Money and shopping

  • Currency

    Please note that Switzerland remains with the Swiss franc, usually indicated as CHF. While Switzerland is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in euros so that visitors...

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  • Creditcards

    The safest and easiest form of money are traveler's checks and credit cards. The cards most used are American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Many banks in Switzerland have equipped their ATM machines with the CIRRUS or MAESTRO system. Many other Swiss...

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  • Prices and quality of life

    Although living in a Swiss city is fairly expensive, the quality of life is also correspondingly high. In 2006, Zurich and Geneva occupied the first two places in an international comparison of 350 cities by Mercer Consulting. The study took 39...

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  • Money exchange places

    You can change money at the following places: any Swiss bank airport main railway stations (western union) major hotels Swiss banks offer the best exchange rates for your traveler's checks or cash for foreign currencies (only bank notes). Official...

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  • Tax free shopping

    The VAT you pay on purchased goods in Switzerland is 7.7%. You may ask at the shops for your Tax Free Form and reclaim the VAT. Your total purchases in a shop must amount to more than CHF 300 (including VAT). You must be a resident outside...

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  • Business Hours

    Banks Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Once a week they extend their hours. Please check locally. They are closed Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. However, money can also be changed at major train stations....

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  • Shopping

    Switzerland's superb products make it a shopper's paradise. English is spoken in most shops and department stores. Any stay in Switzerland is incomplete without buying a famous Swiss watch. Fine watches come in an infinite variety and are generally...

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  • Tipping

    You never have to worry about tipping in Switzerland, as tips are included in the price. You can, however, add a smile to the face of someone who has provided good service by rounding up to the nearest franc or round figure.

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