[Updated for 2024] A must-read for travelers to Switzerland! A complete guide to the best SIM cards
Are you ready for your trip to Switzerland? This land is known for its beautiful Alps and clocks , but it is also a fascinating country with chocolate, cheese, and a multilingual culture. When traveling around Switzerland, you will need a reliable internet connection to take pictures of the beautiful scenery, check local event information, and update your social media . We will introduce the recommended SIM card options and how to set them up so that you can use the internet smoothly as soon as you arrive. Please use the information introduced below to experience the charm of Switzerland to the fullest .
1. Overview of communication quality, coverage and costs
Check your coverage area
The most important thing to consider when choosing a SIM card to use in Switzerland is the coverage area. Swiss local SIM cards provide reliable communication not only in urban areas, but also in mountainous areas and tourist spots. Also, if you are traveling to various European countries, a SIM card that can be used in multiple countries is convenient.
Data Capacity and Speed
Switzerland has a wide range of 4G and 5G networks , providing fast internet access, especially in urban areas. Choose the right data amount and speed for your travel needs. If you are a heavy data user, a larger data plan is recommended, but if you only need to do basic searches and check emails, a smaller plan will suffice.
Rate plan
Choose the best rate plan for your duration and data usage. Daily plans are more economical for short-term visitors, while monthly plans are more economical for longer stays or high data usage. Find the plan that best suits your needs.
2. How to choose a Swiss SIM card
SIM Card Size and Compatibility
Choose the right SIM card size for your device . In addition to physical SIMs ( standard SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM), there are also a growing number of eSIM options. Check which type of SIM your smartphone supports before you travel .
3. How to get a SIM card in Switzerland
Where to buy
In Switzerland, you can purchase SIM cards at Zurich International Airport, many mobile phone stores in city centers, some supermarkets, and pharmacies. However, you may face a language barrier as not all stores offer English services. Many stores are closed on Sundays, so we recommend that you plan your purchase accordingly. In addition, you may be asked to show identification such as a passport or visa when purchasing a SIM card , so it will be smoother if you prepare the necessary documents in advance.
Recommended SIM cards for travelling to Switzerland
■ Swisscom SIM
Swisscom is the largest telecommunications company in Switzerland, and their " Prepaid Flatrate 7 Days" plan offers unlimited calls and data for 7 days . This plan is known for its wide coverage throughout Switzerland and high quality of communication. They also offer a variety of options for data, calls and SMS , as well as roaming services within the country and Europe, so they can meet all your needs. Choosing Swisscom will make your communication during your visit to Switzerland more comfortable and convenient.
■ Sunrise SIM
Sunrise is one of the leading telecommunications providers offering a wide range of services in Switzerland. It boasts high speed mobile internet connection, stable coverage and a wide range of data plans. Sunrise SIM offers a variety of monthly contract plans as well as prepaid plans , giving users the flexibility to choose the right plan to meet their needs.
■ Salt SIM
Salt is the third largest telecommunications company in Switzerland , and is particularly notable for its high-speed Internet connection services in urban areas and major tourist destinations. The brand offers not only prepaid plans, but also competitively priced data and call plans, enabling it to meet a wide range of needs, from short-term to long-term stays in Switzerland.
If you are looking for an eSIM , click the banner below to purchase one now!
Important information when purchasing a SIM card in Switzerland
Where to get a SIM card and how to prepare it
In Switzerland, SIM cards can be purchased at international airports such as Zurich and Geneva, mobile phone shops in the city, and selected supermarkets and drugstores . The purchasing process can take some time, so we recommend that you plan ahead. Also, although some places accept credit cards for payment, don't forget to have the local currency (Swiss francs) ready.
Communication cost management
If you use the same data plan from your home country when using the Internet in Switzerland, you may be charged high roaming fees. Choose a data plan that suits your usage and enjoy sufficient communication services while keeping costs down.
Check your SIM card type
Before you travel , make sure to check which SIM card size your smartphone supports . Don't forget to prepare the pin for opening and closing the SIM card tray, which is necessary for replacing the SIM card , and how to store the SIM card you are currently using in Japan.
Check the SIM lock status of your device
Please check whether your smartphone is SIM-locked by your carrier or whether it can be unlocked. If it is SIM-locked, you may not be able to use the SIM card you purchased in Switzerland . Be sure to check in advance to enjoy communication in Switzerland without any trouble.
The best option for visiting Switzerland : using an eSIM
■Benefits of using eSIM in Switzerland
To make your trip to Switzerland more comfortable, consider using an eSIM ( embedded SIM). Unlike conventional physical SIM cards , eSIM technology is a digital SIM card that is built directly into your device. This advanced solution eliminates the need to physically replace your SIM card on-site and can be easily set up in just a few steps. This means you no longer need to rent, carry, or charge a Wi- Fi router , and there's no hassle with returning it. You can enjoy Switzerland's magnificent nature and historical cityscapes more conveniently and stress-free. Using an eSIM will provide you with new convenience and comfort as a means of communication while traveling. .
■ Recommended for traveling to Switzerland! eSIM " VOYAGEESIM "
VOYAGEESIM FOR EUROPE
Click here for a list of products
You can choose from four plans: 5G for 10 days, 10GB for 15 days, 20GB for 30 days, and 50GB for 60 days .
With " VOYAGEE SIM ", you don't need to replace the SIM card you are using in Japan! There's no need to go to buy one or wait for a representative! Just set it up in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will instantly be able to use data in 42 countries and regions in Europe! It's very convenient!
*The communications service provided by this product is Vodafone Roaming Services S.à rl.
■VOYAGEESIM FOR Europe review
"It was comfortable!
I used it on a week-long trip to Spain and France. I didn't watch any videos, so 5GB was enough. I don't think there were many times when the connection was unstable. Activation was also easy. "- March 24, 2024 -
"This was my first time using this comfortable internet environment. I used the 5GB, 10-day plan on an 8-day tour of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. I downloaded the plan to my iPhone in advance in Japan as instructed, and when I arrived at Munich Airport, I switched to the eSIM and was able to use it immediately. I was able to connect to 5G and 4G lines almost without any problems in every country, and had a comfortable internet environment. The signal was weak near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and I was unable to connect, including to other service users, but otherwise there were no problems. Compared to renting Wi-Fi, it is very convenient that you don't need to charge your device or carry the Wi-Fi itself, and you can easily check the remaining charge at any time. It is also good value for money, and I would like to use it when traveling abroad in the future." - March 19, 2024 -
"It was easy to use. I used an eSIM for the first time on my trip to Sicily. It was convenient because I could use my smartphone in Europe just like usual." - March 20, 2024 -
Source: VOYAGE eSIM FOR EUROPE [Europe 42] eSIM 10 days/5GB
summary
If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, we recommend using an eSIM as the optimal communication method. In this article, we have introduced the best SIM card options for visiting Switzerland, the great benefits of eSIMs in particular, and some tips on using them. Connecting to the internet on your smartphone to make your trip even more comfortable and convenient offers the convenience that only an eSIM can provide. Use this guide to reduce the hassle of advance preparations and to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture of Switzerland . We hope that this information will make your trip to Switzerland more fulfilling.
