A traveler named Kris is trying to buy tickets from Montreux to Interlaken OST on the SBB website but is facing issues with their US-issued credit card. They are looking for solutions to successfully purchase the tickets in time for their trip.
Key takeaways:
If you're using a US credit card, you might have trouble on the SBB website, so consider using alternative tourist-oriented ticket sites.
Using the SBB mobile app can work for ticket purchases, but you can only buy tickets up to 30 days in advance.
You can also buy tickets for immediate travel through the SBB website, as they don't sell out.
If one card gets rejected, try another type like Mastercard or AMEX as they may be accepted.
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SBB is the domestic site and known for issues like this with foreign credit cards. Can you try the sites listed on the below page? They’re more geared to tourists.
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I have downloaded the SBB app for the trip. Is it more likely to handle foreign credit card or will it only serve as a mechanism for checking schedules and such?
I only use it to check the train schedules. I think I only used it for a purchase once, but I don’t recall if I used a credit or debit card. I mostly use a debit card when in Switzerland.
Thanks Vishalg, it looks like mobile app lets u book the tickets only 30 days in advance so i have to wait for 1 more month as i m looking tickets for July 29.
You can make reservations including seat selection now at bit.ly/2kaq6Rf. Just change the class of travel, date of travel and start/end points to suit. And click the “e” for English language top right of the page. (where it says “Sprachwahl: d i f e”)
I already made my reservation earlier using the same link. Since i have Swiss half fare card i was planing to buy tickets for the same trip.
the SBB website let me book the tickets for July 29 but the mobile does not. I will try the above link to see if i can buy the ticets too on the MOB site.
You are correct the old SBB website limited purchases to 30 days from travel but the newer site has extended that. Having said that you can buy tickets up to the time you actually travel. Tickets don’t sell out.
I was able to use a Mastercard and also a Visa that I have set up with “Verified by Visa”. I called Chase and was told that I would need to try to place the order using my Chase Visa. Then when it is rejected, I should call Chase and tell them that I want it to go through. They would approve it and I would then have to enter the order again. I haven’t tried this yet. I don’t know if I will, it seems like a lot of trouble when my other cards will work without it.
That’s indeed not very convenient. Note that you don’t have to buy via SBB; that is only one of many options. Your card will probably work just fine when buying at any (SBB or other) station, or from any other website also offering tickets: http://www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland /price.
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