Renting car in Switzerland

I've lost the link but I don't think this applies to rental cars, but to lease cars.

There are reports of issues at Austrian or German borders but not sure these are substantiated.

I would not advocate renting a car from the French side of Geneva Airport if going skiing - its a pain in the behind to get to and from if heading to the usual destinations such as Morzine. Hired last time through Europcar and specifically checked and was told that this is not a problem (crossing into France)

andymol2 wrote:I've lost the link but I don't think this applies to rental cars, but to lease cars.
There are reports of issues at Austrian or German borders but not sure these are substantiated.
I would not advocate renting a car from the French side of Geneva Airport if going skiing - its a pain in the behind to get to and from if heading to the usual destinations such as Morzine. Hired last time through Europcar and specifically checked and was told that this is not a problem (crossing into France)

My post on 24 October above quotes from the official EU website and makes it clear that these rules apply to hire cars. People may not like this, may think it is stupid but that does not mean that it is not the law. The lack of clear guidance from the carhire companies is extraordinary.

Just a quick note on this, as I am a Swiss-resident Brit, and have this issue all the time when I travel to an end of season snowboard event in Austria (Carving Masters in Sölden).
The issue here is differences between EU law and Swiss law.
EU law states that the car should be registered in EU, but the Swiss law says the car hire company should provide a Swiss registered car.

So Swiss are covered, sort of, but you EU folks might not be.
Hey ho, not to worry, in a few months Brexit will make this a moot point for the Brits. Sadly.

Related note; if you want to pick up a car in Switzerland to drive to another country at end of season, call in advance to check it will still have snow tyres, as the Swiss go by the season (and insurance law covers if it snows out of season, apparently). Austrian law appears to go by the conditions, and of course you are likely to encounter snow in the alps there even late in the season.

Also, check if a motorway vignette is needed - one is certainly needed for Austria. You can pick a temporary 10-day one at any petrol station after the border, for 9 Euro, see: https://www.austria.info/us/basic-facts/getting-there-around/austria-by-car/toll-sticker

Also final tip - if you need a 4x4, Europcar/Unirent are the only car hire that provide 4x4 options on their website, and guarantee a 4x4 when you turn up at the counter. No I do not work for them, but they have given me some sweet upgrades (Alfa Stelvio is my favorite). I wish others would do the same, as car hire is not cheap in Switzerland!

cheers,
Slayzzzz

The difficulty in renting in Switzerland appears to be resolved :thumbup:. Here is a response to a query submitted to the Your Europe Advice Service (run by the EU). Posting on this thread in case anybody searches and finds the out of date information. Well done Swingbeep for spotting the change :thumbup:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find below the reply to your enquiry. Please note that the advice given by Your Europe Advice is an independent advice and cannot be considered to be the opinion of the European Commission, of any other EU institution or its staff nor will this advice be binding upon the European Commission, any other EU or national institution.

Dear Citizen,

Many thanks for your enquiry to Your Europe Advice which we may answer as follows:

It is correct that according to Article 1 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1063 amending Deleagted Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 a person residing in the EU can now use a car which is registered in a third country, if they have rented the car from a professional car hire service provided, the car is used for private purpose only. In this circumstances no customs duties must be paid.

We recommend always carrying the rental agreement with you though, so that you are able to prove that the car is rented from a professional car hiring service in case of a police control or check by the competent tax authorities.

For further information on customs duties and exemptions thereof in Austria please contact

Zollamt Klagenfurt Villach
Ackerweg 19
9500 Villach
Telefon +43 (0) 50 233 740
Fax +43 (0) 50 233-5964053
E-Mail zollinfo@bmf.gv.at

Regulation (EU) 2018/1063 is available on https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32018R1063&from=DE.

Should you have any further questions in relation to your rights in the EU, please do not hesitate to contact Your Europe Advice again.

Yours sincerely,

Your Europe Advice