Switzerland offers some of the most spectacular views while driving almost in any part of the country. Sometimes snow covered alps or lush green beautiful country side mountain ranges. If you love to drive, don't miss to buckle up and get yourself a beautiful experience on Swiss roads.
So if you are a traveller, and you flew to this country, then how to get your hands on a car that fits into your pocket and also lands you a best machine as per your budget.
What do you need to Rent a car?
- Valid Driving License:
If you are coming from foreign land and you have a valid driving license from there, and you have International driving permissions, then that's all you need.
However to be noted, if you are a long-term resident in Switzerland, your foreign license is valid only for first year of your arrival. After that, you need to apply either for conversion of your license or get a new swiss driving license. You can find out more about the conversion or license application process at the Road traffic office website. (This is for canton Zurich, but I believe rules are same across Switzerland - but please confirm it with your cantonal office) - Credit Card - Not a Prepaid card:
You need a credit card with the card limit at least double the amount of your total rental price, as a car rental companies normally blocks double the rental amount. So you can just keep in mind that if your total package amount including the necessary insurances comes out to be CHF 250 for two days then your card should have available limit of at least CHF 500 (how to the equivalent converted amount in your native country currency).
The rental company will block your credit card at the time of the car pick up, with the said double contract amount, and at the return of the car they will charge the due amount on the card and unblock the remaining amount. The charge may include any additional amount, for example: you did not had full insurance and there was a scratch on the car, or you did not refill the fuel tank at the time of car drop-off.
The important point to note here is, the rental companies do not accept prepaid credit cards or Cash. - At least 20 years of age:
There are restrictions on the car categories based upon the age limit, depending upon the rental place, but above 25 there are no such restrictions as well. There may be some surcharge as well by some of the car rental companies for the drivers between this age range. - Child Seat (If applicable):
If you have a child up to age of 7 years, having a child seat is mandatory in Switzerland. You can easily rent it as well from the car rental company in case you don't have one and you have a child up to the said age group.
Additionally, it is advisable to purchase protection plans, like Full Insurance for all the days of car rentals, theft protect, personal accident cover, interior protection, Tire and glass cover, and Road Side assistance. At least I will suggest to keep Comprehensive insurance with Tire, glass and Road Side assistance. This will definitely add some extra cost to your rental, but believe me, in an event of some mishappening, these additions will save you a lot of money - because nothing is cheap in Switzerland.
