Where to change money in Zürich
John is looking for the best way to exchange US dollars for Swiss Francs (SF) near Zürich HB and Central Platz. He's had mixed results with banks and exchange offices over the years and wants tips to minimize any losses when exchanging cash during his upcoming 8-day trip. John plans to use a strategy that limits cash exchange to avoid high costs at the airport.
- Look for an ATM to withdraw Swiss Francs directly instead of exchanging cash, as this usually offers better rates.
- Try using the SBB Change office at Zürich HB, but be cautious as the rates might not be the best.
- Consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass to cover your travel needs efficiently over the 8 days of your trip.
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Get daily forum questions & answers by e-mailI’m looking for suggestions for the best deal on changing $>SF near the Zürich HB and Central Platz. It is a common recommendation to avoid the airport and use a bank in the city. A few years ago I stopped in a Migros Bank about a block west of the Bahnhofstrasse and got a good rate. The next year I went to the same place and they told me they only change money for their clients (have an account there, I guess). They did have special ATM type terminals in the outer lobby where you could feed $100 bills in and get Francs out. Last year I used the SBB Change office at the HB but I don’t think I got a good deal. I cashed in about $1200 and it cost me about $100. What I usually do is get about 80% of what I think I will need TOTAL including the hotel for 8 days (an 8 day Swiss Pass), spend what I need to during the trip, give the rest to the hotel at the end, except for maybe SF20 for airport trivia, and pay the balance of the hotel bill with my credit card. That way I leave the country without getting screwed at the airport changing remaining SF back to $. This technique also minimizes using a CC with a foreign exchange fee of 3% for purchases. You can really get screwed exchanging SF100-200 back to $ at the airport.
Thanks for any suggestions,
John
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Hi John,
I find the easiest option is to find an ATM and just withdraw money there from your debit card. I haven’t exchanged cash in Europe in years.
I don’t know which banks will exchange money for non-customers I have heard about that more and more. I thought, the SBB office at Zurich train station might be a good option but perhaps I am wrong there.
Lucas
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