Is cash still widely used?
Yes, more than in neighboring France or the Netherlands. Swiss people still use cash regularly, particularly for smaller transactions. TWINT (mobile payment app) is growing rapidly among locals. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but cash is always welcome.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are widely available. UBS, Credit Suisse (now UBS), and PostFinance machines are the most common.
- Fees for foreign cards are around 5 CHF per withdrawal — note Switzerland is expensive
- Excellent availability in cities, ski resorts, and most towns
- Note: Swiss francs are required — euros are sometimes accepted but at poor rates
Card acceptance
Very good. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless is widely available. TWINT dominates local mobile payments.
Tips for travelers
- Switzerland is one of the world’s most expensive countries — budget carefully
- Always pay in CHF — euros accepted at tourist spots but at a significant markup
- Mountain restaurants and ski lifts increasingly accept cards but some are still cash-only
- Tipping is included in the bill by law, but rounding up is appreciated