Switzerland Visit

[Nicko]

Hi
Travelling to Switzerland in mid February. An already expensive trip has just got 30% more expensive with the surge in the Swiss franc. Anyway i'm hoping the scenery and the skiing will be worth it.
Just a quick question, Does anyone know whats the best way to pay for day to day stuff over there. Should i order Swiss francs from my local bank or take cash out from an ATM using a debit card or pay for everything using a credit card/debit card. Whats the cheapest?

 

[Jim2007]

Oh you know us Swiss, we love to see the colour of your money Most Swiss people tend to pay in cash, but at any tourist resource they will have no problem taking credit cards as well, it is only if you go off the beaten track that you find places that only accept cash. I understand that the ATMs offer the best rates, if not, I'm sure someone will correct me.

For reasonable dining prices during the day watch out for Migro or Coop restaurants, they are self-service and offer reasonable prices by Swiss standards. It is where the locals go. For evening dining I would avoid restaurants with English menus as the are normally more expensive.

What part of the country are you going to?

Jim

 

[Nicko]

Hi Jim
Thanks for the info. I will have to compare the rate of conversion via debit card at the ATM v Currency at my local branch.
We are staying in Zurich for three days and Zermatt for four. Have heard a lot of good things about both places so looking forward to it. Is there anything in particular in either that we must see or do?

 

[Jim2007]

Hi there,

Well in Zurich, you should have a walk around the old town (not much of it left!) and of course down Bahnhofstr. and marvel at the price of all that is on offer! Dining on the Fondue boat (assuming cheese and fine wine is your thing) on the lake can be fun and of course a trip up to the [broken link removed] is always fun (not far from my offices actually). If you really want to push the boat out I can recommend my favorite restaurant for dinner [broken link removed], but pay attention to the prices before you commit yourself ;-)

In Zermatt if the weather is good a trip up the Gornergrat and for a good view of the Matterhorn go to the end of the main street, then take the little road almost to the right of the cheese restaurant out of the village for about 10 minutes. It is particularly fine no a clear night. For reasonable dining check out the BahnhofBuffet near the train station.

For gives such as chocolate etc visit Coop, they usually have the same selection, but at much better prices.

Enjoy the trip,

Jim.