The problem with too many currencies
In Switzerland they don't use the euro. Instead they use the Swiss franc. This make everything so complicated !!!! Your need to convert your Euro into Swiss franc, of course not at the current exchange rate, but with an extra cost.
In case you decide to pay in Euro, be ready because different stores apply different conversion rates, based on laws only they know.
You ask "can I pay in Euro" and the answer is always "yes, of course, but we give you change in Swiss Franc".
Then they convert your Euro banknote based on .... nobody knows ... and tell you ... this is equivalent to 1 EURO O_o
As soon as you pay, the answer is usually "this is fine". Not so usually they give you some little coins back. After a while you figure out you have paid twice the original price ... a Cappuccino 10 Euro for example ...
After several purchased you end up with just a few coins ...
Obviously the conversion rate in Switzerland is a (huge) business !!! and they use the (arbitrary) exchange rate to increase revenues.
Two months ago I went to Czech Republic (Prague) and the situation was the same there too: different currency, change euros into the local currency with arbitrary exchange rates !!!
England also has a foreign currency (now with Carlo as king, they should change the old note)
Traveling a lot, I appreciate the enormous work done to unify Europe and introduce a single currency.
Moving between different countries using your national identity card, without having to use a passport, is a huge advantage.
The unification of the currency brings enormous advantages. Let's hope in the future more countries will join the euro.
When will there be a unified European - American currency ?
