InfoMySwissAlps.com includes display ads, non-commercial links, and commercial links to Stay22 and other trusted partners.

Can I pay with euros in Switzerland?

Short summary – read this first

Bob is planning a two-week trip to Switzerland starting in mid-May, followed by travel to Verona, Italy, and then to Split, Croatia. He is looking for advice on whether he should get euros for his trip to avoid handling multiple currencies. Tips on currency usage and credit card recommendations are appreciated.

Key takeaways:
  • Some shops in Switzerland accept euros, but you will get change in Swiss Francs.
  • Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, like CapitalOne Visa, for most purchases and withdraw cash using an ATM.
  • Always choose the local currency when making card transactions in Europe to avoid extra charges.
➤ Need some help planning your Switzerland trip? See how it works
InfoAI-generated summary. Details may be outdated. Check with our travel experts to be 100% sure.
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    26 April 2022 at 1:36:54 #826987

    Hi,

    After my 2 weeks in Switzerland starting in mid May, we will travel by train to Verona Italy and then fly to Split, Croatia. Rather than getting 3 diferent currencies can I just get euros to use in all countries whenever I am not using my credit card?

    Thanks,

    Bob

    🇨🇭 The official SBB tourist webshop
    ✓ Discounts for passholders ✓ Instant mobile e-Ticket ✓ Free cancellation option
    🎁 Promotion: Up to CHF 200 cashback on your passes! See details ►
    Swiss Travel Pass Unlimited travel

    Swiss Travel Pass

    Unlimited train, bus, & boat travel across Switzerland.

    Mountain excursions With discounts

    Mountain excursions

    Official e-Tickets with pass holder discounts. Skip the ticket counter.

    Regional passes Unlimited travel

    Regional passes

    Unlimited travel in the Berner Oberland, Jungfrau Region or Lucerne Region.

  • Anna
    Moderator
    7892 posts
    Reply 1 of 5 • 26 April 2022 at 6:07:11 #941087

    Hi Bob,

    Some shops (not all) do accept payment in Euros but you will get your change back in Swiss Francs.

    You can find more helpful and practical tips here: http://www.myswissalps.com/swissfranc

    Regards,

    Anna

    The simple way to a perfect Swiss trip

    ➤ Overwhelmed by all the options? Let our Switzerland experts craft your custom independent trip. Save time and travel with confidence. See how it works

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 2 of 5 • 26 April 2022 at 22:57:47 #941088

    Bob,

    If your an American, just get a CapitalOne Visa card. You can use it anywhere and they do not make currency exchange charges. Charge everything, and if you need pocket change, use your ATM card to get some at a bank ATM. Further, in Europe, when making a charge, you will be asked what currency you want to make it in. ALWAYS choose the local currency, not dollars! Swiss francs or Euros depending on where you are. Tipping is not the big deal it is in the USA, so don’t be so concerned with having cash for that. Hope this helps!

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 3 of 5 • 26 April 2022 at 23:05:08 #941089

    Great advice. Thanks Anna,

    Bob

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 4 of 5 • 26 April 2022 at 23:09:11 #941090

    Thanks Sgileski,

    I am Canadian but sure I can get a no exchange charge credit card. I had forgotten about “tipping” in Switzerland being different than here in North Ameica.

    Good advice,

    Thanks,

    🇨🇭 The official SBB tourist webshop
    ✓ Discounts for passholders ✓ Instant mobile e-Ticket ✓ Free cancellation option
    🎁 Promotion: Up to CHF 200 cashback on your passes! See details ►
    Swiss Travel Pass Unlimited travel

    Swiss Travel Pass

    Unlimited train, bus, & boat travel across Switzerland.

    Mountain excursions With discounts

    Mountain excursions

    Official e-Tickets with pass holder discounts. Skip the ticket counter.

    Regional passes Unlimited travel

    Regional passes

    Unlimited travel in the Berner Oberland, Jungfrau Region or Lucerne Region.

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 5 of 5 • 27 April 2022 at 4:31:54 #941091

    Hi Bobaishford,

    you might find this thread useful: http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/avoid-banking-fees-when-paying-in-swiss-francs.

    Take care,

    Ildiko

  • The thread ‘Can I pay with euros in Switzerland?’ is closed to new replies.

About MySwissAlps

We’re Arno & Annika: passionate, frequent Switzerland travelers. We help you plan your trip, or we plan it for you. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Want us to plan your trip?

The easiest way to plan your trip is to let us handle the itinerary design and bookings for you. We design a unique, independent journey based on your wishes.

Just need some help planning your trip?

Ask your questions to us personally or to the forum. Or see how we plan Swiss holidays for real travelers, and discover how to avoid mistakes.