Currencies

Order Swiss francs online

How to buy Swiss francs

Whether you’re planning to scale the Matterhorn, float around on Lake Geneva, or visit every chocolatier in Zurich, it’s worth buying Swiss francs in plenty of time before your trip. You can exchange your pounds for Swiss francs at select Bureau de Change locations or online.

Competitive rates

We monitor the currency exchange market daily to ensure we offer you a great rate to sell or buy Swiss francs for your upcoming holiday.

Delivered to you

Order Swiss francs online and have them delivered to a John Lewis or Waitrose near you or directly to your home by the next working day. Free delivery and collection for orders over £500.

 

No commission fees

You won’t have to pay a commission fee when you buy Swiss francs online or in-store.

Setting off for Switzerland?

With over 1,500 mountains and nearly as many lakes, you won’t be short of stunning vistas to soak up during your time in Switzerland.

Euros may be accepted in some larger shops and restaurants. But it’s worth bringing Swiss francs, especially if you plan on visiting some of Switzerland's smaller villages, such as Gimmelwald or Andermatt.

Popular with hikers, skiers and climbers, Switzerland has attracted thrill-seekers to its multiple mountain ranges for centuries. But not to worry, if you prefer the slower pace of life, there are plenty of sleepy, fairytale towns to wander around. Explore the many castles, find yourself some fondue, or even take in the Alps from the comfort of the Glacier Express, with breathtaking panoramic views for up to eight hours.

Order Swiss francs online or buy them in-store so you have currency in hand before you even cross the border.

Sell your leftover Swiss francs

After your trip, you can return any leftover francs to us, and we’ll exchange them for pounds. Just visit a John Lewis Bureau de Change point with your francs and a valid form of ID.

Guarantee return within 35 days

If your trip to Switzerland is cancelled, you can return your francs to any John Lewis Bureau de Change. You’ll receive a full refund, even for online orders. Returns need to be made within 35 days of the purchase date. Bring your ID and original order receipt or order confirmation with you.

Please note that returns and exchanges of francs to pounds can only be made in-store.

 

Frequently asked questions

Are old Swiss franc notes still valid?

Only the current circulation of Swiss francs is valid. No other series of banknotes are valid, but the eighth and sixth series banknotes can be exchanged for their full value at the Swiss National bank. The current valid Swiss franc notes are the ninth series that entered circulation in 2016. For more information see the Swiss National bank page on banknotes and coins.

Where are Swiss francs used?

Swiss francs can be used in Switzerland, Lichtenstein and Campione d'Italia (a commune on Lake Como, Italy).

Can I use euros in Switzerland?

Some larger businesses may accept euros in Switzerland, but the official legal tender is Swiss francs.

Can I sell back old Swiss franc notes?

The National Bank of Switzerland (SNB) recalled its eighth-series banknotes in April 2021. Any notes from this series cannot be used as legal tender. 

These notes can not be exchanged for pounds at any John Lewis Bureau. They can be exchanged for current Swiss banknotes at the Swiss National Bank in Zurich or Berne.

You can also exchange sixth-series banknotes at the SNB. First to fifth series banknotes cannot be exchanged and are no longer valid for use.

 

Will the rate be the same in the Bureau?

Exchange rates in-store may vary from those offered online. You can use our rate table to check today's online rates, and today’s in-store buy and sell rates on the bureau de change store locator.

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Our partner

John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are both trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 171 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NN. Registered in England (Registered Company Number 233462). John Lewis plc introduce the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, whom each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC.

Foreign Currency online from both John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited registration number 04287490 (Money Service Business licence number MLR-64068), whose registered office is at Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, West London, TW8 9DF England.

For UK clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by HiFX Europe Limited. HiFX is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, registration 462444, for the provision of payment services. HiFX is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 3517451. Registered office: Maxis 1, Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RT.

For EEA clients: International Payments at John Lewis Finance is provided by XE Europe B.V.. XE Europe B.V. is authorised by the Dutch Central Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank) under the Payment Services Directive II, licence number R149006 for the provision of payment services. XE Europe B.V. is a limited company registered in The Netherlands with company no. 72587873, and registered office at Rozengracht 12,1, 1016NB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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