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Buy Swiss francs before you travel to Switzerland
Buy Swiss francs online from US First Exchange and arrive in Zurich, Geneva or the Alps with cash ready to spend. We are a Los Angeles currency exchange registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business. Choose your amount in the order form on this page and see your full price before you pay.
Francs, not euros
Switzerland is not in the eurozone. The Swiss franc is the currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Some shops, hotels and train station kiosks accept euros, but usually at their own rate and with change given in francs.
Cards are widely accepted, but francs are useful for mountain huts, small cafés, markets, public toilets and tips. Switzerland is expensive, so budget a little more cash than you would elsewhere in Europe.
Swiss franc banknotes at a glance
Current Swiss banknotes belong to the ninth series issued by the Swiss National Bank between 2016 and 2019. We source francs as orders come in, so the exact mix of notes depends on availability at the time of your order.
| Note | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 10 and 20 CHF | Coffee, snacks, tips, transit |
| 50 CHF | Meals, everyday spending |
| 100 and 200 CHF | Hotels and larger purchases |
| 1,000 CHF | One of the highest-value notes in the world; rarely used day to day |
Learn more in the Swiss franc: an expert's guide to Swiss currency.
How to buy Swiss francs online
- Choose your amount. Select Swiss franc and enter how much you want. You can add other currencies to the same order.
- Pay securely. Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order.
- Verify your identity. Upload a valid US government-issued ID, as federal rules require.
- Receive your delivery. Choose FedEx 2Day or Overnight and track your package.
See the full process on how it works.
Payment and delivery
Pay by credit or debit card, e-check, check, cashier's check or money order. We do not accept bank wire, ACH or PayPal payments.
| Payment method | Time to clear |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Up to 72 business hours |
| Check, e-check, cashier's check or money order | Up to 7 business days from the day payment is received and processed |
Check payments take longer because of our due diligence checks. Once your payment clears, your order ships by FedEx with full-value insurance and tracking.
| Shipping option | Cost |
|---|---|
| FedEx 2Day | $24 |
| FedEx Overnight | $34 |
| Orders of $5,000 or more | Free |
An adult (18+) must sign for the package. We deliver to every U.S. state except Texas, Illinois, Washington and New Mexico; Alaska and Hawaii are treated as international deliveries.
Because we source francs to order, allow a little extra time and order well before your trip.
Why buy Swiss francs from US First Exchange
- Verified notes checked on De La Rue verification machines before they ship.
- Fully insured FedEx delivery, free on orders of $5,000 or more.
- Rate locked at checkout, so the price you see is the price you pay.
- Registered and compliant. We are registered with FinCEN, part of the US Treasury, as a Money Services Business and follow federal know-your-customer rules. Read our compliance statement.
- A real US business. Our office is at 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. We serve customers by mail and phone; there is no walk-in counter.
- People who pick up the phone. Call 310-982-1743, 10am–5pm Pacific Time.
- Sell back leftovers. Home with francs to spare? Sell Swiss francs for US dollars.
Traveling on to the eurozone? See every currency on our buy foreign currency page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use euros in Switzerland?
Some businesses accept euros, but usually at their own exchange rate and with change in Swiss francs. Paying in francs or by card is normally cheaper.
Which countries use the Swiss franc?
Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
How long does it take to get Swiss francs delivered?
Your order ships once your payment clears and your notes are sourced: card payments clear in up to 72 business hours, check payments in up to 7 business days. Order well before you travel.
How much is shipping?
FedEx 2Day costs $24 and FedEx Overnight costs $34. Shipping is free on orders of $5,000 or more.
Is there a minimum order?
There is no minimum order. Larger orders need extra identity verification, and government reporting rules may apply.
Can I buy Swiss francs with a credit card?
Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Your card issuer may treat the purchase as a cash advance, so check with them first.
Do you accept wire transfers, ACH or PayPal?
No. We accept credit and debit cards, e-checks, checks, cashier's checks and money orders.
Do I need to be home to receive my order?
Yes. An adult aged 18 or over must sign for the package at the address on your order.
Can I return Swiss francs?
All sales are final and currency cannot be returned. You can sell it back to us later at our posted buyback rate.