5 things you need to know before driving in Switzerland on vacation.
Driving around Switzerland is an absolutely breathtaking experience.
Every few minutes you are greeted by a beautiful new view that you never want to stop looking at.
But then you turn another corner and your mouth drops again at the new magnificent sight that is before you.
And while it can be easy to become distracted by all of the gloriously gigantic mountains around you, the last thing that you want is to cause an accident in a foreign country.
So today I thought I’d share with you a few tips to help you prepare for driving in this beautiful country!
Photo Details:
Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 24-70mm, Travel Tripod, Wireless Remote Control
1. Car Insurance
Car insurance is a must, but we recommend that you get it before arriving in Switzerland.
The rental car company will try to sell you insurance, but it will be very expensive.
When we travel we always get good car insurance through one of our credit cards or through the car insurance company that we have for our cars in the States.
Just make sure that whatever car insurance you have/get will cover you for your road trip through Switzerland.
2. No Special License
In some countries throughout the world, you will need an International driver’s license or permit to drive in their country, luckily Switzerland is not one of those countries.
Your regular driver’s license is adequate for driving in Switzerland.
3. Locals Drive Fast
I wouldn’t ever classify Roger as a slow driver, but in Switzerland, he looked like a slow driver compared to the locals.
We did a road trip the year before in Ireland where they drive on the opposite side of the road and the opposite side of the car and we had no problem driving like the locals.
But in Switzerland, with those sharp turns while going up and down the mountain, no way were we going to drive as fast as the locals!
4. The Same Side of the Road & Car
Speaking of which, in Switzerland, they drive on the same side of the road and the same side of the car as we do here in the States.
So getting behind the wheel in Switzerland won’t feel too foreign to you!
5. Finding Parking
We discovered that finding parking in Switzerland can be rather difficult.
Luckily there are a lot of public transportation options.
So we decided early on to just park at our hotel and then either walk, take a bus, or hop on a train to wherever we wanted to spend the day.
6. Long Tunnels
(This is less of a tip and more of a fun fact.)
I’ve been in some long tunnels before, but nothing like what we drove through in Switzerland.
These tunnels can be miles long!
Which is both a little bit scary and awesome!
I hope you enjoyed these 5 tips for driving in Switzerland!
If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, or just want to start dreaming of the fun adventures that await, be sure to click here to read all of my tips and advice posts on Switzerland!
What are you most looking forward to doing in Switzerland?
I’d love to hear from you!
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With love, Giusti
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
