I am in Switzerland now, took my first ride with my travel pass today. I'm sitting in the train and there's a notice, you must buy tix or validate, 100cf fine if caught second time. I have a 15 day Swiss Travel Pass, bought at the SBB in Zurich. The man who helped me didnt speak English that well, and I have little German. My full name, dates valid, and passport number are on the pass, and thanks to him, I travel with my passport on me.
Questions: do i sign it, and where? Nowhere on the pass does it say 'sign here'
Do i validate this pass, and how? I don't want to put it into a strange machine that will eat it.
Thank you!
If you purchased it from the SBB desk in Zurich and the man wrote in your full name, passport number, and date of first travel then chances are he also validated it for you. You do NOT stick the Swiss Pass into a machine to validate it. That can only be done by a person at the SBB counter.
When the ticket man/woman comes around on the train to check everyone's tickets he/she will tell you if there's a problem.
Always have your passport ON you, never leave in a hotel room, safe, or let the staff " hold it" while they record your details...
Thank you for your reply!
Your pass is already validated - that was done when the dates were added. Rail passes and tickets never need signing. You are fully covered to just hop on most transportation (and visit museums) during those 15 days with your rail pass and passport. The map that comes with the pass shows you any dotted lines where full coverage ends and you have to remember to buy a discounted ticket, instead.