and should I not bother to unpack
I just checked into the Sheraton in Zurich for a night out with hubby and I was told by the receptionist I needed a passport to be able to check in any hotel in Switzerland. I have left my husband to argue with her when he arrives as I know he only has his swiss driving license with him too. Our passports are in our home as it didn't occur to me I would need more than a photo id ( which she wouldn't accept) is she just being a frosty pants or should I of brought our passports ?? in case it makes a difference he is Swiss and I am from the UK...
I can't imagine that to be the case as nor everybody is required by law to have a passport. Some people don't have one but get by with a photo-ID. Maybe there was a linguistical misunderstanding. Some people say passport when they mean ID.
You need some form of ID, I used a Swiss driving license before without trouble.
well thats what I thought but she had my driving license in her hand with my credit card..... the address on my reservation matched the license etc.... I did ask why a Swiss person traveling from another part of Switzerland would need to bring a passport as they weren't leaving the country and she said they would all bring their ID card. I said that my driving license has all the details of a swiss passport id card and she said she couldn't accept it.... she did look like she spent the morning sucking lemons so I guess she just didn't like me..... we will see what happens later as my husband really isn't at all tolerant in situations like this...... I can see us getting a cab back home
Few Swiss carry passports, as they aren't needed except for travel outside of Europe, but instead carry ID cards, which are essentially mini-passports.
And yes, to check into a hotel you normally need one or the other, not just here, but in Italy, France, etc.
Tom
Alas, it doesn't: the DL does not list your height, gender, or nationality!
Tom
I would call for the manager and explain to him that you will happily spend your money at another hotel/chain. Or let your husband deal with it as this kind of dialogue will be fun in Swiss German.
I typically use my B permit...you're supposed to have your permit on you at all times in Switzerland anyway.
France don't seem to care any more & have not asked me for a Passport in years. A CH driving license should do in CH.
As a non Swiss you are nearly always asked for your passport. Do not feel upset as the Swiss carry ID cards and they will be asked also. I suggest you always carry some ID (not credit card) as the Police can stop you and ask for ID. Lots of time wasted if you left it at home or the hotel.
I think it is a police regulation, rather than a hotel rule.
Do hotels not have to report to the police each night who is staying there
My driving license is from the US admittedly but it states I am a US temp visitor and has photo, height, eye color, DOB ... just not nationality.
But to be honest it didn't occur to me I would need my passport. MY driving license has been enough in 3 hotels in London was enough last year in Zurich at the Hyatt.....
prof. taratonga - yes it will be very amusing when hubby gets here... esp since they also messed up the room request !!
Then that's an additional problem, had it been a Swiss license it might have been accepted.
Tom
It seems to be pretty random. Last summer while on a hiking holiday I stayed in 8 different hotels in central Switzerland, mostly small hotels in mountain villages. Only one of the eight asked for any form of ID, which makes me wonder just to what extent it is really a legal requirement for the hotel owner.
The big chain hotels seem to do it more than small family-run places
Yeah I do see the point now I am a bit calmer but ultimately its clearly me with name DOB etc etc. I guess I just got used to traveling around the US with just my photo id DL card.....when I travel around the UK I never take my passport and I only got a driving license at 30 years of age but never had a problem....
Really though does everyone in Switzerland have a passport / driving license??
I have emailed the hotel manager to suggest that they make it clear on the reservation confirmation that for non swiss passports will be required..... when I travel around the UK I never take my passport and as I only got a driving license at 30 years of age didn't have a photo ID but never had a problem....
UK no ID or passport is needed as they argue it is an infringement on your rights. So anybody can walk around free as a bird, causes problems for the Police when everyone gives a false name.
And for the hotel when somebody calls and asks to speak to Mr and Mrs Smith.
No. As was said above they have ID cards. The US take DL's because they are used to it and that is what is accepted as legal forms of ID there. There is no international mutual recognition of DLs as legal ID.
How did you get from NY to Switzerland? How did you get from the UK to Switzerland? I'm confused as to what country your passport is in.
Yes the police are informed, as any guests who failed to pay any speeding fines last year will learn at 6.00 am the following morning!
As I said in my OP our Passports is are at home.... in the safe at home in Switzerland...... I came to Zurich on the train just for a night out and we decided to stay in the hotel so we didn't have to get a taxi back at whatever time it will be in the early morning. I don't have an id card as I am not swiss and have just taken to using my DL as ID. It simply didn't occur to me to bring my passport for a night out as this is something we did a lot in the UK when we went to London for a late night....... it simply didn't occur to me that it would be needed....