Money Matters Switzerland is an expensive country. You will probably spend more than you anticipate. Past students learned very quickly that setting up a budget early on was the smartest thing to do. There is a lot to do here, but all of it requires cash. There are times when it is easier to exchange cash.
Some vendors gladly accept American money.
There were no ATMs in town nor banks. We had to catch a train to the next town to change our money. Extra traveler's checks are a good idea as you can always cash them back in the US if you don't use them at all. In the US you can buy traveler's checks at most banks, the AAA office, and American Express. We advise you to get American Express Traveler's Checks.