The franc: small, strong and sought after
Switzerland belongs neither to the EU nor to the euro area. Its currency is the Swiss franc, abbreviated CHF. One franc has 100 centimes, called Rappen in German. Liechtenstein also uses the franc as its official currency. On 24 September 2026 the ECB reference rate was 0.9409. So one euro got you just under 0.94 francs, and one franc was worth about €1.0628.
Unlike many other currencies, the franc is therefore worth more than the euro. This can be confusing when converting: if you exchange €100, you get fewer than 100 francs. The euro to Swiss franc converter shows you the current rate.
Why the franc is so strong
The franc is considered a safe haven. In uncertain times, investors from all over the world like to put their money into francs, which strengthens the currency. The Swiss National Bank tries to curb excessive appreciation because it hurts the export industry. From 2011 to January 2015 there was even a minimum rate of 1.20 francs per euro. When the central bank abolished it on 15 January 2015, the franc shot up within minutes.
For some years now the rate has mostly been below parity, meaning one franc is worth more than one euro. In the 90 days before 24 September 2026 the rate moved between 0.9190 on 3 July and 0.9466 on 17 September. Compared with many other currencies, the fluctuations are rather small.
How to convert francs into euros
Because the rate is below 1, a simple rule of thumb applies: a franc price in euros is a little higher than the number on the price tag. Add roughly six percent. A coffee for 5.50 francs then costs around €5.85, a train ticket for 64 francs about €68. Precisely: francs ÷ 0.9409 = euros.
Paying with euros in Switzerland?
In many shops, hotels and station ticket counters in Switzerland you can also pay with euro banknotes. However, you usually get your change in francs, and the rate used is often rounded and unfavourable. If you pay this way regularly, you quickly give away a few percent.
Paying by card in francs is cheaper. Here too, make sure you choose francs and not euros at the terminal. With a conversion into euros directly at the terminal, the operator uses its own rate with a markup. Since the franc is not an EU currency, the EU rules on disclosing the markup do not apply in full. A look at your card's price list shows what fee is charged for payments in foreign currency. How to recalculate the markup is explained in Exchange rate markups on cards and cash.
Take little cash
In Switzerland people now pay by card or smartphone almost everywhere. Some cash in francs is still handy for small amounts, machines in the mountains or tips. Only exchange small amounts for this, and preferably not at airport exchange offices, whose rates are often well below the reference rate.
Plan for high prices despite the strong franc
The strong franc is only half the story. Prices in Switzerland are also well above the German level, for example for restaurants, accommodation and groceries. If you are planning a holiday or thinking about moving, look at both effects together. You will find a price comparison in the cost of living calculator.
For cross-border commuters: keep an eye on the rate
If you live in Germany and work in Switzerland, you receive your salary in francs but pay rent and shopping in euros. Every movement in the rate therefore directly affects your disposable income. If the franc rises by 3%, your salary in euro terms rises by the same percentage. The percentage calculator makes it easy to see how a rate change works out in percent.
In short
1. On 24 Sep 2026, €1 was about 0.94 francs, and 1 franc about €1.06.
2. Rule of thumb: franc price plus roughly 6% gives the euro price.
3. Paying with euro notes is possible but usually unfavourable.
4. Have your card charged in francs, do not convert into euros at the terminal.