-Question about driving rental cars in Switzerland
 

We just got a great rate for a rental car this summer for 2 weeks picking up in Chambery France and dropping at CDG. I booked it through Yahoo with Avis. I don't usually book that way but the price was $120 cheaper than on the Avis site itself and quite a bit cheaper than any of the other consolidators and rental agencies. I just printed off the Avis confirmation and there is a paragraph that reads:

Travel into Switzerland

"All vehicles driving on Swiss highways must purchase a special tax sticker (Swiss Hwy. Sticker). Cost is 40.00 SFR and is available for purchase at the border crossings. Customer is subject to a fine of 100.00 SFR if caught without the sticker."

I don't think we will be in Switzerland-the current plan is to go to Itay but since we will be near there-we might change our minds. Has anyone had to buy this-or do most rental agencies have it on the car already. I will of course ask when I get there but I was just curious if anyone had dealt with this issue before?

I found a Sears 25% off discount for Avis and used that for a price almost equal to Europcar with more locations available in France for pick up.

As for the Swiss ticket, we've had to buy one in the past and are planning on buying another later this year. If your rental car already has one, you won't need to buy another.

Thanks Images:

I will make a note to ask Avis about the sticker, because if it doesn't come with one sounds like we should buy one.

I just tried the Sears discount code and I did give a good price. It is still $20 more than what I have but beats AutoEurope and Europcar. For others, you put the code D302003 in the field marked "Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number or Rate Code" the reservations page of Avis.com. I am going to remember that Sears discount-it is a good one :)

You only need a Swiss sticker (called vignette) when using their expressway/Autobahn - applicable roads are clearly signed (but only in the local language, such as 'vignette obligatoire' or 'Vignettenpflichtig'). If you stay on ordinary roads, you don't need it. If you cross into Switzerland straight from Frech autoroute, you'll have to buy the sticker, as you have no choice but to continue on vignette-obligatory road. But at CHF40 (or $35), it's not a lot of money if you are going to cross Switzerland quickly. Whether a French rental car has the current Swiss vignette or not depends entirely on chance - if a previous renter had to buy one - rental firms don't stick one just for the sake of it. All Swiss-registered rental cars carry current sticker.

Hi Alec-thanks for the additional info! Very good to know.

I have nothing to add other than to say that Alec got it exactly right.

OK, I'll add one thing: The Swiss vignette is annoying in that you have to buy a one-year vignette even if you are just zipping through. Austria, for example, gives options for shorter durations (and are priced accordingly).

The nice thing about the vignette system is that it limits toll booths.

Enjoy the trip.