Can I withdraw cash from ATMs in Geneva with a Maesto/Switch card?

Question

Do I need to get Swiss francs before I travel to Geneva? Or can I just withdraw it directly from ATMs when I arrive? If I can, is it cheaper to withdraw cash through ATMs or better to get it through a bank/post office in the UK?

Answer 1

You can withdraw internationally with maestro if the cash dispenser is equipped with this function.  But note that there are hefty fees if you do this.

Answer 2

you can but there will be a charge ask your bank how much this is.

Answer 3

yes, but check for the sign just incase it is a private one just for that banks customers. Also find out from your bank about the fees involved cus they can be high !

Answer 4

Yes, you can withdraw Swiss Francs with a British (or otherwise) card from virtually all ATMs, although you will probably incur an additional "foreign transaction" fee of around €2.  The upside is that you will probably get a slightly more favourable exchange rate than from most bureaux de change.

Answer 5

Yes, this shouldn't be a problem. This is the best thing to come out of the change from Switch to Maestro!

I very seldom change money before going on holiday now as I find that I get a much better rate from my bank as you get this at the banks rate which is generally better than the tourist rate that you would pay at other money exchange places.

As mentioned there is normally a charge from the bank of this, but I find it quite nominal when you consider the better rate and the added convenience. You can also pay for your goods in shops with it which means you don't always need to withdraw large sums to carry aroound with you.