Swiss half fare card

  • christie
    Participant
    2 posts
    25 May 2011 at 4:41:05 #804341

    hello
    thank you a lot for this forum and the possibility to clarify all the questions people have, and for your readiness for help

    may I ask you please for advice:
    is it reasonable for me to buy swiss half fare card (which I find the most suitable for me)?
    planned trips (2 persons coming for 10 days in June):
    -Grindelwald (or maybe Kleine Scheidegg, if we reach it from Grindelwald on foot) – Jungfraujoch
    -Lauterbrunnen (or maybe Stechelberg) – Schilthorn
    -some local funiculars
    -1 boat trip (at Brienzersee or Thunersee)

    Also let me please ask:
    1) is swiss half fare card valid for Zurich-Kloten airport trip?
    2) what kind of urban transport is included in Zurich, or all kinds of trasnport can be used with discount?
    3) what city tours can be bought in Zurich with discount: from a special agency or any?
    4) is euro acceptable for cash payments in Switzerland or only francs?

    I am sorry for so many questions,
    and I would be grateful for the response

    kind regards,
    Christina

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    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    25 May 2011 at 15:14:49 #832971

    Hi Christina,

    Yes, I think the Swiss Half Fare Card fits your plans of doing mainly local traveling.

    1 & 2) The Swiss Half Fare Card page links to a map that shows where you can use it. Zurich to Kloten is included, as well as all public transport in Zurich.
    3) You’ll get a 50% discount on the escorted walk through the old town. More information can be found through Zürich Tourism.
    4) The franc is the only official currency in Switzerland. You definitely need francs to stay there for 10 days. Rail stations, hotels and large shops often accept euro’s, but will give you the change in francs. Also, the exchange rate they use can be quite expensive. Euro’s can come in handy for people staying for 1-2 days only who know that their hotel accepts them, but not if you stay any longer. Credit and debit cards will be accepted in many places too by the way.

    I hope this helped!

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    28 May 2011 at 21:53:32 #832972

    I am not a moderator, but i would have thought that if you traveling with 2 people and your intention is to travel by train on most days, there are special offers on Swiss passes for the second person. You can buy the non-consecutive passes also, that is if you wish to save money.
    The half tax card is valid for 1 month, so you would be wasting your cash, i think.
    You can exchange euro for francs at MANY places in Switzerland, including manned stations, also you get a good rate for Euros !

    Arno
    Moderator
    15471 posts
    29 May 2011 at 5:37:54 #832973

    Thanks for your feedback parmo1! There’s indeed a discount from the 2nd travelers for Swiss Passes: the Swiss Saver Pass is 15% cheaper. However, if you’re mainly traveling for short distances like Christina has planned, such a pass for unlimited traveling is too expensive. The Swiss Half Fare Card is the cheapest pass available and provides more discount on the Jungfrau than a Swiss Pass. Even though it’s valid for a month, it could be paying off in just two days, depending on what trips you’ve planned.

    If you know every trip you are going to make, doing the math is the way to make sure that you pick the right pass.

    christie
    Participant
    2 posts
    30 May 2011 at 3:30:20 #832974

    thank you a lot, guys, for all the clarifications and opinions
    I appreciate it a lot

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