own bank. So it’s Visa who sets the rates for that, and they should be able to explain about exact amounts/percentages.
Thank you for responding. You made the point that raised my question. I read about the Maestro logo. Our card does not have that. One article stated that the Maestro label was needed. But I also read that simply Visa and MasterCard debit cards are widely accepted. We know what our bank would charge to use the debit card/Visa, but we read that the bank that owned the ATM machine you use charges a percentage, yet the article goes on to say that Switzerland is an exception and does not charge a fee. I can copy the link where I found that information. I wasn’t sure about copying that link here.
Sometimes the more I read the less I know:)
We are getting close to our trip. I hope to have time to post some final questions before we leave. Right now in caregiver mode! Thank you for your time and interest in helping us make our Switzerland trip the best that it can be!
Yes, I understand these things can be confusing! And unfortunately I don’t have all the answers. Visa should have all the answers though. I can’t imagine a debit card from a big brand like that would not work in Switzerland, but only they can tell for sure, and also about the fees. The only thing I am sure can cause an issue is a (US) credit card without PIN technology. Many shops don’t accept that because of security risks. Feel free to post the link here if you think it’s helpful for others.
Hi travlplanner-
My Visa debit card from Chase Bank works fine in Switzerland. So does one from Citizens Bank ( a New England regional bank).
On the next issue- rates, fees, exchange rates….too complex to deal with here.
At least, you can be aured that a VISA debit card will work…unless they don’t know that your bank exists, which is unlikely. 😉 As Arno pointed out….VISA is the key point.
Slowpoke
Thank you for sharing and getting it all straightened out for me!
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