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Swiss Currency

Find out what currency is used in Switzerland, tips and tricks for Swiss currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Swiss franc card.
Swiss currency

What is the currency in Switzerland?

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc. Each franc is divided into 100 rappen.

When you’re buying currency for Switzerland, look out for the currency code CHF. And once you’re in Switzerland, you’ll see the symbol CHF used to show prices.

You’ll find Swiss banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000. There are also 1, 2 and 5 franc coins.

Rappen come in coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50.

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Use the Wise Swiss franc card to spend in Swiss currency.

The Wise Swiss franc travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to franc to spend when you’re in Switzerland. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Swiss franc - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the real exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the real exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the Swiss franc card

Swiss currency card

Tips for exchanging currency in Switzerland.

Familiarise yourself with the mid-market rate before your trip.
The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.
Convert GBP to CHF >
Choose to be charged in Switzerland currency when withdrawing from ATMs.
Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, franc - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.
Avoid changing currency at airports or hotels.
Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.
Use the Wise debit card to spend in Switzerland without rip-off fees.
Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Swiss franc, all at the real exchange rate with the Wise debit card.
Get your travel money card >

Spending money in Switzerland.

Paying by credit or debit card in Switzerland

Credit and debit cards are efficient and convenient - and so, naturally, a big hit in Switzerland. You'll be able to use your card in most places in the cities - but cash payments may still be preferred in smaller villages.

ATMs in Switzerland

Switzerland has a strong network of banks and ATMs which covers major cities and towns, and even more rural areas and villages.

However, you'll find that ATMs are less common the more you move away from urban centres.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Switzerland, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.

spending money in Switzerland

Swiss currency services.

Convert GBP to Swiss franc

Use our currency converter to see how much your money is worth in Swiss franc and familiarise yourself with the mid-market rate before your trip.

Send money to Switzerland

Need to send GBP to Switzerland? Use Wise for fast, low-cost, and secure online money transfers from the United Kingdom to Switzerland.

See the best Swiss franc exchange rates

Compare live Swiss franc exchange rates and see how much you could save with Wise.

Swiss currency FAQs.

Get your Wise debit card and save on your trip to Switzerland

Spend smart, save money. Avoid sneaky bank fees when travelling, with Wise.

Order your card now