How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Switzerland?

As your trip to Switzerland approaches and you're getting everything ready, one key thing to plan for is how you'll stay connected and get around. From transportation to communication, having reliable access to data can make a big difference in your experience.

Swapping your UK SIM for a Switzerland SIM card is a simple yet effective way to avoid high roaming charges, ensuring you have easy access to maps, translation apps, and other essential services without needing to rely on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Switzerland and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Switzerland from the UK?

Although it might seem like an extra travel expense, getting a Switzerland SIM card can actually save you money. UK phone plans typically don’t cover international calls or data, so buying a local SIM is a more affordable option than paying the high fees your provider charges for using your phone abroad. This small change ensures you avoid those unexpected costs while staying connected throughout your trip.

With a local SIM, you can easily stay in touch with loved ones and share updates on your adventures. No need to rely on Wi-Fi or switch between plans to find a connection. Plus, it gives you access to essential travel apps like maps and translation services to help you navigate with ease.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Switzerland SIM card, you can always rely on international roaming. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Switzerland. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Switzerland?

Swisscom offers one of the best deals with a prepaid SIM card that includes unlimited data for 20 CHF. Other carriers, like Salt, let you pay by day, offering unlimited data for 1.99 CHF daily.

If you're considering eSIMs, Airalo’s weekly plan costs £4. For unlimited data, Maya Mobile provides a plan for around £2 a day.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Switzerland?

You can get a Switzerland SIM card at the airport, in official provider stores, convenience stores, gas stations and internet provider stores. You can also order a physical SIM or an eSIM before departure.¹

Switzerland SIM cards must be registered under the user’s name, so you’ll need to provide your passport. The store will likely make a copy of your passport, which is why it’s important to stick to official and reputable carriers.

Most stores will accept all payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to confirm with the staff if you can pay with a credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Switzerland in the UK?

You can buy a Switzerland SIM card online before leaving the UK, but you won’t have many plans to choose from. This means you could miss out on better deals that are available once you arrive in Switzerland.

One option is SimCorner’s 12 GB monthly plan. This SIM costs £19 and it also includes 3,000 minutes and 3,000 SMS.²

Can you buy a Switzerland SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can buy a Switzerland SIM card at international airports, such as Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport. They are available in kiosks or shops, but at Geneva Airport, there is also a phone store that sells SIM cards.¹

Airport stores tend to be pricier than those in the city and may have limited hours. It’s generally a better idea to buy a Switzerland SIM card at a downtown store.¹

Best prepaid SIM cards for Switzerland

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your trip to Switzerland.

Swisscom

Swisscom has a special offer for tourists called Prepaid Flat 7. You get unlimited data and calls within Switzerland for 20 CHF. The internet download speed is 50 Mbit/s.³

There’s also the Prepaid Flat 30 and Prepaid Flat 90 plans for 65 CHF and 150 CHF each. If you don’t need unlimited internet, their 500 MB data plan costs 6.90 and will last you 30 days.⁴

Sunrise Switzerland

Sunrise offers prepaid options with calls and mobile data, as well as data-only plans. Their prepaid SIM costs 19.90 CHF and it comes with 20 CHF of credit.⁵

If you choose the Prepaid Unlimited plan, you’ll pay 2.50 CHF per day for data, calls and messages. The Prepaid Airbag is more affordable at 1.20 CHF a day, but it has a cap on calls and messages.⁵

Salt Switzerland

With Salt, you can get a prepaid SIM for free with 10 CHF of credit included. You can then choose one of their tariffs and top up your card. You can choose between fixed data packs and day-to-day ones.⁶

Their data packs come with 100 MB, 500 MB and 1 GB of internet, and their prices are 3 CHF, 9 CHF and 15 CHF. All data packs are valid for 30 days. However, you can also pay 1.99 CHF per day for unlimited data.⁶

Best e-SIM cards for Switzerland

An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected in Switzerland and avoid expensive roaming charges. You can buy it before departing the UK and activate it once you arrive.

Make sure you check if your phone supports eSIMs beforehand. If it does, here are some of the best eSIM options for Switzerland.

Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile offers eSIM plans with four options: 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited data. The eSIM is available for at least five days, though you can also choose a monthly plan.⁷

Their 10-day card with 10 GB of internet is priced at £10.99, while the smallest plan costs £6.99. The 20 GB plan is available for £15.99, and unlimited data is priced at £2.09 per day.⁷

Holafly

All Holafly eSIM plans offer unlimited data, with prices decreasing the more days you buy.

For instance, their Switzerland eSIM costs £5 per day, but the 10-day plan is £29. A 30-day Holafly eSIM costs £59, which works out to £1.97 per day.⁸

These are data-only plans, so you can keep your UK number. Plus, you can share up to 500 MB of daily data via hotspot to keep your travel group connected.⁸

Airalo

The eSIMs Airalo offers for Switzerland are called Pilatus Mobile, with eight different plans to choose from.⁹

Their plans range from 1 GB to 20 GB of data, so you’ll find an option that works for you. The 7-day eSIM costs £4 for 1 GB, while the 30-day plan with 5 GB is priced at £12.50. The most expensive option is Airalo’s £32 plan, which provides 30 GB of data.⁹

Spend like a local in Switzerland with Wise

While you’re choosing which Switzerland SIM card to buy for your upcoming trip, you might also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Switzerland and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 05-Feb-2025