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Switzerland price guide

Prices in Switzerland in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: expensive, even at local prices. Fair prices are about 3.2× the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price.

29 prices checked May – Aug 2026 12 verified and 17 estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Switzerland: CHF 72 or CHF 150

About $87 or $180 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 2.1× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: CHF 70, or 47% of the tourist-trap day.

+CHF 78 (about $94) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair (CHF) Trap (CHF)
Street food meal 11 20.50
Restaurant meal 32.50 70
Coffee (espresso) 4.25 7.25
Water 1.5 L 1.05 3.75
Local beer 7 11.50
Public transit ticket 2 rides 12 29.40
Short taxi ride about 1 km 4.40 7.50
Total 72 150
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is CHF 12⁠–⁠25 (about $14 –⁠ $30).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Switzerland

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Water 1.5 L Fair CHF 0.60⁠–1.50 Trap CHF 2.50⁠–5.00 Tourist prices are about 3.6× the fair price
  2. 2 Water 0.5 L Fair CHF 1.00⁠–2.50 Trap CHF 4⁠–7 Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
  3. 3 Local handcraft Fair CHF 20⁠–60 Trap CHF 70⁠–150 Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $9.70

Tourist-trap price

Fair CHF 3.80⁠–5.00 Trap CHF 6⁠–9

CHF 8 is 1.8× the middle of the fair range (CHF 3.80⁠–⁠5.00).

Tourists often get charged CHF 6⁠–⁠9. From CHF 6 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Switzerland, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken, and Zermatt.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 3.1×

Restaurant meal: fair is CHF 25⁠–⁠40. From CHF 50 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair CHF 1.00⁠–2.50 ≈ $1.20 – $3
    Trap CHF 4⁠–7 ≈ $4.80 – $8.40

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair CHF 3.50⁠–5.00 ≈ $4.20 – $6
    Trap CHF 6.00⁠–8.50 ≈ $7 – $10

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair CHF 6⁠–8 ≈ $7.20 – $9.70
    Trap CHF 9⁠–14 ≈ $11 – $17

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair CHF 25⁠–40 ≈ $30 – $48
    Trap CHF 50⁠–90 ≈ $60 – $110

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair CHF 8⁠–14 ≈ $10 – $17
    Trap CHF 16⁠–25 ≈ $19 – $30

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair CHF 16⁠–22 ≈ $19 – $27
    Trap CHF 24⁠–35 ≈ $29 – $42

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair CHF 35⁠–55 ≈ $42 – $66
    Trap CHF 55⁠–95 ≈ $66 – $115

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair CHF 5.00⁠–7.50 ≈ $6 – $9.10
    Trap CHF 9⁠–14 ≈ $11 – $17
Transport 4 prices, up to 2.4×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is CHF 50⁠–⁠70. At CHF 75 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.6× the fair price
    Fair CHF 50⁠–70 ≈ $60 – $84
    Trap CHF 75⁠–120 ≈ $91 – $145

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair CHF 3.80⁠–5.00 ≈ $4.60 – $6
    Trap CHF 6⁠–9 ≈ $7 – $11

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair CHF 2.80⁠–9.20 ≈ $3.40 – $11
    Trap CHF 11.40⁠–18.00 ≈ $14 – $22

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair CHF 35⁠–70 ≈ $42 – $84
    Trap CHF 80⁠–150 ≈ $97 – $180
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 2.8×

Fridge magnet: fair is CHF 3⁠–⁠6. From CHF 8 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair CHF 3⁠–6 ≈ $3.60 – $7.20
    Trap CHF 8⁠–15 ≈ $10 – $18

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair CHF 18⁠–30 ≈ $22 – $36
    Trap CHF 35⁠–55 ≈ $42 – $66

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.8× the fair price
    Fair CHF 20⁠–60 ≈ $24 – $72
    Trap CHF 70⁠–150 ≈ $84 – $180
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 3.6×

Tourist SIM: fair is CHF 15⁠–⁠30. From CHF 40 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair CHF 15⁠–30 ≈ $18 – $36
    Trap CHF 40⁠–60 ≈ $48 – $72

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.2× the fair price
    Fair CHF 9⁠–16 ≈ $11 – $19
    Trap CHF 20⁠–35 ≈ $24 – $42

