Buying Swisscom SIM Cards and eSIM for tourists: Guide to Get and Activate 2024

William Jones

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Latest update: August 2024

Swisscom is the largest network operator in Switzerland. This network always provides diverse service packages for tourists. That’s why Swisscom SIM Cards and eSIM always brings a great experience to users. Join us to explore this network’s SIM card service to know why this has always been the leading network in Switzerland for many years in a row.

I. Overview about Swisscom – What you need to know

Swisscom is the leading ICT company in Switzerland:

• Founded year: October 1, 1997
• Full name: Swisscom AG
• Service: mobile, Internet and TV, as well as comprehensive IT and digital services to private and business customers. 
• Subscribers: At the end of 2022 Swisscom had 6,173,000 mobile telephony customers in Switzerland
• Adwards: Both the Swisscom mobile and fiber networks have been the recurring winners in countless independent network tests over the years.
  • 2024: Connect mobile phone network test and 5G network test: test winner, 981/1,000 points (rating: outstanding)
  • 2023 CHIP: test winner, Best Network, rating 1.1 – excellent(opens in new tab)
  • CHIP: winner, Best 5G Network, rating 1.0 – excellent(opens in new tab)
  • CHIP: winner, Best Network on Trains, rating 1.1 – excellent

II. Swisscom Coverage in Switzerland

Strong Coverage:

• Cities & Towns: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Interlaken, Lucerne, Lugano.
• Mountains: Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Grindelwald, Gotthard Pass, Furka Pass, Susten Pass (including tunnels).
• Rural Areas: Engadin, Emmental, and remote villages.

Potential Weak Spots:

• Extremely remote hiking trails/peaks.
• Speed variations between urban (5G) and rural areas (4G).

Overall: Swisscom offers the most extensive coverage, particularly in challenging mountainous and rural areas.

Swisscom comes first for Availability, an award it has won outright since its introduction in Swiss network reports. The operator wins the award outright with a score of 99.1%.

III. Swisscom Speed in Switzerland

Swisscom stays ahead of the competition for every speed award, winning all four outright. Its lightning-fast Download Speed Experience score is 72.7Mbps and its Upload Speed is 19.20 Mbps. 

Looking at the 5G awards, Swisscom takes 5G Download Speed with an impressive score of 218.6Mbps. The race is much closer for 5G Upload Speed; Swisscom still wins outright, but there is only around a 6Mbps difference between first and last place.

IV. Does Swisscom Have eSIM in Switzerland?

Yes, absolutely. This is the most affordable way to stay connected while traveling in Switzerland by using an eSIM card, which can cost as little as $4.5 USD. It’s super easy to get one too! You can arrange everything online with just a few clicks, and as soon as you land in Switzerland, you’ll be able to get online right away.

V. Top Swisscom SIM Cards for Tourists

You can believe in a Swisscom prepaid sim card for a trip to Switzerland. It has the best 4G/5G network in Switzerland and a sim card costs for $21 USD that gives you unlimited max speed data for 10 days. Be aware that this sim card is only valid in Switzerland, not in the rest of Europe!

Swisscom has two data-featured prepaid plans: Prepaid Flatrate (combo) & InOne Mobile Prepaid (data).

Prepaid Flatrate

InOne Mobile Prepaid 

VI. Where to Buy a Sunrise SIM card and eSIM?

You can get a SIM card for Switzerland from various sources. Here are some options:

• Purchase before you travel: One option is to buy a SIM card online from an international provider like Gigago. They offer SIM cards for Switzerland that can be delivered to your address before you travel. 

For Switzerland, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Switzerland eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.50 – $128.00 . 

• Buy locally in Switzerland: Traditionally, you might want to buy your data SIM card once you arrive in Bern or Geneva. Or you can purchase a SIM card from local stores. These locations offer a range of prepaid SIM cards with different data plans and coverage options.

VII. How to Top-up Swisscom SIM/eSIM

To top up your Swisscom SIM or eSIM, you can follow these steps:

• Swisscom Website: Visit the official Swisscom website or use their mobile app.

• Login: Log in to your Swisscom account. If you don’t have an account, you may need to create one.

• Select Top-Up: Once logged in, navigate to the “Top-Up” or “Recharge” section of your account.

• Choose Top-Up Amount: Select the desired top-up amount from the available options. Swisscom usually offers different denominations for top-ups.

• Payment Method: Choose your preferred payment method. Swisscom typically accepts credit/debit cards and online payment systems.

• Enter Payment Details: Provide the necessary payment details, including your card information or login credentials for the selected payment method.

• Confirm and Complete: Review the details of your top-up transaction, including the amount and payment information. 

• Confirmation and Recharge: After the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation message or email from Swisscom. Your SIM or eSIM will be recharged with the chosen amount, and you can start using the new balance.

Alternatively, you can also top up your Swisscom SIM/eSIM at physical Swisscom stores, authorized retailers, or through recharge vouchers available at various locations. Simply provide the required information and payment to complete the top-up.

IX. FAQs about Swisscom in Switzerland

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing Swisscom SIM cards and eSIM offer a simple and reliable solution for staying connected in Switzerland. With excellent coverage, user-friendly options, and a variety of plans, Swisscom ensures you can easily manage your communication needs. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you can stay connected effortlessly by opting for a Swisscom SIM card in Switzerland.