Currency exchange

Although most points of sale in train stations and border areas accept Swiss and French currency, you need to plan ahead and change some currency before your trip or in the train station.

Before your departure

As Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it still uses the Swiss franc (CHF). France uses the euro (EUR/€). To allow comparison with other European countries, prices are often quoted in CHF and EUR. 


It is possible to pay in euro in many shops, but you will be given change in Swiss francs. 


Currency converter.  

Currency exchange outlets in French train stations

Les Monnaies de Lyon 

6 Rue de Lyon, 75012 Paris 

Open Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 5.30 pm and Saturday from 8:45 am to 1.00 pm 


Western Union 

158 Boulevard Voltaire, 75011 Paris 

Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm 

Currency exchange outlets in Swiss train stations

Geneva Cornavin station 

Level 0, SBB sales point 

Open Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm 


Zurich Hauptbahnhof station 

Level 0, near the SBB sales point 

Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm 


Basel station 

Level 0, ticket hall 

Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm 


Lausanne station 

Level 0, SBB sales point 

Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm