Using Canadian visa card in Switzerland

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    27 May 2018 at 2:11:55 #816241

    I am trying to decide if it is better to buy francs in Canada or buy once I arrive in Switzerland. Can I use my Canadian Visa to purchase the half fare card at the Zurich Station once I arrive and can I use it throughout Switzerland for accommodations and restaurants?

    Should I bring Canadian dollars to exchange for francs in Switzerland?

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    27 May 2018 at 8:34:04 #886392

    Hi Helene and welcome to MySwissAlps!

    I’ve been using my Cdn visa card off and on for years in Switzerland and not had any problems (bad exchange rate though!).

    You definitely want Swiss Francs while here though – SBB and other larger shops take credit cards but some shops/restaurants are cash only.

    You may want to arrive with some Swiss Francs but you can also withdraw cash from an ATM later on as well.

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    28 May 2018 at 22:22:36 #886393

    Thanks Lucas- I’ve always travelled with cash already purchased in Canada. Do all ATMs accept Canadian debit cards to withdraw cash?

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    29 May 2018 at 5:53:01 #886394

    Pretty much yes. Any major bank atm will certainly. UBS, Credit Suisse etc. Just check the symbols on your specific bank card. There are no shortage of banks in Switzerland 😉

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