As in all parts of the world, mobile phones are an everyday part of communication in Switzerland. Switzerland has an extensive mobile network, even in the mountains, meaning you can communicate with friends and family wherever you are. Here's what you need to know about mobile phone providers and getting a SIM card in Switzerland.
Mobile phone providers in Switzerland
Some of the most well-known mobile phone providers in Switzerland are:
Mobile phone price comparison sites
Unless you have a specific mobile phone provider in mind, it's wise to compare options from different companies, to make sure you're getting the best deal.
Do I need a Swiss SIM card?
If you already have a mobile phone and you won’t get charged extra to use it in Switzerland, you may be wondering whether you need a Swiss SIM card at all. You can of course continue to use your foreign phone, but there are a few things you should bear in mind.
Firstly, most mobile phone providers place a limit on international roaming - known as a “fair use” policy - and once you exceed this cap you’ll face heavy charges for data, texts and calls. On top of this, you’ll also normally be charged extra for making calls and texts to Swiss phone numbers, so you’ll probably find that the costs soon start stacking up.
For many things, you’ll also need a Swiss phone number. That includes everything from opening a bank account to setting up your utilities. It’s not unheard of for business websites to not recognise foreign numbers, meaning not having a Swiss number could end up making your life unnecessarily difficult. It therefore makes sense to get a SIM card in Switzerland, especially if you'll be staying in the country for a while.
Mobile operators in Switzerland
There are three major mobile operators in Switzerland:
- Swisscom, which covers around 60 percent of the market.
- Sunrise, which covers around 25 percent of the market.
- Salt, which covers around 16 percent of the market.
Mobile telephony providers
There are also a growing number of phone companies that use the networks of these major providers but offer their own services, often at discounted rates. The amount of competition in the Swiss mobile phone sector means that it’s relatively easy to secure a good deal if you shop around.
These mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are:
- Coop Mobile, M-Budget, Mucho Mobile and Wingo, which use the Swisscom network.
- Aldi Mobile, Digital Republic, Galaxus Mobile, Lebara, Quickline, SAK, Seabix, Swype Talk Talk, Teleboy and Yallo, which use the Sunrise network.
- GoMo, iWay, Lidl Connect, Lycamobile, MTEL, Netvoip, Post Mobile, Spusu and VTX, which use the Salt network.
What is the best mobile network in Switzerland?
Since all mobile phone operators in Switzerland use the same three networks, there is not a great deal to separate them in terms of coverage. All three consistently score excellently in the mobile network test by Connect, although Swisscom comes out on top, closely followed by both Sunrise and Salt.
That being said, you may find that coverage is more patchy in terms of 4G and 5G accessibility if you are not based in one of the larger Swiss cities. You can check network coverage in your area on the nperf website.
While the “big three” of Swisscom, Sunrise and Salt generally charge higher prices than MVNOs, in exchange you get physical shops where you can go to choose a handset, or get advice from a store assistant. You also generally get better customer service. With an MVNO, prices are typically lower, but with no physical storefront, and less comprehensive customer service.
Getting a SIM card in Switzerland
Getting a SIM card in Switzerland is fairly straightforward. Unlike some other countries around the world, Switzerland places no restrictions on foreigners or tourists buying Swiss SIM cards, so even non-residents are allowed to purchase them.
However, you will be required to show a form of identification to purchase a Swiss SIM card. This is a legal requirement. This could include:
- Swiss passport or a foreign passport
- Swiss ID card or a foreign ID card
- Swiss residence permit
Should I take out a mobile phone contract or get a prepaid SIM?
You have three choices when it comes to getting a Swiss SIM card:
- Take out a mobile phone contract
- Take out a SIM-only contract
- Get a prepaid SIM
Choosing between the three comes down to your personal situation and preferences. A mobile phone contract comes with a brand new phone and - usually - a generous allowance of data, calling minutes and texts.
However, mobile phone contracts sometimes include minimum contract periods of up to 24 months. Cancelling a contract early is a hassle and can leave you facing additional charges. Even if you don’t have a minimum contract period, you may have to give notice before you can cancel your contract (sometimes as much as three months).
A SIM-only contract, since it does not include a handset, is generally a cheaper option and gives you a set amount of data, minutes and texts to use per month. However, a contract is still a contract, and the same rules apply when it comes to your minimum contract period.
The major advantage of prepaid SIMs is therefore their flexibility: you are not tied to a contract and are free to leave whenever you wish. However, the flip side to this is that you have to remember to top up regularly, and generally your data, calls and texts work out more expensive, in the long run.
