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Zurich Airport, also known as Flughafen Zurich, offers various payment methods for travellers passing through. While Switzerland does not use the Euro, some vendors in the airport will accept Euro cash, though change will likely be returned in Swiss Francs. Credit cards are also widely accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also viable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Credit cards | VISA, Mastercard, American Express |
| Mobile payments | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Fiat currencies | Euros, Swiss Francs |
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What You'll Learn
- Paying by card: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted
- Using cash: Euros are accepted, but change will be returned in Swiss Francs
- Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay can be used
- Valued rates: Using Euros may result in a poor exchange rate
- Valet parking: Pay for parking by card at the barriers
Paying by card: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted
Zurich Airport accepts a range of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These cards can be used at the barriers when paying for parking. You can also use your card at most retailers and restaurants within the airport. However, some retailers may require you to insert your card into the reader instead of using the contactless option.
While some sources indicate that Starbucks accepts Euro cash, they will return your change in Swiss Francs. Additionally, using Euros may result in an unfavourable exchange rate. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use your credit card to avoid this issue.
If you have a mobile payment system such as Apple Pay or Google Pay set up on your phone, you can also use it for "tap to pay" at many locations within the airport. This method can be useful even if your physical card is declined by the machine.
Overall, Zurich Airport provides a variety of payment options, including the widely accepted credit cards Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
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Using cash: Euros are accepted, but change will be returned in Swiss Francs
While Switzerland is not a euro country and its currency is the Swiss franc, some places in Zurich Airport do accept euros in cash. For instance, Starbucks accepts euro cash but provides change in Swiss Francs. However, the exchange rate is said to be unfavourable.
If you are looking to pay for parking at the airport, you can do so using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express).
If you are looking to pay for food or drinks, it is recommended to use a credit card to avoid the poor exchange rate.
If you are looking to pay for items other than food and drinks, some sources suggest that you can use euros in cash, but change will likely be returned in Swiss Francs.
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Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay can be used
Mobile payments are a convenient and secure way to pay at Zurich Airport. Both Apple Pay and Google Pay can be used to make contactless payments at compatible terminals.
Apple Pay was launched in Switzerland on July 7, 2016, and it has since become widely accepted at most shops and businesses in the country. To use Apple Pay, simply hold your eligible iPhone or Apple Watch close to the contactless POS terminal. Apple Pay uses NFC technology, similar to contactless credit and debit cards. All payments must be authenticated with a fingerprint scan (Touch ID) or a passcode. You can add your credit, debit, or prepaid cards from participating banks and card issuers to Apple Pay. Nearly all Swiss card issuers have partnerships with Apple, including major banks like UBS, Credit Suisse, Zürcher Kantonalbank, and Migros Bank. Apple Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards, but you must ensure your card issuer has enabled it for use with Apple Pay. Additionally, Apple Pay can be used for online purchases through the Safari web browser. It's important to note that while Apple does not charge any fees for using Apple Pay, your card issuer's standard fees, including foreign transaction fees, will still apply.
Google Pay also offers a similar contactless payment experience, allowing users to tap their mobile phones to pay at compatible terminals. While I couldn't find specific information about Google Pay's acceptance at Zurich Airport, its widespread use in Switzerland indicates a likelihood of compatibility. Google Pay is supported by a range of banks and card networks, providing convenience and security to users.
Using mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay can be a great alternative to physical cards, especially if you're in a hurry or if your card is declined. They provide a seamless and secure payment experience, contributing to a more efficient travel journey through Zurich Airport.
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Valued rates: Using Euros may result in a poor exchange rate
While Euros are accepted at Zurich Airport, using them may result in a poor exchange rate. Switzerland does not use the Euro, and vendors at the airport may take advantage by setting their own exchange rates. This means you could end up paying more than the item is worth. For example, one source mentions a CHF15 meal at Burger King or a CHF3 soda being purchased with Euros. In this case, the exchange rate would be unfavourable, and you would be better off using a credit card.
Credit cards are widely accepted at Zurich Airport, and using one can help you avoid poor exchange rates. You can use your credit card for small purchases, such as chocolate bars, and you won't have to worry about any unwanted Swiss change. It is also a good idea to check with your home bank to see if they have partnerships with Swiss banks to avoid extra ATM fees. Additionally, when using an ATM abroad, choose to be charged in Swiss Francs for a fairer rate.
If you are looking to exchange cash, it is important to be informed to avoid excessive charges and get the best deals. Services claiming 'no commission' often offer poor exchange rates, so it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the base rate to identify a bad deal. Airports usually offer poor rates and high transaction fees, so it may be worth considering other options. For example, you could use a service like Wise, which offers a mid-market exchange rate and low fees.
Overall, while it is possible to use Euros at Zurich Airport, it is important to be aware that you may be subject to unfavourable exchange rates. To get the best value, it is recommended to use a credit card or exchange your money before arriving at the airport.
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Valet parking: Pay for parking by card at the barriers
Zurich Airport offers valet parking services for passengers. To pay for parking by card at the barriers, you can use a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) or a mobile payment method such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. The airport accepts various payment methods to provide convenience and flexibility for travellers.
When you arrive at the airport by car, you can choose from several parking options based on your preferences and needs. For short-term parking, the "Arrival" curbside lane is available for a quick pick-up or drop-off directly from the arrival hall. This option is convenient if you are just stopping by to pick up arriving passengers.
For longer stays or if you plan to visit the shops and restaurants, parking facilities P1, P2, and P3 are recommended. These parking areas are located close to the arrival zones and provide easy access to the airport's amenities. You can also take advantage of special parking discounts if you plan to shop or dine during your stay.
To ensure a seamless parking experience, Zurich Airport offers the convenience of online booking. By booking in advance, you can reserve a parking space in the multi-storey car parks P60 and P65. These outdoor parking spaces can be easily booked online as a guest or by creating a profile. Remember that the online booking allows for a single entry and exit, and you can extend your parking period before or after the start of your booking if needed.
When entering the car park, you will need to present your QR code or licence plate for seamless access. The entrance barrier is equipped with a reader that will scan your QR code or recognise your licence plate, allowing for automatic entry. This contactless technology enhances the efficiency of your parking experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some places at Zurich Airport will accept Euro cash, but you may receive change in Swiss Francs. It is also possible to pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) at some stores.
Using a credit card is the obvious choice, as you avoid poor exchange rates.
Yes, you can use Apple Pay or Google Pay on your mobile phone to make payments at Zurich Airport.
Yes, you can pay by cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) at the barriers.
Special parking discounts are available to people who come to shop and dine.