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.6× the fair price
    Fair CHF 0.60⁠–1.50 ≈ $0.72 – $1.80
    Trap CHF 2.50⁠–5.00 ≈ $3 – $6

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Verified ·
    No real tourist markup
    Fair CHF 8.50⁠–9.50 ≈ $10 – $11
    Trap CHF 9.50⁠–12.00 ≈ $11 – $14

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair CHF 2.50⁠–5.00 ≈ $3 – $6
    Trap CHF 7.50⁠–8.00 ≈ $9.10 – $9.70

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair CHF 8⁠–15 ≈ $10 – $18
    Trap CHF 18⁠–28 ≈ $22 – $34
Services 4 prices, up to 2.6×

One-hour massage: fair is CHF 90⁠–⁠140. From CHF 160 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair CHF 35⁠–55 ≈ $42 – $66
    Trap CHF 65⁠–90 ≈ $78 – $110

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair CHF 5⁠–9 ≈ $6 – $11
    Trap CHF 12⁠–25 ≈ $14 – $30

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.8× the fair price
    Fair CHF 90⁠–140 ≈ $110 – $170
    Trap CHF 160⁠–250 ≈ $195 – $300

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair CHF 60⁠–100 ≈ $72 – $120
    Trap CHF 120⁠–200 ≈ $145 – $240
Attractions 4 prices, up to 2.1×

Top museum or attraction: fair is CHF 12⁠–⁠25. From CHF 28, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair CHF 12⁠–25 ≈ $14 – $30
    Trap CHF 28⁠–45 ≈ $34 – $54

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair CHF 60⁠–110 ≈ $72 – $135
    Trap CHF 130⁠–220 ≈ $155 – $265

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair CHF 120⁠–200 ≈ $145 – $240
    Trap CHF 230⁠–400 ≈ $280 – $485

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair CHF 90⁠–150 ≈ $110 – $180
    Trap CHF 170⁠–280 ≈ $205 – $340

Converted at 1 USD = 0.8287 CHF, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Switzerland

Currency

Swiss franc (CHF)

  • 1 USD = 0.8287 CHF

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, CHF to USD

$12

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose CHF. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Switzerland

By law, service is included in Swiss prices, so no percentage tip is expected. It is common to round up or leave a few francs for good service, for example rounding a 47 Fr bill to 50 Fr. Tipping more is welcome but never required.

Bargaining in Switzerland

Bargaining is not part of Swiss culture. Prices in shops, restaurants and markets are fixed and haggling is not expected or welcome. Save money instead by buying at supermarkets, using day passes, drinking fountain water and choosing weekday lunch menus.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline CHF 1.86 / liter ≈ $2.20
  • Diesel CHF 2.18 / liter ≈ $2.60
  • LPG (autogas) CHF 1.09 / liter ≈ $1.30

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Switzerland

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Scam or crime Tourist-zone menus and service surprises

Some lakefront and old-town restaurants quote vague prices, add unrequested bread or specials, or steer you to costly daily dishes. Read the printed menu and prices before ordering and check the bill; ask before accepting anything not listed.

Scam or crime Poor exchange rates and ATM offers

Airport and tourist-area currency desks give weak rates with high fees. At ATMs and card terminals always choose to be charged in Swiss francs, not your home currency, to avoid inflated dynamic conversion. Pay by card where possible; cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Law Strict littering, noise and recycling rules

Switzerland enforces littering fines and quiet hours, typically nights and Sundays, when noise like loud music or recycling glass is discouraged. Use public bins, sort waste, and keep your voice down on trains. Fines for dropping litter can run to several dozen francs or more.

Nature Sudden alpine weather and altitude

Mountain weather can turn cold, foggy or stormy within an hour, even in summer. Check the forecast, take warm and waterproof layers, start hikes early, stay on marked trails, and watch for altitude effects on high peaks. Tell someone your route.

Emergency numbers in Switzerland

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 112 Emergency number

Call 112 for any emergency, it works across Switzerland from any phone. Direct lines: 117 police, 144 ambulance, 118 fire. For a mountain or skiing accident call 144 or 112 and ask for air rescue, the operator alerts the helicopter crews.

