Money on the TMB: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) promises a journey of breathtaking vistas, challenging trails, and immersive cultural experiences. However, amidst the rugged beauty of the Alps, there lies a practical consideration: money. As you traverse through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, understanding the nuances of currency usage becomes crucial. With several refuges accepting only cash and varying payment methods along the route, prudent financial planning ensures a seamless adventure.

The TMB spans across France (€), Italy (€), and Switzerland (Swiss Francs – CHF), each with its own currency norms. While credit cards are becoming widely accepted, certain refuges exclusively deal in cash.

Cash-Only Refuges:

1. Refuge Miage
2. Auberge du Truc
3. Refuge Nant Borrant
4. Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
5. Auberge de la Nova
6. Refuge Mottets
7. Refugio Bertone
8. Refugio Bonatti (they allow card payments over a specific amount – 10 or 20 euros, I can’t remember exactly)
9. Refuge Bellachat

ATMs along Tour du Mont Blanc

Along the route you will find plenty of ATM machines, so it’s not the end of the world if you don’t bring the cash from home. Just remember that some of the ATMs charge a withdrawal fee and some of the card providers charge one as well (or have a maximum monthly limit below which they don’t charge anything). When you use an ATM, you usually see only the former (as the other one depends on the card provider)

• Chamonix has plenty of ATMs all over the place, as it is a very popular little town
• Les Houches: there are two cash machines, one at CA des Savoie Bank near the Tourist Office and one in the tobacco shop (Aux Armes de Savoie)
• Les Contamines: there are three ATMs just in the city center, close to the Tourism Office. They are within 50m of each other.
• Courmayeur: here you have plenty of options, as it’s a bigger mountain town.
• La Fouly: there is one ATM at the Tourism Office
• Champex Lac: here you can find one ATM next to the Champex Lac

Currency Exchange in Switzerland:

In the Swiss part of the hike, you can use Euro bills for transactions, but coins may not be accepted. ATMs are plentiful along the route, offering convenient access to Swiss Francs or Euros as needed.

Optimizing Financial Transactions

1. Carry Sufficient Cash: Before embarking on the TMB, ensure you have an ample supply of cash in Euros and Swiss Francs to cover expenses at cash-only refuges and other instances where cards may not be accepted. When I did the hike in 2022, I used around 200 swiss francs and maybe 300 euros along the way (for 2 people)
2. Use Revolut for Currency Exchange: If you’re traveling from a country that doesn’t use Euros as its primary currency, leveraging services like Revolut can be advantageous. If you don’t have an account yet, sign up with this link and get 3 months of Free Premium. That gives you free cash withdrawal (up to 400 euros per month), unlimited currency exchange with really good rates and no additional fees, among other perks (such as discounted Airport Lounge access to make your trip less of a burden).
3. Monitor Exchange Rates: Stay informed about exchange rates to make informed decisions regarding currency exchange. Revolut and other similar platforms often provide real-time updates, allowing you to exchange currency at opportune moments. Just remember: if you exchange currency during the weekend, you will need to pay an additional tax (between 1-5%, depending on the bank). The same applies if you withdraw cash from a card that has a different currency.
4. Emergency Fund: Keep a reserve of cash for emergencies or situations where card transactions may not be feasible. This ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected circumstances that may arise during the hike.

Practical Tips for Financial Preparedness

1. ATM Accessibility: Familiarize yourself with the locations of ATMs along the route to ensure convenient access to cash when needed. Plan your itinerary accordingly to include stops at towns or villages with ATM facilities.
2. Divide Funds: Consider splitting your cash into smaller denominations and distributing it across different pockets or bags. This minimizes the risk of loss or theft and ensures you have access to funds even if one portion is compromised.
3. Inform Your Bank: If you plan to use your credit or debit card during the hike, inform your bank beforehand to prevent any potential blocks on your card due to international transactions. Some banks now use a geolocation safety mechanism, so they may block the card usage if something looks suspicious (e.g.: the phone with the bank app connected to the account is not in the same country as the card)
4. Be Mindful of Exchange Rates: While using Euro bills in Switzerland is permissible, be mindful of potential exchange rate discrepancies. Evaluate whether it’s more cost-effective to use Euros or Swiss Francs for transactions based on prevailing rates.

Conclusion

Embarking on the Tour du Mont Blanc is not just a physical endeavor but also a logistical one, requiring careful planning, especially when it comes to finances. By understanding the currency dynamics, leveraging convenient payment options, and adopting prudent financial practices, you can navigate the monetary aspects of the TMB with confidence. Whether it’s enjoying a hearty meal at a refuge or savoring the stunning vistas of the Alps, ensuring your financial preparedness enhances the overall experience of this iconic trek. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your currency essentials, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mont Blanc massif.