Internet blackout: in Switzerland you can pay by card (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Presented emergency plan for digital payments
• Working by the end of next year
• Two million card transactions per day
• Emergency network for basic necessities only

Key facts

• What: Plan to ensure digital payments without internet
• When: Presented on Monday
• Where: Bern
• Who: Guy Parmelin, Martin Schlegel and Roland Pfister
• Amount: Two million daily card transactions

In Bern, an emergency plan was presented to ensure the continuity of digital payments even in the event of an internet outage. The announcement was made by the president of the Confederation Guy Parmelin, together with the president of the general management of the Swiss National Bank Martin Schlegel and the country's economic supply delegate Roland Pfister. This initiative aims to make the system operational by the end of next year, aligning Switzerland with other Northern European states that already own a similar device. The need arises from concrete estimates that indicate about two million daily transactions carried out in the Confederation through the use of physical cards, making a practical and solid solution indispensable for the resident population and for the commercial activities of the national territory.

The operation of the offline mechanism

The technical operation described in the plan provides that, in the event of an internet blackout, the

Operational details

The operational restrictions provided for by the emergency protocol establish that the offline network cannot be used for any type of purchase, but will be strictly limited to basic goods. This measure will mainly involve grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations, with the stated aim of safeguarding the daily supply of the resident population. The plan also provides for the introduction of specific spending limits and a maximum number of transactions allowed for each user or terminal. These limitations serve to mitigate the main risk linked to this mode of operation, namely the temporary impossibility for the merchant to verify in real time the financial coverage available on the customer's account, a control that under normal conditions takes place instantly before the approval of the digital payment.

# Safety Expert Ratings

From the point of view of cybersecurity, the initiative received positive comments from specialists in the sector, such as the expert Alessandro Trivilini, who stressed the importance of the fundamental principle of being ready in the face of potential systemic crises. However, the plan also introduces some critical issues relevant to the economic fabric. During network outage, responsibility for transaction management is partially shifted from banks to merchants

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Preparing for network disruption scenarios is a complex test for the payment chain in Switzerland, directly involving institutions, banks and individual traders. For citizens and resident workers, understanding the evolution of digital infrastructure and financial services is critical to navigating the country's economic changes. Checking your financial situation, account management and payment methods is part of daily good practices to deal with any technological emergencies without suffering sudden hardships in everyday life. To learn more about managing your personal finances and the impact of banking services on the cost of living and income, you can consult the dedicated tools available online. Calculate your overall economic situation and better plan your resources using the calcolatore stipendio e imposte.

Source: rsi.ch