Can I pay with euros in Switzerland?

Back to: Switzerland questions and announcements5 Replies
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.
➤ We can plan your Switzerland trip for you. Save time and avoid mistakes! See how it works
InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 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

  • Anna
    Moderator
    7730 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 easy way to plan your Switzerland trip

    ➤ Let the experts handle the research and bookings for you. We design a unique, independent journey based on your wishes. Save time and avoid common mistakes. See how it works

    User
    Inactive
    83503 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
    83503 posts
    Reply 3 of 5 • 26 April 2022 at 23:05:08 #941089

    Great advice. Thanks Anna,

    Bob

    User
    Inactive
    83503 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,

    User
    Inactive
    83503 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 passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

About us

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 9060 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts
Create a free account

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.

Subscribe