Hello there,
We are leaving for Switzerland end of Aug and am wondering for our day trips when travelling in trains/buses do we need to carry our passport? I read somewhere that the ticket controllers tend to check passport to confirm if you are a traveller when showing half fare card and the STS family card , is this true?
Thank you,
Romal.
Yes, you may be asked for identification / your passport. So, be sure to have it one you. I was able to use a photo copy of my passport when showing my Swiss Travel Pass without any problems. But I always had my actual passport in my money belt.
Thank you Carrie, good idea on carrying the photo copy along with the picture of the passport on the phone.
In Switzerland, you are not obliged to permanently carry an ID or Passport. You will not risk a fine if you are checked on the street by the police. You must be in the posession of a document but this can be left at the hotel.
However, it is easier if you carry it as you might be asked to show an official document proving your identity, such as when you want to use the Swiss Travel Pass or travel with an online ticket.
Related matter, I was on a French train and the conductor just had some kind of issue with me in general I guess. I had to show not only my ticket AND my discount card AND my passport, at which point he reluctantly moved on.
Why wouldn't you carry your passport on your person at all times? It's the only universally accepted form of ID. When at home do you go out without your drivers license?
Thanks all for your feedback.
