Best Switzerland SIM Cards for Tourists: 2024 Detailed Guide [+Internet & WiFi] 

William Jones

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Latest update: September 2024

Planning a trip to Switzerland and concerned about staying connected without incurring high roaming charges or slow overseas data plans? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you find the best Switzerland SIM cards for your 2024 trip to Switzerland, ensuring a hassle-free and affordable

I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Switzerland?

There are four options available for purchasing a SIM card for your trip to Switzerland. Let’s take a closer look at each option:

1. Buy a SIM card at Swiss airports:

Upon your arrival at Swiss airports, such as Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport, you will find kiosks or shops that sell prepaid SIM cards. These SIM cards offer different deals based on your needs. However, please note that these stores may not be open 24/7, so it’s important to check their operating hours.

At Geneva Airport, there is a dedicated phone store where you can purchase a Swiss SIM card. Additionally, SIM cards are available at the currency exchange. You can find SIM cards from providers such as Lycamobile, Lebara, and Yallo at the airport.

• Price: Higher than SIM cards sold in city stores.
• Pros: Instant internet access upon arrival.
• Cons: Higher cost, limited plan options, potential queues, and limited store opening hours.

2. Buy a physical SIM card online before your departure:

Getting connected during your trip to Switzerland is easy nowadays. Prior to your trip, you can search for online SIM card providers that offer Switzerland-specific travel SIM cards or international SIM cards that include coverage for Switzerland. Simply make the purchase and wait for the SIM card to be delivered to your home address.

• Price: Affordable, but there may be a shipping fee.
• Pros: Prepare for internet connection before your trip, select plans based on your needs.
• Cons: Delivery wait time, possibility of delivery delays.

3. Buy a SIM card in city centers in Switzerland:

You can purchase prepaid SIM cards at official phone stores, convenience stores, authorized outlets of Swiss mobile internet carriers, or even gas stations. Once you have settled in your hotel, you can use Google Maps to locate the nearest SIM card providers. In cities like Zurich or Geneva, it’s easy to find a store close to your hotel.

• Price: Cheaper than buying at airports.
• Pros: Competitive prices, wider range of options to choose from.
• Cons: Requires traveling to the stores.

4. Buy an eSIM online one day before your departure:

This option is only applicable if your phone supports eSIM. If it does, you can choose an eSIM plan that suits your needs and budget, make the payment, and within five minutes, receive a QR code in your email. Simply scan the QR code, and your eSIM plan will be activated on your phone. No need to wait for SIM card delivery, visit stores, or switch physical SIM cards.

• Pros: Pre-order and activate your eSIM in advance for internet connection. Saves time and money (no shipping fee).
• Cons: Only works if your phone supports eSIM.

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

There are three the best SIM card for tourists, including: Swisscom, Salt Switzerland, Sunrise Switzerland.

1. Swisscom prepaid sim card

A Swisscom prepaid SIM card is priced at 19.9 CHF and includes 20 CHF credit. For data usage, it costs 2 CHF per day, while calling costs 29 cents per minute and SMS costs 15 cents per text. It’s important to note that the data is only valid within Switzerland and not in other countries within the EU.

Swisscom also provides the prepaid SIM card data plans mentioned above, but they may seem less appealing when compared to the option of unlimited data for 2 CHF per day.

Here are some alternative data plans offered by Swisscom:

500 MB of data for 30 days: 6.90 CHF

2 GB of data for 30 days: 19.90 CHF

5 GB of data for 30 days: 45 CHF

2. Salt Switzerland prepaid sim card

You have the option to acquire a FREE Salt Mobile SIM card, but it can only be activated once you top up your account with one of their prepaid data or voice plans.

Salt offers prepaid SIM card plans that come with free EU data roaming and are valid for one month. Here are some available options:

• Unlimited data on their 4G network, along with unlimited calls and SMS, but it is only valid within Switzerland. This plan is priced at 59.95 CHF.

• Unlimited data on their 4G network throughout Europe, combined with unlimited calls and SMS within Switzerland. This plan costs 89.95 CHF.

• Unlimited data within Switzerland on their 4G network, without any restrictions. This plan is priced at 35 CHF.

3. Sunrise Switzerland prepaid sim card

Similar to Swisscom, a Sunrise prepaid SIM card for Switzerland is priced at 19.90 CHF and includes 20 CHF credit upon activation.

Sunrise provides an option for unlimited data + chat per day in Switzerland at a rate of 2.5 CHF for a 24-hour period. There are no usage limits within this timeframe, but it’s important to note that the data is only available for use within Switzerland

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for Switzerland Travel?

Yes. Most public spots in Switzerland offer free WiFi, but it’s still a good idea to get a SIM card for Switzerland if you want to stay connected and have a reliable data connection on your phone. 

Just think about ordering an Uber, getting directions on Google Maps, finding a hotel, supermarket, or restaurant. There are plenty of reasons why having a SIM card for Switzerland is beneficial. Plus, it’s important to consider emergency situations or checking your banking apps.

IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Switzerland?

To buy a prepaid SIM card in Switzerland, you need to bring your passport. The store will take a copy of it and register the SIM card with your name and passport number. You’ll receive a physical SIM card with a phone number starting with +41.

If you want to avoid this registration process, you can order an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Switzerland online. Online orders require only your email address, with no ID verification needed.

V. What Types of Switzerland SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?

There are two types of Switzerland SIM cards, including: physical SIM card and eSIM.

1. Physical SIM Card:

A physical SIM card is a small chip that you insert into your phone or device. It contains your mobile number, subscriber information, and network settings. 

Pros: 

• Various plans with affordable prices: Unlike roaming services, Switzerland SIM Card can provides differents packages to meet customers’ needs
• Widely supported: Physical SIM cards are supported by a wide range of devices and are available from multiple service providers.
•  Local SIM cards: If you’re traveling internationally, you can easily purchase a local physical SIM card for better rates and coverage.

Cons:

• Need for physical card: You need to have the physical SIM card with you and insert it into your device, which can be inconvenient if you frequently switch devices.
• Risk of loss or damage: Physical SIM cards can be lost, damaged, or stolen, resulting in the loss of your mobile number and connection.

2. eSIM (Embedded SIM).

An eSIM is a digital SIM that is embedded within your device. 

Pros: 

• Convenience: Since eSIMs are embedded within your device, there’s no need to physically insert or remove a card.
• Flexibility: You can switch between different mobile service providers and activate multiple eSIM profiles on a single device.
• Remote activation: You can activate an eSIM remotely by scanning a QR code or receiving a digital activation code, eliminating the need for a physical card or visit to a store.

Cons:

• Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM functionality, so it’s important to check if your device is compatible before considering an eSIM.

VI. Switzerland eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in Switzerland

While there are various options available, Switzerland prepaid eSIMs offer numerous advantages over other alternatives like roaming, pocket WiFi, free WiFi, and prepaid physical SIM cards. 

• Convenience and Flexibility:

Prepaid eSIMs do not require any physical installation or swapping of SIM cards. 

With an eSIM, you can switch between different operators and plans with just a few taps on your phone, providing ultimate flexibility during your trip.

• Cost-effectiveness: Switzerland prepaid eSIMs often offer competitive pricing compared to roaming or purchasing physical SIM cards. 

• Easy Activation and Setup: You can usually purchase and download the eSIM profile directly from the provider’s website.

Gigago eSIM is a reputable provider that offers excellent prepaid eSIM options for travelers in Switzerland. Here are a few reasons why Gigago eSIM stands out:

• Diverse Plan Options

• Reliable Network Coverage

• User-Friendly Experience

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 . 

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in the Switzerland?

The duration of a tourist SIM card in Switzerland can vary based on the provider and the specific plan you choose. Generally, tourist SIM cards are designed to last from a few days to a few weeks. Here are some typical durations:

• 7 days: Ideal for short trips or a week-long vacation.
• 15 days: Suitable for travelers staying for about two weeks.
• 30 days: Perfect for longer stays of a month.

It’s important to check the details of the specific SIM card you are purchasing, as some plans may offer options to extend the validity period or top up with additional credit to suit your needs. Additionally, some providers may offer special packages tailored for tourists, including data bundles, call minutes, and text messages.

VIII. How to Use Switzerland Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

Here’s a guide on how to use Switzerland prepaid SIM cards and eSIM

1. Using prepaid Switzerland tourist SIM Cards

• Purchase a prepaid SIM card from a local mobile network provider or authorized retailers in Switzerland.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the frequencies used in Switzerland (typically GSM 900/1800 or 3G/4G/LTE bands).
• Insert the SIM card into your phone’s SIM card slot.
• Follow the instructions provided by the network provider to activate the SIM card and select a prepaid plan that suits your needs.
• Top up the SIM card with credit as needed to maintain service.
• Enjoy the benefits of local calls, messaging, and data usage while exploring Switzerland.

2. Setting up and activating Switzerland eSIM 

• Check if your phone supports eSIM functionality.
• Contact a mobile network provider in Switzerland that offers eSIM services or visit their website.
• Follow the provider’s instructions to purchase and activate an eSIM plan.
• You may need to scan a QR code or enter a provided activation code to set up the eSIM.
• Once activated, your eSIM will be ready to use for calls, messaging, and data services.
• Enjoy the convenience of a digital SIM card without the need for a physical card.

IX. FAQs

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, getting a SIM card in Switzerland is a fantastic way to stay connected during your visit. Whether you opt for a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM, you’ll enjoy the benefits of local calls, messaging, and data services without exorbitant roaming charges. Just make sure your phone is compatible, follow the activation instructions, and choose a plan that suits your needs. With a Switzerland SIM card in hand, you can explore the country with ease and share your amazing experiences with friends and family. Happy travels!