Can you advise on the best (cheapest) way to get Swiss Francs while in Switzerland? We'll be converting US dollars to Swiss francs before departing, but if we should need more while there (probably) are ATM's the way to go? Not sure what kind of fees are involved.

Thanks!

ATM!

Don't convert before you go, just atop at an ATM upon arrival.

Read ALL of this thread CAREFULLY


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...cy-exhange.cfm

Also, if you are gong on to other countries that use Euros, don't get a lot of francs as you won't be able to use them in other countries so you'll be stuck with them.

Take out a small amount at a time. Use your no foreign fee credit card wherever you can. Again, read that thread.

I don't know where you live, but if you like the security of having some euros in hand for arrivals at eurozone countries, be aware that many Swiss ATMs also let you take out euros. The rate at my bank is good. So before you leave, you might want to take out about 100 euros or so to have them in hand (since you seem to like having money with you on arrival).

For the best rates pay for al you can with your credit card and pull walking aroun dmoney from bank ATMs.

BUT, the cost will depend on your banks (check to see what % they charge above the interbank exchange rate) - the local banks do not charge a fee for this.

This can vary a lot by credit card and bank.

<i>This can vary a lot by credit card and bank.</i>

DO NOT get cash using a credit card. Very bad way to get cash; fees, interest starts accruing immediately.

Pay for things with credit card, ATM/Debit cards for cash.

You can find ATMs everywhere. Also Visa/MasterCard credit cards are accepted in most restaurants, train stations, stores. We took 300 SF from ATM machine on arrival to Zurich and since we widely used our Visa credit card with no foreign transaction fee and had a Swiss Pass we spend only around 200 SF during our 13 day trip in Switzerland.

Good sound advice all around. Thanks everybody!

<if we should need more while there (probably) are ATM's the way to go?>

Yes ATMs are the way to go. Fees (if any) come from your home bank, ask them.