Do I need a lot of cash in Switzerland?

As you plan your travel to Switzerland, think about how you'll pay for those special unexpected moments. Credit cards are best for major purchases, but you'll need to plan for some small day-to-day items and incidentals. In other words—carry some cash.



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Cash is king: Banknotes and coins are the most popular payment method in Switzerland. The moneyland.ch Swiss payments survey shows that 67 percent of residents consider cash to be completely indispensable, while 96 percent use cash for payments.

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For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $70 to $100 per day in Switzerland. This includes staying in budget accommodations, eating at budget restaurants, and using public transportation. For mid-range travelers, you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per day.

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If you eat out every meal during your Switzerland trip, I would budget about CHF 25-35 for lunch and CHF 40-50 for dinner per person including drinks. If you picnic, I would budget about CHF 10-15 per person per meal.

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In Switzerland, the guest is not obliged to tip. In many restaurants, however, it is customary to pay a tip. This amounts to approximately 10 percent or it is rounded up to a round amount.

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Buy currency before you travel.
Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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