Money in Switzerland is a bit of a rebel. While the rest of its neighbors tucked themselves under the warm, communal blanket of the Euro decades ago, the Swiss just... didn't. They kept their own thing.
If you’re planning a trip to Zurich or just trying to figure out why your forex app is acting crazy, you need to know about the Swiss franc. It’s the official swiss currency, and honestly, it’s one of the most interesting pieces of paper (and metal) you’ll ever hold.
In Switzerland, they call it the Franken (German), franc (French), or franco (Italian). In the world of high finance, it’s simply CHF. That stands for Confoederatio Helvetica Franc. It’s a mouthful, but it basically translates to "the money of the Swiss Confederation."
What Is the Swiss Currency Actually Like?
The first thing you notice when you hold a Swiss banknote is that it’s vertical. Most world currencies are horizontal—think of the US Dollar or the British Pound. But Swiss notes stand tall. They look more like high-tech bookmarks or art gallery brochures than traditional money.
They’re also tiny. Well, the 10-franc note is. As you go up in value, the notes get physically larger.
The Bills and the "Altitudes"
Right now, Switzerland uses its ninth series of banknotes. These were designed by Manuela Pfrunder and they're stunning. They moved away from depicting famous people. Instead, they focus on things like "time," "light," and "wind."
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But there’s a new change coming. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is currently working on the tenth banknote series. The theme? "Switzerland and its altitudes." * 10 Francs (Yellow): Focuses on the lowlands and organizational talent.
- 20 Francs (Red): The Central Plateau and creativity.
- 50 Francs (Green): The Jura region and wealth of experiences.
- 100 Francs (Blue): The alpine foothills and humanitarian tradition.
- 200 Francs (Brown): The Alps and scientific research.
- 1,000 Francs (Purple): The High Alps and the power of communication.
Yes, you read that right. There is a 1,000-franc note. It’s one of the most valuable banknotes in the world. While most countries are trying to kill off large bills to stop money laundering, the Swiss are just like, "Nah, we like our cash." In early 2026, the 1,000-franc note remains a perfectly normal way to pay for a high-end watch or a used car.
The Coins (Rappen)
One franc is divided into 100 subunits. In German, they’re called Rappen. In French, centimes.
The coins haven't changed much in over a hundred years. If you find a 10-centime coin from 1879, it’s actually still legal tender today. That kind of stability is almost unheard of anywhere else.
Why the Swiss Franc Is a "Safe Haven"
You’ll hear investors talk about the franc as a "safe haven" currency. Basically, when the world starts to look like a dumpster fire—wars, inflation, political drama—everyone runs to the Swiss franc.
Why? Because Switzerland is boring. And in finance, boring is beautiful.
The country is famously neutral. They have a massive pile of gold. Their debt is low. Their economy is incredibly stable. Because of this, the franc tends to gain value when other currencies are crashing.
The 2015 "Francogeddon"
If you want to sound like an expert, mention January 15, 2015. For years, the Swiss National Bank had "pegged" the franc to the Euro to keep it from getting too strong (which hurts Swiss exporters). They promised that 1 Euro would always be worth at least 1.20 francs.
Then, on a random Thursday morning, they just... stopped.
The franc exploded in value instantly. It was chaos. People who had mortgages in francs but earned money in other currencies saw their debt spike 20% in minutes. It’s a reminder that even the most "stable" currency can have moments of absolute madness.
Practical Tips for Using Swiss Currency in 2026
If you’re heading to Switzerland soon, here’s the reality of how money works on the ground:
1. Cash is still king (sorta). Unlike the UK or Scandinavia, where some shops refuse cash, Switzerland still loves its physical money. You can pay for almost anything with a 100-franc note and nobody will blink. That said, Apple Pay and cards are everywhere now.
2. Don't rely on the Euro. Since Switzerland is surrounded by the Eurozone, many shops (especially in train stations or tourist areas) will accept Euros. But they’ll give you a terrible exchange rate. And they’ll give you your change in Swiss francs anyway. Just use a travel card or get some local cash.
3. The 1/2 franc coin is a thing. It’s tiny. Smaller than the 10-centime coin. It's confusing for the first day, but you'll get used to it.
4. Exchange rates are tricky. As of January 2026, the franc is quite strong. 1 CHF is roughly equal to 1.25 USD or 1.07 EUR. Switzerland was already expensive; a strong currency makes that morning coffee even more painful for your bank account.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of the Franc
The Swiss National Bank is currently in the middle of a design competition for the next generation of notes. By 2030, we’ll start seeing the new "Altitudes" series in circulation.
Interestingly, while the world moves toward digital currencies (CBDCs), the SNB remains committed to physical cash. They see it as a "fall-back" system. If the power goes out or the internet crashes, you can still buy bread with a silver coin featuring Helvetia (the female personification of Switzerland).
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the SNB’s quarterly policy assessments. They’ve been keeping interest rates near 0% lately to combat the franc’s tendency to get too strong against the Euro.
If you're holding francs as an investment, remember: it’s a hedge against chaos. When the world is quiet, the franc doesn't move much. When things get loud, it's the only place people want to be.
To manage your money effectively while visiting, always choose to "pay in local currency" (CHF) when using a credit card at a terminal. This avoids the "Dynamic Currency Conversion" fees that banks love to hide. Also, if you end up with a pile of coins, spend them before you leave—most banks won't exchange foreign coins once you're back home.