Use Cell Phone In Switzerland for Travelers 2024: How To Do It?

Planning to use cell phone in Switzerland? No worries! Switzerland has a well-developed and reliable cellular network, making it easy to stay connected during your visit. Whether you want to make calls, access the internet, or use various mobile apps, using your cell phone in Switzerland is a convenient way to stay connected while exploring the country.

I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies and Networks in Switzerland

If you’re curious whether the mobile phone you’re considering will work in Switzerland, you can check if your phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in Switzerland or with the specific mobile phone operator you plan to use in the country.

Technology	Bands
Bands 5G	n28a (700), n78 (3500), n80 (1800)
Bands 4G	B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800), B28a (700), B28b (700), B38 (TDD 2600), B67 (700)
Bands 3G	B1 (2100), B8 (900)
Bands 2G	B3 (1800), B8 (900)

II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Switzerland?

If you’re curious whether the mobile phone you’re considering will work in Switzerland, you can check if your phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in Switzerland or with the specific mobile phone operator you plan to use in the country.

Below you can see what bands each big mobile operators in Switzerland use: 

Salt: 

Technology	Bands
Bands 5G	n28a (700), n78 (3500)
Bands 4G	B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800)
Bands 3G	B1 (2100), B8 (900)
Bands 2G	B3 (1800), B8 (900)

Sunrise: 

Technology	Bands
Bands 5G	n28a (700), n78 (3500), n80 (1800)
Bands 4G	B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800), B28a (700), B28b (700), B67 (700)
Bands 3G	B1 (2100), B8 (900)
Bands 2G	B3 (1800), B8 (900)

Swisscom: 

Technology	Bands
Bands 5G	n28a (700), n78 (3500)
Bands 4G	B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800), B38 (TDD 2600)
Bands 3G	B1 (2100), B8 (900)

III. Do I Need An International Plan In Switzerland?

Most of us have a regular data plan on our cell phones for daily use, so explaining that is unnecessary. However, when we travel to another country, things can be different.

If you want to use your regular SIM card or one of the new eSIM cards to stay connected while traveling, you will likely need an international plan. It’s important to note that international plans are different from roaming services, so don’t get confused between the two.

IV. What Are Options To Use Cellphones In Switzerland For Tourists?

There are several ways to get the Internet in Switzerland

1. eSIM Plan for Switzerland

Switzerland eSIM is a great choice for all travelers. Visitors should check the compatibility of their phone before choosing this method. But don’t worry, almost all phones today support the eSIM feature

2. International SIM card for Switzerland

Another option to consider is using a standard SIM card for international use in Switzerland. These are the regular SIM cards that most of us are familiar with, and all phones support them. If your device doesn’t work with eSIM or you prefer to use a physical SIM card, you can purchase an international SIM card and enjoy the benefits of a traditional one. Just remember that your device needs to have open bands to support international SIM cards.

3. Pocket wifi

Pocket WiFi devices are another option to consider for staying connected in Switzerland. While eSIM and SIM cards are more popular nowadays, pocket WiFi devices are still offered by many companies.

One downside is that they tend to be more expensive compared to other alternatives. The devices themselves can cost around $300 to $400, and the plans range from $60 to $110 per week. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering pocket WiFi.

4. Free wifi

If you’re looking to save money, you can rely on free WiFi networks offered by local establishments. However, it’s worth noting that this option may not always be convenient. You might experience periods without a connection or lower-quality internet.

While it’s true that many cafes, restaurants, and hotels provide WiFi to their customers, it’s important to remember that you may not have a consistent connection while moving around the city.

V. Will My Local Network Work In Switzerland?

Yes, in most cases, you can use your cell phone service in Switzerland. However, it’s important to be aware that roaming costs can add up quickly, which is something we don’t like. That’s why we’ve mentioned alternative options throughout the article, so you can choose the service that works best for you and your budget.

VI. Gigago eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Switzerland With Your Cell Phone

eSIM is one of the main alternatives and best options for accessing the internet while traveling in Switzerland with several advantages: Easy to Buy and Set Up, Diversified Plans to Choose From, Seamless Switching and No Physical SIM Card Required. 

Gigago is an eSIM provider that offers virtual SIM cards for various countries, including Switzerland. They provide both data-only and prepaid SIM plans that allow you to stay connected to the internet while traveling.

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 . 

VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Switzerland

Here are some extra tips for using your cell phone in Switzerland:

• Check Compatibility: Before traveling to Switzerland, make sure your cell phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in the country.

• Unlock Your Phone: If your phone is locked to a specific network, contact your service provider to unlock it before your trip. 

• Use Messaging Apps: Instead of making traditional phone calls or sending SMS messages, consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype. These apps use data or Wi-Fi, allowing you to communicate with friends and family without incurring additional charges.

• Be Mindful of Roaming Charges: If you decide to use your home country’s SIM card with roaming, be cautious of data usage, as roaming charges can accumulate quickly. 

VIII. FAQs about Use Cell Phone in Switzerland

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, using your cell phone in Switzerland is a breeze. With a strong cellular network, you can easily make calls, send messages, and access the internet while exploring the beautiful Swiss landscapes. Whether you choose to use a local SIM card, an international SIM card, or an eSIM, staying connected has never been more convenient. So, don’t forget to bring your cell phone along and enjoy seamless communication throughout your Swiss adventures!