Switzerland

meecee
meecee Forum Participant Posts: 304
edited July 2017 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

We might or might not be travelling/staying  in Switzerland in a few week's time, in view of this vagueness which of the following options would anyone recommend (or other)?  

Take Swiss currency obtained here, being prepared to change back if not needed  (charges)            Pay for everything in Euros (I understand this is expensive and not always accepted)                      Pay for everything on debit card (charges for each use)

We've been there before but had more specific plans so took currency.   Thanks in advance for opinions.  smile

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2017 #2

    I don't know which bank cards you have, but personally I would treat Switzerland just as I have treated travelling in far more remote countries across Asia  -  paying  bills with my no-free Halifax Clarity Credit Card when possible,  and drawing cash from an ATM as and when needed. 

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited July 2017 #3

    We take a few hundred Francs and withdraw from cash machines when needed.

    Any large payments paid sometimes in Francs via credit Card (Barclaycard).

    Euros seem to be accepted nearly everywhere but one Euro to one Franc is the normal rate!!

    We always have Euros but keep them for Euro countrieswink

    PS. We always get Francs at Tesco who will change any returned notes at the original purchase value.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #4

    That's a good hedge against currency movements.

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
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    edited July 2017 #5

    This summer we stopped on near Lucerne and virtually everything went on the Halifax Clarity card. Where we had to pay cash it was in Euros and was at an awful exchange rate as EJB986 says - and the change will be given in Swiss francs! 

    NB we were asked if we wanted to pay in Swiss francs or Euros or Sterling at many places using the credit card - always chose local currency. 

    And remember Switzerland isn't cheap!

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited July 2017 #6

    Another fan of Halifax Clarity which we use all over the world for cash withdrawals and credit payments. Some places in Switzerland will take Euros but the exchange rate is generally poor and they will give you change in Swiss francs. It's a very expensive country apart from fuel and a few other things. 

  • meecee
    meecee Forum Participant Posts: 304
    edited July 2017 #7

    Thanks all - I'll look into the Halifax card.  We usually use a mixture of cash/debit cards as I thought credit card charges were more expensive.  I'll definitely check out Tesco's exchange rates in view of EJB's advice above. We usually get a good rate from M&S as we're card holders, perhaps Tesco is the same.......time to do some up to date research

  • meecee
    meecee Forum Participant Posts: 304
    edited July 2017 #8

    I wonder if Tesco's give points for buying currency, in which case they'd be helping to pay for our next holiday (eurotunnel crossing) wink

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
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    edited July 2017 #9

    I'm sure they don't give points although they do now accept credit and debit cards when purchasing foreign currency....they didn't used to!

    PS. I would guess it's 'Tesco Bank' and not retail?

     

  • meecee
    meecee Forum Participant Posts: 304
    edited July 2017 #10

    Yes, you're right, Tesco Bank.  In my dreams I think!  After considering it at various times but not getting round to applying we've finally got the Clarity Card.  smile

  • downhill222
    downhill222 Forum Participant Posts: 19
    edited August 2017 #11

    If you have a Tesco credit card, then you can buy currency with no fee and you will get points added to your card.

    Quoted from Tesco website:

    If you pay with your Tesco Credit Card, there's no cash advance fee (excluding Tesco Business Credit Card) or card handling fees. Buying foreign currency with a Tesco Clubcard Credit Card from Tesco Travel Money will count towards your cash limit but will be treated as a purchase transaction and will still be charged interest at the purchase interest rate.

    I've done it a few times and the rates have been pretty bang in line with Asda and better than most of the banks.

    If you order £500 or more, then you get free delivery to your door, under £500, it's a £3.95 delivery fee.

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