This year, the Montreux Jazz Festival runs from 4th to 19th July and, as usual, promises a remarkable two-week musical celebration against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps and shimmering Lake Geneva. First held in 1967, Montreux has grown from a niche jazz event into one of Europe’s most prestigious and genre-diverse music festivals. In fact, after Toronto, it’s the second largest jazz festival worldwide. Here’s a quick dive into some key facts, plus a guide on local costs during your stay.
Montreux – quality entertainment for the thinking music-lover
This year’s programme features jazz, pop, rock and electronic acts across intimate stages and grand open-air venues. Headliners include Diana Ross, Sam Fender, FKA Twigs, and Grace Jones, alongside fresh talents from around the globe. Other world famous performers include Neil Young, Lionel Richie, and Chaka Khan. With many free concerts, street performances and waterside events, the whole town becomes part of the performance.
Getting around Montreux
Switzerland is not part of the EU or Eurozone, so you’ll paying in Swiss Francs (CHF). And for UK visitors, Montreux offers a rich experience – but also one of the most expensive environments in Europe. For example, in restaurants, for a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay about CHF 120 – approximately £108. Understanding how much things cost and where cash might still be needed can help you avoid surprises.
Taxi fares in Switzerland are among the highest in Europe. In Montreux, the base fare is around CHF 6.40, with a per-kilometre charge of CHF 3.75. A short journey across town (5 km) could cost up to CHF 20–25 – and tipping (though not mandatory) is polite. A round-up to the nearest franc or adding 10% is standard.
More affordable options include local buses and trains. Montreux is part of the Vaud regional transport network. Bus journeys are zoned and a single zone costs about CHF 3.35, with longer journeys costing more. However, if you’re staying in Montreux, your hotel may offer a Montreux Riviera Card, granting free public transport and discounted entry to local attractions.
Although digital ticketing is widely supported, some buses and local trains still accept cash — and ticket machines at smaller stations may not take all foreign cards.
Refreshments – have a plan for your pocket money
Eating out in Switzerland often comes as a shock to UK travellers. Here’s what to expect in Montreux:
- Street food or market stalls: CHF 12–18 (e.g., sausage in bread, raclette) Café lunch: CHF 20–25 for a sandwich and soft drink
- Three-course restaurant meal: CHF 45–60
- Beer (500ml): CHF 7–9
- Cappuccino: CHF 4.90
- Coke (330ml): CHF 4.50
At the festival, food trucks and bar stalls tend to charge similar prices to those in town. Many will accept contactless payment, but it’s also common for small vendors or pop-ups to be cash-only, especially for low-value items like bottled water or ice cream.
Tipping is discretionary. Switzerland includes service in its bills, although leaving 5–10% for table service is appreciated. Taxi drivers typically expect rounding up to the nearest franc. In bars, tipping isn’t essential for every drink, but a small note with the final round shows good manners.
In Montreux, when cash comes into its own
Switzerland is largely digital, but cash is far from obsolete. Cash tips are more convenient and more likely to go directly to staff.
You’ll need cash in Montreux for:
- Tips in bars and taxis
- Public toilets, which are often coin-operated
- Transport machines without card readers
- Food trucks, particularly during free events
- Market stalls (for souvenirs, artisan goods, etc.)
The Swiss Franc is not part of the eurozone. British debit cards may apply non-sterling transaction fees when used abroad. Currency exchange booths at airports and hotels are unlikely to offer the best exchange rates, so it’s best to have foreign currency organised before leaving home.
The Montreux Jazz Festival – defining cosmopolitan tastes
Montreux attracts a wide demographic. While many visitors are in their 40s–60s with a deep interest in music, the festival’s free events and indie stages also draw younger audiences. Expect a broad mix of music lovers from across Europe, with a strong presence from the UK, Germany, and France, as well as from the USA.
Attendees tend to be culturally engaged and financially comfortable, but even high-spending visitors seek value when budgeting for a 2–3 day trip or longer stay.
One practical way to manage your foreign currency needs is through Money4Travel. Their platform allows UK travellers to:
- Pre-book Swiss francs online at competitive exchange rates
- Collect locally from trusted bureaux de change
- Earn loyalty points (“Pips”) on every order
- Use a buy-back guarantee for unused notes
Whether you’re buying a train ticket, tipping a street performer or grabbing a raclette from a market stall, having a mix of Swiss cash and cards gives you flexibility and confidence.
For a hassle-free currency purchase before you go, visit www.money4travel.com.
The world loves plastic but cash still matters; Montreux is no exception
Attending the Montreux Jazz Festival is a memorable experience, but it’s wise to plan for the region’s high prices. Carry a small amount of Swiss cash for everyday spending. Cards will naturally dominate large purchases but cash is still handy – especially during a bustling festival fortnight when even the lakeside ATM queues can hit their own high notes.
By Declan Morton, writer and editor at Money4Travel – the online service for foreign currency sales in the UK. More about the author.
For reference: Montreux Jazz Festival 2025; Numbeo.
