![\"section](\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/Screen-Shot-2018-03-29-at-16.32.49.png\")
<\/div><\/article>Additionally you can get an idea of costs by using these online currency conversion tools from Mastercard<\/a> and Visa<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n \n
Chip and PIN<\/h3>
Chip and pin is the most common card payment method in Switzerland. All you need to do upon inserting your card into an ATM or card machine is to simply enter your 4 digit PIN-code.<\/p>
Contactless and Apple Pay are also increasingly common forms of payment: just look out for the contactless payment symbol nearby the tills or purchasing area.<\/p>
Is it safe to use my card in Switzerland?<\/h3>
By exercising some caution when using your credit card in Switzerland, you\u2019ll have a relatively trouble-free experience.<\/p>
- Keep your PIN safe.<\/strong> Use one hand to enter the PIN and the other to shield it from prying eyes and hidden cameras.<\/li>
- Select ATMs with care.<\/strong> Try and stick to ATMs in banks and avoid using ones in the street.<\/li>
- Watch out for \u201cskimmers\u201d.<\/strong> When installed in an ATM, a card skimmer works by stealing information from credit and debit cards. If you feel the card slot is not as smooth as it should be or if there\u2019s a problem with the keypad, cancel your transaction and look for another ATM.<\/li><\/ul>
Keeping your credit card (physically) safe<\/h4>
While Switzerland is known among travellers for being a very safe country, you should always remain vigilant when in busy train stations and tourist areas. Be aware of where your belongings are at all times, and only use your card when you feel safe in your surroundings.<\/p>
Potential credit card fees<\/h3>
Credit card fees can leave a noticeable dent in your pocket when you\u2019re travelling overseas, so know what you\u2019re up against well in advance and choose a card with no or low fees.<\/p>
Foreign transaction fees<\/h4>
British credit card issuers typically charge a fee equivalent to 1% to 3% of your transaction, so carefully review your card\u2019s fine print to avoid statement surprises. Some cards designed for travel come with no foreign transaction fees, so this could be a good time to switch.<\/p>
Learn more about cards designed for overseas spending<\/a><\/p>
Currency conversion fees<\/h4>
If a retailer offers to bill your credit card in sterling, dynamic currency conversion comes into play. While this might sound like a good deal, you\u2019ll actually end up getting a worse exchange rate, and you might also end up paying currency conversion fees. Whenever you\u2019re presented with an option, choose to pay in the local currency.<\/p>
Cash advance fees<\/h4>
Using your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM may not make sense unless it\u2019s a bona fide emergency. Each time you withdraw funds from an ATM, you\u2019re likely to pay a cash advance fee. Your APR for cash advances is typically higher than your purchase APR, and you\u2019ll typically get no grace period on interest \u2014 instead, you start paying interest immediately. Again, some cards designed for overseas spending<\/a> will waive this fee.<\/p>
The table below serves as an example of how much extra you may pay to use your credit card in Switzerland.<\/p>
<\/div><\/article> - Select ATMs with care.<\/strong> Try and stick to ATMs in banks and avoid using ones in the street.<\/li>