Are the prices quoted for the Swiss Rail Pass (see link below) in US dollars? I just want to make sure I'm not going to get hit with some currency exchange in addition to the price. Also, do you recommend buying the pass in advance via the internet, or waiting until arrival and buying in Switzerland? http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/switzerland.cfm
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Yes, if you order your pass from this site, you will pay the price shown in US dollars. Since the value of the euro currently is going up against the dollar, buying your pass now is probably your best option.
Posted by
West Sacramento, California, USA
281 posts
Just to reiterate what Tim says above, buying the pass in advance will save you money, especially right now. The Swiss Pass price is set for the US for the current year, but the dollar is now worth less than the Swiss Franc. For example, an 8 day second class pass for a single adult (not a saver fare for two or more traveling together) is $362 if purchased here, but will cost 376 Swiss Francs if purchased in Switzerland. With the exchange rate currently at about 0.965 Swiss Francs per $US, that means you would pay about $389 for the same pass, $27 more. Make sure you will use the full cost of a Swiss Pass before buying one, there are many options with Swiss Cards, Transfer Tickets, etc that offer excellent savings if you will not be riding the trains daily, or not going for long journeys.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16397 posts
Right now the price is better in dollars, and by buying it here you also avoid the foreign transaction fee that you would pay in Switzerland, around 5percent on many credit cards. On the other hand you will pay the $18 handling fee. If you buy on this website (Rick Steves) you get a discount of 20 percent on any travel supplies you purchase at the same time, including luggage. If you can use the discount, it can more than offset the handling fee.