Tax Free Shopping

General facts

Foreign guests will receive a refund for purchases of more than CHF 300.00 (incl. Value added tax), provided that the goods leave the country within 30 days. You can find more information here:

Federal Tax Administration FTA

The value added tax you pay on the products you buy is 8.1% in Switzerland.

Here's how to do it:

1.
Ask the sales staff for a Tax Free Form when you pay for your purchase.

2.
When leaving the country, show your purchases, invoice and passport at customs and have the Tax Free Form (Export Certificate / Refund Cheque) stamped.

3. Refund Office
Show the stamped Tax Free Form (Export Certificate / Refund Cheque), your passport and credit card at a nearby Refund Office and request an "Immediate Refund" on your credit card. The repayment can also be paid out in cash.

  • Currency

    Since Switzerland is not a member of the EU, the national currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). In many places, however, prices are displayed in euros and Swiss francs. Very often it is also possible to pay in euros (change in CHF). The Swiss franc:...

    Learn more about Currency

  • Creditcards

    The most commonly accepted payment options are cash, credit cards and debit cards. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. The most common are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Maestro. It is advisable to check in advance...

    Learn more about Creditcards

  • Prices and quality of life

    Life in Swiss cities is quite expensive, but the quality of life is also correspondingly high. In this respect, Zurich and Geneva repeatedly come out on top in international studies. Prices vary depending on the area and tourist spots. For example,...

    Learn more about Prices and quality of life

  • Money exchange places

    You can change money at the following places: Banks Exchange offices Airport Major hotels Exchange offices usually offer better exchange rates than banks. At airports, the rates may be slightly higher than in the city...

    Learn more about Money exchange places

  • Business Hours

    Stores In general, most stores are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Many stores are closed on Sundays. However, stores are open at train stations, airports and gas...

    Learn more about Business Hours

  • Shopping

    Whether fashion or practical, boutique, small local store or shopping mall: Switzerland offers a lot for an extensive shopping trip. Of course, chocolate and watches are among the classics when in Switzerland. So is the wide range of cheese. In...

    Learn more about Shopping

  • Tipping

    In Switzerland, the guest is not obliged to tip. In many restaurants, however, it is customary to pay a tip. This amounts to approximately 10 percent or it is rounded up to a round amount.

    Learn more about Tipping