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit There is no free care for tourists. A standard doctor or clinic visit costs roughly 120-350 USD, payable on the spot, with more for tests or specialists. Travel insurance is essential. $120 –⁠ $350 ≈ CHF 99⁠–⁠290
  • One night in hospital A night in hospital can run from 1,200 USD to over 4,000 USD before treatment, and uninsured patients may face a deposit of up to 10,000 USD. Travel insurance with alpine and repatriation cover is essential. $1,200 –⁠ $4,000 ≈ CHF 995⁠–⁠3,310
  • Ambulance call-out A ground ambulance typically costs 800-2,500 USD depending on the canton. A REGA helicopter mountain rescue usually runs to several thousand francs, often around 4,000-5,000 USD, so alpine cover matters. $800 –⁠ $2,500 ≈ CHF 665⁠–⁠2,070
  • Dentist visit Emergency dental treatment is very costly, roughly 150-500 USD for a simple consultation or filling and much more for complex work. Confirm prices first and keep receipts for your insurer. $150 –⁠ $500 ≈ CHF 125⁠–⁠415

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

Etiquette: punctuality, quiet and local greetings

Punctuality matters; trains and meetings start on time. Keep your voice down on public transport and respect quiet zones. Greet people in the local language, German, French or Italian depending on the region, with a friendly hello before any request.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Souvenirs: watches, chocolate and Swiss knives

Classic buys are watches, chocolate and Swiss Army knives. Buy chocolate at supermarkets or brand shops like Lindt or Läderach rather than station kiosks, and knives from authorised dealers. Compare prices; the same bar or knife costs far less away from the main sights.

Driving and tolls 1 note

Highways: the motorway vignette is mandatory

To use Swiss motorways you need a vignette costing 40 Fr, valid 14 months, as a windscreen sticker or e-vignette linked to your plate. Driving without one means a 200 Fr fine plus the 40 Fr. Fuel is sold per litre and some mountain passes close in winter.

Did you know? 3 notes

  • Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The language changes by region, so a greeting that works in Zürich differs from one in Geneva or Lugano.
  • Switzerland is among the most expensive countries in the world, but tap water is excellent and free. Public fountains run drinkable water, with over 1,200 in Zürich alone, so carry a bottle and refill it.
  • To drive on Swiss motorways you must display a vignette costing 40 Fr, available as a windscreen sticker or as an e-vignette linked to your number plate. It is valid for 14 months and checked by police.

Cities these prices cover 6 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Zurich Zürich
  • Geneva Genève
  • Lucerne Luzern
  • Bern
  • Interlaken
  • Zermatt

How Switzerland compares

The TruePrice Index for Switzerland, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Croatia 154 Prices about 51% lower than in Switzerland
  2. Czech Republic 157 Prices about 50% lower than in Switzerland
  3. Germany 179 Prices about 43% lower than in Switzerland
  4. Italy 183 Prices about 42% lower than in Switzerland
  5. France 193 Prices about 39% lower than in Switzerland
  6. United Kingdom 222 Prices about 30% lower than in Switzerland
  7. Switzerland 315 This page

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Switzerland.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Switzerland

Is Switzerland expensive to visit?

Short answer: expensive, even at local prices. Fair prices are about 3.2× the 60-country median, and tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Switzerland scores 315, the most expensive of all 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Switzerland cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly CHF 72 (about $87) a day at fair prices, or CHF 150 (about $180) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top (CHF 12⁠–⁠25 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Switzerland, and how much?

By law, service is included in Swiss prices, so no percentage tip is expected. It is common to round up or leave a few francs for good service, for example rounding a 47 Fr bill to 50 Fr. Tipping more is welcome but never required.

What currency does Switzerland use?

The Swiss franc (CHF). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 0.8287 CHF. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in CHF.

How much is a meal and a beer in Switzerland?

A restaurant main course is CHF 25⁠–⁠40 (about $30 –⁠ $48) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge CHF 50⁠–⁠90. A street food meal runs CHF 8⁠–⁠14. A local beer is CHF 6⁠–⁠8 (about $7.20 –⁠ $9.70), or CHF 9⁠–⁠14 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Switzerland?

Budget roughly CHF 72 (about $87) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about CHF 150 (about $180) at tourist prices. Add CHF 12⁠–⁠25 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Switzerland?

Call 112, the general emergency number. Direct lines: police 117, ambulance 144, fire brigade 118.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 12 verified and 17 estimates
Checked
to
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.8287 CHF,
Fuel prices
Cities
Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken, and Zermatt
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at contact@truepriceapp.com and I will check it.

Guides: prices and traps in Switzerland

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