Can I use the Revolut card in Switzerland in 2024?
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland - or planning to move there to live, work or study - you’ve got an exciting time ahead. As the Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency in Switzerland you’ll need to find convenient ways to spend in CHF while you’re there.
This guide walks through how to use the Revolut card in Switzerland for convenient and secure transactions, and offers some handy hints about making your money go further when you’re abroad.
Can I use the Revolut card in Switzerland?
If you are a resident of New Zealand and have a Revolut card - or if you’re thinking of getting one - you’re probably wondering: can I use my Revolut card to pay for things in Switzerland?
The answer is yes, you can use the Revolut card for everyday spending in Switzerland. You can use the card to pay for things in Swiss Francs with competitive exchange rates and low transaction fees. This guide walks through how you’ll be able to use your Revolut card to help manage your travel spending.
How to order a Revolut card
Order your Revolut card in New Zealand by downloading the Revolut app. You’ll then be able to manage your money conveniently in the app too. Here’s what to do:
Select the Revolut account tier that’s the best for your needs and tap Sign up
Enter your personal and contact details following the prompts
Complete the verification step by snapping a photo of your ID and proof of address documents and uploading them
Confirm your shipping address, and your card will arrive in the mail
Can I get the Revolut card in Switzerland?
If you live in Switzerland, the good news is that the Revolut card is available for residents as long as they have the documents needed for verification - usually just an ID and a proof of local address.
Learn more about the Revolut cardWhat happens if I move to Switzerland?
As Revolut uses a different entity to operate in Switzerland compared to New Zealand, you will have to close and re-open your account to continue using the card.
An alternative to Revolut in Switzerland: Wise
Visa/Mastercard debit card
Mid-market exchange rate
40+ currenciesSpend in CHF when visiting Switzerland ✅
Available to residents of Switzerland ✅
Earn healthy interest rates on USD, EUR and GBP balances 💸
Hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your account and spend with your Wise card in 150+ countries globally. You’ll get the mid-market rate to convert currencies wherever you are in the world, with low fees - and some free ATM withdrawals every month, too.
Will my ATM card work in Switzerland?
Yes. Access to ATMs shouldn’t be a problem during your stay in Switzerland.
It’s good to know that Switzerland is well developed and ATMs can be found in most towns and cities - you’ll only usually run into a problem if you’re heading somewhere really off the beaten path. If that’s the case, plan in advance and stock up on CHF from an ATM while you can.
Generally having and using a low cost ATM card when you’re in Switzerland is convenient, reliable and secure. You can take out cash little and often to avoid the need to carry too much at any one time, and spend with your card in stores and restaurants. Keep more than one way to pay in your pocket at any given time, so you’re prepared no matter what happens.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Switzerland?
Don’t pay more than you need to when using an ATM. Here are some hints to avoid unexpected ATM fees in Switzerland:
Get a low cost ATM card which offers some free or cheap international withdrawals
Always pay in the local currency when you withdraw - this avoids additional charges and poor exchange rates offered by an ATM
Check if there’s a fixed cost per transaction for your ATM card. This might mean that making fewer, larger withdrawals is cheaper
Watch the ATM screen for warnings of extra fees the ATM operator may add - if there are going to be extra charges you may want to find an alternative terminal
Tips for saving on your travel budget for Switzerland
Make the most of your money so you can do more on your trip to Switzerland. Here are some travel budget tips:
Pay for your luggage when you book your flight - this is cheaper than at the airport
Don’t exchange currency at the airport or your hotel, as this is often the most expensive place
Always pay in the local currency
Keep a few different payment methods on you at any time, just in case you need a backup plan
Get a travel card which has good exchange rates and low or no cost ATM withdrawals overseas
What is the best currency to take to Switzerland?
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency in Switzerland.
You can exchange your NZD before you leave New Zealand if you’d like - but bear in mind that you won’t be able to spend NZD in Switzerland. If you arrive with cash in your pocket you’ll need to exchange it locally, which may come with unexpected costs, and take time out of your trip unnecessarily.
A better plan for lots of people is to get a travel card for spending in CHF while in Switzerland, with low costs and secure transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Revolut card will be OK for your trip to Switzerland. Use your Revolut card in Switzerland to get low cost currency conversion and cash withdrawals, and to keep your budget down overall.
The Revolut card is available for residents of Switzerland, as long as they have the documents needed for verification - usually just an ID and a proof of local address.
Using the Revolut card when you’re spending overseas can mean you get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs. Explore your card’s features and fees carefully to make sure you can get the most of it when travelling abroad.
The delivery time for a travel card in New Zealand can vary a lot depending on the provider you pick. Get ready in advance so you’ve got your card in good time before your trip to Switzerland.
The information in this article is correct as of 20/02/2024. We retrieved Wise's and Revolut's card coverage from the following sources: