Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Best way to buy swiss francs

Search

Best way to buy swiss francs

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 13th, 2013 | 09:56 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Best way to buy swiss francs

We are travelling next October to Switzerland and I'm trying to find the best way to buy Swiss francs,I've heard that by way of ATM's you get the best rates,and also that Wells
Fargo can let you change money 3 times without foreign fees.Can any one advice please?
playa77 is offline  
Old Aug 13th, 2013 | 10:05 AM
  #2  
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 0
Don't know about Wells Fargo, but yes, ATMs in Switzerland give you by far the best exchange rate. If your bank back home adds a fee it's per transaction, not a percentage, so simply withdraw a good chunk only a few times (rather than piddly amounts daily) and the fees won't add up to much. If you have an account with Schwab or one of the other institutions that don't charge and refund ATM fees, better still.

You need to make sure you call your bank and tell them to A) increase the daily allowance (in case of an emergency) and B) tell them when and where you're going, or else their anti-fraud system will block your attempts at withdrawing (and you'll blame the Swiss banks for it...).

Do the same for any credit cards you intend using on your trip.

Depending on what time and where you arrive in Switzerland, you might want to have a few Francs on you already. You can buy a small amount at your departure airport, the rate won't be as good, but for a small amount it won't make much of a difference, you simply pay for the convenience.
michelhuebeli is offline  
Old Aug 13th, 2013 | 10:17 AM
  #3  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Conversation Starter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,598
Likes: 3
I have yet to call my bank and advise them about using my ATM card in Europe and I have never had any difficulties withdrawing cash. I do, however, notify my credit card issuer about my travel plans.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Aug 13th, 2013 | 11:00 AM
  #4  
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
Likes: 0
Well I never contact my bank or any of my CC companies. But since I travel quite a lot - I'm sure they expect it by now.

If this is a rarity for you it may be a good idea to let them know.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Aug 13th, 2013 | 11:06 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks for answering, and yes I always contact the credit cards and banks,good idea of raising the amount that I can get daily for emegencies.
Thank you again
playa77 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sushshants
Europe
14
May 16th, 2013 05:54 AM
marcoslolag
Europe
6
May 26th, 2012 09:38 AM
hannahsomerville
Europe
5
Jul 14th, 2011 08:22 AM
anjun
Europe
7
Jun 18th, 2011 06:42 AM
PeggyE
Europe
7
Sep 3rd, 2007 02:53 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -