Can I drive in Switzerland using my Indian driving license

I have a Smart Card DL that has been issued from Bangalore.

BHPian recker_us recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear BHPians,

I am heading to Switzerland next month. I am already in Europe and unfortunately, didn't get a chance to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving India.

Can I drive in Switzerland with my Indian Driving License which is a Smart Card issued from Bangalore last year?

Any experiences on the same would be appreciated.

Here's what BHPian libranof1987 had to say about the matter:

However, I've heard that rental agencies can insist on the IDP. It depends on the person issuing you the car. Make the reservation at their location / call before to avoid a last-minute surprise.

If you have the smart card DL, that should make it relatively easy. When renting in Zurich and the US, I was told that the hesitation in renting out on the Indian DL is the confusion regarding the meaning of acronyms used on our DLs. But most counter agents are fairly understanding.

Here's what BHPian Simha.k had to say about the matter:

As long as your DL is issued in the English language, you shouldn't have any problems while hiring a rental car. Never come across anyone who insists on IDL. It's another useless document. You can continue to use your Indian DL in many countries for up to 6 months in a year, after which, you must get a local one.

Here's what BHPian drive2eternity had to say about the matter:

Yes, you can as long as your Driving License is in English. I used mine in Switzerland and mine isn't even a smartcard DL.

Enjoy the drives!

Here's what BHPian nightraven had to say about the matter:

Yes, you can drive with your Indian DL as long as it's in English. I drove all over Europe including Switzerland after moving there using my Indian DL for a year. I had IDP as a backup but never gave it unless specifically requested which was only once by a Sixt dealer in Rome.

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