Liechtenstein, a tiny alpine principality tucked between Switzerland and Austria, is known for its fairy-tale castles, mountain trails, and strong financial sector. Whether you’re strolling through the capital Vaduz, hiking in the Rhine Valley, or visiting medieval Balzers, understanding how to access cash is helpful. The country uses the Swiss franc, and while cards are widely accepted in most establishments, cash may still be needed in smaller businesses and rural areas. This guide provides essential information on cash and ATMs in Liechtenstein, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and convenient visit.
Where to find ATMs in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein is small and highly developed, with most ATMs located in the capital, Vaduz, and nearby towns like Schaan, Balzers, and Triesen. These machines are primarily operated by Liechtensteinische Landesbank (LLB) and VP Bank. ATMs are often found near government buildings, banks, shopping areas, and public transit stops. They dispense Swiss francs (CHF), and many also offer euro withdrawals. Visa and Mastercard are widely supported.
Tourist Spots:
Tourist-friendly areas such as the Kunstmuseum, Vaduz Castle viewpoint, and the pedestrian zones in Vaduz all have nearby ATM access. Machines are usually available outside working hours and offer multilingual support. Since card acceptance is high in shops and museums, you’ll rarely need large amounts of cash – but it’s still handy for public transport or small cafés.
Rural Areas:
Liechtenstein doesn’t have rural zones in the traditional sense – its entire territory is well-connected and well-serviced. Even in small villages like Ruggell or Planken, ATMs are usually just a short drive or bus ride away. Nonetheless, if you’re hiking or biking in more remote alpine areas, it’s smart to withdraw beforehand in town.
Best ATMs to use in Liechtenstein for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Liechtenstein are those of Liechtensteinische Landesbank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Liechtenstein, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in CHF).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in CHF’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Liechtenstein?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Liechtenstein. ATMs commonly accept all international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover cards.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Liechtenstein are generally open 24/7, especially in urban areas like Vaduz and Schaan. Machines attached to banks or near shopping areas remain accessible after business hours.
What are ATMs called in Liechtenstein?
They are referred to as “Bankomaten” in German, the country’s official language. However, signage often includes “ATM” as well, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
Language options at ATMs
Most ATMs offer German as the default language, with English commonly available.
Don’t know the language? Use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Liechtenstein?
ATMs in Liechtenstein dispense only Swiss francs (CHF). While euros are accepted by some merchants, ATMs do not issue EUR or any other currency – only CHF is available.
ATM withdrawal limits in Liechtenstein?
ATMs in Liechtenstein have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of CHF 1,000 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day and do not usually have daily withdrawal limits so you can make multiple transactions if you need more cash.
ATM Fees in Liechtenstein
There are many fee-free ATMs in Liechtenstein. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Liechtenstein do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Liechtenstein. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Liechtenstein
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Liechtenstein?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Liechtenstein. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Liechtenstein. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Liechtenstein is one of the safest countries in Europe, with minimal crime reported. ATMs are secure and widely available, especially in Vaduz and other populated areas. Still, it’s best practice to use machines located at bank branches, shopping centers, or public transport hubs. Petty crime is rare, but travelers should remain discreet when withdrawing cash, shield their PIN, and avoid using ATMs late at night in deserted spots. Regularly checking your bank statements ensures peace of mind during your visit.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Liechtenstein takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Liechtenstein?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Liechtenstein. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Liechtenstein do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Liechtenstein?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Liechtenstein and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no known Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Liechtenstein. Some listings previously suggested machines in areas like Ruggell, but they are no longer confirmed to be active.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Liechtenstein
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Liechtenstein.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate retail ATMs in Liechtenstein.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
