Don’t forget to exchange Swiss Francs before travelling to Switzerland
Planning a trip to Switzerland? The first step is securing the local currency – the Swiss Franc (CHF). While Switzerland is a highly developed country, that doesn’t mean bank cards are accepted absolutely everywhere. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash during your visit. It’s also wise to plan a travel budget, as it gives you a better idea of how many Swedish Kronor (SEK) to exchange for Swiss Francs (CHF). Order your travel money at a great rate with ChangeGroup.
Practical advice for planning your budget
A typical tourist in Switzerland spends around 338 CHF per day. Accommodation costs around 86 CHF for a hostel and approximately 146 CHF for a 3-star hotel.
In Switzerland, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest franc or two. If the service is particularly good, tipping around 10% is appreciated.
If you plan to treat yourself to a restaurant meal or two while travelling, expect to pay between 14 and 39 CHF. Local and regional dishes include Älplermagronen, Rösti, Birchermüesli, Appenzell gingerbread, and other Swiss specialities.
86–146 CHF
Average cost of accommodation per night in Switzerland
14–39 CHF
Average daily food budget per person
Good to Know
Some indicative prices in Switzerland:
2–5.50 CHF
A ticket for the metro or bus
2–6 CHF
The price of a cup of coffee
0–10 CHF
Entry to the Swiss National Museum in Zurich
6 CHF
A typical Swiss dish – Rösti
8 CHF
A taxi ride in Geneva or Zurich
10–15 CHF
Admission to the Museum of Art and History
Some suggestions for your stay in Switzerland
Make sure to visit these highlights:
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Verbier – a stylish ski resort in the French-speaking region of Valais, known for its 4 valleys, 80 ski lifts, and over 400 kilometres of pistes.
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The Glacier Express – a scenic train journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt, passing through Chur, Andermatt, and Brig. Expect some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see.
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Brienz Lake in the Bernese Oberland – a short hike through varied landscapes, peaceful lakes, and stunning waterfalls. Nearby, you’ll find charming little villages.
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Jungfraujoch, Lake Lucerne, Lausanne, Bern, Lugano, and Geneva are all well worth a visit.
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Lucerne – a beautiful city with a lively nightlife scene, filled with bars and clubs.
When do you need cash in Iceland?
Iceland is a country where card and contactless payments are very well accepted. However, it is still useful to have ISK in cash during your stay to avoid any stressful situations.
If you plan to visit one of the country’s many craft markets, make sure to have Icelandic króna in cash, as some stalls will only accept cash payments.
Additionally, some areas outside the main tourist routes or far from major cities may require cash payments. Network coverage can also be quite poor, making card terminals unusable. Having ISK in cash is therefore an excellent way to ensure you can pay for purchases in any situation.
As a general rule, we recommend exchanging SEK to ISK before departure to benefit from the best exchange rates, and using cash to maintain control over your budget.
A few facts about the Swiss Franc (CHF)
Denominations of the Swiss Franc:
Banknotes: 10 CHF, 20 CHF, 50 CHF, 100 CHF, 200 CHF, 1,000 CHF
Coins: ½ CHF, 1 CHF, 2 CHF, 5 CHF, and 5, 10, 20 centimes
The official Swiss Franc, as we know it today, was introduced in 1850. Its abbreviation CHF comes from its Latin name Confoederatio Helvetica, and the ‘f’ stands for ‘franc’.
Switzerland is currently the only country in Europe still using the franc, while other nations such as France, Belgium, and Luxembourg have adopted the euro.
Why exchange Swiss Francs with ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup is a global leader in currency exchange services, with over 30 years of experience. In Sweden, the company offers more than 60 currencies and a wide network of conveniently located exchange offices. For a better SEK to CHF exchange rate and a smooth online ordering experience, we recommend purchasing your currency in advance. That way, you can relax and enjoy your holiday the moment you arrive. Ordering online is easy, convenient, and secure. Welcome to ChangeGroup!
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to CHF
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/CHF exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to CHF in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your CHF at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your CHF at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your CHF online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many CHF you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
- I have placed an order but I did not receive a confirmation e-mail, what should I do?


