Hey all,


I did a quick search but couldn't find the full answer I want.


I'm travelling to Italy next week and need some Euro cash. When I previously went to France I just withdrew euros from a CHF cashpoint with my UBS card. I found that the fees and exchange rate were pretty bad though. Spending on my credit card was better (1.75% fee at UBS sell rate) but I still need some Euro cash.


If I was in the UK, I would probably go to M&S or a similar money transfer place. Is there anything similar here? I'm in Neuchatel but will be going to Bern on Monday...


Thanks in advance


N

Based on some previous recommendations here I exchanged CHF into Euro at a good rate in Coop (in some of the large stores they have exchange desks). Works out a bit better than doing it cash at the bank. Otherwise the post offices have OK-ish rates too - but not that much better from what you get when paying with the card abroad. I also ended up with a 2chf fee per exchange in some post offices(!).

In any case, make sure you exchange cash to cash, don't pay for cash with the card as you may be charged a foreign cash exchange fee on the transaction.

Would also be interested to hear other options.

I have a EUR account with my bank and the agreement if I pick up cash at a branch, they will not charge me anything (as would happen if I just picked up cash from an ATM)

Usually I just use my Postfinance card to draw out the Euros I need; I know it's not the best exchange rate but they charge no other fees apart from the exchange rate loading. I typically draw out 100€ at a time though, so not huge amounts. Actually, I use my Postfinance card around the world for cash withdrawals as I often draw out small amounts at a time, and all my other cards would charge me a fee each time I use an ATM.

However, since the Euro (and hence the CHF) seem to have recently collapsed against Sterling, I'm now using my UK ATM card (Metro bank, no fees or loading for Europe withdrawals) as I have money in my UK bank account which I transferred over from here when the CHF was much stronger.

For large amounts I'd ask Postfinance to quote me, but so far I've never needed large amounts of Euros.

Thanks for your replies. I will try a big co-op and post offices in Bern. I also don't need a large amount, just enough for when it's not possible to pay with credit card and for restaurants etc... the shopping in Milan will be on the Visa :P