- Swiss Francs (CHF) - national currency; used everywhere.
- Euro (€) - recognised European currency used by all Switzerland's neighbours; accepted, but not guaranteed everywhere (usage details, as mentioned above).
- Credit cards (Visa and Masterecard - most common) and ATM cash cards.
do not accept Euros.
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. CHF is the symbol.
Q: Can I pay with Euro (EUR) in Switzerland ? A: Switzerland is not part of the European Union and therefore the Euro (EUR) is not an official currency in our country. It is widely accepted but you cannot count on the fact that a particular hotel or shop will accept Euro. However, you can exchange Euro (EUR) for Swiss Francs (CHF) and vice-a-versa at every bank, at the airports and at most railway stations. You may also get Euro at some post offices with your postcard or from most cash machines, in Switzerland often known as "bancomat".
http://www.whygeneva.ch/index.php?op...id=163&lang=en
Whilst still firmly committed to the beloved Swiss Franc, cosmopolitan Geneva is accepting the new pan-European currency with impressive ease and speed. Whilst a ‘foreign’ currency like any other, the Euro is increasingly accepted in shops, gas stations, and vending machines throughout the Geneva region, usually with the rate of exchange prominently displayed.
As of next June, even the Geneva transport authority will accept the Euro in their ticket dispensing machines for transport by bus, tram, train and boat.
Geneva residents are well accustomed to handling several currencies in their daily lives. It is part of the flavour that makes this unique city so very international. There’s also the fact that 97% of Geneva’s borders are with neighbouring France so there’s a quite remarkable level of cross-border traffic. For example, over 33 000 commuters cross the border each day to work in Geneva’s companies and international organisations.
Genevans have taken the Euro in their stride. Certainly, it helps the many visitors to Geneva from around Europe whose common currency is now the Euro.
And some indicative rates for you.
Euros would be fine for European Union countries that have it as their currency but Switzerland is not a member, but as a neighbour accepts euros as many people are passing through, or haven't got to a bank machine to get local currency. You can use the Euro in an emergency but usually the exchange rate is a little bit "rounded up", as shops are not banks and are doing you a favour by accepting a foreign currency.
Does switzerland use chip and pin cards. I will be getting a FOREX card, which may be a magnetic strip card.
If its chip and pin mostly, we would push the bank for such a card.
Tom
It's a little expensive here, so factor an extra 20-30% cost for most things.