Ella 
Switzerland, a landlocked country in the heart of Europe, is known for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and luxurious lifestyle. The Swiss franc, the official currency of Switzerland, is one of the world’s most stable and valuable currencies. With an exchange rate of approximately 0.91 USD to 1 CHF (as of June 2023), many people wonder what they can buy with just one Swiss franc. In this article, we will explore the various things you can purchase with 1 Swiss franc.
Food and Beverages
One Swiss franc may not seem like a lot, but it can buy you a small drink or snack in Switzerland. For example, you can buy a cup of coffee or tea from a vending machine, or a small bottle of mineral water from a convenience store. Alternatively, if you are willing to spend a bit more than 1 CHF, you can purchase a small pastry or chocolate treat from a bakery.
Public Transportation
If you are visiting Switzerland, you may be surprised to find out that public transportation is expensive. However, 1 Swiss franc can still get you somewhere on a bus or tram ride in some cities. For instance, in Zurich, a single ticket for a short journey within the city costs 2.70 CHF, so if you have a half-fare card, you can travel on the same route for 1.35 CHF.
Postcards and Stamps
Sending postcards is a great way to share your travels with family and friends back home. One Swiss franc will allow you to purchase a postcard from a souvenir shop or a newsstand, and a stamp to send it domestically within Switzerland. If you want to send the postcard internationally, you will need to pay extra for additional postage.
Souvenirs
Switzerland is famous for its chocolates, watches, and cheeses. If you are looking for a small souvenir to take home, you can find some options that cost around 1 Swiss franc. For example, you can purchase a small Swiss flag sticker or a miniature cowbell from a tourist shop.
Phone Calls
If you need to make a phone call while in Switzerland, you can use a public phone booth for 1 Swiss franc. You can also buy a prepaid SIM card for your mobile phone for a few Swiss francs, which will allow you to make local calls and access the internet.
Charitable Donations
Donating to charity is always a good idea, and 1 Swiss franc can make a difference. Many stores in Switzerland have donation boxes where you can contribute to various causes, such as animal welfare or environmental protection.
What can you get for 100 Swiss francs?
The purchasing power of 100 Swiss francs (CHF) can vary depending on what you are looking to buy and where you are buying it. However, as of June 2023, here are a few examples of what you could get for 100 CHF in Switzerland:
A meal for two at an inexpensive restaurant: CHF 50-60
Two movie tickets: CHF 30-40
A monthly gym membership: CHF 80-100
A bottle of mid-range Swiss wine: CHF 20-30
A train ticket from Geneva to Zurich (one-way): CHF 60-80
Conclusion
While 1 Swiss franc may not seem like a significant amount of money, it can still buy you a few things in Switzerland. From food and beverages to souvenirs and charitable donations, there are plenty of options for what you can do with your Swiss francs. However, keep in mind that Switzerland is an expensive country, so you will likely need to spend more than 1 CHF to enjoy all that it has to offer.
In summary, here are some examples of what you can buy with 1 Swiss franc:
A cup of coffee or tea from a vending machine
A small bottle of mineral water from a convenience store
A small pastry or chocolate treat from a bakery
A single short bus or tram ride in some cities
A postcard and stamp for domestic mail within Switzerland
A small souvenir, such as a sticker or miniature cowbell
A phone call from a public phone booth
A charitable donation to various causes
Overall, 1 Swiss franc may not go very far, but it can still provide you with a taste of Switzerland’s unique culture and lifestyle.
