Using Euro Currency in Switzerland Explained

Switzerland is one of the few countries in the world where you can use the euro currency, but only in certain situations. The Swiss franc is the official currency, but you can use euros in some shops, restaurants, and hotels in tourist areas.

Not all businesses accept euros, so it's essential to know which ones do. According to our research, most shops and restaurants in major cities like Zurich and Geneva accept euros, but it's best to check beforehand.

You can use euros to pay for small purchases, like souvenirs or snacks, but for larger transactions, it's better to use Swiss francs. This is because some businesses may charge a higher exchange rate or a fee for accepting euros.

In tourist areas, you might even find some shops and restaurants that display prices in euros, making it easier to make a purchase. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the prices with the cashier to avoid any confusion.

You can use euros in some places in Switzerland, but it's not the most recommended option. Swiss merchants will often accept euros, but the exchange rate will be unfavorable, and you'll lose money.

Some large shops, like Migros and Coop, have announced they'll accept euro payments, but prices will still be marked in Swiss francs. You can also find some hotels and restaurants that accept euros, particularly in tourist areas.

It's generally best to withdraw Swiss francs from an ATM or use credit cards, as they often have better exchange rates and lower fees. If you do need to use euros, make sure to ask if they'll accept them, and be aware that you'll likely get change in Swiss francs.

Nearly all ATMs operated by the Swiss bank, UBS, are being fitted to offer customers the option of euro banknote cash withdrawals.

You can withdraw euros from UBS ATMs, but keep in mind that cash machines operated by Credit Suisse will only dispense euro notes if they are located in tourist areas or in border regions.

Around 430 post offices, mostly in large towns and cities, will accept euro banknotes, but not coins.

Post Office ATMs will not be equipped to dispense Euros for several months, so plan accordingly if you need euros from a post office ATM.

Switzerland's two largest supermarket chains, Migros and Coop, accept payment in euros, but prices will continue to be marked exclusively in Swiss francs.

You can also use euros to pay at Manor and Globus stores.

Most large hotels will accept the euro, along with the Swiss franc and the American dollar.

Many restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, will welcome euros, but be aware that you'll often be offered a poor exchange rate.

Some shops, especially in border areas and tourist spots, may accept euros at a 1:1 rate, but this is not always the case, so it's best to ask first.

Swiss Federal Railways is a great place to start your Swiss adventure. From January 1st, ticket offices at all Swiss Federal Railway stations will accept the euro as payment for regular and season tickets.

However, it's worth noting that change will be given in Swiss francs. This means you'll still need to have some Swiss francs on hand to cover any change you might receive.

Ticket machines, on the other hand, will not accept euros with a few exceptions. So, if you're planning to buy tickets at a machine, it's best to stick with Swiss francs.

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Staying in a hotel in Switzerland can be a breeze, especially when it comes to paying with the euro. Most large hotels will accept the euro, along with the Swiss franc and the American dollar.

You can expect to find many hotels that welcome the euro, making it a convenient option for travelers.

You can't use euros to pay in Switzerland, as the official currency is the Swiss franc, not the euro.

In fact, the Swiss franc is widely considered one of the world's most stable currencies and is indicatively worth 1.02 euros.

Swiss merchants will accept payment in euros, but the exchange rate will often be unfavourable, so it's generally better to stick to the local currency if you're hoping to save money.

You can pay in euros in every major Swiss department store, as well as many other shops, such as souvenir shops, hotels, businesses, and restaurants.

However, note that your change will always be given in Swiss francs, if you pay in cash rather than card.

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It's not a good idea to pay in euros, as exchange rates are often set by your payment partner, not the bank, and can result in additional transactions with exchange rate surcharges.

In fact, the cheapest option to get Swiss francs is to withdraw money from a bank ATM in the country, as those usually don't charge locals or tourists for the withdrawal.

Many Swiss ATMs will attempt to charge you additional fees with the so-called dynamic currency conversion (DCC), so it's smarter to drop by a local bank to withdraw cash for your stay in Switzerland.

Some large shops, such as Co-op and Migros, accept euros, but only banknotes, and all change is given in Swiss francs.

In border areas and tourist areas, you might find small shops, such as restaurants, cafés, and street food stands, that accept euros, often at a 1:1 rate, but you'll still lose about 13% due to the current exchange rate.

It's always a good idea to ask if a place accepts euros, as you can't assume they will.