Zurich airport ATM or SBB Change: best rates?
A traveler is visiting Switzerland in July and plans to arrive at Zurich Airport. They are seeking advice on whether the exchange rate at the SBB Exchange Center is similar to that of an ATM, as they have already purchased the Swiss Travel Pass and want to validate it and obtain a guide to Lucerne nearby.
- Compare the current exchange rates at SBB with those from ATMs before making a decision on where to exchange your money.
- It's good to have some Swiss Francs for small expenses, but consider exchanging only a small amount to avoid high fees.
- Using a credit card is generally accepted throughout Switzerland, so you might not need as much cash.
AI-generated summary-
Hi, we will be in Switzerland in July. We will arrive at Zurich Airport. I intent to purchase Swiss Francs with my Wise Debit Card. We have already purchased the Swiss Travel Pass.
I just viewed a You Tube video of the Swiss Travel System titled, “How to travel Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass”. Good information. However, it encouraged you to use the SSB Exchange Counter to obtain your Swiss Francs from USD.
Question: Is the SSB Exchange Center nearly the same exchange rate as using an ATM in the airport? When purchasing 1000 Swiss Francs, a larger exchange rate will be more costly.
I would like to use the SSB Exchange Center if I could because I will be at the adjacent SSB Office in the Zurich Airport to validate our STP and obtain a SSB guide to Lucerne. Thanks.
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Hello Swede4life,
That’s great that you already have your Swiss Travel Pass.
In regard to activation, you should actually be all set to go as long as the start date, passenger name and birth date are displayed. Unless you purchased a paper pass that requires a stamp?
In regard to exchange rates at SBB, take a look here for an idea. Bearing in mind, these rates are current ones and rates could be different when you arrive here in July.
It maybe handy to make a comparison to the rates listed here, which are updated daily too. That way you can see if the rates at SBB are more favourable.
Location of the ATMs at Zurich airport can be found here:
As for ATM exchange rates, there are several opinions regarding this, some say it’s better, some say no. Here is a recent post that may help:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you Yolanda. Already have STP on Smart Phones and also have back up paper copies. We are set.
Just checking if anyone has used the SSB exchange center? I would prefer not to go out in the public area if possible.
Hello, we were going to use the atm machine at Zurich to exchange, but it charges a 4% fee. We ended up not doing it. You really don’t need CHF, as credit card is widely accepted.
I believe you need to have some Swiss Francs for awkward situations and bathrooms. However a 4% fee could reduce my desire to have more Swiss Francs than I need. Already saving with the Wisse debit card.
Hello again,
Yes, it’s always handy to have a little for situations like that. Maybe you could say change a small amount (at your home bank). This can tie you over, then at least you have some cash for when you arrive here.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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