Practical Geneva
Practical information for internationals living in Geneva.
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Banks & Payments
When arriving in Switzerland, your payments will be made in CHF (1 CHF=plus or minus 1USD & 1EUR). Nevertheless, many shops, restaurants and brands accept Euros (€).
For exchange rates, see the BCGE banknotes and currencies page.
One of the first steps when settling in Geneva is opening a bank account or a postal account to pay your regular bills.
Most invoices are issued with a QR code. The State of Geneva, the banks and the Post Office issue ISRs (payment slips – BVR in French) with this feature.
You have various payment options :
- at the post office,
- to your bank with a payment order,
- online, on the internet (bank, post office).
For fixed monthly bills, two payment methods are widely used in Switzerland :
- by standing order (BVR) with a defined frequency and amount,
- by direct debit order (LSV), authorizing your bank to debit your account for payment of bills. For more information, see the Banque Cantonale de Genève page.
Checks are rarely used as means of payment in Switzerland, under certain conditions (example BCGE).
Today more than a hundred banking establishments are present in Geneva, which is recognized as a global financial center with a rich and long tradition in both wealth management and commodity trading. More information on the website of the Geneva Financial Center Foundation.
- Cantonal banks : BCGE (Geneva) and BCV (Vaud).
- Retail banks : Raiffeisen , Banque Migros and Banque Cler (Coop).
- Major bank : UBS.
- Private banks : Association of Swiss Private Banks.
BCGE, a CAGI partner, has the densest network of branches in Geneva, with over twenty agencies and the largest number of ATMs in the canton for cash withdrawals (CHF/EUR).
All about :
- send and receive letters and parcels,
- pay your bills via PostFinance and online services,
- find the branch closest to you and its opening hours.
Geneva has two major post offices in the city center with extended services and hours :
- Mont-Blanc post.
- Montbrillant substation (Cornavin Depot).
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Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates.