Switzerland, paid in ZAR.
The most expensive country in Europe to travel, and one of the most dependable.
Cheaper. Exchange rate alone: +7.4%. Local prices: +0.6%.
- Lean
- R 1,818
- Comfort
- R 8,595
The short answerIn ZAR, as of November 12, 2026
Switzerland: as of November 12, 2026, 11.2% cheaper than a year ago for travelers paid in ZAR (South African rand), after adjusting for inflation at home and there. The exchange rate on its own moved +7.4%, and prices in the country rose +0.6%. A mid-range day costs about R 3,967 per person, excluding international flights. Across the 17 currencies we track, AUD gained the most ground there (+12.3%) and SEK did worst (−1.0%).
What ZAR buys there
30 monthsSame trip, different wallets
The real 12-month change for this one country, by the currency you earn. The spread is the part of the story that has nothing to do with the destination.
- Australian dollarA$349+12.3%
- Norwegian kronekr 2,283+12.1%
- South African randR 3,967+11.2%
- British pound£180+7.8%
- UAE dirhamAED 876+7.5%
- Singapore dollarS$307+7.0%
- US dollar$239+6.9%
- Mexican pesoMX$4,446+5.5%
- New Zealand dollarNZ$430+5.4%
- Canadian dollarC$340+4.4%
- Hong Kong dollarHK$1,871+4.3%
- Indian rupee₹22,400+2.2%
- Brazilian realR$1,332+1.9%
- Japanese yen¥38,100+1.9%
- Euro€215+1.8%
- Danish kronekr 1,610+0.6%
- Swedish kronakr 2,383−1.0%
Booking a trip: Switzerland
Partner links- FlightsKiwi.com ↗Compare fares across airlines, including the low-cost carriers that booking sites often leave out.
- Places to stayBooking.com ↗Hotels, guesthouses and apartments, most with free cancellation.
- Mobile dataAiralo ↗An eSIM you install before you land, usually far cheaper than roaming.
- Travel medical insuranceSafetyWing ↗Covers emergencies abroad; can be bought after you have already left home.
- Spending moneyWise ↗A multi-currency card that converts at the mid-market rate, the one this index uses.
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide ↗Day trips, guides and entry tickets, bookable ahead with free cancellation on most.
These go to outside companies we think are useful for this trip. Nothing here affects a score or a ranking. How we make money