Buying Swisscom SIM Cards and eSIM for tourists: Guide to Get and Activate 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. Quick Facts about Swisscom

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. Why Swisscom When Traveling Switzerland- Coverage and Speed

Swisscom has the best network in Switzerland and also lead in mobile speed in Switzerland. 

1. Coverage

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%.

2. Speed

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.

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Swisscom for Travelers to Switzerland?

Travelers visiting Switzerland have several options to connect with Swisscom, one of the major telecommunications providers in the country. Here are three common options available:

1. Buy a Swisscom SIM Card:

One option is to purchase a Swisscom SIM card upon arrival in Switzerland. This allows travelers to have a local Swiss number and access to Swisscom’s network. 

Pros:

• Local Swiss number: Buying a Swisscom SIM card provides you with a local phone number, which can be useful for making local calls and receiving calls at local rates.
• Cost-effective: Using a local SIM card typically offers more affordable rates for data, calls, and texts compared to international roaming.
• Fast and reliable: You will have direct access to Swisscom’s network, which is known for its reliability and coverage throughout Switzerland.

Cons:

• Need an unlocked phone: To use a Swisscom SIM card, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the Swisscom network 

2. Use Pocket WiFi to Connect to Swisscom:

Another option is to rent or purchase a pocket WiFi device that connects to Swisscom’s network. This portable WiFi hotspot allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet simultaneously. 

Pros:

• Multiple device connectivity: Pocket WiFi allows you to connect multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to the internet simultaneously.
• Convenience: With a pocket WiFi device, you don’t need to switch SIM cards or worry about compatibility with your phone.

Cons:

•  Additional equipment: Renting or purchasing a pocket WiFi device adds an extra item to carry during your travels.
• Cost: Pocket WiFi rental or purchase costs may add up, especially for longer trips.
• Battery life: The pocket WiFi device requires charging, and battery life may vary depending on usage.

3. Roaming to Swisscom:

If your home mobile service provider has a roaming agreement with Swisscom, you might be able to use your existing mobile plan to connect to Swisscom’s network. 

Pros:

• No need for a new SIM card: Roaming allows you to use your existing mobile plan without the hassle of purchasing or setting up a new SIM card.
• Keep phone number: You can keep your own phone number and contacts without needing to inform them of a new number.

Cons:

• Potentially higher costs: International roaming can be expensive, especially for data usage. It’s important to check with your home mobile service provider for their roaming rates and any applicable packages.
• Network compatibility: Not all mobile service providers have roaming agreements with Swisscom, so it’s crucial to confirm if your provider offers roaming in Switzerland.

IV. Best Swisscom SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

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

Price	Data	Local Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
20 CHF	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	7 days
65 CHF	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30 days
150 CHF	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	90 days

InOne Mobile Prepaid 

Price	Plan	Data	On-Net Minutes	Local SMS	Validity
5 CHF	Go	Unlimited 2	N/A	Unlimited	30 Days
9.90 CHF	Young 1	“Unlimited”, 500 MB 3	Unlimited 4	Unlimited	30 Days

V. Does Swisscom Support 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.

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 $5.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Switzerland eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $5.00 – $136.90 . 

• 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 Activate Swisscom SIM/eSIM in Switzerland?

Swisscom eSIM and SIM require simple steps to activate: 

1. How to Use a Swisscom SIM Card in Switzerland?

You only need to follow these simple steps and everything will be ready.

1. Insert the SIM card: Locate the SIM card slot on your device
2. Power on your device: Turn on your device and wait for it to recognize the SIM card
3. Activate the SIM card
4. Set up APN settings if you can not use the eSIM.
5. Check your services.

2. How to Activate Switzerland eSIM?

Getting started with an Swisscom eSIM for Switzerland is quite easy as follows:

1. Install the eSIM
2. Activate the eSIM
3. Set up the eSIM
4. Start using the eSIM: Once the eSIM is activated and set up, you can start using its services.

VIII. 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.