How much cash do we carry on us in Switzerland
A traveler is arriving in Switzerland from the US this Sunday and is looking for advice on handling cash while there. They usually withdraw about $100 from ATMs upon arrival but are unsure if that's enough cash for their trip, especially since they plan to use their Chase credit card for most purchases. They want to avoid any hassles while navigating payment options.
- It's advisable to carry around 200 CHF in cash to cover any expenses that might not accept cards.
- Credit cards are generally accepted in urban areas, but more remote places may require cash, so plan your cash needs according to your travel itinerary.
- Always have a backup card to avoid issues, as some travelers reported problems with certain cards in Zurich.
- Check with your bank regarding any international fees associated with ATM withdrawals.
AI-generated summary-
You guys have been so helpful. We arrive in Switzerland from the US this upcoming Sunday. Last question! We will use one of our Chase credit cards for pretty much everything while we are there. I know there are some things that will require cash (busses? etc?). We typically take out about $100 cash at the ATM upon arrival at our international destination to keep on us. Does this sound like enough? I’m assuming most places are equipped to take cards? Don’t want to look like the ignorant American any more than I have to!
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<<“I’m assuming most places are equipped to take cards?”>>
Could be right; could be wrong.
This is not Sweden.
Depends on where you are going.
High tourist density means credit cards are mostyl, but not always OK.
I’d carry 300 CHF.
Slowpoke
Hello Cldghiorzi,
Hurray, you’ll soon be exploring lovely Switzerland, how nice!
Regarding your question about cash, this does depend a little on your destinations. The more remote, the less ATMs you’ll find, but normally you can find one in each village. Check with your bank for fees.
Most places do in the meantime accept credit cards but it is recommendable to carry some cash on you, as you say. I think the amount depends on the number of travellers, the destinations and the plans you have during your days. Somewhere around 200.- makes sense, to compromise the two suggestions. 🙂
Make sure to check this link: http://www.myswissalps.com/sw issfranc
Have a safe journey and a good time in Switzerland.
Best,
Steph
We always carry cash. Also we have more than 1 credit card in case there is a problem. We had issues in Zurich in late 2017 with our Chase cards–none would work–keep the international number to call handy. The problems occurred at a hotel and a restaurant. At the hotel , we got Chase on the phone and verified that the hotel was processing our rooms incorrectly. At the restaurant we and other non-Swiss patrons had to wait for an hour since none of the cards were processing properly. We did not have any problems in Basel or Zermatt.
Have fun!
Thank you! This is really helpful. We’ll have our Chase credit card and our Huntington debit card. We prefer our Chase since no international fees. But have the other one as backup! We’ll be in Lucerne, Murren area, and Basel.
<<“We’ll have our Chase credit card and our Huntington debit card.”>>
Assuming that they are not chip and pin cards, you will have to sign for every transaction.
See also:
http://www.myswissalps.com/fo rum/topic/atmforex-at-zurich-airport
Slowpoke
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