If you’re landing at Kloten Airport and heading into the heart of Zurich, you might have a wallet full of Euros left over from Paris or Berlin. Honestly? Put them away. While Zurich feels like the center of Europe in every way that matters, it definitely doesn't use the Euro as its primary soul.
The official currency of Zurich Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
You’ll see it written as Fr. or CHF on menus and shop windows. Most people assume that because Switzerland is surrounded by the Eurozone, the Euro is "basically" the same thing there. It’s not. Using Euros in Zurich is sort of like using a hammer to turn a screw—it might work eventually, but it’s going to be messy and cost you more than it should.
Why the Swiss Franc is Still King in 2026
Switzerland is famously independent. They aren't in the EU, and they treat their money like a national treasure. The Swiss Franc is often called a "safe haven" currency. When the rest of the world’s markets go into a tailspin, investors run toward the Franc because it’s incredibly stable.
In Zurich, this means things are expensive. There is no way to sugarcoat it. You’re looking at a city where a decent coffee can set you back 6 or 7 francs.
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The Euro Trap
Can you pay in Euros? Usually, yes. Most big retailers like Manor or Globus and even the SBB (train) ticket machines will take your Euros. But here is the catch: they will give you a terrible exchange rate. They often charge a 1:1 ratio even when the Franc is stronger, and you’ll almost always get your change back in Swiss Francs. Essentially, you're paying a "convenience tax" of 5% to 10% just for not having the right bills.
Handling the Cash: What’s in Your Pocket?
Swiss money is actually quite beautiful. It’s colorful, vertical (the notes are designed to be read top-to-bottom), and supposedly the most forgery-proof in the world.
The denominations are:
- Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and the legendary 1,000 franc note.
- Coins: 5, 10, 20, and 50 Rappen (the "cents"), plus 1, 2, and 5 franc coins.
Fun fact: the 1,000 franc note is one of the highest-value bills in circulation globally. You won't see them often at a Kiosk when buying a Snickers bar, and some smaller shops might even look at you sideways if you try to use one. Stick to the 10s and 20s for daily wandering.
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Cards vs. Cash in Zurich
Zurich is incredibly high-tech. You can tap-and-go almost everywhere. From the Lindt Home of Chocolate to the smallest boutique in the Niederdorf, Visa and Mastercard are universal.
TWINT is the local favorite. It’s a mobile payment app used by everyone from teenagers to grandmas. However, there’s a snag for tourists: TWINT usually requires a Swiss bank account or a Swiss phone number. If you’re just visiting for a week, don’t bother trying to set it up. Just use Apple Pay or a travel card like Wise or Revolut.
When you actually need physical Francs:
- Public Toilets: Some still require a 1-franc or 50-rappen coin, though many in the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) now have card readers.
- Small Markets: If you’re buying a wedge of cheese at the Bürkliplatz farmers' market, cash is still appreciated.
- Mountain Trips: If you take a day trip from Zurich up to a small mountain hut, their internet might be spotty, making card machines unreliable.
How to Get the Best Exchange Rate
Don't exchange money at the airport. Just don't. The booths at Zurich Airport (ZRH) have some of the highest margins you’ll find.
Instead, find a Bancomat (ATM). Most banks like UBS or Credit Suisse (now part of UBS) have ATMs everywhere. If the ATM asks if you want to be charged in your "home currency" or the "local currency (CHF)," always choose CHF. This lets your home bank handle the conversion, which is almost always a better deal than the Swiss ATM's "guaranteed" rate.
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If you really need a physical exchange office, the SBB Change counters at the main train station are generally fairer than the ones at the airport.
Tipping and Small Costs
Tipping in Zurich isn't like the US. Service is included in the price by law. If your bill is 28.50 CHF, rounding up to 30 is plenty. If you had a world-class meal at Kronenhalle, maybe leave 5% to 10%, but nobody is going to chase you down the street if you don't.
Practical Steps for Your Trip:
- Check your card’s foreign transaction fees. If your bank charges 3% every time you swipe, get a travel card before you leave.
- Carry a 5-franc coin. It’s heavy, but it’s the ultimate "emergency" money for lockers or small purchases.
- Download the SBB Mobile app. You can link your credit card and buy train tickets instantly without ever touching a physical ticket machine or needing cash.
- Look for the "Tax-Free" sign. If you spend more than 300 CHF at a store, you can get a VAT refund. Keep your receipts and look for the Global Blue desk at the airport on your way out.
The currency of Zurich Switzerland is more than just money; it's a reflection of how the city works—efficient, expensive, and very much doing its own thing.