If you plan on staying in Switzerland for at least a year, it makes financial sense to take out a contract: either a mobile phone contract or a SIM-only one. However, if you’re unsure how long you will be staying, you should consider either a flexible prepaid SIM, or a phone contract with no minimum contract period.
Mobile phone contracts in Switzerland
Most people in Switzerland have mobile phone contracts - also known as “postpaid plans”. As an expat living in Switzerland, it makes sense to take out a phone contract if you plan on staying long-term. Some pros of a mobile phone contract include:
- Data, calls and texts generally work out cheaper compared to a prepaid SIM
- You can get a brand new phone
- You can combine your phone contract with your home phone, internet and TV packages for a discounted price
- You can take advantage of youth discounts (see below)
Your monthly rate will depend on how much you need in the way of data, minutes and texts. Some companies also offer unlimited packages for both Switzerland and abroad. Phone contracts typically come with a new phone, which can be replaced after a set period of time.
Note that many mobile phone contracts in Switzerland charge an activation fee. It’s also common for providers to offer a discounted rate for the first few months, before increasing the price. Make sure before you sign on the dotted line that you understand exactly how much the contract will cost you over its full term.
SIM-only contracts
Instead of getting a contract that includes a mobile phone handset, you might choose to take out a SIM-only contract. As the name suggests, this means you get a plan for a SIM card only, including a set amount of data, minutes and texts, but no handset. You insert the SIM card into a phone you already own.
Since a phone is not included in these contracts, they generally work out a lot cheaper - and are better value for money than prepaid SIM cards, but you will have to stick to the terms of your contract when it comes to minimum periods (see below).
Note that your phone will need to be unlocked for your new Swiss SIM card to work in it.
Minimum contract periods
No matter whether you are taking out a SIM-only contract or a SIM-plus-handset contract, pay attention to the minimum contract period: cancelling your contract before the minimum period is up can be very costly.
The good news, however, is that, increasingly, mobile phone operators are scrapping minimum contract terms in favour of allowing people to cancel their contracts at any point, as long as they observe the minimum notice period. Check your contract terms to make sure you understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
Discounts for young people
Many Swiss mobile operators offer discounts on mobile phone contracts to young people below the age of 30, or to people who are studying. They can be great value for money, so if you are eligible, look out for special deals advertised for young people.
Taking out a mobile contract in Switzerland
You can sign up for a mobile contract in Switzerland either online or in person at a store. You will need:
- Valid ID
- Proof of address
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Social security number
- Details of your bank account
Payments for your contract will be taken monthly via direct debit.
Prepaid SIM cards in Switzerland
If you only plan to stay in Switzerland for a short period of time, it might be easier to purchase a prepaid SIM card, to avoid getting locked into a phone contract. Prepaid SIM cards are the quickest and easiest way to get a Swiss phone number, and they offer a greater degree of freedom than phone contracts, but they typically work out more expensive for data, calls and messages.
Most mobile operators in Switzerland give you two choices for your prepaid SIM:
- You can top up and spend your balance (pay as you go) on data, calls and texts.
- You can make use of prepaid plans, often known as "savings options" in Switzerland.
An increasing number of providers in Switzerland are offering so-called “savings options” that allow you to purchase packages of data, calls and minutes for a set rate. The package usually lasts for four weeks, after which you can top up and buy a new package or - as there is no contract - opt out.
Prepaid SIM cards are available at most corner shops and supermarkets, or can be ordered online from specific providers. As there is so much choice, it’s worth shopping around before selecting a provider.
Again, you’ll need proof of identity before you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Switzerland.
Once you have your SIM card, you can insert it into your phone to start using it (just make sure your device is unlocked). You can top your credit up online, via app, or by buying top-up vouchers from a shop or supermarket.
eSIMs in Switzerland
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that replaces a physical SIM card and is embedded into your mobile phone.
If your mobile device supports eSIM, you can request an eSIM from most of the above providers. A growing number of international providers also offer eSIMs for Switzerland. You can get pay-as-you-go eSIMs, SIM-only plans, or purchase a package of data and calls/texts to use over a set period of time.
Can I use my Swiss phone for free in Europe?
Unfortunately, Switzerland has not signed up to the EU mandate on no additional roaming charges. This means that in order to use your data, texts and phone calls in Europe, you must pay a surcharge, unless your contract includes EU roaming.
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