Where to buy CHF/is USD & credit card accepted?
A traveler is planning a trip to Switzerland and wants to know the best places to buy Swiss francs (CHF) in Zurich, Lucerne, and Lauterbrunnen. They are also curious about the acceptance of US dollars and credit cards, especially in mountain areas. The advice revolves around using ATMs for cash withdrawal and understanding currency acceptance throughout the country.
- Withdraw cash from ATMs for better exchange rates, as it is widely available and more favorable than airport exchanges.
- US dollars are not accepted in stores; only Swiss francs are the official currency.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to carry some cash for small purchases.
AI-generated summary-
Which are the best places to buy CHF in Zurich, Lucerne and Lauterbrunnen? Is USD widely accepted in the stores? Are credit cards accepted widely everywhere including the mountains?
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Hi Chai,
I usually withdraw cash from an ATM with my debit card. They are wide spread. US dollars are not accepted anywhere. I can’t recall any place that would accept it. Large hotels perhaps, at a rate not favorable to you? The Swiss franc is the only official currency. Euro’s are accepted in many places, again the exchange rate will not be favorable as it’s a foreign currency in Switzerland. Credit cards are widely accepted but not everywhere. You do need some cash.
Please see http://www.myswissalps.com/sw issfranc.
Okay so basically the debit card withdrawal will work the best and will give better exchange rates than the money exchange at the airport?
Airports have the WORST exchange rates of any option.
You may find this thread of interest (from March 2019)–
Best currency exchange USD to Swiss Francs
http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/currency-advise
NTL
I withdrew $1000 in cash from an ATM at Zurich main train station for our 5 week trip, and didn’t need anywhere near that amount, as credit cards are widely accepted. Wished I had only got a couple of hundred as there was a 4% local fee.
Indeed, we usually start with a withdrawal of CHF 100 per person. Often, that’s all we need as cards are accepted almost everywhere. It’s just for small purchases and to prevent not being able to pay.
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