Money and duty free for Switzerland
Currency and Money
Currency information
Swiss Franc (CHF; symbol SFr) = 100 centimes (called centimes in French, rappen in German and centesimi in Italian). Notes are in denominations of SFr1,000, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SFr5, 2, 1, 1/2 and 20, 10 and 5 centimes.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most places throughout Switzerland, including American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa.
ATM
ATMs are widely available throughout Switzerland, especially in the major cities.
Travellers cheques
Pound Sterling, US Dollar or Euro cheques are accepted at airports, railway stations and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars. As of 2013, American Express has discontinued traveler's cheque distribution in Switzerland.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1630 in bigger cities. These hours are extended once per week. Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1400-1700 in rural areas.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange
There are bureaux de change at train stations, airports, major hotels and banks.
Switzerland duty free
Overview
The following items may be imported into Switzerland by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:
• 250 cigarettes/250g tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars etc.)
• 5L up to 18% alcohol volume, 1L over 18% alcohol volume
• 1kg of meat/meat products per person with exception of game
• 1kg butter, cream
• 1kg oil, grease, margarine
• Goods to a value of CHF300 per person.
Import Regulations
With the Quick Zoll app, travelers can submit a customs declaration and pay customs duties online.
Banned Imports
Prohibited or restricted goods include endangered species, narcotics, counterfeit goods, cultural property, medicines, plants, radar warning devices, animals and animal products, and weapons.
Banned Exports
Unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods, protected animal and plant species, and narcotics. You must declare any cultural property.
