I purchased my 15 day STP on my computer (via my SBB online account). It does show as a valid order via my account. I go to my SBB App on my phone and am trying to link the STP to this app. I am in the SBB App on my phone. I go to personal details. Then I see an "Add SwissPass Card". When I click on this, the app takes me to swisspass.ch where I get the screen "Do you have a customer number? Link your customer account to your customer number to access information about your travel card or manage your data". Where do I find the customer number on my STP ticket that I ordered? I see a ticket ID number, an order number, a reference number, but no customer number. The app also asked for a "Postcode", but I did not add any zip code when ordering the tickets - I still added my home zip code. It also asks for my birthdate, which I did add. What am I doing wrong as the ticket is not attaching to my app. FYI I did print out my STP and will have it as a backup, but was hoping to use the app when buying some tickets in the OB (half fare).
Posted by
San Diego, California
7255 posts
I'm not sure you can add the half-fare card to the app. I believe what you're seeing is for Swiss residents. Just purchase tickets, and check the discount rate. When train staff come around, they will confirm that you have a half-fare card.
You may be able to load the half-fare card into your Apple Wallet.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Chicago
4547 posts
i prefer to show the printed out copy. Or you can just show the QR code from your email. There is no need to add it to the app.
You definitely do not want to be in "Add SwissPass Card" as that is not the STP.
Posted by
Green Bay
23719 posts
Yes, a Swiss Pass Card is an account linked to and actual picture ID card. It is not really a pass, which non Swiss people find very confusing.
One advantage to having a hard copy is that you can tuck it into your passport. Technically, you must show your passport when showing your STP as 1) It is your ID card showing that the name on the STP matches the name on the passport, and 2) shows that you are not a Swiss resident, as the STP is only allowed for non Swiss residents.
Posted by
Wengen
4164 posts
"Swiss Pass": and "Swiss Travel Pass" are two completely unrelated products. I predicted the naming would lead to confusion when it was introduced, and turns out I am right...
You do not need to "link". If you bought your STP under your account on SBB then it should just appear as a ticket in your app after logging in.
But anyway, there is no need to link it. If you can show the QR code somehow you are fine. You can print it out, add it to your walled,. or just keep a picture. You use the SBB app to plan trips, but you do not need to book anything.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
Thank you for all of your help! I did find my STP on my app (didn't have to link it) via the QR Code at the bottom of the app. I am surprised by some of your responses though, that I won't use my SBB app to purchase tickets. I thought I could use the app to buy my tickets to Schynige Platte and Kleine Scheidegg (1/2 off using STP). Are you saying that I need to buy the tickets at the train stations instead? If so, any tips so I don't have to stand in a line (can I buy them in Murren before we head out for the day, as an example). I am sure I'll learn once I am there, but it would be good to be a bit prepared!
Finally, I was able to add my Fidelity Visa card information to my profile (did this on my computer and it auto populated my app on my phone). I was disappointed that I got messages that Fidelity was going to text me a code to verify (1) my adding the card and (2) it did this again when I purchased my STP. Does this mean Fidelity Visa will text me a code every time I make a purchase for SBB tickets (OMG I hope not restaurants, hotels and shops too)? I was going to rely on WhatsApp for texting and phone contact with family and purchase an esim for data. If I am going to get texts to validate my credit card purchases, I'll need to change my strategy. ALSO, I tried to add my United Visa to my SBB profile, and it would not work. Is that because SBB will only allow one credit card in the profile?
Again, I appreciate any advice!
Posted by
Chicago
4547 posts
You might find this thread helpful on the credit card issue:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/switzerland/pins-for-credit-cards
I would make sure you can receive text messages from Fidelity if you will be using that card.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
I did see wanderweg's original post and took her advice and got a pin for my credit card(s). I've never used my CC as a debit card before but am prepared. I also have my CC in my digital wallet for contactless purchases, as suggested, but think I'll have the same "verify via texted code" issue.
Posted by
Switzerland
532 posts
I thought I could use the app to buy my tickets to Schynige Platte and Kleine Scheidegg (1/2 off using STP).
You can purchase tickets with your app for any route that is 50% off with the STP.
Take a look at this map showing the area of validity
https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/travelcards/area-validity-map.html
Make sure that you have chosen the Swiss Travel pass in the drop-down menu
Click on the little ‘I’ to see the map legend.
Here you will see that Schynige Platte is 50% off but Kleine Scheidegg is only 25% off
The routes that are marked as 50% off can be purchased in the app, but it is not possible to purchase tickets at 25% off in the app, for those routes you will need to buy your ticket in person.
Posted by
Wengen
4164 posts
You can of course use the app to buy tickets. Even discounted tickets. You do not need to actually have the STP or HFC in order to buy discounted tickets. It is not needed to have the pass loaded in the app in order to get the discounts. And having the pass in the app does not even automatically give you the discount, so pay attention.
When buying tickets you just indicate where you enter the passenger that those passengers are entitled to the discount. That is it. You can use the app to buy tickets for the whole party.
When travelling the conductor will want to see both the ticket and the STP. For example: I often buy tickets for both me and my wife when we travel. My wife has the "halbtax", just as I have. So when the conductor comes I show the tickets, and my wife additionally shows her halbtax.
But I would advise against buying tickets for mountain excursions far in advance.